Great War>Allied Army

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site you agree to accept cookies. If you enjoy this site please consider making a donation.     Site Home     Great War Home     Search     Add Stories & Photos     Library     Help & FAQs  Features     Allied Army     Day by Day     RFC & RAF     Prisoners of War     War at Sea     Training for War     The Battles     Those Who Served     Hospitals     Civilian Service     Women at War     The War Effort     Central Powers Army     Central Powers Navy     Imperial Air Service     Library     World War Two  Submissions     Add Stories & Photos     Time Capsule  Information     Help & FAQs     Glossary     Volunteering     News     Events     Contact us     Great War Books     About Advertisements World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment

34th Division    On 10th of December 1914 the War Office authorised the formation of the Fifth New Army. Like the other Kitchener Armies, it comprised six Divisions, in this case numbered 37 to 42. What eventually became 34th Division was originally numbered 41st. In April 1915, the original Fourth New Army was broken up and its units converted for training and draft-finding purposes. When this took place the Fifth New Army became Fourth New Army and its Divisions were renumbered to 30th - 35th: thus what we remember as 34th Division was born. The Division was largely comprised of locally raised units often known as "Pals", notably those raised in the north east and known as the Tyneside Scottish and Tyneside Irish. There were also the Manchester Scottish, the Grimsby Chums and others. After in most cases commencing training near home, the units were moved in mid 1915 to concentrate at Ripon in Yorkshire. It was not until late August that the Division moved for final training and firing practice at Salisbury Plain. On 3 January 1916 embarkation orders arrived; by 15 January the Division had crossed the Channel and was concentrated at La Crosse, east of St Omer. (Note: it follows that no man who was with the original contingent of this Division was awarded the 1914-1915 Star). The Division then remained on the Western Front for the remainder of the war and took part in the following engagements: 1916 The Battle of Albert - Somme 1916 including the capture of Scots and Sausage Redoubts The Battle of Bazentin Ridge - Somme 1916 The Battle of Pozieres Ridge - Somme 1916 The Battle of Flers-Courcelette - Somme 1916 (only 103rd Brigade and the Divisional Pioneers) 1917 The First Battle of the Scarpe - Arras Offensive 1917 The Second Battle of the Scarpe - Arras Offensive 1917 The Battle of Arleux - Arras Offensive 1917 The fighting at Hargicourt (August) The Third Battles of Ypres (fighting for the Broenbeek, 13-23 October 1917) 1918 The Battle of St Quentin - Somme 1918 The Battle of Estaires - Battles of the Lys The Battle of Bailleul - Battles of the Lys The First Battle for Kemmel Ridge - Battles of the Lys After suffering heavy losses during the Battles of the Lys, the Division was withdrawn from fighting and moved on 21 April to the area west of Poperinge. It was reorganised here while put to work digging a new defensive line Abeele-Watou. On 13 May the infantry moved to near Lumbres and was then reduced to a cadre, employed training American troops. Between 19 June and 1 July the Division was reconstituted and entered the final phase of the war as a very different Division: The Battle of the Soissonais and of the Ourcq The capture of Baigneux Ridge The 4th Battle of Ypres The Battle of Courtrai The action of Ooteghem The action of Tieghem On 1 November the Division was relieved and was in the area east of Courtrai at the Armistice. It was selected to join the Army of Occupation and began its move across Belgium and into Germany on 14 November. Between 12-19 December it was billeted near Namu, on 22 December a large number of miners and others with industrial skills left to be demobilised. By 29 January 1919 the Division had occupied the Cologne bridgehead. The infantry of the Division was once again reconstituted in March 1919 and on 15 March the whole formation was renamed the Eastern Division. The Great War cost 34th Division 41183 men killed, wounded or missing. The Units forming the Divisional Order of Battle of the 34th Division 101st Brigade 15th Bn, the Royal Scots (1st Edinburgh) left May 1918 16th Bn, the Royal Scots (2nd Edinburgh) left May 1918 10th Bn, the Lincolnshire Regiment (Grimsby Chums) left February 1918 11th Bn, the Suffolk Regiment left May 1918 101st Machine Gun Company joined 27 April 1916, moved to 34th Bn MGC 26 Feb 1918 101st Trench Mortar Battery joined 18 February 1916, broken up 16 May 1918, reformed 2 July 1918 2/4th Bn, the Queens joined June 1918 1/4th Bn, the Royal Sussex Regiment joined June 1918 2nd Bn, the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment joined June 1918 102nd Brigade (Tyneside Scottish) The Brigade was attached to the 37th Division between 6 July and 22 August 1916, following extremely heavy casualties incurred by the Brigade during the attack at La Boiselle on 1 July 1916 20th Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers (1st Tyneside Scottish) disbanded February 1918 21st Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers (2nd Tyneside Scottish) disbanded February 1918 22nd Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers (3rd Tyneside Scottish) left June 1918 23rd Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers (4th Tyneside Scottish) left June 1918 102nd Machine Gun Company joined 27 April 1916, moved to 34th Bn MGC 26 Feb 1918 102nd Trench Mortar Battery joined 18 February 1916, broken up 16 May 1918, reformed 10 July 1918 25th Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers joined February 1918, left June 1918 1/4th Bn, the Lincolnshire Regiment joined and left June 1918 7/8th Bn, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers joined june 1918 as cadre, left July 1918 1/1st Bn, the Herefordshire Regiment joined June 1918 1/4th Bn, the Cheshire Regiment joined July 1918 1/7th Bn, the Cheshire Regiment joined July 1918 103rd Brigade (Tyneside Irish) The Brigade was attached to the 37th Division between 6 July and 22 August 1916, following extremely heavy casualties incurred by the Brigade during the attack at La Boiselle on 1 July 1916 24th Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers (1st Tyneside Irish) disbanded February 1918 25th Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers (2nd Tyneside Irish) left February 1918 26th Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers (3rd Tyneside Irish) disbanded February 1918 27th Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers (4th Tyneside Irish) disbanded February 1918 103rd Machine Gun Company joined 27 April 1916, moved to 34th Bn MGC 26 Feb 1918 103rd Trench Mortar Battery joined 18 February 1916, broken up 16 May 1918, reformed 1 July 1918 9th Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers joined August 1917, left 26 May 1918 10th Bn, the Lincolnshire Regiment (Grimsby Chums) joined February 1918, left June 1918 1st Bn, the East Lancashire Regiment joined February 1918, left May 1918 1/5th Bn, the King's Own Scottish Borderers joined June 1918 1/8th Bn, the Cameronians joined June 1918 6th Bn, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers joined and left June 1918 1/5th Bn, the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders joined June 1918 111th and 112th Brigades Both Brigades were attached from the 37th Division between 6 July and 22 August 1916, in exchange for the 102nd and 103rd Brigades Divisional Troops 18th Bn, the Northumberland Fusiliers joined as Divisional Pioneer Battalion July 1915, left June 1918 19th Motor Machine Gun Battery joined November 1915 but left and moved independently to France 6 February 1916 240th Machine Gun Company joined 18 July 1917, moved to 34th Bn MGC 26 Feb 1918 34th Battalion MGC formed 26 February 1918 2/4th Bn, the Somerset Light Infantry joined as Divisional Pioneer Battalion June 1918 Note: a number of battalions joined the Division for short periods during its reorganisation in mid 1918: 13th Yorkshire, 13th East Surrey, 2/5th Sherwood Foresters, 21st Middlesex, 8th and 9th King's Royal Rifle Corps, 1/5th North Staffordshire, 3/4th Royal West Kent, 10/11th and 14th Highland Light Infantry, 6th Connaught Rangers, 6th Leinster Regiment, 8th Rifle Brigade. All had left by July 1918. Divisional Mounted Troops E Sqn, the North Irish Horse left May 1916 34th Divisional Cyclist Company, Army Cyclist Corps left 11 May 1916 Divisional Artillery The Divisional artillery was was placed under temporary command of 5th Division while the infantry was being reorganised in mid 1918 CLII Brigade, RFA CLX Brigade, RFA CLXXV Brigade, RFA left 26 January 1917 CLXXVI (Howitzer) Brigade, RFA broken up 28 August 1916 130 Heavy Battery RGA raised with Division but moved independently to France 516 Heavy Battery RGA joined CLXXV Brigade 7 October 1916 34th (Nottingham) Divisional Ammunition Column RFA V.34 Heavy Trench Mortar Battery, RFA formed by 16 August 1916; left for VI Corps 6 March 1918 X.34, Y.34 and Z.34 Medium Mortar Batteries, RFA formed by 18 June 1916; on 6 March 1918, Z broken up and batteries reorganised to have 6 x 6-inch weapons each Royal Engineers 105th Field Company left February 1915 106th Field Company left February 1915 207th (Norfolk) Field Company joined May 1915 208th (Norfolk) Field Company joined May 1915 209th (Norfolk) Field Company joined May 1915 34th Divisional Signals Company Royal Army Medical Corps 102nd Field Ambulance 103rd Field Ambulance 104th Field Ambulance 74th Sanitary Section left 31 March 1917 Other Divisional Troops 34th Divisional Train ASC 229, 230, 231 and 232 Companies. 44th Mobile Veterinary Section AVC 231st Divisional Employment Company joined 25 May 1917 34th Divisional Motor Ambulance Workshop disbanded 31 March 1916 5th Nov 1914 22nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers raised  22nd Battalion (3rd Tyneside Scottish) Northumberland Fusiliers is formed at Newcastle on the 5th of November 1914, by the Lord Mayor and City. May 1915 3rd Tyneside Scottish at Alnwick  The 3rd Tyneside Scottish Battalion moved to Alnwick Camp in May 1915. Jun 1915 27th Northumberlands join 34th Division  27th (4th Tyneside Irish) Northumberlands join 103rd Brigade, 34th Division. Jun 1915 22nd Northumberlands join 34th Division  In June 1915 22nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers join 102nd Brigade, 34th Division, which concentrated at Ripon for training. 29th Jun 1915 Officers Jul 1915 Training Instruction Jul 1915 Billets 23rd Jul 1915 On the Move 29th Jul 1915 Inspection 4th Aug 1915 Reorganisation 11th Aug 1915 Inspection 12th Aug 1915 On the Move Late Aug 1915 34th Division move to Salisbury Plain  In late August 1915 22nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers along with the other units of 34th Division leave Ripon and move for final training and firing practice at Salisbury Plain. Late Aug 1915 34th Division move to Salisbury Plain  In late August 1915 22nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers along with the other units of 34th Division leave Ripon and move for final training and firing practice at Salisbury Plain. 28th Aug 1915 On the Move 1st Sep 1915 On the Move 25th Sep 1915 On the Move 26th Sep 1915 On the Move 17th Oct 1915 Posting 22nd Oct 1915 Inspection 11th Dec 1915 Route March 12th Dec 1915 Orders Received 14th Dec 1915 Training 20th Dec 1915 Orders 20th Dec 1915 Reserves 26th Dec 1915 Reserves 28th Dec 1915 Orders Jan 1916 On the Move  27th Northumberland Fusiliers proceed to France with 103rd Brigade, 34th Division in January 1916. 3rd Jan 1916 34th Division receive embarkation orders  On 3 January 1916 embarkation orders arrived for the 34th Division to prepare to proceed to France. 8th Jan 1916 On the Move 8th Jan 1916 On the Move 9th Jan 1916 On the Move 9th Jan 1916 On the Move 9th Jan 1916 On the Move 10th Jan 1916 On the Move 10th Jan 1916 On the Move 10th Jan 1916 On the Move 11th Jan 1916 On the Move 11th Jan 1916 On the Move 12th Jan 1916 On the Move 12th Jan 1916 Locations 12th Jan 1916 On the Move 13th Jan 1916 On the March 13th Jan 1916 In Billets 15th Jan 1916 On the Move  By the 15th of January 1916 all units of 34th Division had arrive in France and concentrated at La Crosse, east of St Omer. 15th Jan 1916 On the March 16th Jan 1916 Organisation 17th Jan 1916 Training 18th Jan 1916 Wet Day 19th Jan 1916 Instruction 20th Jan 1916 Inspection 20th Jan 1916 Inspection 21st Jan 1916 Instruction 21st Jan 1916 Orders 21st Jan 1916 Instruction   22nd Jan 1916 Lectures 22nd Jan 1916 Orders Issued 22nd Jan 1916 At Rest 23rd Jan 1916 On the Move 23rd Jan 1916 On the Move 23rd Jan 1916 Move 23rd Jan 1916 In Reserve 24th Jan 1916 Inspection 25th Jan 1916 Instruction   25th Jan 1916 Instruction 26th Jan 1916 On Alert 27th Jan 1916 Emergeny Scheme 28th Jan 1916 Emergeny Scheme 9th Feb 1916 Reliefs Complete   18th Feb 1916 Reliefs Complete   19th Feb 1916 Move   21st of February 1916 Mess Damaged 22nd Feb 1916 Reliefs   23rd Feb 1916 Hand Over   23rd Feb 1916 Working Parties and Training   24th Feb 1916 Reliefs   24th Feb 1916 Working Parties and Training   25th Feb 1916 Reliefs   25th Feb 1916 Working Parties and Training   26th Feb 1916 Reliefs   29th Feb 1916 Snow   1st Mar 1916 Repairs   1st Mar 1916 Reliefs   2nd Mar 1916 In Billets   3rd Mar 1916 In Billets   4th Mar 1916 On the March   5th Mar 1916 Work in Camp   13th Mar 1916 Training   14th Mar 1916 Reliefs   18th Mar 1916 Reliefs   19th Mar 1916 Training   22nd Mar 1916 Reliefs   24th Mar 1916 Line Extended   26th Mar 1916 Reliefs   27th Mar 1916 Training   29th Mar 1916 Stores   31st Mar 1916 Good Weather   31st Mar 1916 Reliefs   4th Apr 1916 Reliefs   5th Apr 1916 Training   10th Apr 1916 Reliefs   11th Apr 1916 On the March   12th Apr 1916 On the March   13th Apr 1916 On the March   14th Apr 1916 On the March 15th Apr 1916 In Billets   30th Apr 1916 Training   1st May 1916 Training   3rd May 1916 Training   4th May 1916 On the Move   5th May 1916 On the March 6th May 1916 On the March 7th May 1916 In Billets 8th May 1916 Reliefs   9th May 1916 In Reserve   10th May 1916 Reliefs   11th May 1916 Holding the Line   15th May 1916 Reliefs   18th May 1916 In Reserve   19th May 1916 On the March 1st June 1916 Preparations 1st Jun1916 On the March 2nd Jun1916 In Billets 7th Jun1916 Working Parties 8th Jun1916 On the March   14th Jun1916 Working Parties   15th Jun1916 On the March 24th Jun 1916 U Day  On the Somme the count down to the Big Push begins. Allied artillery bombard the enemy trenches and the infantry undertake final preparations. 25th Jun 1916 V Day  Allied Artillery are active, firing shells to cut the belts of wire protecting the enemy trenches and damage the defences. RFC pilots report large explosions at enemy dumps at Longueval, Montauban, Mametz Wood and Pozieres. As the German artillery responds to the bombardment, the positions of 102 hostile batteries are identified. Three enemy observation balloons on Fourth Army front are shot shown by aircraft of the RFC. As darkness falls, the infantry holding the allied front line sent out raiding parties to judge the situation. Reports bring mixed news, in some areas, such as at Montauban, the enemy are lightly manning badly damaged trenches, but in other areas such as La Boisselle and Ovillers, the enemy remains at full strength. 26th Jun 1916 Exercise 27th Jun 1916 On the March   28th June Letters Home  The raider did not get much rest for on the 27th and 28th the Battalions of 34th Division began to move forward. This in preparation for the opening of the attack. For the previous four days the British Artillery had been bombarding the German trenches. Every man in the Brigade was aware that the opening of the offensive was very close. Before setting off for the front line men wrote what could be their last letters home. However the date and time of attack was to be delayed by forty eight hours. Heavy summer rain had fallen on the 26th and 27th there was a great possibility of flooding. On the 28th June the decision was taken to postpone the attack. The Divisional and Brigade staff Officers had the job of halting and turning around those battalions on their way to the front line. research 28th Jun 1916 On the March 29th Jun 1916 On the March   30th Jun 1916 On the March   1st Jul 1916 34th Division in Action   1st Jul 1916 Success and Failure 1st Jul 1916 Advance   1st Jul 1916 In Action   2nd Jul 1916 In Touch 3rd Jul 1916 In Action   4th Jul 1916 Reliefs   5th Jul 1916 On the March   6th Jul 1916 Orders Received   6th Jul 1916 On the March 7th Jul 1916 Training 8th July 1916 Proceed to Front Line Trenches to relieve 58th Brigade. 10th Jul 1916 Training 13th Jul 1916 Training 14th Jul 1916 On the March 15th Jul 1916 On the March 15th of July 1916 In Reserve 16th Jul 1916 On the March 17th Jul 1916 Training 17th July 1916 Clean underclothes issued 23rd July 1916 Divine Service 24th Jul 1916 On the March 24th July 1916 Draft of 388 men 25th Jul 1916 Training 1st Aug 1916 In Billets   2nd Aug 1916 Reliefs   3rd August 1916 Working Party to the C.R.E. 14th Aug 1916 Quiet   15th Aug 1916 Reliefs   15th August 1916 Reliefs 16th of August 1916 Orders   16th Aug 1916 On the March 21st Aug 1916 Training 22nd Aug 1916 On the Move   23rd Aug 1916 Training   26th Aug 1916 On the Move   27th Aug 1916 On the Move 28th Aug 1916 On the March   29th Aug 1916 At Rest   30th Aug 1916 Reliefs   1st Sep 1916 Artillery in Action 2nd Sep 1916 Quiet 3rd Sep 1916 Quiet 4th Sep 1916 Visit 5th Sep 1916 Stormy 6th Sep 1916 Instruction   7th Sep 1916 Artillery Active 8th Sep 1916 Bombardment 9th Sep 1916 Orders 10th Sep 1916 Quiet   11th Sep 1916 Preparations 12th Sep 1916 Reliefs 12th Sep 1916 Orders 13th Sep 1916 Wire Cutting   14th Sep 1916 Raid   15th Sep 1916 Trench Raids   16th Sep 1916 Bombardment 17th Sep 1916 Orders 18th Sep 1916 Trench Raids   19th Sep 1916 Orders 20th Sep 1916 Orders 21st Sep 1916 Quiet 22nd Sep 1916 Arrivals   22nd Sep 1916 On the March 23rd Sep 1916 Orders   23rd Sep 1916 On the March   24th Sep 1916 Trench Mortars   24th Sep 1916 Reliefs   25th Sep 1916 Shelling   26th Sep 1916 Some Shelling   27th Sep 1916 Trench Mortars   28th Sep 1916 Training & Reliefs   28th Sep 1916 Reliefs   29th Sep 1916 Wire Cutting   29th Sep 1916 In Support   30th Sep 1916 Trench Raid   30th Sep 1916 In Support   1st Oct 1916 Quiet 1st Oct 1916 In Reserve   2nd Oct 1916 Quiet 3rd Oct 1916 Shelling   3rd Oct 1916 In Reserve   4th Oct 1916 Orders   4th Oct 1916 Reliefs   5th Oct 1916 Wire Cut   6th Oct 1916 Rounds Fired   7th Oct 1916 Trench Raid   8th Oct 1916 Artillery Active   9th Oct 1916 Quiet 9th Oct 1916 Shelling   10th Oct 1916 Quiet 10th Oct 1916 Working Parties   11th Oct 1916 Course 12th Oct 1916 Trench Raids   12th Oct 1916 Trench Raid   12th Oct 1916 Orders Received   13th Oct 1916 Reliefs 13th Oct 1916 Working Parties   14th Oct 1916 Reliefs 15th Oct 1916 Conference 16th Oct 1916 Courses 16th Oct 1916 Reliefs   17th Oct 1916 Visit 17th Oct 1916 Holding the Line   18th Oct 1916 Reliefs 19th Oct 1916 Orders Issued 20th Oct 1916 Trench Raids 20th Oct 1916 Holding the Line   21st Oct 1916 Enemy Aircraft 22nd Oct 1916 Artillery Active   22nd Oct 1916 Holding the Line   23rd Oct 1916 Artillery Active   23rd Oct 1916 Reliefs   24th Oct 1916 Experiment 25th Oct 1916 Artillery Active 26th Oct 1916 Wire Cutting 27th Oct 1916 Artillery Active 28th Oct 1916 Artillery in Action 28th Oct 1916 Reliefs   29th Oct 1916 Heavy Shelling   30th Oct 1916 Artillery Active   31st Oct 1916 Warning   1st Nov 1916 Holding the Line   3rd Nov 1916 Reliefs   4th Nov 1916 Working Parties   5th Nov 1916 Working Parties   11th Nov 1916 Reliefs   12th Nov 1916 Holding the Line   13th Nov 1916 Holding the Line   15th Nov 1916 Reliefs   16th Nov 1916 Working Parties   17th Nov 1916 Working Parties   18th Nov 1916 Working Parties   19th Nov 1916 Working Parties   20th Nov 1916 Working Parties   21st Nov 1916 Reliefs   22nd Nov 1916 Holding the Line   23rd Nov 1916 Holding the Line   24th Nov 1916 Holding the Line   25th Nov 1916 Holding the Line   26th Nov 1916 Holding the Line   27th Nov 1916 Reliefs   28th Nov 1916 Reliefs   30th Nov 1916 In Billets   1st Dec 1916 Training   11th Dec 1916 Reliefs   12th Dec 1916 Working Parties   18th Dec 1916 Holding the Line 19th Dec 1916 Holding the Line 20th Dec 1916 Holding the Line 22nd Dec 1916 Holding the Line 23rd Dec 1916 Relief Completed 24th Dec 1916 In Billets 25th Dec 1916 In Billets 26th Dec 1916 Working Parties 27th Dec 1916 Training 28th Dec 1916 Working Parties 29th Dec 1916 Reliefs 30th Dec 1916 Working Parties 31st Dec 1916 Working Parties 5th Jun 1917 In Action 6th Jun 1917 In Action 6th Jun 1917 In Action 10th Aug 1917 24th and 27th Northumberlands amalgamate  24th and 27th Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers are amalgamated to form the 24/27th Battalion. 22nd of October 1917 Orders 23rd of October 1917 Reliefs 23rd of October 1917 Orders   24th of October 1917 Divisional HQ Moves 20th Nov 1917 Attack Made 24th Dec 1917 Reorganisation 1st of January 1918  Aircraft destroyed   2nd of January 1918 Shelling 3rd of January 1918  Several Casualties 4th of January 1918 Enemy Aeroplanes 5th of January 1918  Front Line Damaged by Shells 6th of January 1918  Reliefs Complete   7th of January 1918 Trench Mortars Active 8th of January 1918 Severe Weather 8th of January 1918 Heavy Snow 9th of January 1918 Patrol Bombed   10th of January 1918 Thaw Continues 11th of January 1918  Three Prisoners Taken 12th of January 1918  Thaw then Frost 13th of January 1918 Considerable Aerial Activity 14th of January 1918 Enemy Patrol Retires 14th of January 1918 Enemy Patrol Retires 15th of January 1918 Trenches Very Bad 17th January 1918 Machine Guns Active 18th January 1918 Artillery Bombardment 19th of January 1918 Warning of Divisional Relief   20th of January 1918 Another Relief 21st of January 1918 A Surrender   21st Jan 1918 Course 22nd of January 1918 Relief Completed 23rd of January 1918  Prisoner Captured   24th of January 1918 Two Enemy Patrols 25th of January 1918 Enemy Raids Listening Post 26th of January 1918 Enemy Quiet 27th of January 1918 Enemy Very Quiet 28th of January 1918 Hostile Bombing 29th of January 1918 Divisional HQ Moves   30th of January 1918 Movement Continues 31st of January 1918 Training   1st of February 1918 Defence Line Work   2nd of February 1918 Work and training 3rd of February 1918  Weather Fine   4th of February 1918  Long-range Shelling 5th of February 1918  More Training 5th Feb 1918 Course Ends 6th of February 1918  Horse Casualties 7th of February 1918 Rainy Day   8th of February 1918 Rain Again 9th of February 1918 Training 10th of February 1918 Dull Day 11th of February 1918 Training   12th of February 1918 Visit 13th of February 1918  Training 13th Feb 1918 Personnel 14th of February 1918 Training 15th of February 1918  Training 21st Feb 1918 Reorganisation 25th of February 1918 Warning Order Received 26th Feb 1918 27th Northumberlands disband  27th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers disband in France. 26th Feb 1918 Reorganisation   26th of February 1918 Corps Commander Visits   27th Feb 1918 On the March   27th of February 1918 On the March   28th of February 1918 On the Move   7th of March 1918  Warm Weather   1st Mar 1918 On the March   1st of March 1918 On the Move   2nd Mar 1918 Reliefs   2nd of March 1918 Exceptionally Quiet   3rd Mar 1918 Reliefs   3rd of March 1918  Very Quiet   4th of March 1918 Showery 5th Mar 1918 Orders   5th of March 1918  No Hostile Patrols 6th of March 1918 Hostile Wiring Party 8th of March 1918 Prisoner Taken 9th of March 1918 One Killed 10th of March 1918  Clash in No Man's Land 11th of March 1918 Hostile Shelling Increases   12th Mar 1918 Preparations   12th of March 1918 Enemy Retaliation Feeble 13th of March 1918 Relief 14th Mar 1918 Course   14th of March 1918 Fifteen Patrols Out 15th Mar 1918 Artillery Active   15th of March 1918 Enemy MGs Alert   16th of March 1918 EA in Evidence 17th of March 1918  Enemy Aircraft Very Active 18th of March 1918  Enemy Quiet 19th Mar 1918 Defence Work   19th of March 1918 Rain Returns   20th of March 1918  Enemy Remains Quiet   21st Mar 1918 34th Division over run  On 21st March 1918, the great German spring offensive overran the positions of 34th Division at Croisilles on the River Sensee, causing many losses. 21st Mar 1918 Bombardment   21st of March 1918 German Offensive Begins 22nd Mar 1918 In Action   22nd Mar 1918 In Action   22nd Mar 1918 Dispositions   22nd Mar 1918 In Action   22nd of March 1918 Divisional HQ Moves 22nd Mar 1918 Heavy Shelling   23rd of March 1918 Centre Sector Command Transfer 24th of March 1918 On the Move 25th of March 1918 HQ Moves 26th of March 1918 Move Into Billets   27th of March 1918 Orders to Move 28th of March 1918 HQ Moves   29th of March 1918  Reliefs   30th of March 1918 Reliefs   31st of March 1918 A Letter Received 31st of March 1918 Relief Completed   1st Apr 1918 Enemy Active 1st Apr 1918 Inoculations Planned 1st Apr 1918 Hostile Patrols 1st Apr 1918 Poor Conditions   2nd Apr 1918 Enemy Active 2nd Apr 1918 Advanced Dressing Stations 2nd Apr 1918 Shelling 2nd Apr 1918 Poor Conditions   3rd Apr 1918 Artillery in Action 3rd Apr 1918 In the Line 3rd Apr 1918 Medical School 3rd Apr 1918 Reliefs Completed 3rd Apr 1918 On the March 3rd Apr 1918 Shelling   4th Apr 1918 Enemy Artillery Active   4th Apr 1918 Baths 4th Apr 1918 Hostile Artillery 4th Apr 1918 Patrols   5th Apr 1918 Reliefs   5th Apr 1918 Clothing 5th Apr 1918 Relief 5th Apr 1918 On the March 5th Apr 1918 Reliefs Complete 5th Apr 1918 Reliefs   6th Apr 1918 Enemy Quiet   6th Apr 1918 Walking and Lying Cases 6th Apr 1918 On the March 6th Apr 1918 Quiet 6th Apr 1918 Baths   7th Apr 1918 Gas Shells   7th Apr 1918 Inoculations 7th Apr 1918 Working Party 7th Apr 1918 On the March   7th Apr 1918 Gas Shells 7th Apr 1918 Gas 7th Apr 1918 Church Parade   8th Apr 1918 Quiet   8th Apr 1918 Gas Shells   8th Apr 1918 Gas Cases 8th Apr 1918 Reliefs Commence 8th Apr 1918 Working Party 8th Apr 1918 Defence Work 8th Apr 1918 Low Visibility 8th Apr 1918 Working Parties   8th Apr 1918 Training   9th Apr 1918 Enemy Attack   9th Apr 1918 Evacuation 9th Apr 1918 Artillery Moves   9th Apr 1918 In Action 9th Apr 1918 Heavy Bombardment   9th Apr 1918 In Action 9th Apr 1918 Under Shellfire 9th Apr 1918 In Action   9th of April 1918 A Busy Day   9th Apr 1918 Shelling   9th Apr 1918 Bombardment   9th Apr 1918 Shelling   9th Apr 1918 Line Held   9th Apr 1918 Enemy Pushed Back   10th Apr 1918 On the Move   10th Apr 1918 Under Orders 10th Apr 1918 Enemy Attack 10th Apr 1918 In Action 10th Apr 1918 Under Fire   10th Apr 1918 Under Shellfire 10th Apr 1918 In Action   10th of April 1918 Under Attack   10th Apr 1918 Withdrawal   10th Apr 1918 Moves   10th Apr 1918 Defensive Flank   10th Apr 1918 Withdrawal   10th Apr 1918 Enemy Attacks   10th Apr 1918 Bridges 11th Apr 1918 On the Move   11th Apr 1918 Rearguard 11th Apr 1918 In Action 11th Apr 1918 Attacks Repulsed   11th Apr 1918 Orders to Withdraw   11th Apr 1918 Withdrawal   11th Apr 1918 In Action 11th of April 1918 Quiet...and then...   11th Apr 1918 Holding the Line   11th Apr 1918 Rearguard Action   11th Apr 1918 Into Position   12th Apr 1918 Hold at all Costs   12th of April 1918 Enemy Advances   12th Apr 1918 Line Holding   12th Apr 1918 In Action 13th Apr 1918 In Action 13th Apr 1918 Gaps in the Line   13th of April 1918 Under Heavy Attack   13th Apr 1918 Line Holding   13th Apr 1918 In Action 13th of April 1918 Freyberg's Decision   14th Apr 1918 Fall Back   14th of April 1918 A Counter-Attack   14th Apr 1918 Withdrawal 14th of April 1918 Operations Orders   15th Apr 1918 Question of Withdrawal   15th of April 1918 A Quiet Day   15th of April 1918 34th Div in Front Line   15th Apr 1918 Enemy Advance 16th Apr 1918 Enemy Attack   16th of April 1918 French Support Arrives   16th Apr 1918 Enemy Attacks   16th Apr 1918 Digging in 16th of April 1918 Orders   16th of April 1918 Situation Quiet   17th Apr 1918 Enemy Attack 17th of April 1918 Batteries into Action   17th of April 1918 HQs Move   17th Apr 1918 Under Pressure 17th of April 1918 Orders and a Letter   18th Apr 1918 Reliefs 18th Apr 1918 Plans 18th of April 1918 Relief for Some   18th Apr 1918 Reliefs 18th of April 1918 Orders and a Message   18th of April 1918  Artillery Active   19th Apr 1918 Reliefs 19th of April 1918 A Quiet Day   19th Apr 1918 At Rest 19th of April 1918 Orders   19th of April 1918 A Raiding Party    20th Apr 1918 Reorganisation 20th of April 1918 Order Alteration   21st Apr 1918 Defensive Plans 21st of April 1918 On the March   22nd of April 1918 Brigade HQs Established   22nd of April 1918  A Gas Attack   23rd of April 1918 Quiet Spell Broken   23rd of April 1918 Units Re-organised 24th Apr 1918 Reorganisation 24th of April 1918 Rest and Reorganisation   25th of April 1918 Another Busy Day   25th of April 1918 Training Programme 25th of April 1918 Defensive Work   25th of April 1918  Division Attacks   26th of April 1918 Allied Counter-Attack   26th of April 1918 Defence Works    27th of April 1918 Holding at All Costs   27th of April 1918 Defences and Messages   28th of April 1918 Reliefs 28th of April 1918 Artillery Quieter   29th of April 1918 Misinformation 30th of April 1918 Reliefs and Attacks   30th of April 1918 Aeroplanes Active 30th of April 1918 Reports   30th of April 1918 Artillery Very Active   3rd of May 1918 Enemy Artillery Active    4th of May 1918 Situation Quiet   10th of May 1918 Gas Shells Used    15th of May 1918 Our Heavies Busy    17th of May 1918 Active Artillery   22nd of May 1918 Enemy Active   22nd of May 1918 Cross Country 23rd of May 1918 Quiet Night   30th of May 1918 A Relief   13th of June 1918  Brigade Relief Completed   15th of June 1918  Operation Proposed   20th of June 1918 Situation Unchanged   22nd of June 1918  Slight Activity   25th of June 1918 WO95/1510/4   30th of June 1918 Enemy's Heavy Response   1st Jul 1918 Inspection 2nd Jul 1918 Inspection 3rd Jul 1918 Inspection 22nd Jul 1918 Into Trenches 22nd Jul 1918 On the March 23rd Jul 1918 1st Herefords in action at Parcy Tigny  1st Battalion Herefordshire Regiment and the other units of 102nd Brigade, 34th Division were in action, in conjunction with the French, at Parcy Tigny. 23rd Jul 1918 Advance Made 23rd Jul 1918 Ready 24th Jul 1918 Under Shellfire 24th Jul 1918 Under Shellfire 25th Jul 1918 Consolidation 26th Jul 1918 Consolidation 27th Jul 1918 Thunderstorms 28th Jul 1918 On the March 29th Jul 1918 In Support 30th Jul 1918 Under Shellfire 31st Jul 1918 Reliefs 1st Aug 1918 Attack Made 2nd Aug 1918 Salvage and Burials 12 Aug 1918 Orders to Move 30 Aug 1918 Reliefs 30 Aug 1918 Patrols Push Forward   1st Sep 1918 Reliefs 1st Sep 1918 Orders   1st Sep 1918 Advance Made 2nd Sep 1918 Line Held 2nd Sep 1918 Attack Made 3rd Sep 1918 Patrols Push Forward   3rd Sep 1918 Line Held 4th Sep 1918 Attack Made 5th Sep 1918 Reliefs 6th Sep 1918 Quiet 4th October 1918 Reports   4th October 1918 Reliefs 25th of October 1918 Heavy Fighting All Day   26th of October 1918 Enemy Retiring Slowly   27th October 1918 Reliefs  9th Btn. (North Irish Horse), Royal Irish Fusiliers. report "Weather fine in morning but dull towards evening. Battalion was relieved in the line by 4th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, 34th Division, and proceeded to billets in Hulste." 9th NIH War Diaries 27th of October 1918 Enemy Still Resisting   27th Oct 1918 Advance 28th of October 1918 A Relief and a Fire 28th of October 1918 On the Move   If you can provide any additional information, please add it here. Want to know more about 34th Division? There are:615 items tagged 34th Division 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 34th Division during the Great War 1914-1918. Adams Herbert. L/Sgt. 1st Btn. Carmichael Alexander. Spr. 209th Field Coy. Cutting Ernest. Pte. 11th Btn. (d.26th Apr 1917) Fenwick Joseph. Pte. 27th Btn. (d.28th Apr 1917) Hardy Archibald. Pte. 24th (Tynside Irish) Btn. (d.20th Nov 1917) Hughes Charles Aloyious. Pte. 24th (Tyneside Irish) Btn. (d.1st July 1914) Milburn Robert William Gutteridge. Pte. 23rd (Tyneside Scottish) Btn. (d.27th Feb 1917) Nurse John James. Pte. 21st Btn (d.10th Sep 1917) Page Ernest. Pte. C Coy. 1/1st Btn. Roach George H.. D Bty. 176th (Leicestershire) Brigade Scott Hugh. Pte. 25th Btn. (d.28th Apr 1917) Surman Jesse Charles. Pte. 103rd Coy. (d.1st Jul 1916) Varley Bartholemew Redhead. Pte. 34th Div. Coy. (d.16th Mar 1916) Wales Edward Ambrose. Sgt. 22nd Btn. (d.18th Nov 1917) Wright William. 22nd Btn. 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? Our Library contains many many diary entries, personal letters and other documents, most transcribed into plain text. Looking for help with Family History Research?    Please see Family History FAQ's Please note: We are unable to provide individual research. Can you help? The free to access section of The Wartime Memories Project website is run by volunteers and funded by donations from our visitors. If the information here has been helpful or you have enjoyed reaching the stories please conside making a donation, no matter how small, would be much appreciated, annually we need to raise enough funds to pay for our web hosting or this site will vanish from the web. If you enjoy this site please consider making a donation. Announcements 19th Nov 2024     Please note we currently have a massive backlog of submitted material, our volunteers are working through this as quickly as possible and all names, stories and photos will be added to the site. If you have already submitted a story to the site and your UID reference number is higher than 264989 your submission is still in the queue, please do not resubmit. Wanted: Digital copies of Group photographs, Scrapbooks, Autograph books, photo albums, newspaper clippings, letters, postcards and ephemera relating to the Great War. If you have any unwanted photographs, documents or items from the First or Second World War, please do not destroy them. The Wartime Memories Project will give them a good home and ensure that they are used for educational purposes. Please get in touch for the postal address, do not sent them to our PO Box as packages are not accepted. World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great battalion regiment artillery Did you know? We also have a section on World War Two. and a Timecapsule to preserve stories from other conflicts for future generations. 1206277 L/Sgt. Herbert Adams MM & Bar. 1st Btn. East Lancashire Regiment Herbert Adams served with the 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regiment during WW1. Ernie Add to this record. 253132 George H. Roach D Bty. 176th (Leicestershire) Brigade Royal Field Artillery I was given a post card of St Peter's church, Shipton Bellinger, Wiltshire which is dated Oct 1915 and is addressed to a Miss H Preston, 1 The Hill, Ashby de La Douch, Leicestershire. Before the message to this lady, it reads: 32272, D Battery, 176 Brigade, RFA, 34 Division, No 1 Camp, Boyton Park, Codford, Wilts. It is signed only by the initials GHR. I would very much like to know who this soldier was and what happened to him. Update: A search for the service number in the medal records reveals him to be George H Roach. Susan Linklater Add to this record. 252007 Pte. Ernest Page C Coy. 1/1st Btn. Hertfordshire Regiment Ernest Page was a Territorial Force member. He had joined in 1912 in Ware and volunteered for Imperial Service at the very start of the war. He arrived in France in early November 1914 and took part in the Mons Canal, Cuinchy and Loos combats. When his time as TF came to a close in 1916 the New Conscription Law had been past and he was given the choice of being demobbed, going home and being recalled or staying on and choosing in which unit he would serve. Having taken part in the battles that cost huge numbers of losses, spent 2 winters in wet, cold trenches he decided to join the Artillery. However, the casualty numbers were so large that experienced men were needed with the newer recruits. And 6 months later he was transferred to an infantry unit with the Northumberland Fusiliers, at first in the 26th Battalion, then in the 23rd Battalion of 34th Division (4th Tyneside Scottish) He took part in most major battles until 11th of April 1918 when his group was taken prisoner near Armentieres. During the night of the 10th the Germans had managed to cross the River Lys and cause a wedge between 22nd and 23rd Brigades. Ernest's unit was over-run it only had one remaining officer who advised they surrendered to the enemy, in this case a German Cavalry Unit, You have fought well, lads, and we can now only surrender. He spent the remainder of the conflict in the Gardelegen Camp. Saxony. He was awarded the 1914 star, British War Medal and Victory Medal Danielle Rand Add to this record. 220193 Pte. Archibald Hardy 24th (Tynside Irish) Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.20th Nov 1917) Private Archibald Hardy served with the 24th and 27th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers during WW1 and died on the 20th November 1917. He is buried in Wancourt British Cemetery, in France. Mike Hardy Add to this record. 220073 Pte. Ernest Cutting 11th Btn. Suffolk Regiment (d.26th Apr 1917) My Great Uncle Ernest Cutting was brother to my grandmother May Alexandra Wright [ nee Cutting]. He was aged only 20 years old when he died of wounds in France. He is buried at the Etaples Cemetery. These boys were so brave I would have been terrified to have to do what they did. We must never forget them they sacrificed their lives so we could all be free. I do not know much about Ernest other than what I have found on the internet as every one who would know him has now died. Ernest's brother Arthur Cutting also died during the war but I have not been able to find details of him. Kathleen Bennett Add to this record. 217636 Pte. Hugh Scott 25th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.28th Apr 1917) Hugh Scott served with the 25th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed in action on the 28th April 1917. Jon Scott Add to this record. 216414 Pte. Robert William Gutteridge Milburn 23rd (Tyneside Scottish) Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.27th Feb 1917) Robert William Gutteridge Milburn, Private 23/1434, served in the 23rd (4th Tyneside Scottish) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and died from wounds age 18 on the 27th February 1917. He is remembered at St. Marks and St Pauls Churches and is buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension. His medal card shows the award of the War and Victory Medals and that he died from wounds. Robert was born in Jarrrow 1898, son of the late William and Mary Ann Hutchinson Milburn nee Scott of 40 Albion Street, Jarrow. In the 1911 census the family is living at that address with William(44) a general labourer in the shipyard and his wife of 22 years Mary Ann Hutchinson(41). They had 12 children with 9 surviving. 8 are living at this address as is William's father in law Robert John Scott(60)a widower, brass moulder. Children are Albert Stanley(20) general labourer, Eliza Ellen(17) and Margaret Jane(15), Robert is (12), Madge Dorothy(10), Catherine Alexandra(8), Laura Florence(6)and Frances Susannah is 2 years old. Vin Mullen Add to this record. 216228 William Wright 22nd Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers William Wright served in the 22nd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and died age 27 on the 1st July 1916. He is remembered at St. Peter's Church and on the Thiepval Memorial. His medal card shows award of War and Victory Medals. William was born in Jarrow 1888 , son of William and Isabella Wright. In the 1901 census the family is living at 68 Prince Consort Road, Jarrow with W1lliam(45) a mechanical engineer and his wife Isabella(43)together with their 8 children. Robert(17) and John(16) are rivet heaters in the shipyard. Annie(15) Hannah(11) and Emma(9) are at school as are William(13) and Frederick(5). Albert is 1 year old. Vin Mullen Add to this record. 216101 Pte. Charles Aloyious Hughes 24th (Tyneside Irish) Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.1st July 1914) Charles was a private in the Tyneside Irish Northumberland Fusiliers. He was my great uncle. He was a coalminer before he and his brother took up the call in 1915 and had a girl friend Mary Ann. He was killed in action near Ovillers la Bosselle near Albert 1st of July 1916 in no mans land serving with the 34th Division. They were to follow up on main attack from reserve trenches on the Tara-Usna line advancing to Avoca valley then up to British front line. Passing through no mans land they were exposed to heavy German machine gun fire and sustained heavy casualties sadly Charles being 0ne of them. He was 25yrs and is buried at Ovillers war cemetery where we have visited many times and always get emotional. His brother survived the war. Sadly Mary Ann his girlfriend never married. My grandfather Charles was born Nov 1916 and was named after him. Lynne Irving Add to this record. 215995 Sgt. Edward Ambrose Wales 22nd Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.18th Nov 1917) Edward Ambrose Wales, Sergeant 22/1325, enlisted at Washington and served with the 22nd (3rd Tyneside Scottish) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. He died on the 18th November 1917 and is remembered at Jarrow Library and is buried at Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport. His medal card records the award of the War and Victory Medals. Edward was born in Jarrow 1877, son of the late James and Jane Wales. He was married to Florence Wales nee Baxter of 254 Sycamore Street, Ashington. In the 1911 census they are living at 160 Pont Street, Ashington with Edward(34) a coal mine stoneman and his wife of 12 years Florence(31), who had 6 children of whom 5 survived and are living at this address. Charles Baxter(12), Edward(9), Lily(6), Richard(4) and Daniel Leslie who is 1 year old. Vin Mullen Add to this record. 215910 Pte. Bartholemew Redhead Varley 34th Div. Coy. Army Cyclist Corps (d.16th Mar 1916) Bartholomew Redhead Varley, Private 9528, enlisted at Newcastle and served in 34th Divisional Troops Company, Army Cyclist Corps. He died age 21 on the 16th March 1916. He is buried at Ration Farm Military Cemetery, La Chapelle d'Armentieres. His medal card records the award of the War and Victory Medals. Bartholomew was born in Jarrow 1894,son of Robert James and Mary Ann Varley nee Redhead of 10 Musgrave Terrace, Washington. In the 1911 census the family is living at Spout Lane, Washington Village with Robert James(49) a Cemetery Superintendant and his wife of 21 years Mary Ann(48). They had 5 chldren with 3 surviving. Only two are living here, Bartholomew(17) an apprentice Mason and Rebecca who is 5 years old. Vin Mullen Add to this record. 214881 Pte. John James Nurse 21st Btn Northumberland Fusiliers (d.10th Sep 1917) John James Nurse, Private 27/540 enlisted at Newcastle and served in the 21st (2nd Tyneside Scottish) Northumberland Fusiliers. He died, age 43, on the 10th September 1917 and is buried in at Hargicourt British Cemetery. He was married to Ellen Nurse nee McGuiness of 16 Glen Street, Hebburn New Town. The 1911 census shows the family living at 26 William Street, Hebburn consisting of: James Nurse, age 62, copper worker, born in Weybourne, Norfolk. Sarah Nurse, age 56, born in Jarrow. John James, age 34, general labourer, born in Jarrow. Hugh age 22, Platers helper in shipyard, born in Jarrow Robert, age 20, carpenters labourer in shipyard, born in Jarrow. Joseph, age 26, born in Hebburn and Peter, age 7, school, born in Hebburn. Vin Mullen Add to this record. 214002 Pte. Joseph Fenwick 27th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.28th Apr 1917) Joseph Fenwick, enlisted in Jarrow andserved with the 27th (4th Tyneside Irish) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and died age 23 on 28th April 1917. He is remembered at the Arras Memorial. He was born and lived in Jarrow, son of George and the late Rose Fenwick (nee Myles)of Jarrow. In the 1911 Census the family is living at 37 Duke Street, Jarrow, with George Fenwick widower age 56 Ships Joiners labourer in Shipbuilding born High Walker, Joseph Fenwick son age 17 Newspaper seller for Newsagent born Jarrow, George Fenwick son age 14 Newspaper seller for Newsagent (at school) born Jarrow, Mary Ellen Fenwick daughter age 11 Newspaper seller for Newsagent (at school) born Jarrow and Rhoda Fenwick daughter age 8 at school born Jarrow. Vin Mullen Add to this record.

Recomended Reading. Available at discounted prices.

Links Suggest a link

The free section of The Wartime Memories Project is run by volunteers. This website is paid for out of our own pockets, library subscriptions and from donations made by visitors. The popularity of the site means that it is far exceeding available resources and we currently have a huge backlog of submissions. If you are enjoying the site, please consider making a donation, however small to help with the costs of keeping the site running. Hosted by: The Wartime Memories Project Website is archived for preservation by the British Library Copyright MCMXCIX - MMXXIV - All Rights Reserved - We do not permit the use of any content from this website for the training of LLMs or for use in Generative AI, it also may not be scraped for the purpose of creating other websites.