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47th (2nd London) Division    The 7th Battalion The London Regiment was nicknamed the ‘Shiny Seventh’ was formed as part of the Territorial Force in April 1908, having previously been the 3rd City of London Rifle Volunteers. The Battalion landed in France in March 1915 as part of the 4th London Brigade, 2nd London Division. They first saw action at Festubert in May 1915, and later took part in major battles at Loos in September 1915, Vimy in May 1916, High Wood in September 1916, Butte de Warlencourt in October 1916 moving to Belguim in 1917 and seeing action in the battle of Passchendaele at Messines in June of that year before returning to France for the battles at and Cambrai in November 1917. In 1918 the 1/7th amaganated with the 2/7th to become the 7th Battalion, seeing action at Villiers Bretonneux, Mallard Wood, Epehy, Courrieres, Maulde.    47th (2nd London) Division was a first line formation of the Territorial Force, formed as the 2nd London Division as a result of the reforms of the army carried out in 1908 under the Secretary of State for War, Richard Burdon Haldane and was one of 14 Divisions of the peacetime TF. 1914 The units of the Division had just arrived for annual summer camp on Salisbury Plain when emergency orders recalled them to the home base. All units were mobilised for full time war service on 5 August 1914 and moved to concentrate in the St Albans area by mid August 1914. In October the Division was warned that it would go on overseas service. Many units were detached from the Division and sent independently to France as sorely needed reinforcements for the BEF. 1915 Units began to cross to France on 8th-9th of March. 5th London Brigade was ordered to Cassel, and the rest concentrated near Bethune by 22 March. 5th London Brigade then rejoined. The 2nd London was the second TF Division to arrive complete in France. The Division then remained in France and Flanders and took part in the following engagements: The Battle of Aubers Ridge The Battle of Festubert The Battle of Loos The subsequent Actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt 1916 The German attack at Vimy Ridge The Battle of Flers-Courcelette - Somme, in which the Division captured High Wood The Battle of the Transloy Ridges - Somme, in which the Division captured Eaucourt l'Abbaye The attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt - Somme 1917 The Battle of Messines Third Battles of Ypres The Cambrai Operations, in which the Division captured Bourlon Wood and fought the German counter attacks 1918 The Battle of St Quentin - Somme The First Battle of Bapaume - Somme The Battle of the Ancre - Somme The Battle of Albert - Somme The Second Battle of Bapaume - Somme The operations in Artois including the official entry into Lille a phase of the Final Advance in Artois The forward units of the Division reached Franses-lez-Buissenal / Moustier, north of Leuze, on 10th of November 1918. Next day the Division marched back to Tournai and on 26 November moved on to the Bethune area. Not selected to join the Army of Occupation, the demobilisation of the Division began and the first parties moved to England 1-10 January 1919. By 28 March it was down to cadre level. The Division reformed as part of the Territorial Army in April 1920. Order of Battle of the 47th (2nd London) Division 140th (4th London) Brigade 1/13th Battalion, London Regiment left November 1914 1/14th Battalion, London Regiment left September 1914 1/15th Battalion, London Regiment 1/16th Battalion, London Regiment left November 1914 1/6th Battalion, London Regiment joined November 1914, left January 1918 1/7th Battalion, London Regiment joined November 1914, left February 1918 1/8th Battalion, London Regiment joined November 1914, left February 1918 140th Machine Gun Company formed 13 Dec 1915, moved to 47th Battalion MGC 1 March 1918 140th Trench Mortar Battery formed 12 June 1916 1/17th Battalion, London Regiment joined from 141st Brigade February 1918 1/21st Battalion, London Regiment joined from 142nd Brigade February 1918 141st (5th London) Brigade 1/17th Battalion, London Regiment left for 140th Brigade February 1918 1/18th Battalion, London Regiment 1/19th Battalion, London Regiment 1/20th Battalion, London Regiment 141st Machine Gun Company formed 12 Dec 1915, moved to 47th Battalion MGC 1 March 1918 141st Trench Mortar Battery formed 12 June 1916 142nd (6th London) Brigade 1/21st Battalion, London Regiment left for 140th Brigade February 1918 1/22nd Battalion, London Regiment 1/23rd Battalion, London Regiment 1/24th Battalion, London Regiment 1/3rd Battalion, London Regiment joined November 1915, left February 1916 142nd Machine Gun Company formed 10 Dec 1915, moved to 47th Battalion, MGC 1 March 1918 142nd Trench Mortar Battery formed 12 June 1916 Divisional Troops 1/1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company joined August 1914, left September 1914 1/28th Battalion, London Regiment joined August 1914, left October 1914 1/4th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers joined as Divisional Pioneers September 1915 239th Machine Gun Company joined 17 July 1917, left 1 October 1917 255th Machine Gun Company joined 19 November 1917, moved to 47th Battalion, MGC 1 March 1918 47th Battalion, MGC formed 1 March 1918 Divisional Mounted Troops C Sqn, 1st King Edward's Horse left June 1916 2nd London Divisional Cyclist Company left 1 June 1916 Divisional Artillery The artillery of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division was also attached to the 47th Division between 13 and 25 August 1918, whereupon it was transferred to the 3rd Australian Division CCXXXV Brigade, RFA CCXXXVI Brigade, RFA CCXXXVII Brigade, RFA left November 1916 CCXXXVIII (Howitzer) Brigade, RFA broken up January 1917 CCLXXX Brigade, RFA attached 3-26 January 1916 CCLXXXII Brigade, RFA attached 27 January - 19 February 1916 47th Divisional Ammunition Column RFA V.47 Heavy Trench Mortar Battery, RFA joined 6 November 1916; left for V Corps 16 February 1918 X.47, Y.47 and Z.47 Medium Mortar Batteries, RFA X and Y joined 17 November 1915, originally as No 7 and No 8, and Z was formed in April 1916; on 1 February 1918, X broken up and batteries reorganised to have 6 x 6-inch weapons each, Z Batt being redesignated X Battery Royal Engineers 517th (3rd London) Field Company left December 1914, rejoined April 1915 518th (4th London) Field Company 520th (2/3rd London) Company joined June 1915 47th Divisional Signals Company Royal Army Medical Corps 4th London Field Ambulance 5th London Field Ambulance 6th London Field Ambulance 47th Sanitary Section left for Second Army 18 April 1917 Other Divisional Troops 47th Divisional Train ASC retitled from the 2nd London Divisional Transport and Supply Column, and the units also retitled as 455, 456, 457 and 458 Companies ASC 2nd London Mobile Veterinary Section AVC 47th Divisional Ambulance Workshop absorbed into Divisional Supply Column 3 April 1916 241st Divisional Employment Company joined May 1917 29th Sep 1914 Lord Kitchener inspects 2nd London Division  Lord Kitchener Secretary of State for War inspects the 2nd London Division at Gorhambury, Hertfordshire. 1st Feb 1915 Inspection 2nd Feb 1915 Exercise 3rd Feb 1915 Divisional Exercise 5th Feb 1915 Company Training 6th Feb 1915 Progress 6th Feb 1915 Training 7th Feb 1915 Battalion Training 8th Feb 1915 Training 9th Feb 1915 Course 9th Feb 1915 Company Training 10th Feb 1915 Musketry 10th Feb 1915 Training 11th Feb 1915 Training 12th Feb 1915 Exercise 12th Feb 1915 Divisional Exercise 13th Feb 1915 Training 15th Feb 1915 Instruction 15th Feb 1915 Company Training 16th Feb 1915 On the Move 16th Feb 1915 Training 17th Feb 1915 Musketry 18th Feb 1915 Lecture 18th Feb 1915 Training 19th Feb 1915 Musketry 20th Feb 1915 Musketry 21st Feb 1915 Instruction 22nd Feb 1915 Exercise 22nd Feb 1915 Exercise 23rd Feb 1915 Route March 24th Feb 1915 Musketry 24th Feb 1915 Route March 25th Feb 1915 Course 25th Feb 1915 Route March 26th Feb 1915 Training 26th Feb 1915 Exercise 27th Feb 1915 Draft 27th Feb 1915 Training 1st Mar 1915 Route March 1st March 1915 Monthly statement. 1st March 1915 Night Outposts started 2nd Mar 1915 Instructions 2nd March 1915 Training. 3rd March 1915 Inspections and Promotions 3rd March 1915 Medical inspection. 4th Mar 1915 Preparations 4th March 1915 Company training in Bomb Throwing 5th Mar 1915 On the Move 5th Mar 1915 Leave 5th March 1915 Inspection of horses. 6th Mar 1915 Orders 6th Mar 1915 Orders 6th March 1915 Battalion training and Bayonet fighting. 7th March 1915 Orders received to prepare to move tomorrow. 8th Mar 1915 Orders Received 8th March 1915 Horses arrived to complete establishment. 9th Mar 1915 On the Move 9th Mar 1915 Musketry 9th Mar 1915 On the Move 9th March 1915 Company parades and organisation. 10th Mar 1915 In Camp 10th March 1915 Inspection by the Brigadier general 11th Mar 1915 Entraining 11th March 1915 Transport inspected for Brigade. 12th Mar 1915 Arrival 12th Mar 1915 Orders 12th March 1915 Brigade Drill 13th March 1915 Brigade Drill 14th Mar 1915 On the Move 14th March 1915 Church Parade 15th Mar 1915 Move 15th Mar 1915 On the Move 15th March 1915 Brigade Route March. 16th Mar 1915 On the Move 16th Mar 1915 On the Move 16th March 1915 Companies paraded 17th Mar 1915 On the Move 17th Mar 1915 On the Move 17th March 1915 Battalion entrained 18th Mar 1915 Training 18th Mar 1915 On the Move 18th Mar 1915 On the Move 18th March 1915 Arrived in Havre 19th Mar 1915 On the March 19th Mar 1915 On the Move 19th March 1915 On the Move 20th Mar 1915 On the March 20th Mar 1915 On the March 20th March 1915 Battalion arrived at Bergette 21st Mar 1915 Church Parade 21st March 1915 Inspection 22nd Mar 1915 Inspection 22nd March 1915 Brigade inspected 23rd Mar 1915 Orders 23rd Mar 1915 Praise 23rd Mar 1915 Route March 23rd March 1915 Blisters 24th Mar 1915 Instruction 24th Mar 1915 On the March   24th March 1915 Telegram 25th Mar 1915 Instruction   25th Mar 1915 Instruction   25th March 1915 Progress report 26th Mar 1915 Instruction 26th March 1915 Instruction 27th Mar 1915 Frost   27th Mar 1915 Trench Work 27th March 1915 Instruction 28th Mar 1915 No Wood 28th Mar 1915 Air Raid   28th March 1915 Instruction 29th Mar 1915 Orders 29th Mar 1915 Training   29th March 1915 Instruction 30th Mar 1915 Orders Received 30th Mar 1915 Trench Work 30th March 1915 Reliefs 31st Mar 1915 Instruction 31st Mar 1915 Trench Work 31st March 1915 In trenches. 1st Apr 1915 Training 1st Apr 1915 Orders   1st April 1915 Report 2nd Apr 1915 Training 2nd Apr 1915 Trench Raid   2nd April 1915 Reliefs 3rd Apr 1915 Inspection 3rd Apr 1915 In the Trenches   3rd April 1915 Shell Fire 3rd May 1915 Into Billets 4th Apr 1915 Training 4th Apr 1915 In the Trenches   4th April 1915 Working party. 5th Apr 1915 Training 5th Apr 1915 Reliefs   5th April 1915 Good Work 6th Apr 1915 Instruction   6th Apr 1915 Inspection   6th April 1915 Equipment left behind 7th Apr 1915 On the March 7th April 1915 Into Billets 8th Apr 1915 Instruction   8th Apr 1915 Training 8th April 1915 Company training. 9th Apr 1915 Instruction 9th Apr 1915 Training 10th Apr 1915 Instruction   10th Apr 1915 Training 10th April 1915 Route march 11th Apr 1915 Instruction 11th April 1915 Church Parade. 12th Apr 1915 Instruction 12th Apr 1915 Trench Work 12th April 1915 Company Training. 13th Apr 1915 Instruction 13th Apr 1915 Working Parties and Training 13th April 1915 General Sir Douglas Haig inspected the Division. 14th Apr 1915 Instruction 14th Apr 1915 Measles 14th April 1915 Orders received 15th Apr 1915 Instruction 15th Apr 1915 Working Parties and Training 15th April 1915 Coy. training. 16th Apr 1915 Instruction 16th Apr 1915 Route March 16th April 1915 I.L.D. Remount drawn 17th Apr 1915 Instruction 17th Apr 1915 On the March 17th April 1915 Divisional lecture 18th Apr 1915 Church Parade   19th Apr 1915 Into Billets   19th Apr 1915 Relief   18th April 1915 Hay nets 19th April 1915 Advance party   20th Apr 1915 Inspection 20th Apr 1915 Shelling   20th April 1915 Trenches Visited   21st Apr 1915 Inspection 21st Apr 1915 Mines Exploded   21st April 1915 "D" Coys. guard which was mounted in the evening 22nd Apr 1915 Orders Received 22nd Apr 1915 Heavy Firing   22nd April 1915 The C.O., Adjt. and M.O. visited 6th Battalion in Quinchy trenches 23rd Apr 1915 Reliefs    23rd April 1915 R.E. Officer visited H.Q. and gave work to be done. 23rd April 1915 Operational Order No.3 24th Apr 1915 Relief   24th Apr 1915 On the March   24th April 1915 Battalion marched to billets at Lapugnoy. 25th Apr 1915 Quiet   25th Apr 1915 Quiet 25th April 1915 Church Parade at Lapugnoy. 25th May 1915 Divisional Reserve. 26th Apr 1915 Quiet   26th Apr 1915 Baths 26th April 1915 Monday. "A" & "B" Coys. marched to Auchel to have bath's. 26th May 1915 In Divisional Reserve 27th Apr 1915 Quiet   27th April 1915 "C" & "D" Coys. marched to Auchel to Bathe. 28th Apr 1915 Quiet   28th April 1915 M.G. detachment to be attached temporarily to 6th London Infantry Brigade. 29th Apr 1915 Quiet   29th April 1915 C.O's and Adjt. of 7th London Regt. meeting at H.Q. 30th Apr 1915 Some Shelling   30th April 1915 Capt. Head evacuated to base. 30th April 1915 7th London Regt. Schedule 1st May 1915 Heavy Firing   1st May 1915 Training 1st May 1915 Holy Communion 2nd May 1915 Quiet   2nd May 1915 Church Parade 2nd May 1915 Move tomorrow. 3rd May 1915 Relief Completed   4th May 1915 Reliefs   4th May 1915 Reliefs 5th May 1915 Reliefs   5th May 1915 Shelling 6th May 1915 Preparations 6th May 1915 Injuries reported. 7th May 1915 Conference 7th May 1915 Orders Received 7th May 1915 Orders 7th May 1915 Orders Received 8th May 1915 Preparations 8th May 1915 Strengthening posts. 9th May 1915 Battle of Aubers Ridge  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. formerly 6th County of London Brigade RFA. Territorial Force. The 6th London Brigade RFA took part in the first organised attack since its arrival in the frontline. The 15th London Battery opened fire at 0445 and fired sixty rounds lasting until 0530 at the enemy’s lines. Several direct hits were obtained, but the actual result was difficult to estimate owing to bad light and mist. Between 0535 and 0615, seven rounds were fired with excellent effect at Dogwheel House and the attack having been held up on our immediate front, fire eased for the morning at 0655, after five rounds had been fired at the enemy's earthworks. The attack was renewed, without much success, in the afternoon (1530) when the 15th London Battery fired six rounds at the communication trench near K5, and fired again at the same objective at 1650 with eight rounds. At 1720 and 2345 four rounds and five rounds respectively were fired at the communication trench. The programme carried out by the 16th London Battery was the same as the one outlined above, exactly the same targets being engaged at approximately the same time, but whereas the 15th London Battery had only fired eighty two rounds up to 0655, by 0645 the 16th London Battery had accounted for one hundred and thirty three rounds. The 16th Battery also fired between 0700 and 1000, a further six rounds at Germans advancing, sixteen rounds at 0830, and thirty five rounds at M3. M2. P4. N6 earthworks from 0835 to 0900. At 1605 the 16th London Battery fired six rounds at the Rue D’Ouvert, and four rounds at 2330. The sphere of operations did not extend as far as the zone of the 17th London Battery, who took no part in the operations. Casualties as the result of today’s operations were NIL. A letter was received this morning from GOC 47th Division expressing the hope that the Division, now fighting as a complete unit for the first time, would maintain the traditions of the Territorial Force. War Diaries 9th May 1915 On the March   9th May 1915 Report. 10th May 1915 New Scheme  From today a scheme is to be adopted for 'annoying' the enemy, by shelling different spots at irregular intervals. Shelling Battalion Headquarter's roads down which enemy are likely to pass. The French are making continued good progress further south. Today the 15th London Battery are to bombard J1 to J3 and the 16th London Battery to bombard the communication trench in the Rue D’Ouvert. 15th London Battery fired nine rounds between 0345 and 0615, ten rounds at 0710, twenty four rounds at 0930 and fourteen rounds at 1520. Six direct hits. 16th London Battery fired one hundred and thirty two rounds at irregular intervals between 0035 to 1515. 17th London Battery did not fire. Lieut N V Brasnett, detailed for reinforcements 2nd London Division RFA War Diaries 10th May 1915 Orders   10th May 1915 Reliefs 11th May 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Orders  Order received for the 15th London Battery to bombard the points J1, J3, and the 16th London Battery the entrance to the southern communication trench in the Rue D’Ouvert, at a very slow rate of fire. 15th London Battery also fired nine rounds on K.5 between 0545 and 0615, ten rounds on ‘K’ work between 0710 and 0730 and twenty four rounds between 0930 and 1015 on K.3. At 1520 out of fourteen rounds fired at Dogwheel House, six direct hits were obtained. From this date the Division (2nd London) is known as the 47th Division. War Diaries 11th May 1915 Orders Received 11th May 1915 Relieved at 2000 hours. 12th May 1915 Orders 12th May 1915 Relief    12th May 1915 In Brigade Reserve 13th May 1915 Orders Received   13th May 1915 Working party. 14th May 1915 Heavy Rain   14th May 1915 Artillery bombardments 15th May 1915 Breastworks   15th May 1915 Artillery bombardments 16th May 1915 Supporting Fire   16th May 1915 Intermediate Line 17th May 1915 Orders Issued   17th May 1915 The battle continued. 18th May 1915 In captured German trenches. 19th May 1915 Brigade Order 20th May 1915 Battle of Festubert   Secret 47th Div Artillery Instructions 20th May 1915 (1) The following received from 47th Div. The offensive of the First Army is to be continued towards La Bassee. Alderson's force is to secure localities L.11 - L.12 - L.9 and group of houses P.13 - P.14 - P.15 - P.16. Indian Corps is to secure localities Q.15 - Q.16 - R.8. Troops of the 47th Div. holding the line will use every means by day and night to harass the enemy continually. All avenues of approach to the enemy's forward positions are to be kept under shrapnel fire by day and night especially between dusk and 2200. (2) 47th Div. Arty. will deal with communication trench K.13 - J.21 Charelle St Roche and cross roads Charelle St Roche in particular. (3) In continuation of above, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade will tonight secure localities L.12 and L.11 with two companies. The assault will take place at 1945 proceeded by a heavy bombardment of 9.2" guns from 1800 to 1900 and from guns of the Canadian Div. Arty. from 1600 to 1945. At the same hour a small party of the Canadian Infantry Brigade will attack points --.9 and --.12, These points will have been similarly submitted to an Artillery. bombardment (4) All ground gained will be consolidated and joined up. (5) The 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade with two companies will secure K.5 at 1945. A heavy bombardment of K.5 and surrounding trenches will be carried out by 9.2" guns from 1800 to 1900 and by heavy and field guns of the Canadian Div. Arty. from 1600 to 1945. After 1945 the 9.2" guns will fire at L.8. (6) As soon as K5 is secured the trenches towards J.1 and L.8 will be secured as far as possible by bombing outwards. All ground gained will be consolidated and joined up. (7) 2nd Div. will keep up a slow continuous bombardment throughout the night on P.15 to P.16 and Rue Du Marais. (8) The heavy gun group will bombard through the night K.13 and Charelle St Roche. (9) All avenues of approach to enemy's forward positions are to be kept under shrapnel fire by day and night and particularly between dusk and 2200. (10) 47th Div. Arty. will deal with communication trench K.13 - J.21 Charelle St Roche and cross roads Charelle St Roche in particular (11) No infantry fire will be directed north of the line J.3 - L.13 (12) All troops will be in a state of constant readiness except the Div. Reserve, 7th Div., Mounted Troops and 7th London Regiment. (13) Horses will not be saddled. Signed D.S. Sherlock Bde. Major 47th Div. Arty. War Diaries 20th May 1915 Resting and checking rolls. 21st May 1915 Back to Bethune. 22nd May 1915 Fear of Bombardment. 23rd May 1915 Prisoners Taken   23rd May 1915 Swimming baths 25th May 1915 Attack Made 26th May 1915 Hard Fighting 27th May 1915 Message of Congratulation 28th May 1915 Bombing Attack 28th May 1915 In Brigade Reserve 29th May 1915 Bombing Attack 30th May 1915 47th Division RFA prepare to Move  Arrangements were made for the 47th Divisional Artillery to move further south, and to be replaced by the Canadian Divisional Artillery. Accordingly one section of each battery were withdrawn to the Battery Wagon Line. War Diaries 30th May 1915 Enemy Active 1915-05-30 Church Parade 31st May 1915 Recce 31st May 1915 Brigade Reserve 1st Jun 1915 Reliefs 1st June 1915 Reliefs 1st June 1915 Operational Order No.2.   2nd Jun 1915 Recce   2nd June 1915 In trenches 3rd June 1915 The Germans shelled a little 4th Jun 1915 Shelling   4th June 1915 Shrapnel Shells 5th Jun 1915 Inspection   5th June 1915 The Germans shelled the Support Trench 6th Jun 1915 Recce 6th June 1915 In trenches 6th June 1915 Operational Order No.10.   7th Jun 1915 Reliefs 7th June 1915 Reliefs 8th Jun 1915 Trenches Inspected 8th June 1915 In Divisional Reserve   9th Jun 1915 Shelling 10th Jun 1915 Quiet 11th Jun 1915 Reliefs   12th June 1915 GOC Visit  The GOC 47th (London) Division, Major General C.St.V.L Barter came to Lapugnoy and addressed each Battery of the 6th London Brigade in turn. He expressed his gratitude to the Brigade for the splendid work it had done whilst in action, and his pleasure at the excellent work carried out by each officer and man, especially the Telephonists. He impressed on all ranks the need for keeping themselves in a clean and sanitary condition. War Diaries 12th Jun 1915 On the March   12th June 1915 Operational Order No.10.   13th Jun 1915 Clothing 13th June 1915 In trenches 14th Jun 1915 Training 15th Jun 1915 Instruction 16th Jun 1915 On the March   16th June 1915 Accident 17th Jun 1915 On the March 17th June 1915 German counter attack 18th Jun 1915 Reliefs 18th June 1915 In trenches 19th Jun 1915 Quiet 19th June 1915 In trenches 20th Jun 1915 Quiet 20th June 1915 Shelling 20th June 1915 Reliefs 21st Jun 1915 Shelling 21st June 1915 Reliefs   22nd Jun 1915 Shelling 22nd June 1915 Several shells 23rd Jun 1915 Pigeons 23rd June 1915 In Reserve   24th Jun 1915 Reliefs 25th Jun 1915 Reinforcements 25th June 1915 Operational Order No.14. 26th Jun 1915 Working Parties 26th June 1915 Took over Front Line 27th Jun 1915 Working Parties 27th June 1915 In trenches 27th June 1915 Operational Order No.17.   28th Jun 1915 Reliefs 28th June 1915 Reliefs 28th June 1915 Operational Order No.24.   29th June 1915 Formation Changes  Up to this date the 47th (London) Division, in which the 6th London Brigade is included formed part of the 1st Army Corps, commanded by Lt General Sir Charles Munro. From this date the 47th (London) Division, the 1st Division and 48th (South Midland) Division, form the 4th Army Corps, commanded by Lt General Rawlinson. The 4th Corps is still part of the First Army, commanded by General Sir Douglas Haig. 6th London Brigade RFA Report Major P.J. Clifton proceeded to England on 5 days leave. The 15th & 16th Batteries are attached to the 1st Division. War Diaries 29th Jun 1915 Trench Work 29th June 1915 Divisional Reserve 30th Jun 1915 Shelling 1st July 1915 Rounds Fired 1st July 1915 In Divisional Reserve   2nd July 1915 Appointments 5th July 1915 Operational Order No.19. 6th July 1915 Leave of Absence 6th Jul 1915 Reliefs 6th July 1915 Shelling   6th July 1915 Operational Order No.20. 7th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA in Front Line 7th Jul 1915 Shelling   7th July 1915 In trenches at W1. 7th July 1915 Officer fitness 8th July 1915 Movement   8th Jul 1915 In Reserve   9th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Register Targets 9th Jul 1915 Refitting   10th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA in Action 10th Jul 1915 Working Parties   11th July 1915 Wagons Move Back 11th Jul 1915 Working Parties 11th July 1915 In Brigade Reserve in S. Maroc. 12th July 1915 Orders Cancelled 12th Jul 1915 Working Parties 13th July 1915 Reconnaissance 13th Jul 1915 Working Parties 14th July 1915 Batteries of 6th London Brigade RFA Fire 14th Jul 1915 Working Parties 15th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Fire 15th Jul 1915 Trench digging by night 15th Jul 1915 Reliefs 16th July 1915 Batteryies in action 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA reports 15th London Battery fired 10 rounds in retaliation on forward German trenches. 16th London Battery also fired in retaliation and registered in addition G.34.b.7.7, G.35.a.1.6, G.29.c.9.1, G.35.b.7.3. 17th London Battery again fired on several occasions on enemy transport at H.25.d. Senior Officer J. Legrix (Interpreter) proceeded to Elbeuf on 8 days leave of absence. War Diaries 17th July 1915 Reconnaissance & Retailiation 17th Jul 1915 Reliefs 18th July 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA reports Capt. P.A. Love, OC. 6th London Ammunition Column went sick and was removed to field ambulance, his place as OC. the Column being taken by Capt. C.P. Bertie of 16th London Battery. The 15th London Battery fired a total of 28 rounds in retaliation on forward German trenches and 16th London Battery fired 10 rounds. 17th London Battery fired 23 rounds in reply to hostile fire, which ceased. A working party of 30 men was dispersed. At 2345 the 17th London Battery fired 4 rounds on enemy’s trenches at the request of infantry. A Corporal, Bombardier and Gunner of the 15th London Battery were accidentally wounded whilst examining an unexploded German shell. War Diaries 18th Jul 1915 Quiet   18th July 1915 Relieved 8th Battalion 19th July 1915 New Gun Positions 19th Jul 1915 Quiet   19th July 1915 In trenches at W1. 20th Jul 1915 Instruction   21st Jul 1915 Quiet 22nd Jul 1915 Instruction 22nd July 1915 Relieved in trenches by 21st London Regt. 23rd Jul 1915 Under Shellfire 23rd July 1915 In Brigade Reserve in S. Maroc. 24th Jul 1915  Instruction   24th Jul 1915 Instruction 25th Jul 1915 Instruction 25th Jul 1915  Recce 26th Jul 1915  Instruction 26th Jul 1915  Orders 27th Jul 1915  Reliefs   28th Jul 1915  Instruction 28th Jul 1915 Shelling 28th Jul 1915  Reliefs Complete   29th Jul 1915 Shells 29th Jul 1915  Reliefs   29th July 1915 Operation Order No.21. 30th Jul 1915 Reliefs   30th Jul 1915  Reliefs   31st Jul 1915 Training   31st July 1915 In Reserve at Philosphe. 31st July 1915 Preliminary notice of relief. 31st Aug 1915 Artillery 1st August 1915 140th Infantry Brigade - Working parties 1st August 1915 Schedule of Reliefs 1st August 1915 Orders Received   1st Aug 1915 Shelling 2nd August 1915 Went back at night to Corps. Reserve 2nd August 1915 Reference Operational Order No.22. 2nd Aug 1915 Orders 3rd August 1915 Corps. Reserve at Lapugnoy. 3rd Aug 1915 Preparations 4th Aug 1915 On the March 5th Aug 1915 Training 6th Aug 1915 Baths 7th August 1915 Training and recreation  6th County of London Brigade RFA report the Assistant Director of Veterinary Services 47 Div. lectured to the class of proposed Shoeing Smiths, undergoing a six weeks course of instruction. The Brigade held an illuminated concert in the woods at which the Regimental Band of the 6th London Field Ambulance played a selection of music. Amongst those present were - the GOCRA and staff of 47th Divisional Artillery, Major Doyle and staff of 1V Corps, the Staff of 142 Infantry Brigade and the Staff of 47th Division. War Diaries 7th August 1915 Moved to Labeuvriere. 7th Aug 1915 Training 8th August 1915 In Corps. reserve. 8th Aug 1915 Church Parade 9th Aug 1915 Route March 10th Aug 1915 Training 11th August1915 Sport and Inspections  The 6th London Brigade RFA Boxing Competition was concluded. It was proposed to billet the Brigade at Marles, but as no suitable accommodation could be found, it was decided to let the Brigade remain where it was in bivouacs. 2/Lt W.G. Russell proceeded to Base. The ADVS (47 Div) inspected 9 horses for the purposes of casting. War Diaries 11th August 1915 Inspected by Brigadier General Cuthbert 12th August 1915 On the Move 13th August 1915 In Corps Reserve at Lapugnoy. 13th Aug 1915 Baths 14th August 1915 Packed up and moved to Les Brebis. 14th Aug 1915 Sports 15th August 1915 Working parties on Grenoy Line. 15th Aug 1915 Heavy Rain 16th August 1915 Moves and Sport 16th Aug 1915 Route March 17th Aug 1915 Sports 18th Aug 1915 On the March 19th August 1915 Training  Hesdigneul Common is no longer at the disposal of Artillery Brigades of 47th Division for any purpose. War Diaries 19th Aug 1915 Working Parties 20th Aug 1915 Working Parties 21st Aug 1915 Working Parties 22nd August 1915 Appointments and Inspections  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports Liuet C.E.H. Lloyd appointed temporary Aide-de-Camp to Brigadier-General J.C Wray MVO, CRA 47th Division. Each unit inspected by OC. Brigade after Church Parade. Passenger boats and mail steamer service between England and France stopped. War Diaries 22nd August 1915 In rest at Labeuvriere. 22nd Aug 1915 Working Parties 23rd August 1915 Postings and Sport  The 6th London Brigade RFA Tug O War team, captained by RSM J.T.Hood, and coached by BSM A.V.Davis, having beaten the 8th London (Howitzer) Brigade RFA in the preliminary heats and the 7th London Brigade RFA in the final heat, qualified to represent the 47 Divisional Artillery in the Divisional Sports on Wednesday next. Lt R. Bruce 6th London Ammunition Column transferred to 16th London Battery Lt W.J. Barnard 16th London Battery transferred to 6th London Amm. Col. 2/Lt J.T. Woollett 15th London Battery transferred to 6th London Amm. Col. 2/Lt J.A.W. Petro 6th London Amm. Col. attached to 17th London Battery. All with effect from tomorrow’s date. Service between England and France resumed. Officers and men of this Brigade will in future proceed on leave each Wednesday instead of Tuesday. War Diaries 23rd August 1915 Training in Musketry 23rd Aug 1915 Working Parties 24th August 1915 Inspections  Inspection of 6th County of London Brigade RFA Transport (Cooker Wagon, Cooks Carts, Medical Cart and Water Carts) by Colonel Blythe. War Diaries 24th August 1915 Drill & Coy. training. 24th August 1915 Preliminary Operations Order.   24th August 1915 Orders   24th Aug 1915 Working Parties 25th August 1915 Divisional Sports day  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 2/Lt V.C. Lucas proceeded to England on 7 days leave. A one days holiday was granted by GOCRA so that all ranks could attend the Divisional Sports at Lozinghem. Chief Judge was Lt Col A.C. Lowe DSO (6th London Brigade RFA) and Chief Marshall was Capt M.J.K. O’Malley (6th London Brigade RFA). The following events were won by teams or individuals of the 6th London Brigade RFA 1. Team Driving. 2. Relay Race. 3. Quarter Mile Open. 4. Light Draught Horse - 3rd prize. 5. Officers Jumping (open) 3rd prize. War Diaries 25th August 1915 Corps. Commander pleased 25th August 1915 Reference Operational Order No.23 25th Aug 1915 At Rest 26th August 1915 Conference and Inspections  The OC. Brigade and Adjutant 6th County of London Brigade RFA attended the Divisional Artillery conference at Lozinghem. The Veterinary Officer Lt W.P.S. Edwards was attached to 1st Division; his duties will be performed by the ADVS, 47th Division, Capt. J. Abson. An inspection of the Technical Stores Wagon of the Ammunition Column was carried out. War Diaries 26th August 1915 In Brigade Reserve 26th Aug 1915 On the March 27th August 1915 Waggon Lines 27th Aug 1915 Bright Moonlight 28th August 1915 Appointments  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports Lt G. Lyon-Smith appointed Orderly Officer 236 Brigade and transferred from 15th London Battery to Brigade Headquarters Staff. Lt J.C. Woollett transferred from 16th London Ammunition Column to 15th London Battery. 2/Lt J. H Van den Bergh transferred from Brigade Headquarters Staff to 6th London Ammunition Column. War Diaries 28th Aug 1915 Snipers Active 29th August 1915 Diary reports summary  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports war diary summary signed off by 2/Lt J.H. Van den Bergh on relinquishing his post as Orderly Officer at Brigade Headquarters. War Diaries 29th August 1915 Relieved 8th Battalion 29th Aug 1915 Working Parties 30th August 1915 Appointments  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Capt O’Malley left Gosnay for Les Brebis with telephonists. A party of 40 men under Lt Bruce left Gosnay to proceed to Novelles Lt Bruce returned to Gosnay after conducting the party to it's destination. War Diaries 30th August 1915 In trenches in W1. 30th Aug 1915 Billets 31st August 1915 Lecture and moves  6th County of London Brigade RFA records an additional party of 20 men under Lt Blackwell, left Gosnay and proceeded to Noyelles. Lecture by Capt McCombis, Chemical Advisor, 1st Army about use of smoke helmets at Houchin. Lt Bruce and 2 NCOs attended. Signed G Lyon Smith Lt in his new post of Orderly Officer at Brigade Headquarters. War Diaries 31st August 1915 In trenches 31st Aug 1915 Inspection 1st September 1915 Relocations  6th London Brigade RFA moved from Gosnay, with 15th, 16th and 17th London Batteries going to Place a Bruay. 6th London Ammunition Column moved to Haillicourt. War Diaries 1st September 1915 In trenches in W1. 1st Sep 1915 Orders 1st Sep 1915 Reorganisation 2nd September 1915 Personnel changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports Lt W.P.S Edwards Army Veterinary Service returned from 1st Division. War Diaries 2nd September 1915 In trenches 2nd September 1915 Reliefs 3rd September 1915 Guns 3rd September 1915 Relieved in trenches by 21st London Regt. 4th September 1915 Personnel changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports Lt Col A E Lowe left Bruay to understudy GOCRA. 47th Divisional Artillery at Lesbrebos. 2/Lt V.C. Lucas left Bruay for work under Capt O’Malley at Les Brebis. War Diaries 4th September 1915 Billeted in Les Brebis. 5th September 1915 Church Parade  6th County of London Brigade RFA attend Church Parade at 4th Corps H.Q. Labuissiere. 2/Lt J.A.W. Petro assisted by 2/Lt A.F. Yencken took a section from 17th London Battery to be attached to 15th Divisional Artillery. War Diaries 5th September 1915 Move 6th September 1915 Personnel changes 7th September 1915 Personnel changes 8th September 1915 Court Martial  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Issue of blankets carried out - one per man. Court Martial at Haillicourt. President Major P.J. Clifton. War Diaries 10th September 1915 Court Martial  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Court Martial was held again. President Major P.J. Clifton. War Diaries 11th September 1915 Transferred in evening by bus to Les Brebis. 12th September 1915 Church Parade  6th County of London Brigade RFA attend Church Parade held at 4th Corps HQ. in Labuissiere. War Diaries 12th September 1915 Working parties. 13th September 1915 Personnel changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Lt Brasneth was struck off the strength of the Brigade and posted to Training School at St Venant for trench mortar battery instruction. 31st August 1915. 15th London Battery sent one section to the Firing Line under Capt Corsan and 2/Lt Woollett. Party returned here. War Diaries 13th September 1915 Returned from Les Brebis 13th September 1915 Change of Billets 14th September 1915 Personnel changes  6th County of London Brigade RFAreport 2/Lt Van den Bergh proceeded to join Massy Group at Les Brebis. Bruay now out of bounds for British troops. War Diaries 15th September 1915 Personnel changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA's war diary records Capt. Cooper reported at 47th Divisional Artillery at 0700 for the purpose of bringing up 2 guns from 16th London Battery. The order was cancelled and Capt. Cooper returned to Place a Bruay. 2/Lt J.C. Woollett returned from the Firing Line and became OC. 15th London Battery. Capt. Cooper returned to 17th London Battery. War Diaries 15th September 1915 Puits 14   16th September 1915 Personnel changes  Interpreter Chapaux joined 6th County of London Brigade to replace Interpreter Legrix posted to ADMS, ADVS and DADOS. War Diaries 6th September 1915 In billets 17th September 1915 Personnel changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 2/Lt. Blackwell returned and took command of 15th London Battery. 2/Lt. Woollett left Bruay and proceeded to Maroc. Capt. Cooper left Bruay and reported to 47th Divisional Artillery. War Diaries 18th September 1915 Postings and Promotions  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Working party returned to 16th London Battery. Lt. W.R. Badlen RAMC promoted to Captain. War Diaries 19th September 1915 Church Parade  6th County of London Brigade RFA hold Church Parade at 4th Corps HQ. Labuissiere. War Diaries 20th September 1915 Personnel changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Major Gordon left Bruay and proceeded to 141st Infantry Brigade as liaison officer. One Section from 16th London Battery (under Lt. Bruce) proceeded to the Front Line. Lt Bruce returned. War Diaries 21st September 1915 Unit Move and Inspection  6th London Brigade RFA left Place au Bruay and bivouacked at Haillicourt near the 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column. The six remaining guns of this Brigade and four guns of the 7th London Field Artillery Battery form the 47th Reserve Divisional Artillery (Chambers Group) under the command of Col Chambers. OC. 7th London FAB. Lt Bruce proceeded to 141st Infantry Brigade as Liaison Officer. 1st day of bombardment prior to Battle of Loos. War Diaries 22nd Sep 1915 Pre Loos Bombardment  6th County of London Brigade RFA report day was spent cleaning up camp and putting up bivouacs. This is the 2nd day of bombardment prior to the Battle of Loos. War Diaries 23rd September 1915 Pre Loos Bombardment  6th County of London Brigade RFA report one gun declared defective from 5th London Field Artillery Battery - one from 17th London Battery was taken up to replace it. 3rd day of bombardment prior to Battle of Loos. Spare stores were stored at 47th Royal Artillery storage at Haillicourt. War Diaries 23rd September 1915 Moved in the evening by bus to Les Brebis 24th September 1915 Pre Loos Bombardment  4th day of bombardment prior to Battle of Loos. War Diaries 24th September 1915 moved to trenches W2. 25th September 1915 Battle of Loos  6th London Field Artillery Brigade march from Haillicourt to Les Brebis and bivouacked at Les Brebnis. They were part of artillery support for 140,141 and 142 Infantry Brigades in 47th Division which was attached to 4th Corps. Capt. Corsan was wounded in the neck by a bullet whilst fixing in Maroc for detached section of 15th London Battery. Lt Bruce was wounded during the initial attack by the 19th Battalion London Regiment just as he reached the German front line trenches. Detached section (under 2/Lt Petro) fixed on Double Crassier during the infantry attack. The 15th London Battery detached section under Capt. Corsan fired during the attack. War Diaries 25th Sep 1915 Assualt Launched  At 6.30 on the morning of 25th of September 1915, the four-day artillery bombardment paused, gas and smoke was released and the infantry assault was launched. The gas released on I Corps front hung between the lines or blew back into British positions, notably on the northern flank around the Brickstacks. To the northern edge of the battlefield, advancing infantry emerging from the cloud suffered high losses as they were met with devastating machine gun fire. The second wave advanced once the gas at cleared, only this time to be cut down by a hail of machine gun fire and a shower of bombs. Gas was far more effective on IV Corps front south of the Grenay Ridge, in front of 15 & 47 Division sector the gas drifted towards the German trenches and the advance more successful. On some divisional fronts the gas was supplemented with smoke candles, as gas was not available in sufficient quantity. Even though it would not cause casualties, the smoke looked the same as gas and so forced the defenders to continue taking all the inconvenient anti-gas precautions. It had been estimated that to clear the German positions would require two hours of gas: but there was only enough for forty minutes, which even then, had to be supplemented with smoke. Many of the British units achieved their first objectives, but the reserve troops urgently needed to exploit these initial successes were a long way back and after a long exhausting march did not go into action until the following day. By which time the German reinforcements were counter-attacking and the British were driven back. By the end of the day the Allies had lost 13 Battalion commanders, over 400 officers and 8,500 men of other ranks. 25th Sep 1915 The Artois Campaign 25th September 1915 Gas attack 25th September 1915 Successful assault   26th September 1915 Battle of Loos  6th County of London Brigade RFA report remaining section of the 16th London Battery went up to Maroc to join the section already in the firing line. The 16th London Battery is under the command at present of Capt Cooper. Major Gordon is still with HQ at Thwaite's 141st Infantry Brigade. Detached section of 17th London Battery returned to Les Brebis to the wagon line. 2/Lt Lloyd returned to duty with the 17th London Battery from 47th Divisional Artillery. War Diaries 26th September 1915 Consolidated captured German lines. 27th September 1915 Battle of Loos  6th County of London Brigade RFA report One gun from 17th London Battery was sent to 13th London Battery to replace a gun badly damaged by an explosion in the trench. 16th London Battery fired three rounds registering. War Diaries 27th September 1915 In German trenches. 28th September 1915 Battle of Loos  6th County of London Brigade RFA 's war diary records Lt. R Bruce officially reported killed and buried by Capt. Wood, Chaplain of the 141st Infantry Brigade. 2/Lt Lloyd took five captured German field guns and one captured machine gun to Vaudricourt, where they were inspected by Field Marshall Sir John French. War Diaries 28th Sep 1915 The Terriers Bite 28th September 1915 In British trenches in W1. 28th September 1915 In the German trenches 29th September 1915 Wagon Lines Shelled  6th County of London Brigade RFA report that at 0830 Germans shelled the Wagon Line at Les Brebis. The horses were immediately withdrawn for two hours. 2/Lt J A W Petro took a party of thirty men to get captured field guns in Loos. 16th London Battery fired on enemy's trenches North of Loos. War Diaries 29th September 1915 In British trenches. 30th September 1915 On the Move 30th September 1915 Relieved by French 1st October 1915 On the Move 1st October 1915 In billets at Verquin. 2nd October 1915 Personnel Changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Lt Col A.C. Lowe DSO rejoined the Brigade from 47th Divisional Artillery. War Diaries 3rd October 1915 Church Parade  Church Parade for 5th, 6th & 7th London Field Artillery Brigades. 6th Brigade completed establishment with new (fuze 80) ammunition. 6th Brigade moved from Hesdigneul race course into billets at Labeuvriere. War Diaries 4th October 1915 New CO 5th October 1915 On the Move 5th November 1915 Locations   6th October 1915 Personnel Changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Capt M.J.K. O’Malley returned to the brigade from 47th Divisional Artillery and took up again the duties of Adjutant. Major H. Bayley returned to the Brigade from 47th Divisional Artillery. War Diaries 6th October 1915 Moved into billets 7th October 1915 Inspections  6th County of London Brigade RFA started thorough inspections of horses and equipment. War Diaries 7th October 1915 Officers joined 8th October 1915 Ready to Move  6th County of London Brigade RFA was held in readiness to move at a half hours notice. War Diaries 8th October 1915 Moved in to Reserve   8th October 1915 Operational Order 31.   9th October 1915 Conference  General Rawlinson spoke to the Division's representatives (Colonel, Adjutant, Major, Subalterns and thirty Gunners from each battery of the London Brigades Artillery and the 141st Infantry Brigade) at Drouviax. War Diaries 10th October 1915 Church Parade  Church Parade at 1045 for the whole 6th London Brigade. Order to move at a half hour notice cancelled. War Diaries 11th November 1915 Relieved 6th Battalion in A2 Sub-Sector. 11th October 1915 Operational Order 31.   12th October 1915 Battle of Loos  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Lt L W R Moore and 2/Lt O’Malley joined the Brigade from 2/6th London Field Artillery Brigade in Hertfordshire. War Diaries 12th October 1915 Pistols illuminating 1 1/2" 13th October 1915 Preparations   13th October 1915 Grenadier equipment will be issued 13th October 1915 Orders Received 14th October 1915 Move 14th Oct 1915 Londoner's Pluck 14th October 1915 Moved into Support trenches 14th October 1915 2 hours notice 15th October 1915 In Support trenches 16th October 1915 London Batteries Register  13th London Battery registered H31.G.1.4, H31.G.1.6.5, H25.0. 0, H25.G.1.2.5 and Points 14. 15th and 16th London Batteries, all registered approximately, but owing to the very bad mist left accurate registrations to a later date. 6th London BAC (Brigade Ammunition Column) proceeded to Noeux les Mines (L.M.C) from Marles. War Diaries 16th Oct 1915 The Derby Scheme 17th October 1915 London guns Register  6th County of London Brigade RFA report though still misty, the batteries of Lowe Group were able to partially complete their registrations. 2/Lt J A W Petro, 6th London Ammunition Column was transferred to 17th London Battery. War Diaries 17th October 1915 Reliefs   17th October 1915 Reliefs   17th October 1915 Recce 18th October 1915 6th London Brigade in the Battle of Loos  6th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery war diary states: Concentration of fire at 1300hrs on Woods No 5 and 4 (H25.d.1.8 to H25.d.5.8 and H25.d.5.3 to H25.c.3.9). Six rounds per gun fired at 1300, followed by four rounds per gun at 1310, fired quickly. Bombardier A J Farquharson (17th London Battery) was wounded. 2/Lt J H Van den Bergh, 16th London Battery was appointed Orderly Officer to OC. Brigade and transferred to Brigade Headquarter Staff. Gallantry Award, Under authority granted by His Majesty the King, the Field Marshall Commanding in Chief appointed the undermentioned officer to be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order: Major Hadrian Bayley, 15th County of London Battery, RFA, 6th London Brigade RFA, in recognition of services rendered at Le Plantin from the 12th to the 26th May 1915. War Diaries 18th October 1915 Relieved 8th Battalion 19th October 1915 Personnel Changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports Lt Col R R Wandsbrough (6th London Ammunition Column) proceeded to England. Lt W J Barnard appointed to command 6th London Ammunition Column, vice Lt Col R R Wandsbrough. Capt M J K O’Malley (Adjutant, 6th London Brigade RFA) transferred to 17th Division. Lt G Lyon Smith appointed Adjutant of the Brigade, vice Capt M J K O’Malley 13th London Battery moved its position to G33.a.5.9. Batteries retaliated only, for every one German shell, one 18 pounder and one 15 pounder shell is fired in retaliation. War Diary 19th October 1915 In Front Line trenches 19th October 1915 Sharp Shooters. 20th October 1915 6th London Bde Battery Activity  6th County of London Brigade RFA report At noon all batteries fired 10 rounds of shrapnel on trench H.19.d.4.0 - H.25.b.10.3. as fast as possible. At 1600 Concentration of fire on Puis 14 --- and on Wood 3,4 5, 6. Retaliation as before. Leave for the Division was reopened. Capt R.A Corsan, who had been wounded, rejoined the 15th London Battery from the Base. War Diaries 20th October 1915 3 men killed by shell fire. 21st October 1915 6th London Bde RFA Fire  6th County of London Brigade RFA report: At 1400 Concentration of fire (5 rounds per gun) on one trench H.19.a.2.0.-H.19.a.7.8. At 1420 the above action was repeated. Retaliation as usual. Horses of the Brigade were inspected by Deputy Director of Remounts: 60 horse were cast as being unsuitable, through age, size or other qualifications. War Diaries 21st October 1915 Reliefs 21st October 1915 140th Infantry Brigade. Operational Order No.34.   21st October 1915 Reliefs 21st October 1915 Operational Order No.34.   21st October 1915 Reliefs 22nd October 1915 Much Shelling  6th County of London Brigade RFA fire in retaliation only. There was much shelling by the Germans: Loos, the Chalk Pit (here smoke shells were accidentally ignited), and the Double Crassier were all shelled, we retaliated. Bombardier Rutson and Gunner Wootten (16th London Battery) were wounded. (Note - It appears they both survived as there is no trace of them in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records). War Diaries 22nd October 1915 Relief Completed 23rd October 1915 Intermittent Shelling  This afternoon there was intermittent shelling by the Germans and 6th London Brigade RFA retaliated. A Concentration of fire set to take place at 1630 was postponed. War Diaries 23rd October 1915 Reliefs   24th October 1915 Persistent Shelling  This morning and this afternoon there was again persistent shelling by the Germans on the front line trenches, Chalk Pit Wood and Loos being their principle targets. 6th County of London Brigade RFA retaliated, with one round (18 pounder) and one round (15 pounder) for every one of their rounds. At 1600 a Concentration of fire was made by 13th and 15th London Batteries on trench H.19.d.4.0 - H.25.b.2.7 while the 16th and 17th London Batteries similarly concentrated on trench H.19.d.4.0 - H.25.b.4.7. A derelict British 18 pounder Wagon Body and timber were salved. Batteries reported on a large number of misfire, due to the fact that the "T" tubes are not now being received in sealed tins. War Diaries 24th October 1915 Warned to be in readiness to move 25th October 1915 Underground dugouts to be constructed  Concentration of fire by 6th London Brigade on target-trench H.15.a.9.4 - H.13.g.1.2. At 11:00 2 rounds per gun were fired; 11:10 2 rounds per gun; 11:25 4 rounds per gun. The last to be fired in salvoes. Owing to the extremely bad weather, Battery Commanders were unable to give certain information about the enemy's position required by 47th Division, nor was the OC. Brigade able to inspect harnesses of the 15th, 16th and 17th Batteries as arranged. An order was received to construct large dug outs 15 feet below ground level; each dugout is to be in communication with the next to it by means of an underground passage. Lt R. Bruce RFA of 6th London Brigade officially announced as having Died of wounds. War Diaries 26th October 1915 Inspection and Registration  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports 2/Lt A. F Yencken proceeded to England on 7 days leave of absence. The OC. Brigade inspected the harness of the 6th London Ammunition Column. Retaliation - In future British guns are to fire 5 time as many rounds as the Germans have fired. There was no concentration of fire today. 13th London Battery registered H.19.b.8.1, H.25.b.2.5 and H.25.b.6.2. In return for the intermittent shelling of our first line trenches all day by the Germans, our batteries retaliated on the German front line. 15th and 16th London Batteries spotted the flash of the German battery at H.10.b.8.7. War Diaries 26th October 1915 140th Infantry Brigade. Operational Order No.36.   26th October 1915  Operational Order No.36.   27th October 1915 Shelling and Retaliation  6th County of London Brigade RFA report at 0300 a Concentration of fire on Wood 6 and trenches in squares H.25,26 and 31. 6 rounds per gun were fired as quickly as possible. At 0500 the above action was repeated. There was no reply by the enemy. At 1205 the Germans obtained direct hit on a gun emplacement of 13th London Battery. One man was seriously wounded and three others slightly wounded. The Enemy shelled trenches in front of Puits 14 bis, Chalk Pit, Chalk Pit Wood and Loos. We retaliated. War Diaries 28th October 1915 King inspects IV Corps  At 1100 Representatives of all Units of IV Corps were inspected by his Majesty King George V between Labuissiere and Hesdigneul. 30 picked men, in charge of Lt W.J. Barnard represented the 6th County of London Brigade. His majesty was thrown from his horse, but was uninjured. The weather was very unfavourable. Intermittent shelling of trenches, Chalk Pit and Loos as yesterday. We retaliated. The Ammunition Column received 77 light draught horse, in accordance with the new establishment. Heavy draught horses are being returned. War Diaries 28th October 1915 Handcarts 29th October 1915 Shelling and Retaliation  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Capt W.R. Sadler RAMC (Medical Officer in charge 6th London Brigade RFA) proceeded to England on 10 days leave of absence. Shelling and retaliation continued as before. The 13th London Battery had two men wounded at Gun Position and one man wounded in Wagon Line which was also shelled. 13th London Battery moved gun position to G.33.a.0.9. All units of Lowe Group are supplying men for working parties in the trenches and men are also being supplied for the building of huts in the Wagon Lines. War Diaries 29th October 1915 140th Infantry Brigade. Operational Order No.36.   29th October 1915 140th Infantry Brigade. Operational Order No.36.   30th October 1915 Heavy Enemy Fire Quietened  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Lt Col R.W.A. Christie having proceeded on leave, Lt Col A.C.Lowe DSO assumed command of the Christie Group in addition to the Lowe Group. At 1500 there was a Concentration of fire on enemy trenches in H.19.6. This quietened enemy’s fire which had been heavy all day, their targets as before. 8 Bell tents were issued to each battery, for the temporary use (until their huts are ready) of men in the Wagon Lines. 15th London Battery moved their Wagon Lines due to the bad state of the ground caused by continued wet weather. War Diaries 30th October 1915 Moved up to A2 sub section 31st October 1915 Hostile Shell Fire  6th County of London Brigade RFA are situated at Loos, Chalk Pit and our first Front Line trenches were again shelled and we retaliated. At 1435 there was hostile shell fire near the gun positions of the 15th and 17th London Batteries. The officer’s dugout of the 15th London Battery were knocked in. Capt R.A. Corsan had to be dug out, but he was uninjured. Leave of absence was increased to 6 men per Brigade weekly. The 17th London Battery moved their Wagon Line. There will be a concentration of fire at 0230 and 0515 tomorrow morning. War Diaries 31st October 1915 In Front Line trenches 1st November 1915 Daily Battery Activity  6th County of London Brigade RFA report that from 0230 to 0515 all Batteries fired 8 rounds per gun, beginning with a salvo on hostile trenches. At 1800 and 1855 all Batteries concentrated fire on trenches Hotel.25.d.1.0, Hotel.31.b.2.4 There was very heavy shelling of our Front Line and communication trenches throughout the day, especially the Chalk Pit. On two occasions, when British and French artillery retaliated, German fire stopped, but on another occasion they continued. Gallantry Award: "Under authority granted by His Majesty the King, the Field Marshall Commanding in Chief, appointed the under mentioned Officer to be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Major Adrian Charles Gordon, 16th County of London Battery, RFA, 6th London Brigade RFA, in recognition of services rendered at Loos on the 25th and 26th September 1915." War Diaries 1st November 1915 In Front Line trenches A2 Sub-Section. 1st November 1915 Wounded German prisoner. 2nd November 1915 Artillery Activity   2nd November 1915 Equivalent to our 'Very' pistol 3rd November 1915 Hostile Fire  6th County of London Brigade RFA report: Throughout the day there was considerable shelling of our Front Line, particularly in section A2, by light field guns and howitzers. As yesterday, hostile field gun fire was effectively stopped by our field gun fire, but hostile fire from howitzers continued. 2/Lt W.J. O’Malley, 6th London Ammunition Column attached to the 15th London Battery during absence on leave of 2/Lt A.F. Blackwell. War Diaries 3rd November 1915 Reliefs 3rd November 1915 Trench Boards 4th November 1915 Bad Light  6th County of London Brigade RFA report the light was bad for observation until 1100. In future our Artillery will only retaliate at the request of our Infantry. A.1 was again shelled during the day, but no request was received by the 15th London Battery to fire, nor by the 17th London Battery. The 16th London Battery retaliated at the request of Infantry. There was less shelling than on previous days. War Diaries 4th November 1915 Reserve Trench   4th November 1915 In Support trenches 5th November 1915 Cartridges Accidentally Ignited 5th November 1915 Relieved 6th Battalion in A1 Sub-Section. 6th November 1915 Dense Mist   6th November 1915 Shelled intermittently all day. 7th November 1915 Gum Boots Issued  6th County of London Brigade RFA report at the following times shelling took place with two salvoes per Battery 2030, 2200, 2300, 0100, 0300 and 0400. 15th Battery fired at H.25.d.2.1, H.25.d.0.3, H.25.d.0.7, H.25.d.5.9 16th Battery fired at H.26.c.0.7, H.26.c.3.9 17th Battery fired at H.25.b.6.4, H.25.b.9.6, H.25.b.5.10, H.19.d.1.7 The following message was received from the 47th Divisional Artillery. "The intermittent bombardment which has taken place during the last few days is to cease and short bombardments will take place instead". The weather was again foggy and observation difficult. At 1600 Bombardment of trench H.13.d.2.5, H.13.d.5.5 by all batteries of the 6th London Brigade RFA. Lt. Col. R.W. Christie RFA having returned from leave, resumed command of Christie Group. Gum boots were issued to batteries for use of telephonists and linesmen. War Diaries 7th November 1915 Heavily shelled all day. 7th November 1915 Operation Order No.40. 8th November 1915 Heavy Enemy Shelling  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports Lt Col A.C. Lowe DSO proceeded to England on 10 days leave of absence. At 0630, 0640, 0715 short bombardments took place of crossroads in H.26.c and about 100 yards along each road. At 1430, 2110 and 2200, there were short bombardments of trench H.13.d.2.5, H.13.d.8.5 There was heavy enemy shelling of the battery positions and the observation stations and the ground between them. 16th London Battery sustained 1 casualty and the 17th London Battery sustained 2, all slightly wounded. 16th London Battery spotted the flashes of 2 hostile batteries. The atmosphere was very clear and observation was very good. 2/Lt W.J. O’Malley, attached to the 15th London Battery, returned to the 6th London Ammunition Column. War Diaries 8th November 1915 Reliefs 9th November 1915 Hostile Batteries Observed   9th November 1915 In Reserve trenches. 9th November 1915 Men suffering from frost bite 10th November 1915 Short Bombardments  6th County of London Brigade RFA in action. 1400 Short bombardment of trenches around Wood VI (H.25.d). 2100 Short bombardment of tracks running from H.20.a.5.1 and H.20.c.4.8 to H.20 central. In retaliation for the latter bombardment, Germans shelled Chalk Pit. The shooting was bad. 16th and 17th London Batteries each observed flashes of hostile batteries. War Diaries 10th November 1915 Billet shelled   10th November 1915 Bombardments   11th November 1915 Fortified mound observed  6th County of London Brigade RFA fired at 0555, a Short bombardment of all field guns on their night lines. At 1630 a Short bombardment of H.20.c.6.5, H.26.a.9.9 (suspected light high velocity guns). Railway Alley was again shelled at intervals during the day. 17th London Battery observed flashes of hostile guns, and observed a mound strongly fortified, evidently made of reinforced concrete. The report made about this mound by the OC. 17th Lon Battery was republished in its entirety in IV Corps intelligence summary. War Diaries 11th November 1915 Orders   12th November 1915 Quiet Day 12th November 1915 Posen Alley in very bad state. 12th November 1915 Instructions for Entrainment 12th November 1915 Bombardments    13th November 1915 Slow Bombarment  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from 0900 a slow bombardment took place lasting 1 hour, in conjunction with No 1 Group Heavy Artillery Reserve, of frontline trenches H.25.b.9.5, H.25.d.0.9 and communication trench in H.2A.a. At 1450 and 1500 Woods 3 and 4 were bombarded. War Diaries 13th November 1915 Rained steadily all day. 13th November 1915 Operational Order No.42.   13th November 1915 Schedule of Movement. 14th November 1915 6th London Bde RFA prepare for Relief  6th County of London Brigade RFA report: At 0545 and 0605 bombardment of trenches H.19.b.5.4, Puits 13 bis and H.19.b.8.4, H.20.c.4.8 took place. At 1545 bombardment of trench southwest of Hulluch, H.13.d.2.10, H.13.d.2.5 also occurred. The remainder of the 18 pounder equipment, 6 guns and 12 wagons for batteries together with 6 wagons for Brigade Ammunition Column, which was due to arrive by 1400 at Noeux les Mines station arrived at 2100 and having been detrained, were parked in an adjacent field for the night. The first allotment of 18 pounders and equipment which had arrived 10 days ago, were taken today by road to Auchel, there to await the arrival of the Brigade on coming out of action. Then 2nd instalment of 18 pounder guns, which arrived today, were collected by Batteries. 2/Lt M.V. Eddis 2/6 London Brigade RFA, reported for duty from England and was attached to the 15th London Battery. War Diaries 14th November 1915 Reliefs   14th November 1915 Reliefs 15th November 1915 Batteries Relieved   15th November 1915 Marched to Noeux Les Mines 16th November 1915 Relocations  6th County of London Brigade RFA sections which arrived at Noeux les Mines last night, parked their 15pdrs near the station, dumped their 15pounderdr ammunition in a selected spot and, having taken over their 18pounders which arrived on Sunday last, proceeded to Auchel to rest. The remaining sections of the 15th, 16th & 17th London Batteries were relieved at 1630 and proceeded to Noeux les Mines, where they remained for the night. War Diaries 16th November 1915 In billets in Rue De Bethune. 17th November 1915 Relocations  6th County of London Brigade RFA having parked their 15 pounder guns and ammunition at Noeux les Mines station, the sections relieved last night proceeded to Auchel to rest. Brigade Headquarters moved to Auchel. A small loading party was left at Noeux les Mines. Major H. Bayley DSO proceeded to England on 12 days leave of absence. War Diaries 17th November 1915 In billets. 18th November 1915 New equipment, Rest and Training  The complete 6th County of London Brigade has now relocated to Auchel and steps were immediately take to check the new 18 pounder equipment. The 18 pounder guns which had been parked at Auchel, under guard, since Sunday last, were fetched from the gun park. Thus the whole Brigade is now complete with 18 pounder guns and equipment. The addition of an attached officer per Battery has been sanctioned. 2/Lt M.G. Whitten & 2/Lt H.P. Barrow, 2/6th London Brigade RFA, having arrived from England were taken on the strength of the Brigade. 2/Lt M.G. Whitten was posted to the 16th London Battery and 2/Lt H.P. Barrow was attached to the 16th London Battery. 2/Lt M.V. Eddis was attached to the 15th London Battery and Lt H.L. Burgis attached to the 6th London Ammunition Column. Capt W. Cooper attached to 16th London Battery, rejoined 17th London Battery Capt R.A. Corsan returned from the Base to duty with 15th London Battery. War Diaries 18th November 1915 Issue of Rice in lieu of biscuits 18th November 1915 Reporting flashes of Enemy gun fire 19th November 1915 Training  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Lt J.C. Woollett, 15th London Battery and 4 telephonists per unit proceeded to Marles les Mines on a course of instruction in telephony. Inspections of the 18 pounder equipment and clothing etc, was held by OC. Units. One man per unit sent to Headquarters IV Corps for course of advanced telephony. War Diaries 20th November 1915 Instruction in gunnery  A course of Instruction in gunnery was held at the Headquarters of the 47th Divisional Ammunition Column under the superintendence of Capt F.J. Clarke RFA. The following officers of 6th London Brigade RFA attended Lt M.V. Eddie, 15th London Battery, 2/Lt H. Davis 16th London Battery and 2/Lt H.L. Burgis 6th London Ammunition Column. 4 NCOs per unit also attended the course. A section of guns were loaned for the course by each of the 15th & 16th London Batteries. War Diaries 21st November 1915 Inspections and Regimental Sports  An Inspection of clothing was held by the OC. Brigade before the 6th London Brigade RFA took part in the instituted Divisional Service League Football Competition. War Diaries 22nd November 1915 Training  6th County of London Brigade RFA report a course of Instruction in Military Correspondence, Indents etc. was instituted with lectures being given by S.M.J.T. Heed. All Subaltern officers are attending. The men are also having instruction in the following: shoeing, chiropody and cooking. War Diaries 22nd November 1915 In rest at Lillers. 23rd November 1915 Inspections and Promotions  6th County of London Brigade RFA, 15th & 16th London Batteries went on a route march, at the end of which their harness was inspected by the OC. Brigade. In the evening these units were invited to a Cinematograph Performance by the OC. Brigade. The following promotions were gazetted Second Lieutenant to be temporary Lieutenant, dated July 28th C.E.H. Lloyd J.A.W. Petro A.F. Yencken J.H. Van den Bergh Dated August 20th V.C. Lucas J.C. Woollett A.F. Blackwell War Diaries 25th November 1915 6th London Bde RFA Loos  6th County of London Brigade RFA report one officer from Brigade Headquarters and 6th London Ammunition Column and 2 officers per Battery left Auchel, with a view to taking over from the 5th London Brigade RFA in action near Loos. Officers of the 5th London Brigade RFA arrived at Auchel to take over the guns and billets of the 6th London Brigade RFA. Arrangements have been made for this Brigade to use the guns of the 5th London Brigade RFA, whilst the latter are resting at Auchel. War Diaries 26th November 1915 Relocation  The 6th County of London Brigade moved from Auchel at 0630 for Noyelles. Gunners of the 6th London Brigade RFA took over the guns and positions of the 5th London Brigade RFA at 1300 hrs. The Brigade forms part of the Poole Group, and is engaged in counter battery work, ie. it is employed solely in engaging hostile batteries. Arrangements have been made for aeroplane observation & wireless apparatus has been erected at Brigade Headquarters, which is at Noyelles les Verelles. The 15th & 17th London Batteries occupy the positions they formerly occupied, before being relieved by the 14th & 12th London Batteries respectively viz G.27.b.0.6. and G.27.a.0.9. The 16th Lon Battery is in position due north of Vermelles, G.2.c.6.8. Wagon Line and Ammunition Column are at Noeux les Mines. War Diaries 27th November 1915 Hostile Batteries Engaged  6th County of London Brigade RFA report a few rounds were spent in registration, and during the day five hostile batteries were engaged. In all cases except one, the enemy ceased fire. Cites St Pierre and St Leonard were also fired on by order of Poole Group. War Diaries 28th November 1915 Enemy Batteries Engaged  6th County of London Brigade RFA. Territorial Force report Fifteen hostile batteries were engaged. In twelve cases fire ceased and in the other three cases the enemy opened fire with 5.9 shells. It was too misty to form definite observations. The Wagon Lines at Noeux les Mines were shelled but there were no casualties. War Diaries 29th November 1915 Hostile Batteries Engaged  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Noyelles report thirty two hostile batteries were engaged. Direct hits were obtained in one case. Enemy ceased fire in seventeen case. Batteries are firing an average of 200 rounds each daily. In the absence of Major H. Bayley DSO (on leave), Capt R.A. Corsan is commanding the 15th London Battery and Lt C.E.H. Lloyd is in command of the 17th London Battery during the absence on leave of Major P.J. Clifton and Capt W. Cooper. The 15th and 17th Lon Battery positions were heavily shelled today. No casualties occurred in the 17th London Battery. In the 15th London Battery, one gunner was wounded, and one gun temporarily put out of action, a piece of shell hitting and damaging the cradle. Within 2 hours the gun concerned was in action again. War Diaries 30th November 1915 Hostile Batteries Engaged  6th County of London Brigade RFA report twenty seven hostile batteries were engaged, of which thirteen ceased firing. An average of 140 rounds per battery were fired today. Capt P.A. Love, having reported from Base Details, was posted to the 6th London Ammunition Column to assume command. 1st December 1915 Hostile Batteries Engaged  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Noyelles report thirty hostile batteries were engaged, and in thirteen cases the enemy ceased fire. A very successful shoot with an aeroplane observer was undertaken today. Corrections were sent by the observer by wireless to Brigade Headquarters and were telephoned thence to the Battery which was firing. Three targets were engaged by the 16th London Battery, a hostile battery and 2 crossroads. In each case the target was hit, after only very few corrections. The 15th London Battery also engaged a target, but owing to the failing light, the service had to be discontinued, nor were the 17th London Battery able to fire by aeroplane, for the same reason. Leave postponed until Saturday. Wagon Lines at Noeux les Mines. Lieut L.W.B. Moore left this station for England. War Diaries 1st Dec 1915 Derby Scheme Armlets 1st December 1915 Took part in Divisional Exercise 2nd December 1915 Daily Battery Activity  The 6th County of London Brigade RFA was relieved by the 7th Brigade RFA. The 15th London Battery took over the position and the guns of the 16th London Battery. The 16th London Battery (with the guns of the 14th London Battery, which had been used by the 15th London Battery) and 17th London Battery (with the guns of 12th London Battery), together with Brigade Headquarters, proceeded to Noeux les Mines, where they stayed for the night. War Diaries 3rd December 1915 Batteries move  The 6th County of London Brigade RFA, less 15th London Battery and one section of the Brigade Ammunition Column (commanded by Lieut W.J. Barnard), proceeded from Moeux les Mines to Cauchy a la Tour, a village occupied by the 7th London Brigade RFA. The horselines were unsatisfactory and the billets, consisting of barns, were bad. War Diaries 3rd December 1915 Returned to billets in Lillers. 4th December 1915 An Unsatisfactory Location  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Cauchy a la Tour report Major A.C. Gordon and Lieut G. Lyon Smith proceeded to England, each on 10 days leave of absence. Permission was obtained from 47 Div Artillery to move the Brigade to Auchel, owing to the unsatisfactory billets and horselines at this station. Brigade billeting party proceeded to Auchel this afternoon. War Diaries 4th December 1915 Rest billets at Lillers. 5th December 1915 Relocation  The 6th County of London Brigade RFA less 15th London Battery and one section of Brigade Ammunition Column, moved from this station to Auchel. Units were inspected on the march by the OC. Brigade. War Diaries 6th December 1915 Relocations  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 2/Lt W.J. O’Malley, 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column, transferred to 47th Divisional Artillery Column. 15th London Battery were today relieved by the 20th London Battery, for whom they left their guns. 15th London Battery proceeded to Noeux les Mines where they remained for the night. War Diaries 7th December 1915 Moves and Conference 8th December 1915 Lectures and Training  Representatives from 6th County of London Brigade RFA attend a lecture given at 47th Divisional Ammunition Column Officer's Mess by Captain Carthew, Royal Flying Corps, on 'Cooperation between Artillery and Aircraft'. A Course for Artificers was instituted at Rammert. The lectures by RSM Hood on 'Military Correspondence, Indents etc.' were continued. War Diaries 9th December 1915 Moves and Inspections 10th December 1915 lecture and moves  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Lieut V.C. Lucas, 16th London Battery, proceeded to Liettres, to attend at the Gunnery School, First Army. The detached section of the Brigade Ammunition Column, having been relieved by a section of the 7th London Brigade Ammunition Column, proceeded to Auchel, from Noeux les Mines. A Lecture given to Subaltern Officers by RSM Hood on 'The Duties of NCOs in Wagon Lines' War Diaries 11th December 1915 Inspections  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Capt R.A. Corsan and Lieut W.J. Barnard proceeded to England on 7 days leave of absence. The OC. Brigade proceeded by motor car to the firing line to see proposed gun positions for the Brigade. All the horses of the Brigade inspected by the ADVS 47th Division. War Diaries 11th Sep 1915 Last day of Derby Scheme Recruitment 12th December 1915 Church Parade  The 6th County of London Brigade RFA attended Church Parade, after which clothing and equipment was inspected by the OC. Brigade. The Young Officers Gunnery Course..... (incomplete- possibly a referral to the course taking place at this date in some divisional location.) War Diaries 13th December 1915 Inspections and Equipment  6th County of London Brigade RFA Battery Commanders proceeded by motor to the firing line, to see their new gun positions and Wagon Lines. The 18 pounder guns originally allotted to this Brigade, which had been handed over to the 5th London Brigade RFA at Auchel on the relief when this Brigade took over the guns of the 5th London Brigade RFA in action at Noyelles, were received back by this Brigade in exchange for the guns originally allotted to the 5th London Brigade RFA. War Diaries 13th December 1915 Operational Order No.44.   13th December 1915 Schedule of Billeting   14th December 1915 Recreation  6th County of London Brigade RFA acknowledge the allotment for leave of absence has been decreased. 10 men per Brigade, instead of 16, now proceed on leave each week. A Brigade Concert was held in the Cinema Theatre, Auchel. War Diaries 15th December 1915 Action Stations   15th December 1915 Moved to Verquin 15th December 1915 47th Division relieving 15th Division 16th December 1915 Registration   16th December 1915 In billets in Verquin. 16th December 1915 140th Infantry Brigade will relieve the 141st Infantry Brigade 17th December 1915 Registering   17th December 1915 Operational Order No.45.   18th December 1915 Observation Poor  6th County of London Brigade RFA report observation conditions are very bad. German front line trenches shelled by Lowe Group Batteries in retaliation for hostile fire and bombing on our trenches. 17th London Battery fired several times by request of Infantry, who reported that our shelling last night stopped the German bombing. All horses of the Brigade were inspected in Wagon Lines by the DDR. Lieut J.C. Woollett and 2nd Lieut H. Davis proceeded to England on 7 days leave of absence. (Note DDR = Deputy Director of Remounts) 18th December 1915 Battalion transport will move to Noyelles Les Vermelles   19th December 1915 Intermittent Shelling   19th December 1915 Reliefs   20th December 1915 Enemy Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA report at 1315, 1352 and 1440 15th London Battery fired on trench A,28,c,2.3. This silenced a trench mortar shelling our front line at A.28.c.2.3. 17th London Battery reported that from 0700 to 0730 digging went on in several places in the Little Willie and Germans were seen passing various points where the parapet had been breached on the previous day. A steel loophole was visible at G.4.b.2.10 through which men could be seen passing. The 17th London Battery fired thirty rounds at a machine gun reported at G.5.6.7. 19th London Battery fired twelve rounds on G.4.b.97 in reply to enemy shelling G.4.a. and the enemy ceased firing. War Diaries 20th December 1915 Cleaning of trenches - Chapel Alley & O.B.5. 21st December 1915 Steady Shelling  6th County of London Brigade RFA report shelling took place on both sides steadily all day. From 0200 to 0800 15th London Battery fired one hundred and fifty shrapnel and one hundred and thirty six H.E. on the Cross Trench. At 20.55 the 17th London Battery fired sixty two H.E. on G.4.c.3.9 at request front infantry who were being shelled heavily in Sticky and Northampton trenches. The 19th London Battery fired at intervals during the afternoon on G.4.b.9.7 to G.5.a.1.3 in reply to enemy shelling at G.4.a. (Note H.E.= High Explosives Shells). War Diaries 21st December 1915 Situation quiet on Support Line. 21st December 1915 Unauthorised truce 22nd December 1915 6th London Bde Batteries in Action   22nd December 1915 Gas discharged at 2000 hours under very favourable conditions   23rd December 1915 London Batteries in Action   23rd December 1915 Battalion moved to Front Line in C1 Sector 24th December 1915 Christmas Eve Explosion   24th December 1915 Support Battalion moved in to O.B.1. 25th December 1915 Steady Bombardment   25th December 1915 Officer shot man of German patrol in early morning. 26th December 1915 Observation Posts Sighted   26th December 1915 German T.M. located at G.12.a.45.   26th December 1915 Operational Order No. 47. 27th December 1915 6th London Bde Batteries Fire   27th December 1915 Moved to Verquin in Reserve billets 28th December 1915 Batteries in Action   28th December 1915 In Reserve billets at Verquin. 28th December 1915 Reliefs 28th December 1915 Letter 29th December 1915 A Busy Day   29th December 1915 In Reserve billets in Verquin. 30th December 1915 Enemy Mine Explosion   30th December 1915 Orders   31st December 1915 Observation Post   31st December 1915 Moved in to Brigade Reserve 18th October 1916 Reconnoiter of new sector. 19th October 1916 Operational Order No.113   1st January 1916 Firing in the New Year   1st January 1916 In Brigade Reserve 2nd January 1916 Report   2nd January 1916 Relieved 6th Battalion Londons in D1 Sub-Section 3rd January 1916 Enemy Shelling   3rd January 1916 Billets in Verquin 4th January 1916 Quiet Day   4th January 1916 Left Verquin for Brebis 5th January 1916 Little Firing  6th County of London Brigade RFA report another quiet day with very little firing by either side owing to the presence of a number of aeroplanes (both British & hostile). It has been observed that the Germans are beginning to adopt our system of concentrating their fire on small localities. Today, for instance, they fired in concentration 3 times, each concentration lasting six minutes. A.28.c. was the target. War Diaries 5th January 1916 Relieved 32nd Regt, 18th Division ( French Infantry ) 6th January 1916 Reliefs   6th January 1916 On the Move   6th January 1916 In Central section. 7th January 1916 Reorganisation   8th January 1916 Relocations  Lowe Group (6th & 1st London Brigades RFA) is now in position at Les Brebis. The 15th and 16th London Batteries are on the Northern side of Fosse 7 and Batteries of the 1st London Brigade are on the south side of Fosse 7. The 17th London Battery is in Maroc. The 16th & 17th London Batteries each have one gun detached (but near the battery position) in such a position so as to be able to enfilade hostile trenches. Lowe Group covers the front of the 141st Inf Brigade. The day was chiefly spent in registering. The 17th London Battery position was shelled, but no damage was done. War Diaries 8th January 1916 Reliefs 9th January 1916 6th London Battery Activity  A little registration & principally retaliation at request of Infantry took place. A bombardment by the 5 inch howitzers of 6th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery took place. The 3rd London Battery also took part and fired very satisfactorily. War Diaries 9th January 1916 In billets in Les Brebis. 10th January 1916 Enemy Shelling  6th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery are at Les Brebis. and report:- During the day the enemy shelled our front line, 2nd line & communication trenches continuously & we retaliated at the request of Infantry. Lieut W.J. Barnard 6th London Ammunition Column was attached to the 15th London Battery. Lieut J.H. Van den Bergh, Orderly Officer to OC. Brigade, transferred to 6th London Ammunition Column. 2/Lt M.V. Eddis, 15th London Battery, transferred to HQ Staff and was appointed Orderly Officer to OC. Brigade. 2/Lt H.L. Burgis, 6th London Ammunition Column was attached to the 16th London Battery. War Diaries 10th Jan 1916 Group System Reopens 10th January 1916 Relieved the two Companies in Maroc. 11th January 1916 Retaliation  Enemy shelled our trenches all day 6th London Brigade RFA retaliated and in the majority of cases enemy ceased firing. Enemy shelled Loos from 1400 to 1630 at frequent intervals. OC. 2nd London Battery reports that generally speaking his retaliation did not stop their shelling Loos. War Diaries 11th January 1916 In billets in Les Brebis. 12th January 1916 Daily Battery Activity  There was practically no firing from either side during the morning owing to the amount of balloons up. In the afternoon the light was bad. Firing by Batteries of the 6th London Brigade on trenches M.5.d, M6.d seemed to stop the enemy shelling Loos Sector. The western end of the Double Crassier was shelled from 1300 to 1400. War Diaries 12th January 1916 Brigade moved in to Loos Sector. 12th January 1917 M.G's. active at "Stand To"   13th January 1916 Firing on Front Line Trenches  During the day there was a certain amount of firing on the front line trenches of the right subsection of Loos Sector. In every case firing ceased on batteries retaliating. 6th London Brigade Batteries continued to register various points. At 1530 all batteries concentrated their fire on Railway as ordered. At intervals during the night Batteries fired on the right lines. The 15th London Battery fired 20 rounds of shrapnel on the Lens Road. War Diaries 13th January 1916 Support in Loos Sector. 14th January 1916 Shelling at Intervals  From 0800 to 1030 6th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery shelled right Loos subsection at intervals, the 15th London Battery firing on front line and the 17th London Battery enfilading support and communication trenches appeared very successful in causing enemy to cease fire. The 3rd London Battery claim to have hit a suspected machine Gun emplacement at G.36.d.9.2. Apparently there was a German relief taking place from 2245 to 0030 and, at request of Infantry, batteries fired on their right lines. War Diaries 15th January 1916 Heavy Shelling  6th County of London Brigade RFA report there was quite a lot of retaliation during the day for enemy shelling our front and 2nd line trenches. The Germans shelled the Lens-Bethune road intermittently. Fire on the main road at N.7.a.3.0 caused the enemy to cease firing. Concentration of fire from 1400 to 1500 appeared successful and the fire of the field guns was accurate. Loos was heavily shelled from 1000 to 1100. The 140th Infantry Brigade took over from 141st Infantry Brigade on a slightly different front entailing the right outer H2 becoming the centre, the centre becoming the left and a new right. This caused some trouble with the guns but communications were satisfactorily maintained. War Diaries 15th January 1916 Relieved 1 Coy. 8th Battalion 16th January 1916 Batteries Fire  6th County of London Brigade RFA report the 2nd & 3rd London Batteries registered their new zones. The 2nd London Battery now fired on Observation Point at G.33.b.10.9. At frequent intervals throughout the day, the enemy shelled our front line trenches from M.5.b.8.2. to M.5.a.4.4. The 15th London Battery retaliated on front line trenches causing the enemy to cease firing. From 0800 to 1030 the enemy shelled front line trenches just north of Chalk Pit to half way down the copse. The 16th London Battery fired on front line communication trenches opposite. There were 4 balloons up opposite the Loos sector during the day. They appeared to have been towed along the sector. War Diaries 16th January 1916 Heavy Shelling 17th January 1916 Quiet Day  6th County of London Brigade RFA report this was the quietest day yet in Loos sector. The enemy hardly shelled at all, except a little on our front line trenches. Many aeroplanes were up which may have accounted for this. War Diaries 18th January 1916 Enemy Artillery Very Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA report German artillery was very active probably owing to the absence of our aeroplanes. The 3rd & 15th London Batteries fired on the front line from M.5.d.7.9. to M.5.d.0.6. which was effective in causing the enemy to cease firing. During the day up to about 1445 each Battery retaliated on the enemy’s support & communication trenches War Diaries 19th January 1916 Enemy Shelling  6th County of London Brigade RFA report the Enemy shelled our trenches in Loos Sector at frequent intervals during the day. Our retaliation was successful in causing hostile fire to cease each time. There was a test concentration on the copse at 12 noon as practice against the mine going up. This was successful and the batteries got off their rounds very quickly. War Diaries 20th January 1916 Enemy Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA report the Enemy firing on our trenches in the Loos sector with Field Guns and 4.2 mortars was fairly active throughout the day. In every case retaliation followed and was successful. The 15th London Battery reported a number of blank H.E. shells. Batteries registered points outside their allotted zones with a view to possible concentration of fire. War Diaries 20th January 1916 Reliefs 21st January 1916 Shelling and Retaliation  6th County of London Brigade RFA report there was a certain amount of shelling during the day in the Loos Sector, more especially in the centre subsection. Batteries retaliated and were successful in causing enemy to cease fire each time. Quality Street, Fosse 7, and the Lens-Bethune Road were heavily shelled yesterday morning. The 17th London Battery reported that at 12 noon yesterday, a Staff Officer and two other officers put their head and shoulders above the trench in front of Artillery Mansions. The Germans immediately opened fire on Observation Posts near them. Lieut A.F. Yenchen 17th Battery proceeded on 7 days leave of absence to England. War Diaries 21st January 1916 In billets 22nd January 1916 Heavy Shelling  6th County of London Brigade RFA report that during the day there was only slight intermittent firing on front and support trenches in the Loos Sector more especially in M.5.a and b. The Battery positions near Fosse 7 were heavily shelled all day. Enemy gun types shelling our battery positions were: 4.2s from Lite St Pierre; 5.9s from Douvrin and a 4.2(very high velocity) gun from Hulluch direction. This gun must be very near the German front line trench as the arrival of the shell synchronises with the sound of the discharge. The 16th London Battery reported a single gun 4.2(High Velocity) behind Fosse 8 registering on trenches in enfilade G.34.d. The 17th London Battery reported that the Signal Boxes are no longer possible as an Observation Point. In M.5.b.9.1. we put up a mine to prevent the Germans putting up a mine in the same spot. We consolidated the position on our side of the crater, the artillery support being very effective. The 15th & 16th London Batteries fired on the front line trench crossing the Lens-Bethune Road. The enemy retaliated on Loos with 5.9s from Wingles direction. The Lowe Group suffered 7 casualties today - 1 killed and 6 wounded. (3 men wounded in the 15th London Battery, 1 killed & 2 wounded in the 3rd London Battery and 1 wounded in the 1st London Battery). War Diaries 23rd January 1916 Quiet Day  6th County of London Brigade RFA record a very quiet day. A little hostile shelling on M.5.a and b, otherwise no shelling in Loos Sector or on battery positions near Fosse 7 and Maroc. German aircraft were active in the morning. Flashes were observed on bearing 120.5 from G.34.a.4.6 - a field gun shelling Loos Road. War Diaries 24th January 1916 Enemy Artillery very Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA report enemy artillery were very active during the day with intermittent firing on our front line and communication trenches. The 16th London Battery reports that from the smell of bromide from shell holes about G.27.a.1.8., it would appear that the Germans have been using Lachrymatory shells. The Colonel, Orderly officer and Battery Commanders of the 3rd London Brigade RFA came up preparatory to taking over from the 1st London Brigade RFA. The Battery commanders went back that night. (Note Lachrymatory refers to Tear Gas probably bromide based) War Diaries 24th January 1916 Reliefs 25th January 1916 Intense Bombardment  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from 1130 to about 1600 the enemy shelled the Loos Sector and at times the bombardment was intense, especially on Loos Pylons and houses south of Crassier. Enemy aircraft very active all day. Much work has been done on the saps in front of the German lines. The main Loos to Maroc communication trench was shelled with many howitzers at 1500 (between 40 and 50 shells). The 16th London Battery caused a thick column of black smoke to rise from the German front line by a High Explosive shell. The 17th London Battery reported a gun firing from Cite St Laurent Church on north Maroc and Fosse 5. The 17th London Battery report picking up a fuse of this gun marked as follows: H.Z.14 Vorst and ------ -----; safety pins fuse, superior, ----- SWN15 Manufactures by SWN (under the 329 list of unknown makers) in 1915. 329 is the Factory series number. One section of each battery of the 3rd London Brigade RFA (the 7th, 8th & 9th) took over respectively from 1st,2nd & 3rd London Batteries (1st London Brigade RFA). War Diaries 25th January 1916 In the Trenches 26th January 1916 Enemy Artillery Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA report hostile artillery was again active during the day. From 1345 to 1430 enemy bombarded very heavily, the Copse, the Chalk Pit and Fosse 7 communication trenches with light high velocity guns, 4.2s, & 5.9s from Lens. The Germans have done a lot of work in their new trenches. Observation Balloon went down as soon as the shelling ceased. During the night new trench and saps were kept under fire. The remaining sections of the 3rd London Brigade RFA took over from the remaining sections of the 1st London Brigade RFA War Diaries 27th January 1916 Heavy Bombardment  6th County of London Brigade RFA report an extraordinarily heavy bombardment took place on our trenches during the morning and Lowe Group Batteries spent much ammunition in retaliation. At 1300 the hostile bombardment suddenly ceased and the afternoon was fairly quiet. Maroc Church Tower was knocked down by 5.9 shells. Lowe Group Batteries fired on their right lines during the night. The Germans made a small attack on a battalion frontage near Puits 14 but they achieved nothing. The day passed off without any further trouble. War Diaries 28th January 1916 Enemy Bombard Trenches  6th County of London Brigade RFA report the enemy violently bombarded our trenches between Loos Crassier and Lens-Bethune Road but not to the extent they did yesterday. Fosse 7 and Maroc was heavily bombarded with all calibres of shell particularly 5.9 gas shells. The 17th London Battery reported that very little work was done on the new German front lines probably owing to our guns firing during the night before. Our guns fired on their right lines during the night at intervals. War Diaries 29th January 1916 Quiet Day  6th County of London Brigade RFA report a quiet day. Very little hostile shelling except between 1330 and 1430 where enemy shelled trenches with Light High Velocity guns at various points. Bad light all day. During the night we fired on our right lines at irregular intervals. Lt A.F. Blackwell and Lt D A W Petro proceeded on 7 days leave of absence to England. War Diaries 29th January 1916 Reliefs 30th January 1916 Fog  6th County of London Brigade RFA record a very quiet day owing to fog. Enemy shelled Loos Maroc communication trench, Lens-Bethune Road & Maroc Church with bursts of fire during the day. The 9th & 17th London Batteries kept the new enemy saps under fire during the day. During the night the 8th and 17th London Batteries fired on new trench saps and other Batteries on trench junctions. (Note: Saps are small trenches stretching out from the front line trenches towards the enemy's front line usually to get closer for listening posts or to move forward under some cover during an attack.) War Diaries 30th January 1916 In Support 31st January 1916 Enemy Fire  6th County of London Brigade RFA report a quiet morning. Enemy concentrated fire on the trenches behind the Copse, Lens Road and Hairpin at 1500 probably in retaliation for our shelling the barricades. Enemy shelled our communication trench to Loos with 5.9s and 4.2s at intervals from St Pierre. Liaison officer (Centre Battalion) reported that no direct hits were obtained on Snipers House during fire by Poole Group. Lt J.H. Van Den Bergh & Lt S.C. Woollett proceeded to 47th Divisional Gunnery school at Gosnay. At 1930 Lowe Group in conjunction with other artillery violently bombarded the German front line, then their communication trenches and then right back along their line. This strafing lasted for about half an hour. War Diaries 1st February 1916 No further work on Saps  6th County of London Brigade RFA move HQ to Les Brebis. Batteries at Fosse 7 and Maroc. Very bad light all day. Hostile artillery quiet. Enemy aeroplane up most of the day. The 16th London Battery report no further work done on saps. All new sap heads were registered by the Batteries. The 8th and 9th London Batteries fired intermittent rounds of H.E. on the new trenches during the night. War Diaries 1st February 1916 Reliefs. 1st February 1916 Operation Order 51.   2nd February 1916 Quiet Day  6th County of London Brigade RFA record a quiet day. Nothing of importance to note. The 8th London Battery fired on new trench in M.5.c during the night at the request of the infantry. War Diaries 2nd February 1916 Working parties 3rd February 1916 Quiet Day  Another quiet day for 6th County of London Brigade RFA. Territorial Force due to Bad light. Batteries fired on working parties, trench junctions and suspected Observation Points. The 17th London Battery fired on a minenwerfer (short range German mortar). Movement was seen in Fosse 12. At about 2000 the enemy were reported to have exploded a mine north of Loos Crassier. Heavy shelling by enemy on pylons and south of Loos Crassier. During the night the 9th London Battery fired on a working party in M.5.c. and d with excellent results. A Hun was heard to groan. OC. Brigade (Col Lowe) proceeded on leave of absence. Major Bayley DSO assumed Command of the Lowe Group. War Diaries 3rd February 1916 Armoury Staff Sgt. inspected rifles 4th February 1916 Exceptionally Quiet  6th County of London Brigade RFA report enemy artillery exceptionally quiet. Fosse 12 certainly used as an Observation Point. Fresh work again done on new saps & trenches during the night. The 8th & 15th London Batteries fired during the night on the new saps and down the Lens road. War Diaries 4th February 1916 In billets 5th February 1916 Night Firing  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from Les Brebis, Fosse 7 and Maroc. A very quiet day with excellent light. Night firing on new saps and trenches undoubtedly hindered the work at these places. Very little additional work has been done. A doubtful aeroplane was reported with only a ring under one wing. Fosse 7 was heavily shelled from Vendin. The 7th & 17th London Batteries fired on the new trenches during the night. At 0500 there was a concentration of fire from all IV Corps guns, with each gun firing 1 round on its right line. War Diaries 5th February 1916 Reliefs   5th February 1916 Operation Order 52.   6th February 1916 Quiet Day  6th County of London Brigade RFA report a very quiet day. The 8th London Battery fired at Observation Point Fosse 11. The 9th London Battery fired at an Observation Point and caused observers to withdraw. The 15th London Battery fired at the suspected position of a minenwerfer (mortar) near Snipers House. The 16th London Battery registered new assembly trenches opposite the Copse. The 9th & 16th London Batteries fired during the night on new saps and trenches, also on the road joining into the Lens-Bethune road. No further work on new trenches south of the copse. War Diaries 6th February 1916 Cleaning trenches and billets under R.E. 6th February 1916 Defence Scheme.   6th February 1916 Recomendations for Honours and Awards. 7th February 1916 Quiet Day  6th County of London Brigade RFA record another very quiet day with good light in the afternoon. Some Batteries registered various points other than those in their zones. The 9th London Battery reported a fortified house just on the crest of the hill. The 16th London Battery reported no further work on saps opposite Chalk Pit, but fresh work about 75 to 125 yards in a north easterly direction possibly the start of new saps. The 17th London Battery report no further work done on saps and trenches south of Copse. During the night the 15th London Battery fired on saps opposite Chalk Pit and down Lens road, while the 8th London Battery fired on new trenches south of the Copse. War Diaries 7th February 1916 Shelling   7th February 1916    8th February 1916 Daily Battery Activity  6th County of London Brigade RFA situated at Les Brebis, Maroc and Fosse 7 reports a very quiet day. Enemy shelled Fosse 7 with gas shells from 1230 to 1500 but no damage done. During the night 7th London Battery fired on new saps opposite Chalk Pit and down Lens road. The 17th London Battery fired on the new trenches & saps south of the Copse. At 1600 we exploded a mine just south of the southern Chalk Pit. The 15 & 16th London Batteries fired on the communication trenches behind, at the request of the infantry. The 8th Battery also opened fire. There was no hostile shelling until 0420 which was then not vigorous. No more work was visible on new trenches south of the Copse. War Diaries 8th February 1916 Work on SAP on right of crater.   9th February 1916 Hostile Artillery Quiet  6th County of London Brigade RFA report that with the exception of very heavy shelling of the new Crater, and slight retaliation for afternoon bombardment, the hostile artillery was fairly quiet. At 1530 a bombardment by guns enfilading trenches (one of the 9th London Battery guns was taken into Loos during the night) was very successful and round LOOS an enemy gun was observed to fall into the trench. Captive hostile balloons were up most of the day. Wiring of the new trenches by the Germans with Coil Wire and Trip wire at Chevar de Drise. No more work took place on trenches. No more work was done on saps opposite Chalk Pit. Our Batteries did not fire during the night. War Diaries 9th February 1916 Call Ups 9th February 1916 R.E. exploded a mine 10th February 1916 Areoplanes Quieten Enemy  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Les Brebis, Maroc and Fosse 7 report enemy artillery was very quiet all day owing to the number of our aeroplanes up. A minenwerfer (mortar) opposite the Copse was active at 1230. At 1300 the 15th London Battery fired on it and successfully caused it to stop. No more work done on trenches south of Copse. The 9th London Battery fired on new trenches south of the Copse during the night and the 16th London Battery fired on saps opposite the Copse and down the Lens road. War Diaries 10th February 1916 Bombing posts established on near mound of new crater   11th February 1916 Bad Light  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Bad light. The 7th London Battery fired at 2 Machine Gun emplacements. Enemy reported digging a new trench front line. At 1930 Batteries fired a few rounds on roads. During the night the 7th London Battery fired on saps at M.6.d and the 17th London Battery fired on M.5.c & d. War Diaries 11th February 1916 Continued work on SAP on right of Harts Crater. 12th February 1916 Daily Battery Activity 236th London Brigade  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report, very quiet day. Batteries fired very little during day. During the night the 15th London Battery fired on a new trench and down Lens Road. The 8th London Battery fired on trenches & down road at M.18.a. War Diaries 12th February 1916 Trench Work 13th February 1916 German Mine Exploded  6th County of London Brigade RFA report that aAt 0730 the Germans exploded a mine on the South West corner of Harrisons Crater. The 15th & 16th London Batteries fired on communication trenches. No more work was done on the new German trenches. During the night the 16th London Battery fired down roads. A working party on Hants Crater prevented the 15th London Battery from firing on the new trench until midnight. War Diaries 13th February 1916 Machine Gun attacks were carried out. 14th February 1916 Mine Explosion  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Les Brebis, Maroc and Fosse 7 reports the Germans exploded a mine in front of Copse and shelled our communication trenches behind the Copse. Our firing lasted until about 0900, otherwise the day was fairly quiet. When the mine went up the 15th, 16th & 17th London Batteries immediately fired on their right lines. Most of day the 15th and 16th London Batteries fired on Snipers House at the request of Infantry to keep down sniping. The Loos Gun (8th London Battery) bombarded trench M.9.d.8.4. to M.5.c.1.8. with excellent results. During the night the 17th London Battery fired on saps at M.5.c and d. War Diaries 14th February 1916 Enemy exploded a mine   14th February 1916 Operational Order 53.   14th February 1916 Operational Order 54. 15th February 1916 Very Quiet Day  6th County of London Brigade RFA record a very quiet day. Little firing on either side. The Germans have not dug a trench to the new crater as they would be seen working there. The 17th London Battery fired on this point intermittently. The 9th London Battery again drew fire on another enemy Observation Point. During the night the 15th London Battery fired on saps from M.6.d.3.9. to M.6.b.4.3 and the 8th London Battery fired on saps in M.5.c and d. War Diaries 15th February 1916 Battalion moved to Lillers in Army Reserve 16th February 1916 Another Quiet Day  A quiet day and the 8th London Battery destroyed the tower of 11a German Observation Point. No more Germans were seen walking towards the new crater. During the night the 16th London Battery fired 25 rounds of shrapnel at saps in M.6.b and d with the 9th London Battery firing at saps in M.15.c and d. One section of each Battery came to its own Wagon Line as its positions are being taken over by the 1st Division. War Diaries 16th February 1916 In billets. Cleaning clothes and equipment. 17th February 1916 Relocations  The 6th London Brigade RFA moved into rest area with the remainder of the 47th London Division at Auchel. The 3rd London Brigade departed from the Lowe Group and went back to where it belonged. The Batteries arrived late about midnight or 0100. War Diaries 17th February 1916 Company inspections 18th February 1916 Relocations  6th County of London Brigade RFA are at Auchel Units were at the disposal of unit commanders. A Billeting party went on to Bowry. Units remaining at Auchy were under their own arrangements. War Diaries 18th February 1916 Reports on practice Gas Attacks. 18th February 1916 Company inspections and rifle exercises 19th February 1916 Relocations  Auchel units of 6th London Brigade RFA went to Bowry for training. The Brigade arrived at 1400. Auchy. Units remaining at Auchy are under their own arrangements. A Billeting party went on to Bowry. War Diaries 19th February 1916 Company , platoon & section drill 20th February 1916 Relocations  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Bowry. Units at disposal of unit commanders. Ordered to move from Bowry by Major General Commanding Division to make room for infantry. Remainder of Brigade moved to Bowry to undergo training and arrived at about 1400. War Diaries 20th February 1916 Brigade inspected by General Sir Charles Moors KCB 21st February 1916 Relocations  6th County of London Brigade RFA, some units left Bowry and proceeded to Croceque about 4 miles away and it was a very satisfactory place. Remaining Units in Bowry at disposal of unit commanders. Received news that we must leave Bowry to allow one of infantry Brigades to move in and proceed to Coyecques. War Diaries 21st February 1916 In billets 21st February 1916 Route march 1000 to 1330 hours. 22nd February 1916 Relocations  Remainder of 6th London Brigade RFA moved to Coyecques in a snowstorm and arrived at about 1100. It was better than Bowry. War Diaries 22nd February 1916 Used range at Quarry U.29.c. Ref Map 36A. 23rd February 1916 Inspections  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Coyecques. All Batteries paraded in drill order under their own arrangements. 2nd Lieut -------- proceeded on 7 days leave of absence to England. War Diaries 23rd February 1916 Reinforcements of 36 O.R. arrived 24th February 1916 Training  The entire 6th County of London Brigade RFA moved to Bowry to undergo training and arrived at about 1400. War Diaries 24th February 1916 Battalion route march under Company arrangements. 25th February 1916 Inspection, Training and Lectures  6th County of London Brigade RFA spend Friday 25th February to Tuesday 29th February 1916 in training, battery & brigade manoeuvres, officers rides, gun drill and fuze times. Staff training and lectures were given by Officers and NCOs. A.C. Lowe Lt Col Commanding Sixth London Brigade. War Diaries 25th February 1916 Company training   26th February 1916 Billets Inspected 27th February 1916 Church Parade 28th February 1916 Smoke Helmets 28th February 1916 Operational Order 55.   29th February 1916 On the Move 1st March 1916 Training and recreation  6th County of London Brigade RFA spend Wednesday 1st March 1916 to Friday 3rd March 1916. These days were employed in training, officer’s rides, taking up positions etc. War Diaries 1st March 1916 In billets.   2nd March 1916 Brigade Exercise 3rd March 1916 Brigade Exercise 4th March 1916 Re-routing of Units  6th County of London Brigade RFA record an order received late last night to leave billets and proceed to different area as villages were found to be infected with measles. The Brigade started out and had to return to Coyecques where the 15th Battalion London Regiment had billeted itself. After a certain amount of difficulty the Brigade got back into its old billets with certain exceptions. The Brigade Ammunition Column went to Westrehem. War Diaries 4th March 1916 On the Move 4th March 1916 Operational Order 56 5th March 1916 Church Parade and Sport  A church parade was held by Batteries of 6th London Brigade RFA in the Girls School during the morning. A football match took place in afternoon between 16th London Battery RFA and Headquarters Staff 6th London Field Ammunition Battery. The 16th London Battery won 10-2. War Diaries 5th March 1916 Church Parade 6th March 1916 Training  On Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th March 1916 all Units of 6th London Brigades RFA trained under the unit Commanders. Coyecques. The 15th London Battery gave a concert to celebrate one year's service in France. War Diaries 6th March 1916 Route March 7th March 1916 Brigade Exercise 8th March 1916 Training  6th County of London Brigade RFA units at disposal of unit commanders. War Diaries 8th March 1916 In billets. 8th March 1916 Flammenwerfer demonstration 9th March 1916 Training  6th County of London Brigade RFA units at disposal of unit commanders. Lt Col AC. Lowe gave a lecture to Officers and NCOs on the struggle at Verdun. War Diaries 9th March 1916 On the March 10th March 1916 Relocations  6th County of London Brigade RFA hold Brigade Field Day. Two positions taken up. General Spoulding, GOCRA. 47th Division was present. War Diaries 10th March 1916 On the March 11th March 1916 Relocations  6th London Brigade RFA units at disposal of unit commanders. Billeting party proceeded to Dieval. War Diaries 11th March 1916 Company inspections 12th March 1916 Relocations  6th London Brigade RFA proceeded to its new reserve area and arrived at Dieval at 1800. War Diaries 12th March 1916 Divine Service 13th March 1916 Relocations  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Dieval. Units at disposal of unit commanders. Most of the day was spent in cleaning up. War Diaries 13th March 1916 Practice Musketry 14th March 1916 Inspections and moves  6th County of London Brigade RFA report the day was spent in preparing for tomorrow's marching order inspection by GOCRA. 47th Division. 2/Lt M.V. Eddis transferred form Headquarters Staff to 15th London Battery 2/Lt H.L. Burgis transferred from 15th London Battery to Headquarters Staff to take up the duties of Orderly Officer to OC. Brigade. Major Bayley DSO left for England. Captain Cooper assumed command of 15th London Battery. War Diaries 14th March 1916 Inspection 15th March 1916 Inspections  6th County of London Brigade RFA was inspected by GOC 47th Division. Afterwards the GOCRA. 47th Division inspected the Officers' Ride. For the rest of the day units were at the disposal of unit commanders. War Diaries 15th March 1916 Baths 15th March 1916 Operational Order 59   16th March 1916 Training and move preparations  6th County of London Brigade RFA units were at the disposal of unit commanders. OC. Brigade with Battery Commanders went to inspect new positions. War Diaries 16th March 1916 On the Move 17th March 1916 Relocations  6th County of London Brigade RFA units were at the disposal of unit commanders. A section of each of the 15th, 16th and 17th London Batteries went up to their new positions at Carency, taking over from 103rd Brigade. War Diaries 17th Mar 1916 Reliefs 17th March 1916 Instruction and Musketry. 18th March 1916 Training  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Dieval. Units at the disposal of unit commanders. War Diaries 18th March 1916 Inspection 18th March 1916  Operational Order No.69.   19th March 1916 Relocations  6th County of London Brigade RFA move to Carency. HQ. Staff left Dieval for Bois de la Haie and other sections of the Batteries went up to their new positions. War Diaries 19th March 1916 G.O.C. IV Corps. visited   20th March 1916 Relocations  6th London Brigade RFA took over from 103rd Brigade RFA (23rd Division) at 1000. Brigade Headquarters is at Bois de la Hair (A.8.d.3.2.). Attached to the 6th Lon Field Artillery Batteries is the 176th Battery RFA, which forms the Centre Group (Lt Col Lowe). The Northern Group is on the left (Lt Col Peel)and the Southern Group on right (Lt Col Massey). During the day, chiefly between 0900 and 0930, also about 1730, the enemy shelled Ablain St Nagiare with 5.9’s(150mm guns). Carency was also shelled about mid-day. The enemy were also active with aerial torpedoes and heavy trench mortars, but were silenced by our Howitzers. Otherwise all was quiet on this front. The OC. Brigade reconnoitred the front by aeroplane. War Diaries 20th March 1916 Ready to move 21st March 1916 Bad Light   6th County of London Brigade RFA report from Carency: There was very little artillery fire owing to bad light. Batteries fired a few rounds for registration. Otherwise all quiet. Hostile artillery also quiet. War Diaries 21st March 1916 Reliefs 21st - 26th March 1916 21st March 1916 Relief Complete 22nd March 1916 Observation Impossible  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report very misty weather. Observation impossible. Very little enemy shelling all day. Capt Causland of the 2nd Household Division is attached to the 17th London Battery for instruction. War Diaries 22nd March 1916 Gas Alert. 23rd March 1916 Enemy Guns More Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 2/Lt Bennett 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column is attached to the 16th London Battery. The day on the whole was quiet. Enemy field guns were more active today than yesterday firing about 75 rounds into Carency. The shells seemed to come from the direction of Bois de Givenchy. The 15th London Battery made a satisfactory shoot on the Pimple which has been reported as an observation station. Other batteries of the Centre Group did not fire. Lt Barnard (16th London Battery) proceeded to Licths on a course of instruction. War Diaries 23rd March 1916 Communications Trenches 24th March 1916 Bad Weather  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from Carency. Leave of absence again opened for the 47th Divisional Artillery. During the day there was very little shelling from the enemy as the light and weather were very bad. Our batteries were quiet all day. During the evening the enemy fired on the road to the east of Carency which is used by our infantry for transport. B176 Battery replied firing on the cross roads in Carency. The reply was effective. War Diaries 24th March 1916 Trench Work 25th March 1916 Enemy More Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from Carency. 2nd Lt Gordon Tombe arrived from England (3/6 London Brigade RFA) attached to the 6th London Ammunition Column. Capt. Cooper 15th London Battery and Lt Lyon Smith (Adjutant) proceeded to England on ten days leave of absence. Lt Burke 47th Divisional Ammunition Column was attached to the 16th London Battery for instruction. Light for observation very good and enemy artillery was more active, again shelling the cross roads in Souchez. We retaliated again with 4.5s (4 1/2 inch shells), otherwise all quiet. War Diaries 25th March 1916 Bad weather   26th March 1916 Registration  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency. Enemy showed little activity all day. Batteries fired a few rounds for registration, otherwise all quiet. War Diaries 26th March 1916 Firesteps built 26th March 1916 Operational Order No.70. 26th March 1916 Operational Order No.71. 27th March 1916 Minewerfer Fire  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from Carency. Enemy more active today. A minenwerfer (mortar) fired on our support and communication trenches to which our Batteries replied and in each case kept on until the minenwerfer fire discontinued. A house in Lieviu was observed by the 17th London Battery to be in constant use and is possibly a Headquarters of some kind. All firing done by the Battery today was at the request of infantry. War Diaries 27th March 1916 Into billets 28th March 1916 Enemy Artillery Quiet  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from Carency. 2nd Lt Corsan attached to the 15th London Battery from the Brigade Ammunition Column. GOC. Winison visited the 17th London Battery position. Enemy artillery throughout the day was quiet. Enemy movements again noticed in the house at Lieviu. Nothing else on this front to report. War Diaries 28th March 1916 Working Party   29th March 1916 Horses Inspected  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency. The ADVS inspected the horses of the Brigade at 1015. Intermittent shelling of Souchez Valley and Carency with Light High Velocity 77mm field guns. In the afternoon at 1700 Notre Dame de Lorette was shelled with 5.9 and 4.2 guns, otherwise the day was quiet. 2/Lt Davis, 16th London Battery proceeded on 7 days leave of absence to England. (ADVS = Assistant Director of Veterinary Services) War Diaries 1916-03-29 29th March 1916 Battalion paraded and the C.O. inspected. 30th March 1916 Some Shelling  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report Ablain and the slopes of Lorette shelled with 5.9s and Howitzers between 1245 and 1500. About 68 shells were fired intermittently. This shelling was most active about 1500 and then died down. Three miniature balloons floated over 16th London Battery in a north easterly direction at about 1800, no doubt testing wind levels and direction. Except for some slight shelling the rest of the day was quiet. Aeroplanes were very active all day. A Flamenwerfer (flame thrower) demonstration was held at Gowry School which 28 officers & other ranks attended. War Diaries 30th March 1916 Flammenwerfer demonstrations   31st March 1916 Daily Battery Activity  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from Carency, Enemy artillery was very active today. Souchez, Carency and the slopes of Notre Dame de Lorette being shelled on and off throughout the day by 77mm, 4.2 & 5.9 guns. The 15th London Battery successfully experimented with visual signalling between the gun position and Battery Headquarters. The Group Observation Point on Notre Dame de Lorette is now ready for use. The ADVS inspected the horses of the 17th London Battery and the Brigade Ammunition Column. War Diaries 31st March 1916 Working party   31st March 1916 Operational Order 72.   1st April 1916 Transport Fired Upon  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency. The 16th London Battery registered points behind the German front line from Lorette Observation Point. The Germans are still working hard on the Pimple. A British aeroplane was brought down by enemy anti aircraft guns at 1545 today. From 1900 onwards the enemy fired on our transport in Carency and east of Carency main roads. War Diaries 1st April 1916 On the Move   2nd April 1916 Artillery Quiet  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from Carency: Major Gordon DSO proceeded on a course of instruction at the First Army School at Aire. Lt Lucas takes over command of the 16th London Battery. Very little artillery activity from either side through out the day. At 1730 and 1900 one or two batteries to the south of Carency were very active. The DWR and DDVS 1st Army are to inspect the horses of this Brigade on the 3rd April. War Diaries 2nd April 1916 Reliefs 2nd April 1916 Reliefs 2nd April 1916 Operational Order No.73. 3rd April 1916 German Aeroplane Shot Down  6th County of London Brigade RFA. Territorial Force at Carency. Capt. Causland 2nd Household Division attached to the 17th London Battery returned to England. Lt. Woollett 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column was attached to the 15th London Battery. A quiet day with a hostile minenwerfer (mortar) active at about 0900. We retaliated apparently with effect. A German aeroplane was shot down in our lines about 1000. The 15th London Battery registered by aeroplane in the afternoon. War Diaries 3rd April 1916 Artillery and Trench Mortar bombardment.   4th April 1916 A Lot of Ammunition  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report the 15th London Battery used a lot of ammunition today as arranged with infantry. It is reported that whenever we shell the Pimple, the Germans retaliate on Souchez. The light was again bad for observation. At about 1900 and 2000, the 16th Battery shelled the cross road next to Givenchy. Souchez was heavily shelled in the afternoon with 4.2 and 5.9 inch guns. At headquarters, the CORPS Commander (General Wilson) gave a lecture to officers. War Diaries 4th April 1916 Trench Work 5th April 1916 More Active  6th County of London Brigade RFAat Carency report 2/Lt Mason, 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column, proceeded on a course at the mortar school at St Vincent. The day was more active and the enemy fired 5.9 inch guns this morning, evidently searching for R. Battery. The enemy stopped shelling immediately a British aeroplane approached their lines. Minenwerfer (small range mortars) and trench mortars were unusually active. War Diaries 6th April 1916 Hostile Artillery Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report Hostile artillery much more active today, at 1145 the enemy shelled our front line with light & heavy trench mortars and 4.2 inch guns. This lasted for about a quarter of an hour. At 1415 the enemy put about 30 4.2 inch shells on the Carency - Souchez road at a very quick rate. Our artillery again carried out an organised strafe in conjunction with the grenade & trench mortars fire of our own infantry. Nothing else reported today. War Diaries 6th April 1916 Deepening Fire and Communications Trenches. 7th April 1916 Daily Battery Activity  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report Lt Lyon Smith returned today after 10 days leave, 2/Lt Davies 16th London Battery returned to duty after seven days leave. The whole day was very quiet, there being thankfully no hostile shelling. In the morning between 0800 and 0900 hostile trench mortars bombarded our support line. Between 1715 and 1800 Light High Velocity guns bombarded Souchez. Later bombardment with 5.9s on A.18.d and S.13.b at all support roads or communication trenches. All together about 220 rounds were fired. The battery 8th Jan tested their guns today. [comment: last sentence unclear as the only additional battery apart from 15,16 and 17 in brigade is 176 battery attached as part of Lowe Group. Subsequent entry on 21st April 1916 possibly identifies this as R8 London Battery) War Diaries 7th April 1916 Artillery Fire   8th April 1916 Hostile Artillery Quiet  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report Lt Barnard returned from a course at Litres. Hostile artillery quiet owing to the activity of our aeroplanes. The Group Observation Point had some 5.9s fall near it in the afternoon. 17th London Battery registered in the afternoon and while this registration lasted, the enemy retaliated on Notre Dame with 5.9s. War Diaries 8th April 1916 Reliefs 8th April 1916 Quiet 8th April 1916 Operational Order No. 74. 9th April 1916 Artillery More Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report Lt Lucas 16th London Battery wounded by a premature shell from R.8 -----. Major Gordon proceeded on 10 days leave of absence to England. Major Clifton 17th London Battery proceeded to Aire for a course at the First Army School. Our own and hostile artillery were more active today. Our front line trenches were shelled with 4.2s and a heavy minenwerfer (mortar). Our batteries fired many rounds in retaliation at the request of the infantry. They seem satisfied with the result. War Diaries 9th April 1916 Gas Alert cancelled. 9th April 1916 Operational Order No.75. 10th April 1916 Bombardment and Retailiation  6th County of London Brigade RFA by Carency report The Pimple was bombarded with heavy & light guns. At first the affect did not seem good, but later on many good hits were obtained. This was in conjunction with a bombardment by the 23rd Division which seemed very effective. The enemy retaliated for the bombardment of the Pimple by shelling the Souchez valley with 4.2s. (4.2 inch guns). War Diaries 10th April 1916 Jackets withdrawn 11th April 1916 Trench Mortars Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from Carency: Capt Corsan 15th London Battery proceeded on 7 days leave of absence to England. Lt Corsan 6th Lon Brigade Ammunition Column is attached to 17th London Battery. Hostile artillery very quiet except for trench mortars which were very active between 1815 and 1850. We replied with some rounds of shrapnel and High Explosive. War Diaries 11th April 1916 Working parties 12th April 1916 Trenches Heavily Shelled in Evening  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report hostile artillery very quiet until about 1730 in the evening when our trenches were rather heavily shelled with 4.2s and trench mortars. Our batteries fired in retaliation. Nothing else to report. War Diaries 12th April 1916 Cleaning billets. 13th April 1916 Observation Light Good  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency. Light for observation very good all day. Very little shelling all day except from 1800 to 1845, when the division on our right were heavily bombarded by the enemy. All leave for 1st Army stopped, all officers and men on leave to return to this country by 17th of this month. 2/Lt Masson returned from the Trench Mortar Course. War Diaries 13th April 1916 Reliefs 14th April 1916 Loos Pylon Collapses  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency. Very little hostile shelling all day. Between 1130 and 1200, the northern of the Loos Pylons together with the bridge connecting it to the Southern Pylon collapsed. Nothing else to report. War Diaries 14th April 1916 Working Parties. 15th April 1916 Quiet Day  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Major Clifton returned from First Army Artillery course at Aire. All day was very quiet nothing to report. War Diaries 15th April 1916 Platoon and Company drill. 16th April 1916 Shelling and Retaliation  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency. Brigade headquarters moved from Moulin Topaz to Bois de la Haie. Hostile artillery very active between 1630 and 1700 when the trenches between Souchez village and the front line were heavily shelled with Light High Velocity and 4.2 inch guns. We retaliated. War Diaries 16th April 1916 Draft arrived   17th April 1916 Motor and Rifle Grenade Shelling  6th County of London Brigade RFA. at Carency. Major Gordon DSO OC. 15th London Battery returned from leave to England. The front line trenches were subjected to one and a half hours of trench mortar & rifle grenade shelling. It was noticeable today that whenever we fired on the Pimple, the enemy retaliated with mortars & rifle grenades. A fire was seen to break out in a house in Lens at about 1830. War Diaries 17th April 1916 Working party    18th April 1916 Enemy Artillery Quiet  6th County of London Brigade RFA report enemy artillery was very quiet all day as observation conditions were not good. War Diaries 18th April 1916 Ceremonial Parade under C.O. 19th April 1916 Trench Mortars Fire  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency. Enemy Trench Mortar active at about 1520. We retaliated with 18 pounders and 4.5 inch Howitzers, the enemy stopped at once. At 1825 our trench mortars bombarded the enemy front line and the effect appeared to be very satisfactory. War Diaries 19th April 1916 Inspection   20th April 1916 Intermittent Enemy Shelling  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report 2nd Lt Tomb, 6th London Ammunition Column is attached to the 17th London Battery and 2nd Lt Corsan 6th London Ammunition Column who was attached to the 15th London Battery returned to his unit. The enemy shelled the Zouave Valley and Notre Dame de Lorette slopes intermittently all day. At 1825 the enemy exploded a mine on the left front of the Division on our right. War Diaries 20th April 1916 On the Move 21st April 1916 Enemy Artillery Very Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency. The enemy artillery were very active today. 16th London Battery and R 8th London Battery were heavily shelled with 5.9 inch guns. One man in R Battery was killed otherwise no damage was done, though the shells dropped all around the batteries. At about 1450 5.9 and 4.2 inch guns were fired on these two positions. War Diaries 21st April 1916 Lewis Gun detachment moved 22nd April 1916 Mist and Rain  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency. Observation was very bad owing to mist and rain. After the 15th London Battery had fired from 2100 to 2200, the infantry reported much noise in the enemy trenches which had been blown in. Evidently some casualties had been caused. War Diaries 22nd April 1916 Working parties 23rd April 1916 Enemy Guns More Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report a wagon parade was held at 1010 in the 16th Battery Wagon Line which the BGRA attended. The enemy guns were more active today bombarding our front line with Trench Mortars at 1000 and 1120. All our batteries retaliated. There were at least seven German observation balloons up today. The BGRA visited the 15th London Battery RFA while the battery was firing on Puist. The Carency-Souchez road was shelled from 1215 to 1300, with a burst of 12 shells. (Note: BGRA = Brigadier General Royal Artillery). War Diaries 23rd April 1916 Church Parade 24th April 1916 Enemy Busy  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report Capt Cooper OC. 15th London Battery was promoted to Major dating from the 15th March 1916. Enemy again busy this morning with 5.9 inch guns - observation being very clear. 15th London Battery was heavily shelled with 5.9s, in salvoes of three, with nearly all the shells falling just in front of its position. Enemy were again active with heavy trench mortars and our 18 pounders and Howitzers retaliated. War Diaries 24th April 1916 Inspection 25th April 1916 Hostile Trenches Bombarded  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report leave again opened. Very little shelling. We bombarded the hostile trenches with usual 18 pounders, Howitzers and 15 pounders doing considerable damage. The enemy retaliated with a few 4.2 inch and Light High Velocity guns. War Diaries 25th April 1916 Schedule 25th July 1916 25th April 1916 Working party 25th April 1916 Operational Order No.76.   26th April 1916 Enemy Mine Explodes  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report Lt Barnard proceeded on 7 days leave of absence to England. During the afternoon the enemy trench mortars were very active. They appeared to be using a new very heavy bomb. At 1906 the enemy sprang a mine. The explosion was a large one and big columns of flame leapt into the air. Immediately after the explosion the enemy opened a heavy bombardment of our trenches and our artillery formed an effective barrage. The bombardment lasted about half an hour, died down, then opened again for a short time and then died down again. War Diaries 26th April 1916 Reliefs 27th April 1916 Evening Bombardment  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report the day was very quiet. At about 1830 to 1930 the enemy bombarded our lines with very heavy trench mortars. The concussion of the bombs shook the observation stations. Our Howitzers and field guns replied to this bombardment. War Diaries 27th April 1916 Shelling 28th April 1916 Allies explode small Mine  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report 2nd Lt Corsan and 2nd Lt Tombs posted to the 6th London Ammunition Column. Intermittent shelling of Ablain and Souchez Valley today by 5.9s & 4.2s. At 0420 we exploded a small mine just in front of our front line opposite Gobinaux trench. This is called the Broadridge crater. War Diaries 28th April 1916 Fairly heavy Shelling 29th April 1916 Evening Activity  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report a few trench mortars were fired on the support lines and communication trenches at about 1400. Otherwise all was quiet. At 1910 there was great activity on the left of the Division on our right, with heavy firing taking place. War Diaries 29th April 1916 Arrow Heads commenced   30th April 1916 Large Mine Exploded  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report 2/Lt Eddis 15th London Battery, 2/Lt Gordon Tombe and Lt Corsan 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column, proceeded to the 47th Division Artillery Course at Malincourt. During the day our trench mortars were active and did some good shooting. There was intermittent shelling of Zouave Valley near Centre Battery. At 1900 the enemy exploded a large mine in front of the Centre Company of the Centre Battalion. Heavy firing took place but the enemy did not attack. All was quiet again by 2100. 2nd Lt Green 3/6 London Brigade RFA reported from England and was attached to the 17th London Battery. War Diaries 30th April 1916 Trench Mortar and Rifle Grenades 1st May 1916 Enemy Active  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report The enemy was very active between 1730 and 1830 with a very large minenwerfer (mortar) firing about 20 rounds into the Centre Battalian Zone. At 1400 the enemy fired 10 rounds of 5.9s on the light railway between 15th London Battery and the Carency station getting 5 direct hits. Everything else was all quiet. War Diaries 1st May 1916 Visit 2nd May 1916 Report of a Mine  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report Lt Col Lowe DSO Commanding the 6th London Field Artillery Brigade, Capt Edwards Veterinary Officer and Lt Woollett 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column proceeded on 7 days leave of absence to England, the former on ten days leave. At 1945 all artillery opened fire after the Centre Battalion reported a mine going up. This report proved to be false and the Batteries stopped firing. Major Gordon DSO 16th London Battery assumed command of the Right Group. War Diaries 2nd May 1916 Aircraft reconnoitered the line 3rd May 1916 Three Mines Exploded  6th County of London Brigade RFA report from Carency: Everything quiet all day until 1645, at which time we exploded 3 mines in front of the right & centre gun section. Three deep craters were formed now known as the Northern, Middle & Southern Craters. Our heavy and light artillery bombarded the enemy front and support lines after the explosion for three hours to enable the infantry to occupy and consolidate the craters. The enemy retaliation was steady and their fire was by no means excessive. After 2200 the night was very quiet. Our 15" gun took part in this event, firing 12 rounds. (Note: if description correct a very large modified naval 15 inch gun) War Diaries 3rd May 1916 Schedule 3rd May 1916 to Operational Order 77 3rd May 1916 Orders 3rd May 1916 In Reserve billets 3rd May 1916 Operational Order No.77. 4th May 1916 Quiet Day  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report the day passed off fairly quietly with very little shelling taking place. In the evening the infantry had a little difficulty with the enemy in the middle crater. 2nd Lt Van Auger 2/6th Lon Field Artillery Brigade reported and was attached to 16th London Battery. War Diaries 4th May 1916 Company training 5th May 1916 Evening Activity  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Carency report Lt. Barnard returned from leave and took command of 16th London Battery. Lt Bennett returned from trench mortar course. All day it was very quiet. At 1945 we bombarded the enemy front line & communication trenches behind the craters to enable infantry to work on farther lip of the craters. At 1940 a message came through to defend the 17th Corps on our right. Three batteries switched target and started a barrage. It appears that the attack was only a small bombing one and all was quiet again by 2115. War Diaries 5th May 1916 Baths 6th May 1916 HQ moves 6th May 1916 Working party 7th May 1915 New CO 7th May 1916 Church Parade 7th May 1916 Operational Order No.78. 8th May 1916 Reliefs 9th May 1916 Daily Battery Activity  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Capt Love OC. 6th London Brigade Artillery Column and Lt Yenchen 17th London Battery proceeded on 7 days leave of absence to England. War Diaries 9th May 1916 3 working parties supplied today 10th May 1916 Lecture by ADVS  Members of 6th County of London Brigade RFA attend lecture by ADVS at 2/6 Battery Wagon Line.(Assistant Director of Veterinary Services) War Diaries 10th May 1916 Inspection by G.O.C. 11th May 1916 Training and Working Parties 12th May 1916 Return from Leave  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Capt. Edwards, Veterinary Officer, 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column, returned from England after 7 days leave of absence. War Diaries 12th May 1916 Company training. 13th May 1916 Battalion drill. 14th May 1916 Officers Return  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Lt Blackwell 15th London Battery & Capt ------ 176 London Battery proceeded on seven days leave of absence to England. 2/Lt Tomb is attached to 15th London Battery. Col Lowe returned from leave. War Diaries 14th May 1916 Church Parade in hut. 15th May 1916 Lectures to Companies 16th May 1916 Working party 17th May 1916 Reorganisation  At Frevilliers 6th County of London Brigade RFA are renamed 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. Battery title changes 15th Battery = A236 16th Battery = B236 17th Battery = C236 22nd Battery = D236 6th London Field Artillery Brigade is now called 15th-A236, 16th-B236, 17th-C236. the 22nd London Battery now in this Brigade is called D236 Battery. Lt Woollett 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column is transferred to 17th London Battery. Brigade Ammunition Column is split up between the Batteries and the Divisional Ammunition Column. War Diaries 17th May 1916 Operational Order No.79. Schedule 17th May 1916 Recce 17th May 1916 Operational Order No.79. 17th June 1916 Battalion relieved 15th London Regt. 18th May 1916 Reliefs 19th May 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery formerly 6th County of London Brigade RFA. Territorial Force report from Frevillers. Capt. Love OC. 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column is transferred to C236 Battery 2Lt J.C Carter, 6th London B.A.C. is transferred to A236 Battery. 2Lt Green is transferred from C236 Battery to 6th London B.A.C. War Diaries 19th May 1916 Reliefs 20th May 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Frevillers: 2/Lt Mason is transferred from 6th London Brigade Ammunition Column to B236 Battery but is attached to C236 Battery for one week. War Diaries 21st May 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Carency. Col. Lowe took over command of Right Group at 1300. Right Group now consists of A/236 B/236 C/236 D/236 and D/113 Batteries. German Attack on Vimy Ridge. From 0530 to 1230 hostile artillery were very active on our front and support lines. A balloon was reporting on the Cabaret communication trench and main roads in Carency and Ablain. At 1730 the enemy started a heavy barrage of the Zouave Valley, shelling communication trenches, front and support lines of the Right Battalion of Left Brigade and also the Right Brigade. At about 2000 the enemy used Lachrymatory shells(see note below) on our Batteries as well as 5.9 inch shells. The 16th London Battery had a direct hit on it's No.1 gun wounding five men. At about 2130 the enemy attacked taking the front line and support lines of the Right Brigade (140th ) and the front line of the Right Company of the Right Battalion of the Left Brigade. A bombing attack was organised. Looz, Momber Crater and part of the front lines of the Right Battalion were retaken. Fire slackened off at about 0330. Lt Barnard B236 Battery was promoted Captain. (Note-Lachrymatory shells were filled with tear gas) (Lt James Henry Van den Bergh from Commonwealth War Graves Commission died aged 23 on 21/05/1916 and is buried at Arras Memorial. He was the son of Henry and Henriette Van Den Bergh of 8 Kensington Palace Gardens.) He was reported as missing on 22nd May 1916. War Diaries 21st May 1916 Enemy fire extremely heavy 21st of May 1916 Enemy Attacks 22nd May 1916 Enemy Barrage  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Carency report Lt Van den Bergh C236 Battery liaison officer to the Left Battalion of the Right Brigade was reported as missing. Activity not great on front support line trenches till 2350 when the enemy sent up green flares and their artillery laid a heavy barrage on Zouave Valley. Ablain, Carency and Lorette heights were heavily shelled with 4.9 and 8 inch guns during the whole of the day. Our artillery kept up a steady fire on enemy front and support line trenches. The 34th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, 2nd Division is attached to Right Group. War Diaries 22nd May 1916 Orders   22nd May 1916 Positions handed over 22nd May 1916 Names for Honours and Awards submitted. 23rd May 1916 Intermittent shelling   236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Carency: Intermittent shelling during the day of the Batteries in Carency, Ablain and Lorette. At 1900 our artillery opened a slow bombardment of the enemy new front line which gradually increased until about 2025, when they lifted onto the old German front line. The enemy replied by barraging Zouave Valley. Artillery was very active all night and only stopped at about 0330 24th May 1916. War Diaries 23rd May 1916 Events of Operations 21st - 22nd May 1916   23rd May 1916 Battalion moved 23rd May 1916 Recomendations for Honours and Awards. 23rd May 1916 Operations 24th May 1916 Artillery Very Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Carency: Our artillery was very active throughout the day carrying out a slow bombardment of the enemy front and support lines. Enemy artillery replied with 5.9 inch rounds about battery positions. There was no infantry attack at all. The C236 Battery received a direct hit on the Sergeants Dug out, killing three Sergeants and wounding 2/Lt Green and one other Sergeant. Details of the three sergeants killed are unrecorded. War Diaries 25th May 1916 Shelling Reduced  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Carency report shelling on both sides was much reduced. During the afternoon Divisional Headquarters in Chateau de la Haie was shelled by 4.2 inch guns. During the night of 25th-26th May, the 47th Div Infantry was relieved by 2nd Div Infantry. War Diaries 25th May 1916 Corps. Commanders inspected the Brigade 26th May 1916 236 Brigade HQ Moves  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Carency: Lt Col Lowe DSO commanding Right Group handed over command to Lt Col Parry OC. 34th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, 2nd Division. 236th Brigade HQ moved to new billets at Valhuon. War Diaries 26th May 1916 Company training 27th May 1916 Relocations  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery move to Valhuon. B236 and C236 Batteries were relieved by batteries of 34th Brigade Royal Field Artillery and went into new billets at Hucler and Antin. A236 remained at the Wagon line Maisnil, Bourohe to dig new gun pits at Ablain. D236 Battery remained in action. War Diaries 27th May 1916 Draft of 30 arrived. 28th May 1916 Waggon Lines 28th May 1916 Church Parade held 29th May 1916 HQ Moves 29th May 1916 NCO class. 30th May 1916 Company training in morning 30th May 1916 Leave 31st May 1916 Ready to Move  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Barlin report B236, C236 & D236 Batteries are in 1st Army reserve ready to move at one hours notice. War Diaries 31st May 1916 Officers class in the afternoon. 1st June 1916 Movements 1st June 1916 Brigade Ceremonial drill 4th June 1916 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Brigadier General,Royal Artillery, IV Corps, inspected the horses of the B236 and C236 Batteries. War Diaries 5th June 1916 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Barlin. B236 and C236 Batteries were inspected by the Brigadier General RA, 5 Corps. One Section of A236 Battery went into action at Ablain. War Diaries 6th June 1916 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Barlin. GOC. 47th Division inspected the Wagon Lines of B236 and C236 Batteries. 2nd Lt Burgis HQ Staff proceeded to England on seven days leave of absence. Extract from London Gazette dated June 5th, Birthday Honours. Lt Lucas 6th London Brigade RFA - Military Cross. RSM. Hood - Distingushed Conduct Medal. Cpl. Noel - Military Medal. Cpl. Williams A236 London Battery - Military Cross. War Diaries 7th June 1916 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report OC. Batteries went to inspect gun positions. War Diaries 8th June 1916 Gun Positions 9th June 1916 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Barlin. OC. Brigade inspected D236 Battery. War Diaries 11th June 1916 Church Parade  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery hold Church Parade at Barlin. War Diaries 11th June 1916 Operational Order No.81.   11th June 1916 Visited by the Lord Mayor of London. 12th June 1916 Re-routing of Units  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Barlin. Battery Commanders went to reconnoitre positions of batteries of the 23rd Division. Capt Lindell D236 Battery proceeded on 7 days leave of absence to England. Col Lowe DSO appointed OC. Right Group. Right Group consists of the following Batteries, A,B and C,237 Brigade and A,B,C and D,236th Brigade. War Diaries 12th June 1916 Operational Order No.82. 12th June 1916 Battalion moved to Bouvigny 13th June 1916 Movements 13th June 1916 Reliefs 14th June 1916 New Positions 14th June 1916 Working Parties 15th June 1916 All Quiet 16th June 1916 Batteries Register  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix Noulette. OC. 236th Brigade took over command of Right Group from OC. 102 Brigade. Batteries commence registering. Except for a few 5.9 & 4.2 rounds into Souchez, all was quiet on our front. At 2230 a laye mine was exploded in the south followed by heavy artillery and machine gun fire. War Diaries 17th June 1916 Road Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix Noulette. Lt Petro C236 Battery to England. Some shelling of road between Aix Noulette and Bully Grenay. A great amount of aerial activity at 1200 as 9 enemy planes passed over Aix Noulette in the direction of Hirsin. War Diaries 17th July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery: Nothing to report all quiet. War Diaries 17th June 1916 Operational Order No.82A.   18th June 1916 Poor Light  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix Noulette. The light was not good for observation. A236 Battery's roving gun fired 38 rounds. War Diaries 18th June 1916 Instruction 19th June 1916 Batteries Retaliate  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix Noulette. Slight minewerfen (mortar) fire on our front. Our Batteries retaliated and stopped their fire. Enemy aeroplanes were more active. A236 Battery's roving gun fired 36 rounds and A237 Battery changed position. War Diaries 19th June 1916 Orders 19th June 1916 Operational Order No.83.   20th June 1916 Trench Mortars Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report enemy trench mortars again very active in the morning and our Howitzer Battery shelled the suspected places with good result. Our own trench mortars registered the German wire. Major Cooper A236 and Major Clifton A237 Batteries are Mentioned in Despatches. 1417 Gunner Young A236 Battery is awarded the Military Medal by the Commander in Chief under authority from HM The King (IV GRO 943). War Diaries 20th June 1916 Reliefs 21st June 1916 Trench Mortar Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix Noulette report there was much trench mortar activity about 1200. The enemy trench mortars were also very active and scored two hits on our lines wounding 2/Lt Folingsby 237 Brigade, attached to Y236 Trench Mortar Battery, also wounding Lt Kimber 237 Brigade acting as Liason Officer to the Left Battalion. Our Battery did great damage the day before to wire at enemy's front line. Trench Mortars have had this strafe on retaliation. GOC’s Division HQ sent a message to Trench Mortar officers commending their work. There was again a lot of aerial activity. Lt Kimber and 2nd Lieut Folingsby both died of wounds the same night. (Thomas Grueber Folingsby, aged 20, is buried at Aix-Noulette Cemetery Extension and Henry Cyril Dixon Kimber, aged 22, is buried Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension. Both of 7th London Brigade RFA now 237th London Brigade.) War Diaries 21st June 1916 Instructions 21st June 1916 Into billets 21st June 1916 Operational Order No.84.   22nd June 1916 Very Little Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix Noulette. Very little shelling today. Enemy put 6 rounds of 4.2 inch shells in A237 Battery's new position. The light for aerial observation was good and a party of enemy aeroplanes flew over Aix Noulette this afternoon. They came back about two hours later followed by our planes. The following officers arrived from England. 2/Lt G.N. Gaburn - posted to C236 Battery. 2/Lt Wills - posted to C236 Batttery. 2/Lt E.H. de B West - posted to D236 Battery. Other movements. 2/Lt Gordon Tombe attached to C236 Battery leaves to rejoin his unit 47th Divisional Ammunition Column. Lt Pilditch, Adjutant, 237th Brigade RFA, has left this Group HQ. Lt Tausley, Orderly Officer, 237th Brigade RFA, is attached to this HQ. One of the guns of Y236 Trench Mortar Battery had a premature(shell exploding early) resulting in one man killed and 2 men wounded. War Diaries 22nd June 1916 Poor Weather 23rd June 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report All quiet. Hostile aeroplanes were very active. B223 Battery commanded by Major T----- joined Right Group and was positioned south of A237 Battery (south of the edge of Noulette Wood) War Diaries 23rd June 1916 Relief Complete 24th June 1916 Wire Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix Noulette (War Diary very faint) All batteries of this group shelled wire ---- to ---- zones. Y/47 Trench Mortar Battery (Lt Brown) fired 50 rounds wire registering and retaliation on enemy trench mortars. Much less aerial activity owing to bad weather. Lt Brown attached to Y047 Trench Mortar Battery. A gun of Y047 Trench Mortar Battery blew up killing the Bombardier in charge of the gun. War Diaries 24th June 1916 Schedule 24th June 1916 Artillery bombardment and wire cutting 24th June 1916  Operational Order No.85.   25th June 1916 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix Noulette: Divisional Artillery continued wire cutting in conjunction with the Trench Mortar Batteries. Enemy T.Ms also active at times during the day, but stopped firing when fired on by our Batteries. Aeroplane activity was much less owing to the weather. The sound of heavy bombardment came from just north of the Angres Sector at about 1230. War Diaries 25th June 1916 Reliefs 26th June 1916 Wire cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix Noulette. Wire cutting and fire on enemy mortars continued throughout the day. Enemy trench mortars were active on our front, but were silenced by our artillery. At 2330 2nd Division opened a heavy bombardment of enemy trenches on Vimy Ridge. The enemy barrage was fairly heavy for a time but by midnight had practically ceased while our fire carried on until about 0045. At 0445 an exactly similar state of affairs was observed opposite the Loos Salient, very little gun fire was heard and infantry confined themselves chiefly to bombs and machine gun fire. War Diaries 26th June 1916 Billets 27th June 1916 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix Noulette report 18 pounder Batteries and Y047 Trench Mortar Battery were wire cutting all day. At 2345 Divisional Artillery opened a bombardment along the whole of the Divisional Front. Under cover of this, gas was let off at 0120. Artillery fire became intense and at 0125 our infantry raided German lines. At present time ----- --- ----. The enemy retaliated very little with 5.9s and heavy minenwerfer (mortars) on our front line. Also a few shells on roads going up to Aix Noulette. All was quiet by 0230. The gas was discharged from the Angres Sector. The artillery barrage was excellent and very heavy. War Diaries 27th June 1916 Baths 28th June 1916 Bad Light  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix Noulette: Batteries engaged in wire cutting, but light very bad for observation during the morning. At about 2145 artillery was very active in Loos Sector. Capt Gayman C236 Battery reverts to the rank of Lieutenant. War Diaries 28th June 1916 Company training. 29th June 1916 High Winds  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix Noulette. A very high wind made wire cutting very difficult especially by the Bois en Hach which, owing to the nature of the ground and undergrowth, is very difficult to see. C236 and B236 Batteries put forward a gun for wire cutting. Lt Yenken C236 Battery arrived from England, but went at once to the Field Ambulance Unit again. At 2130 2nd Division opened a short but very intense bombardment of Vimy Ridge and the enemy replied with a short barrage. War Diaries 29th June 1916 Enemy shelled houses 30th June 1916 Wire Cutting Continues  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix Noulette report wire received from GHQ that 3rd & 4th Armies launched attacks at 0730 this morning in conjunction with the French and results so far are satisfactory. Batteries continue wire cutting and aeroplane activity is much greater than yesterday. War Diaries 30th June 1916 Orders 30th June 1916 Reliefs 30th June 1916 Operational Order No.86.   1st July 1916 Very Quiet Day  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix-Noulette report a very quiet day. Germans displayed slightly more aeroplane activity. A236 Battery and C236 Battery carried out wire cutting with single gun. War Diaries 1st July 1916 Trench Raid 2nd July 1916 Quiet Day  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix-Noulette. 2/Lt Gunn C236 Battery moved from post and returned to his battery. A quiet day with enemy retaliation feeble in reply to bombarding their front line and Vimy Ridge. War Diaries 2nd July 1916 All quiet. 3rd July 1916 Wire cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix-Noulette report Batteries wire cutting. B237 battery was shelled with 4.2s at about 0900 and one gun was damaged. The enemy shelled battery positions on the Aix-Noulette - Bully Grenay road all morning with 5.9 and 4.2 inch guns. Minewerfen (mortars) were active about 1600. At 2230 the enemy blew up a mine on Vimy Ridge but very little artillery fire followed. Another mine was exploded at 0030. At 0145 our artillery open a strong barrage in support of a raid by the 15th London Regiment on salient in Bois en Hache. The raid lasted twenty minutes with result at present not known. Enemy retaliation was much heavier than in the former raid. All was quiet again by 0230. War Diaries 4th July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix-Noulette the enemy was active in the Angres Setor this morning with trench mortars, otherwise all quiet. War Diaries 4th July 1916 Operational Order No.87   4th July 1916 Relief 5th July 1916 Observation Impossible  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix-Noulette report Observation impossible so all quiet on this front. War Diaries 5th July 1916 Relief Complete 6th July 1916 Trench Motors Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix-Noulette. 2/Lt Wildes C236 Battery proceeded on Trench Mortar Course. During the early morning enemy trench mortars were active on Gouchez II to which our own retaliated. Observation was again difficult owing to bad weather. War Diaries 6th July 1916 All quiet. 7th July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix-Noulette. All quiet. 2nd Lt Woollett transferred from D236 Battery to Y047 TM Battery. War Diaries 7th July 1916 Orders 7th July 1916 Reliefs 7th July 1916 Operational Order No.88 8th July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix-Noulette: All quiet. War Diaries 8th July 1916 Relief complete at 0200 hours. 9th July 1916 Billets and Roads Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. at Aix-Noulette. Col. Peel took over command of Right Group. Col Lowe and Adjutant along with HQ Staff moved to new billets in Helsin. All quiet on this front. During the night the enemy's billets and ration roads were shelled in conjunction with IV Corps heavy artillery. War Diaries 9th July 1916 Heavy bombardment on our right 9th July 1916 Lectures to Officers and NCO's all day. 10th July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report All quiet on this front. War Diaries 10th July 1916 Baths 10th August 1916 Operational Order No.100 11th July 1916 Enemy Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix-Noulette report enemy active about 1800 on Left Battalion HQ, our Howitzers retaliated on enemy support line. After a few rounds the enemy stopped firing. War Diaries 11th July 1916 Working parties 12th July 1916 Weather Bad  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix-Noulette. Officers and men of 63rd Division attached to C236 Battery for instruction. Batteries carried out small strafes on enemy billets, field gun positions and dumps. Weather rather bad for aeroplane observation. War Diaries 12th July 1916 Operational Order No.88   13th July 1916 Daily Battery Activity 236th London Brigad  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery are at Aix-Noulette. Batteries carried out strafes on road, dump etc. B236 Battery fired 26 rounds on ---- de HIR---LLE obtaining several hits. Trench Mortars cut wire from 1430 to 1800 covered by fire from 18 pounders. War Diaries 13th July 1916 Move 14th July 1916 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix-Noulette. Trench Mortars continue wire cutting covered by fire from 18 pounders. At 1600 enemy retaliated for our wire cutting on Straight - Huntrench and Boshwalk. Our artillery retaliated strongly and the enemy ceased firing. War Diaries 14th July 1916 Inspection 15th July 1916 Wire cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix-Noulette. Wire cutting by Trench Mortars and 18 pounders during the afternoon. The enemy retaliated as yesterday on the Straight & Boshwalk, otherwise all quiet. War Diaries 15th July 1916 On the Move 16th July 1916 Cutting Wire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix-Noulette: Trench Mortars wire cutting in afternoon from 1500 to 1730. At 0100 on the night of 16-17th July, the 20th London Regiment carried out a raid on enemy lines at a small salient north of Bois en Hache. The raid was supported by intense artillery fire with 2" Mortars and Stokes Mortars. Enemy retaliation was slight consisting of a few Light High Velocity shells & trench mortars. Infantry report that German front line trench was entered, dugs outs were bombed and a machine gun was destroyed. Our casualties were light. All was quiet again by 0145. War Diaries 16th July 1916 Church Parade held 16th August 1916 Brigade Training 17th July 1916 Company training. 18th July 1916 Slight Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix-Noulette: Except for slight shelling of Boche Trench & the Straight everything was all quiet. 141st Infantry Brigade relieved by the 63rd Division. War Diaries 18th July 1916 Battalion and Company drill. 19th July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report All quiet. War Diaries 19th July 1916 Reinforcement 20th July 1916 Enemy Mine Blown  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Quiet all day. Enemy blew up mine by Double Crassier at 2230. War Diaries 20th July 1916 Orders 20th July 1916 Baths for the battalion 20th July 1916 Operational Order No.91 21st July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery: All quiet. Nothing to report. War Diaries 21st July 1916 Reliefs 22nd July 1916 Batteries Fire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix-Noulette: The Batteries fired on enemy trenches from 1400 to 1800. Retaliation was slight. War Diaries 22nd July 1916 All quiet. 23rd July 1916 Straffing  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix-Noulette: Our artillery carried out a strafe at 0100 of 20 rounds per battery. The enemy was quick to retaliate on our support line. War Diaries 24th July 1916 Personnel  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Hersin report: 2/Lt Wildes returned from Trench Mortar Course. During the course he was sent to the Neuve Chapple front to take command of a Trench Mortar Battery during the operations there. War Diaries 25th July 1916 Movements 25th July 1916 Orders 25th July 1916 Operational Order No.94   26th July 1916 On the March 26th July 1916 Relief complete 26th July 1916 Operational Order No.95   27th July 1916 236th London Brigade Relocate  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery move to Sains les Pernes. Batteries at disposal of Battery Commanders. War Diaries 27th July 1916 Battalion moved 28th July 1916 Quiet 28th July 1916 Company training 29th July 1916 Reliefs 29th July 1916 Company route march. 29th July 1916 Operational Order No.96 30th July 1916 On the Move 30th July 1916 On the March 31st July 1916 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aubrometz. Batteries at disposal of Battery Commanders. OC. Brigade and Adjutant with representatives of each battery, inspected the guns of the 21st Division which have just withdrawn from action at the S. War Diaries 31st July 1916 In billets 31st July 1916 Operational Order No.97 1st August 1916 On the March 1st August 1916 On the Move 2nd August 1916 Daily Battery Report  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Beauvoir Riviere. Batteries at disposal of Battery Commanders. War Diaries 2nd August 1916 Company training 3rd August 1916 Sport and Concert  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery are at Beauvoir Riviere. Batteries at disposal of Battery Commanders. In the afternoon a Brigade swimming sports was held with great success and in the evening a camp fire concert was held. Col Kennedy 21st London Battalion sent the Battalion Band which was a great success and the concert ended at 2200. War Diaries 3rd August 1916 Operational Order No.98 4th August 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Batteries at the disposal of Battery Commanders. War Diaries 4th August 1916 Move 4th August 1916 Operational Order No.99 5th August 1916 Moves 5th August 1916 On the Move 6th August 1916 Recce  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Vitz-Villeroy. The Brigade carried out a minor recce in conjunction with 235th Brigade RFA. War Diaries 6th August 1916 Training 7th August 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Batteries at disposal of Battery Commanders. War Diaries 8th August 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery: Batteries at disposal of Battery Commanders. 9th August 1916 Divisional Field Day  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery billeted at Vitz-Villeroy took part in Divisional Field Day. The Brigade massed at Divisional Artillery HQ near Roofles and, after going over a pontoon bridge constructed by Divisional Royal Engineers, proceeded to take up positions in the neighbourhood of Caumont. After batteries had been in action until 1430, retirement to billets was ordered. War Diaries 10th August 1916 Movements 11th August 1916 Movements 12th August 1916 Movements 12th August 1916 Brigade night operations. 13th August 1916 Action Positions  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Behencourt. C236 Battery and sections of A236, B236 and D236 Batteries move up to action positions at Bottom Wood. The remainder stay at Behencourt. War Diaries 13th August 1916 Battalion sports. 14th August 1916 Into Position 14th August 1916 Training 15th August 1916 Work Done  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Bottom Wood. 46th Infantry Brigade in trenches. Quiet day. Work done on positions. Quiet on the front War Diaries 15th August 1916 Battalion training. 16th August 1916 Light Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Quiet day except for German shelling at intervals of Welsh Alley and 70th Avenue where all our Observation Points are. There was a practice barrage at 1600. Our Batteries shelled Switch Line on right of tramway running to Martinpuich during the night. War Diaries 17th August 1916 Registration  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Bottom Wood. Quiet day until 1500. The morning was spent in registration of targets. Lt Graburn C236 Battery was wounded in the trenches. Batteries formed an intense barrage 220 yards over the Switch Line and infantry made a bombing attack along the Switch Line towards Tramway. The Germans made feeble counter attack near the Tramway which was repulsed. There was no firing during the night by Batteries. 17th August 1916 Battalion training 18th August 1916 Heavy Barrage  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: At 0855 a heavy barrage was put up by our batteries 200 yards over the Switch Line and formed with 47th Division Artillery a double barrage. At 1445 a further heavy barrage at Switch Line on the right of Tramway. Smoke was discharged on our front and the 1st Division attacked the intermediate line on our right. They got in but were driven out. From 2030 fire was kept up at odd intervals on tracks and trenches leading to Martinpuich. War Diaries 19th August 1916 Fire Continued  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Bottom Wood From midnight 18/19th August fire was continued until 0730. Quiet morning and quiet afternoon. No firing during the night. War Diaries 20th August 1916 Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report From 1200 batteries fired on Martinpuich and surroundings. At 2200 and at intervals during the night Batteries switched back from Martinpuich to a line 400 yards over Switch Line and West of Tramway. War Diaries 20th August 1916 Move 20th August 1916 Operational Order No.101 21st August 1916 Gas Shells  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report during the night 20/21st B236 Battery was shelled with gas shell losing two men killed, two wounded and four gassed. Five German aeroplanes came over at about 0920 and dropped six bombs on the Wagon Lines. During the afternoon Major Pollard went up in a balloon but found the light too bad for clear observation. War Diaries 21st August 1916 Into billets 21st August 1916 Operational Order No.102 22nd August 1916 Salvoes fired  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery: Very quiet day. At 1400, 1710 and 2025, four batteries bombarded new German trench in front of Martinpuich. At 1355, 1705 and 2020 D236 Battery fired salvoes into Martinpuich. War Diaries 22nd August 1916 In billets 22nd August 1916 Operational Order No.103 23rd August 1916 Casualties  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Bottom Wood. Quiet day. Very little firing by batteries. A236 Battery had nine casualties, one very bad and the remainder very slight. C236 Battery had one man wounded. War Diaries 23rd August 1916 Moved to billets 24th August 1916 Battery Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report it was quiet in the morning. B236 Battery went out of action yesterday leaving only sixteen men and one officer with A236 Battery to work their guns. This is in accordance with new system of reliefs. In the late afternoon greater activity prevailed. The Division on our right (E) attacked the intermediate line at 1745. The Germans shelled Welch Alley and localities adjoining very furiously with heavy shells. Later in the evening A236 was targeted with gas shells. The attack was a failure. War Diaries 24th August 1916 Training and Musketry. 25th August 1916 Barrage  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery carried out barrage as ordered by Divisional Artillery. Fairly quiet day. Hostile aircraft rather more active. One of our aeroplanes was forced to descend in X29 through engine trouble, but was packed up in crates and carted away about evening. Hostile activity was somewhat below average. War Diaries 26th August 1916 Hostile Artillery Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Bottom Wood Hostile artillery displayed greater activity today against our rearward positions, barraging valleys with heavy shells for short periods with no small intensity. The valley south of Mametz Wood, west of Bottom Wood and Shelter Wood were also heavily shelled. Otherwise the day was fairly uneventful, except that the Division on our right (1st Division) took another 200 yards of the Intermediate Line. Hostile aeroplanes to the number of five carried out a small reconnaissance over Death Valley and its environs at about 1700. The Batteries of 236th Brigade carried on a continuous bombardment on German front line. War Diaries 27th August 1916 More Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Moderately quiet day. B236 Battery took over from A236 Battery in accordance with the programme of reliefs instituted by the GOCRA 47th Division. At about 1150 a heavy hostile bombardment was put on Villa Wood and the North West corner of Mametz Wood. At about 1415 the gun positions of B236, A236 Batteries and the 235th Brigade positions were violently shelled with heavy Howitzers. Three men of B236 Battery were buried but were got out again and found to be suffering from slight shell shock. The Brigade fired continuously throughout the day in barrages. Major W Cooper A236 Battery RFA proceeded to the Field Ambulance sick. War Diaries 27th August 1916 Church Parade 28th August 1916 Continuous Firing  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery fired continuously throughout the twenty four hours. Hostile artillery was moderately inactive compared to the previous day. Capt Egerton Warburton came to be attached to B236 Battery; 2/Lt Pearson and 2/Lt Tabor from the 47th Divisional Ammunition Column were yesterday attached to the battery for instruction, while Lt C H De Wael was attached to C236 Battery from 47th Divisional Ammunition Column. Fairly quiet day. War Diaries 28th August 1916 Company training. 29th August 1916 Continuous Barrage   236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report a continuous barrage kept up all day on the trenches in front of Martinpuich. At midnight our infantry dug round the Intermediate Line. War Diaries 30th August 1916 Heavy Rain  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report heavy rains interfered with work. Our batteries barraged as before. One hundred and thirty six prisoners were obtained from the Intermediate Line. Four officers, two NCOs and one hundred and thirty prisoners. They passed down Welch Alley between the hours of 1500 and 1800. The whole of Intermediate Trench is now occupied. Capt R A Corsan A236 Battery rejoined his unit after a stay in hospital. War Diaries 30th August 1916 Battalion training 31st August 1916 Exchange of Shells  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery kept up a continuous barrage all day and Hostile artillery was active, particularly with gas shells. Brigade Headquarters were shelled with gas shell from about 2200 until about 2300. No damage was done. Relatively quiet day. A236 and B236 Batteries were heavily shelled with Lachrymatory (tear gas) and poison shell. War Diaries 1st September 1916 Continuous Barrage   236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Bottom Wood. Continuous barrage kept up by Brigade all day except by B236 and A236 Batteries who dropped out about midday after being violently shelled by 8 inch guns. They had to abandon position. The barrage was taken on by C236 Battery until relieved by the 238th Brigade. One man was wounded and one or two others were rather badly shaken. Enemy artillery very active. It was decided to change position of one section of A236 Battery. War Diaries 1st September 1916 Attack and night schemes. 1st Sep 1916 Training 2nd September 1916 Daily Battery Activity 236th London Brigade  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery record in their war diary: One Section of A236 Battery removed and placed alongside C236 Battery. Heavy artillery began their bombardment for the attack of the 3rd, 14th, and 15th Corps. War Diaries 2nd September 1916 Practice Brigade attack. 3rd September 1916  Assault Sucessful  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: In the morning the Australians captured Mouguet Farm also the 1st Division occupied their objectives in High Wood. At 1200 the 14th Corps captured Guillemont and 15th Corps captured Ginchy. The French took Clery and reached within 1000 yards of Combles. Batteries fired intense heavy bombardments prior to the attacks mentioned above. War Diaries 3rd of September 1916  3rd September 1916 Church Parade 4th September 1916 Misfire causes Injury 4th September 1916 Physical drill in billets. 5th September 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery fired on Martinpuich and it's neighbourhood during the day in accordance with the programme. A fairly quiet day. The French break through between Combles and Clery. War Diaries 5th September 1916 Brigade Training 6th September 1916 Quiet Day  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report a quiet day and the Batteries carried out a programme of special shoots throughout the day. The French are reported to have captured 500 yards of enemy trench line near Combles. The Germans made strong counter attacks which were repulsed. Major Cooper returned to take command of A236 Battery. War Diaries 6th September 1916 Bayonet and Musketry fighting 6th Sep 1916 Training 7th September 1916 Special Shoots  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report a quiet day. The Batteries carried out a programme of special shoots. C236 Battery began to dig new position near Bazentin Le Petit Wood. The French attacked south of the Somme and took large part of Berny and the western half of Verman Dovillers. War Diaries 8th September 1916 Special Shoots  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. A quiet day and the Batteries carried out a programme of special shoots. At 1745 the 1st Division attacked enemy trenches in High Wood. 47th Divisional Artillery cooperated with an intense bombardment for 15 minutes and then fired on trenches to North West of High Wood. 1st Division at first took their objectives but later dropped back on account of their flanks being exposed. A few prisoners were taken. War Diaries 8th September 1916 Brigade training 8th Sep 1916 Training 9th September 1916 Attack Made 9th September 1916 Divisional exercise. 9th Sep 1916 Training 10th September 1916 New Positions  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report 235th and 236th Brigades came under the command of CRA 15th Division. B,C and D Batteries moved sections into new positions. B236 Battery in Lower Wood, C236 Battery south of Bazentine le Petit Wood and D236 Battery in Bazentine le Petit. The Group Observation Point in 10th Avenue was heavily shelled by 5.9 inch guns during the afternoon. War Diaries 10th September 1916 Inspection of Battalion Rifles. 10th Sep 1916 On the Move 11th September 1916 Batteries Move  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Bottom Wood. Batteries moved the remaining two sections into new positions. All fairly quiet on this front. War Diaries 11th of September 1916 Holding the Line   11th September 1916 Bayonet fighting 11th Sep 1916 Reliefs 11th Sep 1916 On the Move 12th September 1916 Registration   236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Bottom Wood. Brigade came under the command of Divisional Commander R.A. 47th Division Front, High Wood supporting 47th Divisional Infantry. Batteries registered points in High Wood. War Diaries 12th of September 1916    12th of September 1916    12th of September 1916    12th September 1916 New billets   12th Sep 1916 Artillery in Action 13th September 1916 Daily Battery Activity 236th London Brigade  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Bottom Wood. Batteries carried out barrages behind enemy lines in High Wood. Battle of Flers-Coucelette 15th September 1916 to 22nd September 1916 (sixth phase of the Battle of the Somme). War Diaries 13th of September 1916 Instructions   13th of September 1916  13th of September 1916 Orders   13th September 1916 Billets shelled 13th September 1916 Operational Order No.105   13th Sep 1916 Bombardment 14th September 1916 Barrages Fired  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Bottom Wood: Fairly quiet day. Batteries fired in barrages all night (13-14th). Registration was carried out during the day. Bombardment was carried for 23 minutes beginning from 1900. There was a certain amount of shelling by the enemy. The heavy artillery bombarded High Wood. War Diaries 14th of September 1916    14th of September 1916    14th of September 1916    14th September 1916 Extra Ammunition and Bombs issued    14th September 1916 Operational Order No.106   14th Sep 1916 Bombardment 14th Sep 1916 Reliefs 15th September 1916 New Positions 15th of September 1916 Attack Made   15th of September 1916    15th September 1916 Assembly Trenches   15th Sep 1916 In Action 16th September 1916 Moves 16th September 1916 Operations on the Brigade front   16th Sep 1916 Consolidation 17th September 1916 Heavy Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Mametz Wood. There was a certain amount of heavy shelling along our front line but no Infantry actions. Lt Whitten B236 Battery was wounded while up at the observation chateau. 2/Lt Davies B236 Battery was slightly wounded but is still at duty. War Diaries 17th of September 1916  17th September 1916 Battalion in position    17th Sep 1916 Reliefs 18th September 1916 Starfish Line Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Mametz Wood Our Artillery shelled certain parts of the enemy front, especially the strong point in 34.b.1.2 in the Starfish Line. Our Infantry made a small bombing attack about 2030 which partially succeeded. (Note-The Starfish Line was a German trench line to the left of High Wood) War Diaries 18th September 1916 Battalion in new positions 18th Sep 1916 Heavy Rain 19th September 1916 Bombardments  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Mametz Wood. Our Artillery carried out bombardments according to the programme and at different points at the request of infantry. At about 2000 the enemy made a counter attack against our infantry in Drop Alley and our Artillery opened fire after SOS from our line. At 2100 all was again reported quiet. War Diaries 19th of September 1916    19th September 1916 Bombardment   19th Sep 1916 Shelling 20th September 1916 Batteries Fire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Mametz Wood. Batteries fired on Flers during the day and on fleeing targets. 1st Division Infantry relieved 47th Division Infantry during the night. The weather gradually improving and 7.0.0 continues reconnoitering the front trenches. Howitzers battery fired all night into Eaucourt L’Abbaye. (See note and comment on 7.0.0. from 15th Sep.) War Diaries 20th of September 1916 Poor Conditions   20th September 1916 Relief Complete 20th Sep 1916 Reliefs 21st September 1916 Continuous Fire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Mametz Wood. At 0325 SOS signal but it was a false alarm. At 0355 Batteries ceased firing. At 1030 D236 fired at the rate of 50 rounds an hour on the Flers Line just South East of Eaucourt L’Abbaye and ceased at 1930. At 1130 and 1330 the 18 pounder Batteries fired 15 four gun salvoes into Eaucourt L’Abbaye. During the night 18 pounder Batteries fired continually on Flers Line at 100 rounds per hour. War Diaries 21st of September 1916  Operational Orders   21st September 1916 Cleaning up. 21st Sep 1916 On the Move 22nd September 1916 No Resistance Met  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Mametz Wood. At 1030 Howitzer battery commenced firing 50 rounds an hour on Flers Line M.29.b.12 to M.23.c.70. (ceased firing at 1945). At 1300 transport was seen on Bapaume le Sarg road MEc and MHb heavy Batteries informed. Our Infantry (1st Division) the Welsh Regiment occupied Prue and Starfish trenches. Patrols sent out in front as far as 700 yards without meeting any resistance. War Diaries 22nd September 1916 Draft inspected and drilled 23rd September 1916 Little Firing  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Mametz Wood. Fairly quiet day and Batteries did very little firing. The enemy were singularly quiet throughout the afternoon, their artillery being almost entirely silent. At night Batteries fired a few rounds on a German working party digging a trench. 23rd September 1916 NCO class under RSM. 24th September 1916 Night Action  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Fairly quiet day and Batteries did very little firing only registration. Hostile shelling very little. B236 Battery relieved A236 Battery who in turn relieved C236 Battery. At night 2020 the 1st Division launched a local attack on the Flers Line which proved abortive. Batteries fired for most of the night. War Diaries 24th Sep 1916 Reinforcements 25th September 1916 Offensive Resumes  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Mametz Wood. At 1430 the Fourth Army resumed the offensive. The 1st Division attacked along the Flers Line and secured their objectives with very little trouble. They joined line with the New Zealanders in Goose Alley. The New Zealand Division on our right secured all its objectives; our troops securing Grid Trench in front of Guedecourt, Les Boeufs to the north of Morval. The French secured Fregicourt and Rancourt. Batteries kept up continuous fire all day on the barrages ordered by 47th Divisional Artillery. At night D236 Battery was shelled with lachrymatory (tear gas) and other shells suffering two casualties. War Diaries 25th September 1916 Range Firing 25th Sep 1916 Service 26th September 1916 Uneventful Day  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Mametz Wood. More or less uneventful day on our front. The Canadian Corps on our left captured Thiepval and 1500 prisoners. Batteries assisted by an intense bombardment at 1235 for a few minutes on the hostile trenches. At about 1900 D236 Battery was again shelled. 2/Lt Stephenson being wounded with one man killed and five others wounded. Major Pollard was slightly wounded in the hand but remained at duty. At 2330 1st Division assaulted hostile trench in M29 but failed chiefly owing to losing their way. War Diaries 26th of September 1916  26th September 1916 Open warfare tactics 26th Sep 1916 Training 27th September 1916 Little Firing  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: 47th Division relieved 1st Division in High Wood sector. Moderately quiet day. Batteries fired very little except for registration purposes, considerable defensive barrages. There were no infantry operations but artillery was fairly active. War Diaries 27th of September 1916  27th September 1916 Working parties 27th Sep 1916 On the March 28th September 1916 Fairly Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Fairly quiet day. C236 Battery staff relieved A236 Battery staff. It was decided during the afternoon that D236 should change their position to that vacated by D275 Battery RFA. Batteries fired a defensive barrage. War Diaries 28th of September 1916 Reliefs 28th September 1916 Open Warfare training 28th September 1916 Operational Order No.107 28th Sep 1916 On the March 29th September 1916 Infantry Assault   29th of September 1916 Orders   29th of September 1916 Message   29th of September 1916    29th September 1916 Move 29th Sep 1916 Moved Up 30th September 1916 Hostile Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Hostile artillery fairly active on our trenches in the morning & afternoon. Hostile anti-aircraft guns very active against our aeroplanes. Major General Sir Charles Barter relinquished command of 47th London Division. Batteries fired in barrages but there was no infantry action on our front. War Diaries 30th of September 1916 Patrols   30th September 1916 Physical drill & Bayonet exercises 30th Sep 1916 In Reserve 1st October 1916 Hostile Trenches Bombarded  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Mametz Wood. At 0700 D236 began to bombard hostile trenches --- near Eaucourt L’Abbaye and other Batteries fired a short intense barrage from 1007 until 1015. At 1515 140 Infantry Brigade assaulted and took Eaucourt L’Abbaye in conjunction with the New Zealand Division on our right. They held firm on the left flank with the 20th Battalion holding firm on the right: another Battalion attacked, but the situation still remained obscure. War Diaries 1st of October 1916 Attacks   1st October 1916 On the March   2nd October 1916 Infantry Attack 2nd of October 1916 Orders 2nd of October 1916 Orders 2nd October 1916 Muddy 3rd October 1916 New Positions  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: The position at the front was satisfactorily cleared up. Eaucourt L’Abbaye was definitely captured and all the Germans in the dug out silenced. The wagons that got stuck were cleared and 3 more guns proceeded down to the new positions between dawn and dusk. Otherwise a fairly quiet day. War Diaries 3rd October 1916 Reinforcements 4th October 1916 Bad Light  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Mametz Wood. Very quiet day on our front with no infantry action at all. C236 Battery has one gun in it's new position and B236 Battery has 4. The light is very bad, but some registration is done by the Batteries. It has rained for most of the day. War Diaries 4th October 1916 Occasional rain, 5th October 1916 236 Bde RFA HQ Moves  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report it was decided to move HQ. to a new position at S.10.c.4.6 on the road running from the Longueval - Contalmaison Road to the East Corner of High Wood. There was hostile artillery activity on the slope North East of High Wood. Nothing of any great importance. War Diaries 5th October 1916 Reliefs   6th October 1916 Gunners Buried  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Bazentin le Grand - High Wood(east)Road (S.10.c.4.6). Brigade HQ. moved to the new position on the road running from the Longueval-Contalmaison Road to the East side of High Wood (S.10.c.4.6). C236 Battery was shelled in their new position with 5.9 and 8 inch guns and had to evacuate it. Gunner Grove E.S.B. was killed and one wounded (Sgt. Irons). Two or three others were buried, but were successfully dug out and remained on duty. The Batteries fired some ordered barrages. A236 Battery relieved C236 Battery in their position while B236 Battery relieved A236 Battery in their position. War Diaries 6th October 1916 Shelling   7th October 1916 Continuous Barrages  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report at 1345 47th Division attacked with a view to seizing the Grid Line and Butte de Warlencourt. The 15th Battalion on the right obtained their objectives and after several vicissitudes held it with a few parties and dug in behind it. On the left the attack was, as a whole, unsuccessful with very little ground being gained. The Batteries fired continuously on barrages ordered by Divisional Artillery. Lt J.F. Gayner proceeded to the Field Ambulance sick. 2/Lt B.B. Wallace was wounded by a bullet in his hand while reconnoitering the front. War Diaries 7th October 1916 Attack Resumed   8th October 1916 Reliefs  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Bazentin le Grand and High Wood Road. 236th Brigade RFA was relieved by 237th Brigade RFA. D236 battery remained in action under 237th Brigade RFA. D235 battery was taken over later by 236th Brigade RFA. All batteries held at their Wagon Lines in Bottom Wood except C236 Battery which took over C237 Battery gun position at Marlboro Wood and kept in charge of the depot guns of 47th Division Artillery. D235 Battery acts as depot Howitzer battery. Brigade Headquarters were moved to 237th Brigade Headquarters near Mametz. War Diaries 8th October 1916 Heavy Artillery Fire   9th October 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Mametz. No events of any importance. Several guns and Howitzers passed through our hands. War Diaries 9th October 1916 Battalion returned to Transport Lines. 10th October 1916 Ammunition Moved  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report No events of any importance. C236 Battery finally cleared its dump at it's old position at Bazentin le Petit Windmill and took the ammunition up to 237th Battery positions. War Diaries 10th of October 1916 Reliefs 10th October 1916 Into Billets   11th October 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Nothing of any importance. War Diaries 11th October 1916 Armourer Staff Sgt. inspected rifles. 12th October 1916 Reliefs 12th October 1916 Baths 13th October 1916 On the Move 13th October 1916 On the Move 14th October 1916 At Rest 14th October 1916 On the Move 15th October 1916 On the March 15th October 1916 Holy Communion 16th October 1916 On the March 16th October 1916 Close Order Drill 16th October 1916 Operational Order No.112 16th October 1916 Letter from 47th Division 17th October 1916 On the March 17th October 1916 On the Move 18th October 1916 On the March 19th October 1916 Into Billets 19th October 1916 Reliefs   19th of October 1916 Orders   19th October 1916 Schedule 20th Oct. 1916 19th October 1916 In Support    19th October 1916 Working Party Schedule 20th October 1916 On the March 20th October 1916 Trenches   20th October 1916 Schedule 20th Oct. 1916 20th October 1916 Situation quiet all day. 20th October 1916 Operational Order No.114 21st October 1916 Reliefs 21st October 1916 Mine Blown   21st October 1916 Working parties 22nd October 1916 Enemy mine 23rd October 1916 Relief 23rd October 1916 Quiet 24th October 1916 Reliefs 25th October 1916 Mine Blown   25th October 1916 Disposition 25th October 1916 Special Order 25th October 1916 Trenches shelled   25th October 1916 Special Order by Brigadier General Viscount Hampden CMG 26th October 1916 Patrols sent 27th October 1916 Enemy Wire   28th October 1916 Mining 29th October 1916 Schedule 22nd Nov. 1916   29th October 1916 Trench Work   29th October 1916 Operational Order No.115   30th October 1916 In Camp. 31st October 1916 Baths   1st November 1916 Brigadier General Visited Camp   2nd November 1916 Inspection 3rd November 1916 Close Order Drill, Bayonet Fighting and Musketry.   4th November 1916 Testing of new small Box Respirators 5th November 1916 Distribution of Medal Ribbons   6th November 1916 Officers class and NCO class 7th November 1916 Schedule 7th Nov. 1916 7th November 1916 Gas demonstration 7th November 1916 Operational Order No.116   8th November 1916 In to Reserve 9th November 1916 Battalion in Reserve. 10th November 1916 Schedule 11th Nov. 1916   10th November 1916 Working Parties 11th November 1916 In Reserve. 12th November 1916 In Support 13th November 1916 Schedule 13th Nov. 1916 13th November 1916 In Support 13th November 1916 Operational Order No.118 14th November 1916 Quiet Day   15th November 1916 Hostile Artillery active   16th November 1916 Enemy Artillery less active   17th November 1916 Enemy improving his Front Line   18th November 1916 Schedule 18th Nov. 1916 18th November 1916 Dump shelled   18th November 1916 Operational Order No.119   19th November 1916 In Huts. 20th November 1916 Working parties 21st November 1916 Working parties 22nd November 1916 Schedule 22nd Nov. 1916 22nd November 1916 Parades under arrangements of Company Commanders, 22nd November 1916 Operational Order No.120 23rd November 1916 Work period 23rd/24th to 28th/29th Nov. 1916 23rd November 1916 Reliefs 24th November 1916 Battalion in Right Sub_Section Hill 60 Sector.   25th November 1916 Sniper 26th November 1916 Shelled with 5.9" Minenwerfers & Rifle Grenades. 27th November 1916 During the afternoon a few T.M's. and Rifle Grenades were fired by the Enemy   28th November 1916 Schedule 28th Nov. 1916 28th November 1916 No Hostile fire all day.   28th November 1916 Operational Order No.121 29th November 1916 Battalion in huts 30th November 1916 Parades under Company arrangements. 1st December 1916 Parades under arrangements of Company Commanders, 2nd December 1916 Musketry   3rd December 1916 Church Parades held 4th December 1916 Draft of 6 O.R. joined from Base. 5th December 1916 Major General visited camp. 6th December 1916 Baths   7th December 1916 Schedule O.O.No.122 Dated 7th December 1916   7th December 1916 Lecture at Brigade School. 7th December 1916 Operational Order No.122 8th December 1916 Defence Scheme   8th December 1916 Move 9th December 1916 A patrol of 2 men sent out 10th December 1916 Our 18 Pounders retaliated. 10th December 1916 Operational Order No.123 11th December 1916 Enemy were fairly quiet during the day   12th December 1916 Enemy transport was heard behind his line 13th December 1916 Enemy have been observed building up their parapet 14th December 1916 Divisional Commander visited the line. 15th December 1916 Slow bombardment of our trenches 16th December 1916 Trenches East of the Bluff were bombarded 17th December 1916 Patrols went out   18th December 1916 Enemies T.M's were active   19th December 1916 Minenwerfers were sent over 20th December 1916 Camoflet was blown by Australian Tunneling Company   21st December 1916 Shells fell along Nynde Duckboards   22nd December 1916 Parapet was blown in. 22nd December 1916 Schedule O.O.No.127 Dated 22nd December 1916   22nd December 1916 Working Party 22nd December 1916 Enemy Machine Gun active   22nd December 1916 Operational Order No.127 23rd December 1916 Reliefs 24th December 1916 Battalion in Reserve. 25th December 1916 Divisional Commander visited Battalion at 1330 hours. 26th December 1916 Battalion in Reserve. 27th December 1916 Working Party Schedule Dated 27th December 1916 27th December 1916 Battalion H.Q. was shelled 28th December 1916 Shell splinters   29th December 1916 Reliefs   30th December 1916 Brigade Reserve 31st December 1916 C.O. inspected camp 1st January 1917 Inspected by A.D.M.S. 2nd January 1917 Scheme of Signaling between Infantry   3rd January 1917 Bath's at Houpoutre Siding 4th January 1917 Company and Platoon drill, Musketry, testing and fitting of Box Respirators. 5th January 1917 Box Respirators tested in Gas Chamber 6th January 1917 Fighting patrol training 7th January 1917 7th London Regt. Church parade cancelled 8th January 1917 Proceeded by train to Ypres.   8th January 1917 Operational Order 130   9th January 1917 Battalion in Right Sub-Section Hill 60 Sector.   10th January 1917 Battalion Hill 60 dispositions   11th January 1917 Enemy Battery shelled our Front and Support lines 12th January 1917 Operational Order 131 12th January 1917 Relief Table 13th January 1917 Practically no Artillery or T.M. activity. 14th January 1917 In Camp. 15th January 1917 Fighting Patrol instruction 15th February 1917 Hostile aircraft driven off by Anti-Aircraft fire. 16th January 1917 Camp Inspected 17th January 1917 Battalion bathed 17th January 1917 Operational Orders 17th January 1917 Schedule. 18th January 1917 Reliefs 19th January 1917 Enemy working on his Support Line 20th January 1917 Enemy has strengthened his wire 21st January 1917 Enemy working parties heard   22nd January 1917 Registration & Reliefs  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Ypres: The Brigade checked zero lines and registrations. A test SOS. was received by the Batteries of the Brigade and the times averaged two minutes. Lt G Lyon Smith left for England on Jan 21st 1917 to continue his medical studies. 2/Lt M O Haskell RFA(SR) becomes acting Adjutant. On the night of 22/23 January the 6th Battalion (City of London Rifles) relieved 7th Battalion and 15th Battalion (Civil Service Rifles) relieved 8th Battalion, (all units in 47th Division). War Diaries 22nd January 1917 Two Enemy aeroplanes patrolled   23rd January 1917 Bomardment of Enemy Front Line  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery undertake Bombardment of enemy front line system and communication trenches by the division in conjunction with the Heavy Artillery was carried out. The enemy’s retaliation to this Bombardment was slight. The effect of the Bombardment was good as his front and communication trenches were considerably knocked about. Casualties: Lt Hellier, V47 Ttrench Mortar Battery, wounded and one other rank, Y47 Trench Mortar Battery, wounded. War Diaries 23rd January 1917 Orders 23rd January 1917 Schedule. 23rd January 1917 In Support. 24th January 1917 Tests Show Improvement  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Two test SOS messages were received by the Brigade. The times achieved showed improvement over the previous test SOS. War Diaries 24th January 1917 Working parties under 1st Australian Tunneling Company 25th January 1917 Hostile Artillery  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Hostile artillery (77mm 4.2 inch and 5.9 inch) bombarded B236 Battery and D236 Battery at Woodcote House and vicinity with about three hundred rounds, causing four casualties (three in D236 and one in B236)- all slight. Three direct hits were obtained on pits but only one gun was put out of action. A four point two fuse( for 4.2 inch shell)was found after this bombardment set to explode at 4 or 75 metres. War Diaries 25th January 1917 Enemy aeroplanes again active 26th January 1917 Registration and Calibration  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report registration and calibration continued. Two test SOS messages were received and the average time was about one minute. Casualties one other rank. 2/Lt L B Tausley RFA assumed the Adjutancy and 2/Lt M D Haskell became orderly officer. War Diaries 26th January 1917 Reliefs 27th January 1917 Bombardment of Enemy Trenches  The four Batteries of 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery in conjunction with the Y and V Batteries of Trench mortar and the Batteries of Right Group and Corps Heavy Artillery carried out bombardment lasting from 1200 to 1330 onto hostile trenches on the Left Group front with special reference to enemy's Observation Points. 2/Lt Payne (Late --- ---- Battery) posted to D236 with effect from 26th Jan.1917. The Batteries of the Group took part in a Test SOS at 2009. War Diaries 27th January 1917 Reliefs 27th January 1917 In Reserve 28th January 1917 Battery Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report C236 Battery at Langkhof Farm was shelled during the day. War Diaries 28th January 1917 Church parade 29th January 1917 Batteries Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report 2/Lt P S Ayers was transferred from 235 Brigade RFA to C236 Battery with effect from today’s date. C236 Battery and vicinity was shelled during the afternoon with three hundred to four hundred rounds - no casualties. War Diaries 29th January 1917 NCO's class 30th January 1917 Test Calls  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Ypres. Two test SOS calls were fired on by the Group one at 0010 and one at 0312. Y47 Medium Trench Mortar Battery fired and much damaged a machine gun emplacement and surrounds. Working party of thirty eight men are now with the Group working on reserve reinforcement positions. War Diaries 30th January 1917 Route march 31st January 1917 All quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report All quiet. Signed A.C. Lowe, Lt Col R.A Commander 236th Brigade RFA. War Diaries 31st January 1917 Parades 1st February 1917 Enemy Artillery very Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Ypres. Enemy artillery very active indeed on Back areas and Batteries. A test SOS call was received by Group at 2111 and all Batteries had full response within two minutes. 2/Lt D S Culterall was transferred from C236 Battery to the 47th Divisional Ammunition Column with effect from 31st January 1917. War Diaries 1st February 1917 In Brigade Reserve. 2nd February 1917 GOC Visits  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report the GOC 47th Division visited B236, C236 and D236 Batteries at 1200. War Diaries 2nd February 1917 Respirator drill. 3rd February 1917 Enemy Front Line Bombarded  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Y47 Trench Mortar Battery bombarded the enemy's front line across the Railway Cutting with sixty rounds and no retaliation of any importance. War Diaries 3rd February 1917 Frostbite Grease 3rd February 1917 Operational Order 135.   4th February 1917 Bombardment  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery engaged in Bombardment of a small area of enemy's trenches East of the Snout from 1500 until 1600 by Corps Heavy Artillery and 4.5 Howitzers Batteries included D236 Battery which fired one hundred and eighty rounds. The Medium Trench Mortar Battery(Y47) with thirty six rounds and A236 Battery shelled enemy Observation Points during the bombardment. Much damage was done and the enemy retaliated with light guns only. Relief by X47 Trench Mortar Battery of Y47 Battery in the line took place. 2/Lt E A de B West (D236 Battery) evacuated sick. War Diaries 4th February 1917 Enemy sent up a White Rocket 5th February 1917 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report 2/Lt H V Ramsey admitted to Field Hospital on 3rd February 1917 while on 47th Divisional Artillery Course War Diaries 5th February 1917 Enemy shelled the Bluff, Wynde, Duck Boards & King Street   6th February 1917 Batteries in Action  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery D236 Howitzer Battery from 1440 to 1540 fired one hundred rounds in combined bombardment with 23rd Divisional Artillery and Corps Heavy Artillery onto area of trenches immediately South of Stirling Castle on 23rd Division front. C236 Battery fired at intervals during the night onto area of bombardment the 4 lines, East of the Snout. War Diaries 6th February 1917 Enemies batteries fired several shells in the vicinity of Bluff.   7th February 1917 Registration  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report All quiet, registration by batteries. War Diaries 7th February 1917 Hostile Snipers active during the night 8th February 1917 Personnel changes  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery 2nd Lt H V Ramsey evacuated out of Divisional Area - sick. War Diaries 8th February 1917 Sounds of aeroplanes heard over our lines 9th February 1917 Hostile Fire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Aeroplane registration carried out by D236 Battery for Counter Battery Work. Small crater with suspected enemy mine workings bombarded by X47 Medium Trench Mortar Battery with sixty rounds and many direct hits obtained. At 2030 the enemy opened heavy shrapnel fire on both Battalion fronts. Group Batteries replied as retaliation was asked for increasing to SOS fire at 2050 in answer to SOS call from Right Battalion. The hostile fire soon died down. War Diaries 9th February 1917 Croix De Guerre awarded 10th February 1917 Battery Activity  236th London Brigade, Royal Field Artillery report "The Field Marshall, Commander in Chief awarded the French decoration "Medale Militaire" to Corporal W. P Noel HQ Staff. At 1400 D236 4.5 Howitzer Battery took part in one hours bombardment by all 47th and 41st Division Field Howitzers of the area opposite trenches of left Battalion of Right Brigade 47th Division. A registration by aeroplane by D236 Battery was also attempted at 1530. 2/Lt T Ballantyne C236 Battery was evacuated to 2nd Casualty Clearing Station." War Diaries 10th February 1917  11th February 1917 Enemy put up an Observation Balloon 11th February 1917 Operational Order 137. 12th February 1917 Conference  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery record Conference of OC. Group and Battery Commanders. First section of C236 Battery went out of action. War Diaries 12th February 1917 Patrol went out at night 13th February 1917 Batteries in Action  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery D236 Battery fired two hundred rounds in a combined bombardment on 23rd Division front by all available Howitzers. X47 Trench Mortar Battery commenced wire cutting on the Left Battalion's front and fired fifty four rounds. Remainder of C236 Battery went out of action and handed over position to B1014 Battery which is therefore part of Group. C246 took over Wagon Lines of B235 in rest at Winnizeele. War Diaries 13th February 1917 Heavy tremor was felt   14th February 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery B236 Battery commenced wire cutting opposite Right Battalion's front. X47 Trench Mortar Battery continued on wire with fifty rounds. War Diaries 14th February 1917 Slight shelling with L.H.V.S. shells 15th February 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report A236 and B236 Batteries continued on the enemy wire with the usual allotment of two hundred rounds a day. D236 fired on an area Bombardment scheme at 1545 in conjunction with Howitzers of 23rd and 41st Division and Heavy Artillery on Area Hill 60. 2/Lt V Overton and 2/Lt H S Metcalfe attached to A236 and D236 Batteries respectively for 14 days instruction (From the DAC). War Diaries 15th February 1917 Hostile aircraft over our lines 15th February 1917 Operational Order 138. 16th February 1917 Gaps made in Enemy Wire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: All Batteries of the Group (except D236) and including X47 Trench Mortar Battery, which fired fifty rounds, bombarded the enemy's wire today. Many gaps were made. War Diaries 16th February 1917 Direct hits on Enemy Front Line, apparently hitting Bomb dumps. 16th February 1917 Translation of German Attack Orders 17th February 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Wire cutting by A236 and B104 Batteries continued with an average of two hundred rounds a day being fired by each Battery. X47 Trench Mortar Battery fired one hundred rounds on cutting the wire. War Diaries 17th February 1917 Letters addressed to persons in Germany 18th February 1917 Small Enemy raiding party active 18th February 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Wire cutting continued successfully by all Batteries. D236 took part in an area bombardment with all other Howitzer Batteries at 1430 and one hundred and eighty rounds were fired. X47 Trench Mortar Battery fired sixty rounds at enemy's trenches which were much damaged as a result of last few days bombardment. War Diaries 19th February 1917 Batteries Cutting Wire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report C236 Battery came into action in position immediately south of Left Infantry Brigade HQ as reserve Battery for raid operation. Wire cutting continued by A236, B236, B104 and D236 Battery with the other Howitzers firing again on right area National - one hundred and eighty rounds. X47 Trench Mortar Battery again fired sixty rounds at enemy wire. War Diaries 19th February 1917 Minenwerfers active causing a few casualties. 19th February 1917 Operational Order 139. 20th February 1917 Daylight Raid  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report 18 pounder Batteries continued rigorous wire cutting in the morning as did Trench Mortar Battery. Much damage has been done and many gaps made in the enemy's defences. At 1700, Zero Time, a large daylight raid was carried out on the Right Brigade front of 47th Division. A dummy raid was made by explosion of mines and bombardment on the Hill 60 sub sector at the same time. All Batteries of Left Group barraged southern boundary of said area and cease fire took place at approx 1925. Raid highly successful with one hundred and thirteen prisoners and four machine guns being gained by 6th Battalion (City of London Rifles). 2/Lt M O Haskell A235 Battery (attached HQ) acted as liaison officer with raiding party. 6600 rounds of 18 pounder ammunition, 1100 rounds of 4.5 inch Howitzer and 450 rounds of 2" Trench Mortar ammunition were used by Left Group in the raid operations from 13th inst. onwards. War Diaries 20th February 1917 Battalion in Dominion Camp. 21st Feb 1917 No Retaliation  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report (A J Roberts due back from leave). All quiet - no immediate retaliation by the enemy for the raid. 2/Lt H Davies rejoined the Brigade from Hospital (B236 Battery). War Diaries 21st February 1917 Battalion bathed at Houpoutre Bath's. 22nd February 1917 Enemy Work Prevented  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Enemy was prevented from working on his lines by 18 pounder fire. War Diaries 22nd February 1917 The range at Dickebushe was allotted to "C" Coy. 23rd February 1917 Movements 23rd February 1917 "C" & "D" Coys. under RSM, LGO & BO. for specialist training and drill. 24th February 1917 Battery Rests  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: After very successful raid by 41st Division, C236 Battery goes back to rest during night to Winnezeele. War Diaries 24th February 1917 "A" & "B" Coys. under RSM, LGO & BO. for specialist training and drill. 25th February 1917 Divine Services 26th February 1917 Reliefs 26th February 1917 Major General Govinge visited Battalion 27th February 1917 Support of Hill 60 Sector 27th February 1917 Operational Order 140.   28th February 1917 Movements 28th February 1917 7 O.R. joined for duty. 1st March 1917 Batteries Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Heavy shelling of A236 and B236 Batteries in the afternoon with direct hits on gunpits etc. but no casualties. Toll Gate and vicinity of Group HQ. were also shelled and one wounded in HQ. Visual signalling operated this morning, while telephones closed down from 1000 to 1400. Batteries fired on SOS message at 2200 but no attack. War Diaries 1st March 1917 Battalion in Support in Railway Dugouts. 1st March 1917 Report of patrol.   2nd March 1917 Battery Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery, A236 Battery was again heavily shelled. Batteries are on small allotment. War Diaries 2nd March 1917 Situation all quiet 3rd March 1917 Enemy Movements  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Probable enemy relief discovered to be taking place tonight so Batteries fired from 2100 until midnight, about one hundred and twenty rounds each. No retaliation was received. War Diaries 3rd March 1917 Reliefs 3rd March 1917 Message was received from Brigade. 4th March 1917 Enemy Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Enemy actively shelled our back areas during the evenings. War Diaries 4th March 1917 Some Shelling   5th March 1917 Positions Reinforced  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Working parties from 104 Brigade RFA and 47th Divisional Ammunition Column attached to Batteries of the Group to work on the reinforcement positions. 2/Lt T Ballantyne evacuated to England and struck off Brigade strength with effect from 3rd March 1917. War Diaries 5th March 1917 Artillery activity below normal. 6th March 1917 Artillery fairly active    7th March 1917 Hostile Artillery quiet 8th March 1917 Light Minenwerfer shells 9th March 1917 Camoflets Blown  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report D236 Battery fired on Counter Battery targets with aeroplane observation. B236 Battery fired one hundred and fifty rounds on enemy wire. Several camouflets blown by the enemy. (note: camouflet is an underground cavity caused by explosives but without breaking surface which would form a crater) War Diaries 9th March 1917 Dog shot 10th March 1917 Germans looking over parapet   11th March 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report A236 Battery fired about seventy rounds wire cutting. Great air activity with two British machines shot down over Ypres. Major Pollard OC. D236 Battery to Field Ambulance sick. War Diaries 11th March 1917 Shot by our Snipers.    12th March 1917 Enemy Working party  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report A236 Battery successfully dispersed a large working party behind enemy lines. Major Pollard evacuated out of Divisional Area, also 2/Lt Davies. War Diaries 12th March 1917 Battalion in Support. 13th March 1917 New Battery OC  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report T/Lt S Taylor appointed Captain whilst sent to Command D236 Battery. War Diaries 13th March 1917 Support 14th March 1917 Change of Command  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Major A C Gordon DSO OC B236 Battery assumes command of 235th Brigade RFA and is struck off the strength of this Brigade from today’s date. War Diaries 14th March 1917 Situation during the day quiet. 14th March 1917 Operational Order 150. 15th March 1917 Enemy Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report The enemy batteries were active today especially their eight inch guns and our Batteries retaliated at the request of infantry. War Diaries 15th March 1917 Situation during the day quiet. 16th March 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report B104 Battery fired one hundred and forty rounds in wire cutting and there was much intermittent retaliation by the other Batteries. War Diaries 16th March 1917 In Camp 17th March 1917 Change of Command  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Capt R A Corsan MC A236 Battery appointed to command B236 Battery with effect from 16th inst in place of Major Gordon DSO. War Diaries 17th March 1917 Innoculations complete 18th March 1917 Batteries Fire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report D236 Battery fired on Counter Battery target. A236 and B236 Batteries fired at the request of infantry. D236 also fired all night on a German Battery suspected of moving. War Diaries 18th March 1917 Church Parades 19th March 1917 Retaliation  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery Batteries retaliated for enemy firings on Left Battalion during the morning. 2/Lt G Jacques posted to B236 Battery from 119th Brigade RFA. War Diaries 19th March 1917 Lectures 20th March 1917 Reliefs  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report C236 Battery first section relieved one section of B104 Battery today from Corps Reserve and took over B235 Battery Wagon Line. War Diaries 20th March 1917 Battalion in Camp. 20th March 1917 Operational Order 151. 21st March 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Remaining sections of C236 Battery relieved remaining sections of B104 Battery. A236 Battery fired one hundred and ten rounds wire cutting and Other Batteries fired one hundred and twenty rounds in retaliation for enemy shelling. War Diaries 21st March 1917 Reliefs 22nd March 1917 New Craters Blown  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report X47 Trench Mortar Battery fired thirty rounds on Hill 60 and into new craters blown by the enemy. Work was heard during the night and X47 Battery again fired into craters. War Diaries 22nd March 1917 Artillery quiet but Minenwerfers active 23rd March 1917 Enemy Bombardment  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Enemy actively bombarded in retaliation for Trench Mortars early this morning. Our Batteries replied and X47 Trench Mortar Battery again fired on the crater. War Diaries 23rd March 1917 Hostile Artillery more active than usual. 24th March 1917 Battery Shelled  From 0800 until 1130, C236 Battery 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery was heavily shelled. One gunner was killed and two others wounded. The shelling was repeated at intervals during the day and an ammunition dump was blown up. At 1800 after heavy Trench Mortar activity the SOS signal went up to the right of Group zone and an attack was reported on Group Zone. Batteries opened fire on the SOS, but the situation almost immediately cleared and the cease fire was given. A small mine had been sprung on Left Battalion front. War Diaries 24th March 1917 Bombardment 25th March 1917 Personnel Changes  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery reports Captain H Carey-Morgan C236 Battery posted to command B236 Battery with effect from this date and Captain R A Corsan MC B236 Battery posted to A236 Battery. War Diaries 25th March 1917 Hostile Artillery active 26th March 1917 Enemy Work Stopped  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery's X47 Trench Mortar Battery fired on the enemy crater to stop work. War Diaries 26th March 1917 Party of Germans observed 27th March 1917 Special Shoot  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report 2/Lt H W Stevens and 2/Lt H J Glover attached from 47th Divisional Ammunition Column to A236 and B236 Batteries respectively for a fortnight's instruction. D236 Battery fired one hundred and eighty rounds in conjunction with Heavy Artillery and other 4.5 inch Howitzers Batteries on special area opposite the Right Front. War Diaries 27th March 1917 Shelling 28th March 1917 Battery Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery's C236 Battery was heavily shelled again during the morning with two direct hits on a gun pit, but no casualties. Major Wood OC. C236 goes on leave of absence (special). War Diaries 28th March 1917 White lights 28th March 1917 Operational Order 152.   29th March 1917 Reliefs 29th March 1917 In Support 30th March 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery's B236 Battery fired one hundred and thirty rounds in wire cutting and also with A236 Battery fired on German officers inspecting the enemy front line. C236 Battery were again shelled this morning. Major Cooper OC. A236 Battery on special leave of absence. War Diaries 30th March 1917 Battalion  in Support 31st March 1917 Retaliation  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. report 2/Lt E A West rejoined from hospital to D236 Battery. Batteries retaliated during the day and X47 Trench Mortar Battery fired on crater. War Diaries 31st March 1917 No Casualties. 1st April 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Wire cutting in preparation for raiding operation started by this Group; A236 Battery fired one hundred and fifty rounds, B236 Battery one hundred and ten rounds, C236 Battery one hundred also twenty on the wire and D236 Battery fired one hundred and eighty rounds on area opposite Division on the left in collaboration with other Howitzers and Heavy Batteries. X47 Trench Mortar Battery fired in retaliation and moved guns south to cover more front. New Battery positions for offensive action started upon by Batteries of this Group with twelve positions to be completed. War Diaries 1st April 1917 Battalion in Canal Reserve Camp. 2nd April 1917 High Wind  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Wire cutting was carried out in spite of high wind by 18 pounders and trench mortars. D236 Battery fired on an area bombardment, one hundred and sixty rounds and A236 Battery fired at intervals during the night on this area. War Diaries 2nd April 1917 Armourer Sgt. inspected rifles of "A" & "B" Coys. 3rd April 1917 Batteries Fire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report C236 Battery fired forty four rounds in wire cutting and X47 Trench Mortar Battery sixty rounds. A236 Battery fired during the night on the same area of bombardment as yesterday. War Diaries 3rd April 1917 "C" & "D" Coys. Rifles inspected 4th April 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report On wire cutting A236 Battery fired one hundred and seventy rounds, B236 Battery one hundred and four, C236 Battery one hundred and thirty three and X47 Battery twenty five with good results being obtained. D236 Battery fired on area bombardment. War Diaries 4th April 1917 Lewis Guns and Rifles of H.Q. inspected 5th April 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report wire cutting was continued today. A236 Battery firing one hundred and nineteen rounds, B236 Battery two hundred and twenty one, X47 Trench Mortar Battery one hundred and seven and C236 Battery one hundred and thirty six. A236 Battery after being registered in the morning was shelled at about 1830 and two gun pits were blown in by 5.9 inch guns. Two other ranks and one Sergeant were wounded. War Diaries 5th April 1917 Working parties provided for Dickesbushe Range. 6th April 1917 Wire Cutting and support  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery, C189 Battery (Army Field Brigade) came into action in position East of B236 Battery as reinforcement Battery for the Group. Wire cutting again today with A236 Battery firing one hundred rounds, B236 Battery seventy six rounds and C236 Battery one hundred and fifty two rounds. D236 Battery took part in an area bombardment on Group Zone. X47 Trench Mortar Battery also fired fifty four rounds. C189 Battery registered. War Diaries 6th April 1917 "B" Coy. bathed at Halifax Camp 7th April 1917 Intense Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Batteries carried out intense wire cutting this morning, A236 Battery firing one hundred and thirty rounds, B236 Battery one hundred and fifty five rounds and C236 Battery two hundred and ten rounds. Zero time for Daylight Raid 2000. 18th Battalion (London Irish Rifles) carried out this raid, in the same place on the right Brigade Front as the raid in February, under a heavy barrage by two and half Divisional Artilleries, accompanied by dummy raid at German line on Hill 60 and St Eloi. Enemy fire was fairly heavy and caused a number of casualties. Nineteen prisoners were taken. OC. Left Group acted as liaison officer with GOC 141st Infantry Brigade, also Major Pollard OC. D236 Battery acted as liaison with OC. Raid. 2/Lt A M Cole B236 Battery posted to 66th Division. War Diaries 7th April 1917 "C" Coy. used Dickesbushe Range. 8th April 1917 Relief Imminent   236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report OC. 101 Brigade RFA arrived to take over Group but relief of Batteries not yet begun. War Diaries 8th April 1917 Church Parades 9th April 1917 Heavy Barrage  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Left Group now under tactical command of 23rd Divisional Artillery and covering 23rd Division Infantry, but still covering Hill 60 front. After trench mortaring of our lines all day the enemy at 1835 opened a heavy barrage along the Divisional Front particularly on the Centre Battalion. SOS went up at 1844 and the Batteries of 236 Brigade commenced barrage immediately. There was some Shelling of Group on right and Division on left, but both turned a Battery into mutual barrages on this Brigade front after ten minutes. Enemy found to have been completely held up by our barrage fire and dead found in 'no mans land'. Firing continued until about 2000 at a rapid rate with 3960 rounds being fired by the Group despite some Batteries being all shelled with 5.9 inch guns and gas shells. One 4.5 Howitzer was badly damaged, but no other damage or casualties except slight gas poisoning and shock. War Diaries 9th April 1917 Washing and rubbing of men's feet prior to moving in to the line. 10th April 1917 Quiet day for 6th London Batteries  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery record in their war diary: Lt A F Yencken (B236 Battery) struck off the Brigade strength on evacuation to England. All quiet today and all front trenches including Battery Observation Points have been demolished along with one trench mortar pit probably bombed by the enemy. First sections went out of action tonight and withdrew to the wagon lines. War Diaries 10th April 1917 Enemy Snipers active   11th April 1917 On the March 11th April 1917 Artillery quiet. 12th April 917 Relocations  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery A236 and B236 Batteries and HQ. Brigade in Winnezeeze rest billets with C236 and D236 Batteries at Ouderzeele. War Diaries 12th April 1917 Enemy fired a few Rifle Grenades in the vicinity of Old Kent Road 13th April 1917 Shrapnel shells   14th April 1917 Enemy shelled Canal 15th April 1917 Relocations  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Major W Cooper OC. A236 Battery returned from special leave. War Diaries 15th April 1917 Artillery quiet due to incessant rain. 16th April 1917 Inspections and Training  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery recordL Drill order Inspection of Batteries by BGRA (Brigadier General Royal Artillery). Each Battery inspected separately A236 and B236 at Winnezeeze with C236 and D236 at Ouderzeele. Major Wood OC. C236 Battery returned from leave. Classes in gunnery and signalling in each Battery is now being carried on. War Diaries 16th April 1917 Into camp 17th April 1917 Battalion inspected for Rabies. 18th April 1917 Appointments  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery reports OC. Brigade to HQ 47th Divisional Artillery as acting CRA in absence of CRA on leave. Major Pollard OC. D236 Battery to command Brigade in absence of OC. War Diaries 18th April 1917 Training 19th April 1917 Court Martial  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery provide summaries of evidence in case of Bombardier Wiseman D236 Battery, remanded for Field General Court Martial on 15th inst., taken. War Diaries 19th April 1917 On Rifle Range. 20th April 1917 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report marching order parades of C236 and D236 Batteries were inspected by acting OC. Brigade (Major C A Pollard DSO). War Diaries 20th April 1917 Presentation of Medal Ribbons 21st April 1917 Training 22nd April 1917 Church Parades 23rd April 1917 Training  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Gas demonstration by chemical adviser X Corps held at 1415 near Ouderzeele. Four 18 pounder guns of C236 Battery and two 4.5 inch Howitzers of D236 Battery were bought into action in the gas cloud. Commander Royal Artillery and all available Officers and ORs of the Brigade attended. War Diaries 23rd April 1917 Platoon Boxing and Football competitions. 24th April 1917 Relief Complete   24th April 1917 Into Support 25th April 1917 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Marching order parade of HQ. Brigade, A236 and B236 Batteries at 0930 with an inspection by the acting Brigade Commander. A good turnout. War Diaries 25th April 1917 Battalion in Support. 26th April 1917 Battalion still in Support 27th April 1917 Battalion still in Support 28th April 1917 Appointments  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Captain R A Corsan MC A236 Battery went to command C102 Battery in action vice Major Britten killed. (Major Charles Wells Britten aged 30 was killed on the 26th April 1917 and is buried at Bedford House Cemetery). War Diaries 28th April 1917 Enemy shelled neighbourhood of Swan Chateau 29th April 1917 appointments and recreation  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Lt Colonel A C Lowe resumed command of Brigade on return of BGRA from leave and Major C A Pollard relinquished command. Brigade officers jumping competition held at 1730 and won by 2/Lt G Jacques B236 Battery. War Diaries 29th April 1917 Enemy intermittently shelled neighbourhood of Swan Chateau. 30th April 1917 Training and Recreation  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery attend Brigade Sergeants jumping competition and rides. During the period in rest, active training has been carried on daily with Battery Staff including, gun drill, range, fuse setting, signalling with flags sited in advance stations, riding schools and competitions in turnout. War Diaries 30th April 1917 Enemy shelled Brisbane Dump 1st May 1917 Recreation  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Winnezeeze and Oudezeeze. The Brigade subsections competition for general turnout was won by B236 Battery with A236 Battery in second place. War Diaries 1st May 1917 Battalion in Support at Swan Chateau. 2nd May 1917 Enemy Artillery more active today 3rd May 1917 Relocations  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report first section of each Battery left for it's position in the line. The rest billets are taken over by 104 Brigade RFA. War Diaries 3rd May 1917 Reliefs 4th May 1917 Relocations  The remaining sections of each Battery and Headquarters Staff of 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery await night action on the Bluff and Canal sectors immediately South of Ypres and with three Batteries of 235th Brigade remaining in newly formed Chateau Group, covering the whole of the 47th Divisional front. Lt Colonel W B Grandage OC. 235 Brigade RFA remained in command of the Group with HQ Staff 236th Brigade. Two, two inch Trench Mortars Batteries and one 9.45 Trench Mortar also form part of the Group. War Diaries 4th May 1917 In trenches at Spoil Bank 5th May 1917 Movements 5th May 1917 Brigadier of 142nd Brigade visited 6th May 1917 Heavy Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report there was heavy shelling of roads and back areas by the enemy and much counter battery work by him. War Diaries 6th May 1917 Throughout the day the Forward Area was fairly quiet.   7th May 1917 Increased Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report shelling of the whole area by the enemy increased. GOC. Division inspected the Brigade Wagon Louex. One NCO and the horses of D236 Battery were killed. Bombardment of enemy roads, railways and communications carried out by every gun in the Army. An intense fire for two periods of five minutes each at 2045 and 2315 carried out, the Group taking part in and firing an average of three hundred and fifty rounds per 18 pounder Battery and two hundred rounds per 4.5 inch Howitzer. The Enemy were quietened by this retaliation. War Diaries 7th May 1917 Some hostile shelling on the back areas 8th May 1917 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report GOC. Division inspected the Brigade HQ and Batteries during the morning. Still much artillery activity and bombardment of dumps by the enemy. War Diaries 8th May 1917 No patrols were out during the night. 9th May 1917 Enemy Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Enemy active with trench mortars and artillery on our trenches during the day, much retaliation by our batteries. Firing increased and heavy bombardment opened at 2110. SOS was given and Batteries opened up barrages on our Group front and of the Division on our right to 2200 with little success. War Diaries 9th May 1917 A few 7.7cm LHV shells fell on Estaminet Lane 10th May 1917 Heavy Bombardment  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report another heavy bombardment, chiefly on the Divisional front in the North was opened at 0345 and Batteries barraged for half an hour. Much counter Battery work and many targets of guns in action fired on. 2nd Lt C B Payne struck off strength of the Brigade on transfer to RFC (Royal Flying Corps). War Diaries 10th May 1917 Intense barrage opened on the whole front 11th May 1917 Enemy Artillery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery received enemy artillery activity. Vicinity of Group HQ shelled all the morning and the HQ’s Chateau was registered, heavily bombarded from 1130 to 1430 and partly destroyed but no casualties. D236 Battery was also heavily shelled and one gun together with pit and ammunition blown up and completely destroyed. Another gun was buried from 1700 to 1750 but no casualties. War Diaries 11th May 1917 Back areas Shelled 12th May 1917 Enemy Artillery Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Enemy artillery was active and Howitzer Batteries retaliated on counter-battery targets. C236 Battery was shelled. War Diaries 12th May 1917 Battalion arrived at Canal Reserve Camp 13th May 1917 The Battalion together with 15th Battalion formed "C" Column 14th May 1917 Group Commander Killed  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Lt Colonel W B Grandage commanding the Group died of his wounds this morning and 2nd Lt L J Helliar. Orderly officer 236th Brigade was killed, both at Swan Chateau. Major C A Pollard appointed as temporary Group commander. Large working parties joined from 104 Brigade RFA for work on offensive positions. War Diaries 14th May 1917 Battalion continuing march 15th May 1917 Appointments  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Lt Colonel Nicholson 104th Army Field Artillery Brigade arrived to take over command of Group. Battery positions for offensive action definitely allotted to Brigade. Wire cutting started. War Diaries 15th May 1917 On the March 16th May 1917 Relocations  Headquarters 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery went out of action to Wagon Louex. War Diaries 16th May 1917 Battalion commenced training. 17th May 1917 Appointments  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Command of Group definitely handed over and all HQ staff now at Wagon Louex. War Diaries 17th May 1917 Inter Platoon competition 18th May 1917 Relocations  One section of A236 Battery 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery relieved by one section A104 Bty and went to Wagon Louex. War Diaries 18th May 1917 Inspection of rifles 19th May 1917 Relocations  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report remaining sections of A236 Battery relieved by A104 and one section put onto new offensive position. War Diaries 19th May 1917 Promotion 20th May 1917 Relocations  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report One section of B236 Battery to Wagon Louex on relief by one section B104 Brigade. Telephone exchange for HQ Brigade established in new Headquarters at Bedford House. Capt C Egerton-Warbutton posted to A236 Battery. War Diaries 20th May 1917 Church Parades 21st May 1917 Relocations  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Remaining sections of B236 Battery relieved and one section went onto new position. Lt Lucas MC with Forward Operations Observation party to 142nd Infantry Brigade for practice in training area. War Diaries 21st May 1917 Armourer Sgt. inspected Lewis Guns. 22nd May 1917 Musketry 23rd May 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery confirm preliminary instructions for offensive action issued. Batteries all working on positions and wire cutting with Group. Lt Colonel A C Lowe arrived back from leave to England and took over command of the Brigade from Major C A Pollard temporarily holding it. War Diaries 23rd May 1917 Practice attack 24th May 1917 Relocations  First section of C236 Battery 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery in action in new position tonight. War Diaries 24th May 1917 Practice attack 25th May 1917 Relocations  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report all Batteries 236 Brigade (less one section C236 Battery) in new positions tonight and completion of large ammunition dumps at guns now taking place. War Diaries 25th May 1917 Recce 25th May 1917 Medal Ribbons Presented 26th May 1917 Inter-Platoon competition. 27th May 1917 Heavy Enemy Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report heavy shelling of all roads tonight by the enemy and much gas used. D236 shelled with one Bombardier killed and ten men wounded and ammunition dump blown up. Firing with gas shells continued until morning 28th May. War Diaries 27th May 1917 Church Parades 28th May 1917 Dumps Complete  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report all 18 pounder Batteries now have completed dumps on gun positions of 7800 rounds. Roads again shelled by the enemy. One driver from A236 Battery was killed, one wounded and two horses killed. Several other men were slightly wounded. War Diaries 28th May 1917 Football and Rifle Bombing 29th May 1917 Battery Shelled  D236 Battery 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery completed dump of 6600 rounds. HQ. Staff went up into action station. D236 Battery was heavily shelled. War Diaries 29th May 1917 Special Mention   30th May 1917 Relocations  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report ‘C’ Group consisting of A,B,C and D/236 Batteries with D/119 Battery as counter battery formed under command of Lt Colonel A C Lowe DSO. 64th Army Field Artillery Brigade attached as a sub-group (D Group). Both Headquarters, under ruins of Bedford House, on Ypres-St Eloi Road. C Group's offensive zone is immediately North of Ypres-Comines canal. Batteries are all to the East of Headquarters and within close distance in new positions. Night firing commenced by the Group War Diaries 30th May 1917 Appendix "I" - Operational Order No. 9.   30th May 1917 On the March   31st May 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery Wire cutting by A236 and C236 Batteries. Night firing by B236 Battery and registration by all Batteries for raid, which is to take place immediately South of Canal. One driver C236 Battery was killed. War Diaries 31st May 1917 Relief Completed 31st May 1917 Baths 1st June 1917 Wire Cutting  Batteries of 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery continued wire cutting. Practice barrage from 1530 to 1600 was fired at by all Batteries on Group offensive zone. Smoke shell being used. Night firing and neutralisation of wire by B236 Battery in addition. War Diaries 1st June 1917 Cricket 2nd June 1917 Wire Cutting  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Wire cutting continued in cooperation with French Mortars and harassing fire carried out on tracks and communication trenches. D236 Battery bombarded five forward enemy front positions. In reply to all day bombardment by our heavy batteries the enemy retaliated with a few rounds on Batteries and Group HQ. Staff Sergeant Masters and one gunner were killed and two Sergeants wounded all in A236 Battery. Lieut A.F. Blackwell A236 Battery slightly wounded and missing in back area,believed killed. Later found to have been killed. Usual heavy firing on enemy roads and communications and wire. War Diaries 2nd June 1917 Bathing completed 2nd June 1917 Instructions for attack   3rd June 1917 Batteries in action  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery Batteries firing all day on roads etc. and counter Battery work with gas shells carried out during the whole night by howitzer batteries. HQ was bombarded by gas shells heavily for two hours during the night. 3rd June 1917 Heavy Artillery bombarded hostile positions 3rd June 1917 Operational Order   4th June 1917 Heavy Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report One gun of C236 knocked out and destroyed by a direct hit during heavy shelling of C236. D236 on harassing fire all day. A one round per minute bombardment at 2200 by all Batteries on enemy headquarters and much firing during the night. D236 had two howitzers destroyed. Conference of BGRA (Brigadier General Royal Artillery) and Group commanders at ‘C’ Group headquarters. War Diaries 4th June 1917 Instructions   4th June 1917 Artillery continued the bombardment 5th June 1917 Patrol Raids  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery fired three searching barrages by 18 pounder Batteries during the day and a practice barrage carried out at 1500. Lt Colonel A.C. Love DSO OC ‘C’ Group went up as Senior Liaison Officer with 142 Infantry Brigade at the Bluff. Patrol raids were carried out during the night and Bedford House was again shelled. War Diaries 5th June 1917 A little more retaliation from the Enemy 6th June 1917 Batteries in Action  At 0230 A236 and B236 Batteries, 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery fired on said barrage. Barrage creeping to final objective carried on. Very heavy shelling of all Batteries throughout day by the enemy with 8 inch and 5.9 inch shells. A236 had two guns destroyed, B236 had two badly damaged and ammunition blown up. C236 had also two guns put out of action and 1000 rounds of ammunition blown up. Only two gunners of C236 Battery were wounded. A and C Batteries were both obliged to relocate positions for some hours. Owing to loses in guns B Battery was taken off today’s imtended barrage and placed to reinforce creeping barrage. D236 again carried out counter battery work all night. 2nd Lt M.F. Allen posted to Brigade as signal officer. War Diaries 6th June 1917 Wire Cut 7th June 1917 Attack Launched  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Zero time for offensive by the II Army to take Hill 60, Wytschate and Messines Ridges at 0310. At that hour all artillery opened heavy barrage which continued to creep forward as infantry advanced for 10 hours until all objectives were joined and ridge remained in our hands. ‘C’ Group formed the centre of the six groups covering the Divisional front and the barrage crossed the canal south of which the final group protective barrage was placed. A large number of Neutralise Fire calls were received and D236 did resulting neutralisation of Batteries including firing at enemy troops on the march. At about 1800 barrage was carried out on SOS line, but no infantry action by the enemy. War Diaries 7th of June 1917 In Action 7th June 1917 At 0030 hours night of 6th - 7th the Battalion moved on to tapes laid out behind our Front Line   7th June 1917 Attack on Messinesand Wytschaete Ridge 7th June 1917 Report on Operations.   8th June 1917 Reorganisation   Reorganisation of 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery Batteries on new zero lines took place. Otherwise the enemy was very quiet. 2nd Lt H.L. Burgis was reposted to the Brigade and to A236 Battery from England. War Diaries 8th of June 1917 Holding Ground 8th June 1917 Artillery active 9th of June 1917 Shelling 9th June 1917 Enemy shelled our lines heavily   10th of June 1917 Shelling 10th June 1917 Enemy barrage intensified. 11th of June 1917 Stunt 11th June 1917 Hostile Shelling 12th of June 1917 On the March 12th June 1917 Fire in dumps at Lankhof Farm. 13th of June 1917 Feeling Better 13th June 1917 Resting and cleaning up 14th of June 1917 A Little Light Relief 14th June 1917 Kit Inspection 15th of June 1917 On the Move 15th June 1917 On the March 16th of June 1917 On the March 16th June 1917 On the March 17th of June 1917 Relaxing 17th June 1917 Brigade Church Parade 18th of June 1917 An easy day 18th June 1917 Billets Inspected 19th of June 1917 Cooking Duty 19th June 1917 Parades 20th of June 1917 Happy Birthday 21st of June 1917 Easy Duty 21st June 1917 Instruction 22nd of June 1917 Routine Day 22nd June 1917 Armourer Sgt. inspected rifles 23rd of June 1917 Latrine Duty 23rd June 1917 Battalion bathed in Canal 24th of June 1917 Sunday Parade 24th June 1917 Cricket and Entertainment 25th of June 1917 On Parade 25th June 1917 Parades as usual. 26th of June 1917 A Day Out 26th June 1917 Divisional swimming gala 27th of June 1917 Practice Attack 27th June 1917 Surprise Attack 28th of June 1917 Marching Again 28th June 1917 Move 29th of June 1917 Arrive at Ridgewood 29th June 1917 Into bivouacs 30th of June 1917 Cold & Wet 30th June 1917 Improving bivouacs 1st of July 1917 Working Party 1st July 1917 Bivouacs. 2nd of July 1917 More work to be done 2nd July 1917 Intense bombardment 3rd of July 1917 Water Duty 3rd July 1917 Repair and cable burying 4th of July 1917 The King at the Front 4th July 1917 His Majesty the King visited   5th of July 1917 German Shelling 5th July 1917 Battalion in camp. 6th of July 1917 Enjoying the weather 6th July 1917 Bathed at Chippewa Camp baths. 7th of July 1917 Routine shelling 7th July 1917 Bathing at Westoutre. 8th of July 1917 Into the Front Line 8th July 1917 Reliefs   9th of July 1917 In No Man's Land 9th July 1917 Shelling   10th of July 1917 After Effects 10th July 1917 Artillery fairly quiet. 11th of July 1917 Back with the Unit 11th July 1917 Observation Balloons attacked   12th of July 1917 Treats in the trench 12th July 1917 Hostile Artillery fairly active   13th of July 1917 Enjoying the rest 13th July 1917 Trench Raid 14th of July 1917 Getting soaked 14th July 1917 Enemy aeroplanes active 15th of July 1917 The ruins of war 15th July 1917 Gas barrage 16th of July 1917 Bomb Clearing 16th July 1917 Gas shell bombardment 17th of July 1917 Summer Sunshine 17th July 1917 Artillery activity normal. 18th of July 1917 A close call 18th July 1917 Heavy rain 19th of July 1917 Working Party 19th July 1917 Shelling 20th of July 1917 Will ever end? 20th July 1917 Intense bombardment 21st July 1917 Explosion of Dump   22ndt of July 1917 Further shelling 22nd July 1917 Explosion 23rd of July 1917 Not much sleep 23rd July 1917 Practice barrage on our Left and Front. 24th of July 1917 Working under fire 24th July 1917 Hostile aircraft again patrolled our back area's   25th of July 1917 Relieved at last 25th July 1917 Battalion in camp. 26th of July 1917 Punishment duty 26th July 1917 Commanding Officer presented Medal Ribbons 27th of July 1917 Medal parade 27th July 1917 Parade under Company arrangements 28th of July 1917 More awards 28th July 1917 Divisional Commander presented Medal Ribbons. 29th of July 1917 Bomb throwing practice 29th July 1917 Gas shells fired by the Enemy 30th of July 1917 Meeting the locals 30th July 1917 Route march 31sth of July 1917 The Colonel's Parade 31st July 1917 Battalion drill 1st of August 1917 March washed out 1st August 1917 Location Kenora Camp. 2nd of August 1917 Marching in the mud   2nd August 1917 General day 3rd of August 1917 Marching in the wet   3rd August 1917 Rain all day. 4th of August 1917 Parade & March 4th August 1917 Heavy thunderstorms in the afternoon. 5th of August 1917 Wine tasting   5th August 1917 Church Parades 6th of August 1917 Out to tea 6th August 1917 General day 7th of August 1917 Good grub 7th August 1917 General day 8th of August 1917 Moving up the line 8th August 1917 Battalion moved to Ridge Wood 9th of August 1917 German raid 9th August 1917 Enemy planes over again 10th of August 1917 Cookery duty 10th August 1917 Quiet day. 11th of August 1917 Night work 11th August 1917 Enemy plane again over during the night 12th of August 1917 Forced to stop work 12th August 1917 Working parties provided 13th of August 1917 Moving camp 13th August 1917 Enemy aeroplane taking advantage of low cloud came over 14th of August 1917 A quiet day 14th August 1917 Battalion in camp and bathed at Westoutre. 15th of August 1917 To St. Omer 15th August 1917 Battalion left camp at 0030 hours and marched to Abeele Station 16th of August 1917 Practice Day 16th August 1917 Training under Company arrangements 17th of August 1917 Shooting Practice 17th August 1917 Battalion carried out Musketry practice   18th of August 1917 Firing at the ranges 18th August 1917 Musketry 19th of August 1917 Sunday Service 19th August 1917 Church Parades 20th of August 1917 Early morning run 20th August 1917 1430 hours Sergeants parade. 21st of August 1917 Health & Fitness 21st August 1917 1430 hours Corporals parade. 22nd of August 1917 General's Inspection 22nd August 1917 Hostile aeroplane came over 23rd of August 1917 Soaked in the rain again 23rd August 1917 1515 hours Officers parade. 24th of August 1917 Return to the Front 24th August 1917 Battalion moved by bus to Halifax Camp   25th of August 1917 News from home 25th August 1917 Hostile plane over at night dropping about a dozen bombs 26th of August 1917 A disturbed night 26th August 1917 Church Parades 27th of August 1917 Waiting to go in the line 27th August 1917 Sand bagging continued. 28th of August 1917 Going over the top 28th August 1917 Long range hostile gun fires a few shells 29th of August 1917 New job 29th August 1917 Parade under Company arrangements 30th of August 1917 Cooking for the troops 30th August 1917 Long range hostile gun again fired 31st of August 1917 More bacon 31st August 1917 Parade under Company arrangements. 1st of September 1917 Enjoying a lie in 1st September 1917 Location Halifax Camp. 2nd of September 1917 Better than the Front Line 2nd September 1917 Hostile aircraft were engaged by ours 3rd of September 1917 The High Life 3rd September 1917 Usual training and working parties. 4th of September 1917 Cookhouse Duty 4th September 1917 All night hostile aircraft were active 5th of September 1917 Breakfast for the troops 5th September 1917 Two planes came over but were immediately fired on by A.A. 6th of September 1917 More frying 6th September 1917 Exceptionally heavy thunderstorm during the evening. 7th of September 1917 Repeat the routine 7th September 1917 Hostile planes over at 2340 hours 8th of September 1917 Working hard 8th September 1917 Battalion moved to Chateau Segard 9th Sep 1917 Enemy Attack 9th of September 1917 Cooking the Sunday Dinner 9th September 1917 Hostile planes over dropping several bombs 10th of September 1917 Rabbit for a change 10th September 1917 Artillery shelled Theranbaxi Track 11th of September 1917 Photo opportunity 11th September 1917 A barrage spread along the whole front. 12th of September 1917 Cookhouse Routine 12th September 1917 Enemy shelled the whole of the Battalion area 13th of September 1917 Fire troubles in the Cookhouse 13th September 1917 Practice barrage morning and evening on our left 14th of September 1917 Special Treat 14th September 1917 Heavy bombardment on our left during early morning. 15th of September 1917 Early riser 15th September 1917 Enemy shelled our left front 16th of September 1917 Apples & Custard 16th September 1917 Relief in afternoon 17th of September 1917 Feeding the masses 17th September 1917 Battalion in camp at Segard Chateau. 18th of September 1917 In to town 18th September 1917 Battalion moved to central area Steenvoorde 19th of September 1917 A tall order 19th September 1917 Battalion bathed at Steenvoorde 20th of September 1917 On the move 20th September 1917 Battalion moved to Eicke 21st of September 1917 First bath in a month 21st September 1917 Route march to Caestre 22nd of September 1917 Unloading trains 22nd September 1917 Battalion detrained at Aubigny 23rd September 1917 Voluntary Church Parades 24th of September 1917 Arrived Acq 24th September 1917 Battalion moved to Chateau St. Aubin 25th of September 1917 Wiring party 25th September 1917 Battalion moved to Roundhay Camp 26th of September 1917 Rumours of Ypres 26th September 1917 Enemy aeroplanes profiting by low cloud 27th of September 1917 Guard duty 27th September 1917 Enemy aeroplanes fairly active 28th of September 1917 Working on the range 28th September 1917 Usual working parties. 29th of September 1917 Digging dugouts 29th September 1917 Fine day, very quiet 30th of September 1917 Chance of a bath 30th September 1917 Enemy aeroplanes active against our Scouts 1st of October 1917 Digging in 1st October 1917 Battalion in Reserve at Roundhay Camp   2nd of October 1917 Some shellfire 2nd October 1917 Physical training in the morning 3rd of October 1917 Out of Ypres for now 3rd October 1917 Reliefs 4th of October 1917 Starting a new job 4th October 1917 Battalion bathed at Anzin St. Aubin bath's. 5th of October 1917 Pay day 5th Oct 1917 Relief   5th October 1917 "D" Coy. used Maroeuil Range 6th of October 1917 Marching in the rain 6th October 1917  7th of October 1917 To church 7th October 1917 Voluntary Church parades 8th of October 1917 Duty runner 8th October 1917 Battalion concert at 1900 hours in ASC Hut. 9th of October 1917 Bath time again 9th October 1917 Battalion bathed at Anzin St. Aubin 10th of October 1917 Back into the front line 10th of November 1917 Rum and rain 10th October 1917 Gas Projection Discharge   10th October 1917 Patrol   11th of October 1917 Accompanying the Captain 11th October 1917 0300 hours Gas projected on our Left. 12th of October 1917 Out in the rain 12th October 1917 Administrative instructions for O.O.190. 12th October 1917 Artillery quiet during the night. 13th of October 1917 Firing back 13th October 1917 A patrol consisting of 5 O.R. went out 14th of October 1917 More running 14th October 1917 Artillery more active 15th of October 1917 Fairly quiet at the front 15th October 1917 Enemy Artillery and T.M's. quiet on our front 15th November 1917 "A" Coy. used ranges 5 & 6 16th October 1917 Dull day with no little Artillery action 17th of October 1917 Quiet continues 17th October 1917 500 15cm H.E. falling   17th October 1917 * * * Schedule to O.O.190 * * *   18th of October 1917 Quiet at the front 18th October 1917 7th London Regt. Operational Order 190. Foot Hill. 18th October 1917 17th London Regt. raided enemy positions 19th of October 1917 An easy day 19th October 1917 No Hostile Artillery activity 20th of October 1917 Silent working 20th October 1917 Usual absence of Enemy Artillery 21st of October 1917 A nice fine day at the front 21st October 1917 No Artillery action on our Front. 21st November 1917 Battalion marched to Habareq. 22nd of October 1917 High life at the front 22nd October 1917 1815 hours Gas discharge 23rd of October 1917 Chief Cook 23rd October 1917 Slight shelling 24th of October 1917 Cooking continued 24th October 1917 At 1545 hours a heavy bombardment opened on our Right. 25th of October 1917 How long will it last? 25th October 1917 8th London Regt. on our Left Front raided the Enemy outpost 26th of October 1917 Billet rest 26th October 1917 Reliefs 27th of October 1917 Promotion 27th October 1917 The Battalion bathed at Anzin. 28th of October 1917 Sunday's rest 28th October 1917 Voluntary Church Parades. 29th of October 1917 Presented with a stripe 29th October 1917 Specialised training 30th of October 1917 Celebration 30th October 1917 Officers class 31st of October 1917 Back to the line 31st October 1917 Battalion moved to Roundhay Camp 1st of November 1917 Carrying guns 1st November 1917 Battalion in Reserve 2nd of November 1917 Taking the ammo forward 2nd November 1917 Special R.C. Service in R.E. hut. 2nd December 1917 Attack by 2 Companies to retake ground lost by 6th London Regt. 3rd of November 1917 Digging trenches 3rd November 1917 Usual working parties. 4th of November 1917 Sunday again 5th of November 1917 Building a duckwalk 5th November 1917 Usual working parties. 6th of November 1917 INspection & parade 6th November 1917 New German Trenches 7th of November 1917 Raining 8th of November 1917 Wet, wet, wet 9th of November 1917 In the line in the mud 9th November 1917 Reliefs   10th November 1917 Artilleries inactive. 11th of November 1917 Dugout collapsed 11th November 1917 No patrols at night 12th of November 1917 Gone sick 12th November 1917 Dispositions were changed according to instructions in CG196. 13th of Novtember 1917 Relieved 13th November 1917 Enemy was plainly seen between Square Wood and Hollow Copse. 14th of November 1917 Return to duty 14th November 1917 Battalion bathed at Divisional bath's 15th of November 1917  16th of November 1917  16th November 1917 "C" Coy. used ranges 5 & 6 17th November 1917 "D" Coy. used ranges 5 & 6 18th of November 1917 Enough is enough 18th November 1917 Battalion moved to Bray. 19th of November 1917 Still ill 19th November 1917 Company arrangements. 20th of November 1917 Route marching again 22nd November 1917 Battalion marched to Simencourt. 23rd November 1917 Day spent cleaning up camp 24th November 1917 Battalion moved to Courcelles Le Comte. 25th November 1917 Battalion moved to Beaulencourt. 26th November 1917 Platoon training 27th November 1917 Battalion moved Doignies. 28th November 1917 Battalion moved to trenches in Hindenburg Line 29th November 1917 Battalion moved to Hunderburg Support Line. 30th November 1917 Enemy fairly quiet in the evening. 1st December 1917 Enemy Massing   2nd Dec 1917 21st Londons at Bourlon Wood  At 1 a.m. Relief of 15th Lon Regt by 21st Londons is complete. Dispositions. D& A Coys in Front line, opposite Bourlon. C Coy in immediate support. B Coy in reserve near Battalion Hqrs at SW corner of Bourlon Wood. 8.10 p.m. 7th & 8th Lon Regt attack to straighten out Front Line immediately W. of Bourlon Wood. Our L.G. cooperate on R. flank of the attack. Capt. A.L. Strickland sends one platoon from D Coy to assist in the consolidation of captured line. 8th Lon Regt wounded & prisoners wounded & unwounded, passed through Battalion Hqrs & R.A.P. War Diary 21 Londons 2nd Dec 1917 Attack Made   3rd December 1917 Congratulations received from Brigade General on yesterdays operations. 4th Dec 1917 Withdrawal   4th December 1917 Reliefs 5th December 1917 Carrying party for ammunition. 6th December 1917 Warning order from 140th Inf. Bde. Battalion to 'Stand To' 7th December 1917 Battalion moved forward to Front position West of The Squires 8th December 1917 Enemy shelled the line. 9th December 1917 Front Line again shelled.   10th December 1917 Hostile Artillery active on both flanks 11th December 1917 Shelled with 7.7cm and occasional shrapnel.   12th of December 1917 Transfer to Metz Front 12th December 1917 Battalion in huts at Royal Court. 13th December 1917 Day spent cleaning 15th Dec 1917 21st Londons return to billets  At 6 p.m. on the 15th December the 21st Londons are relieved by 7th Bn London Regt and withdraw to Bertincourt. By 9 p.m. the men of the 21st Battalion are in billets at Bertincourt. War Diary 21 Londons 15th December 1917 Battalion moved forward to Front Line 16th December 1917 Slight shelling of Haringcourt. 17th December 1917 Enemy Artillery active with salvos of 7.7cmm H.E.   18th December 1917 Enemy Artillery fairly active throughout the day   19th December 1917 Hostile Artillery Quiet 20th December 1917 Fairly quiet. Visibility bad. 21st December 1917 Reliefs 22nd December 1917 Battalion moved to Ribemont 23rd December 1917 Preparations for Xmas festivities. 24th Dec 1917 Reorganisation 25th December 1917 Christmas Day. 26th December 1917 Dinner Held 27th December 1917 Company Inspections. 28th December 1917 Parade under Company arrangements 29th December 1917 Special class under L.G.O. 31st December 1917 Tactical scheme 1st January 1918 Parades 1st January 1918 Special Physical training class 2nd January 1918 Training area allotted 3rd January 1918 Training area allotted 4th January 1918 Very Cold & Frosty. 5th January 1918 Musketry Camp. 6th January 1918 Church Parades 7th January 1918 Training area "D" allotted to the Battalion.   8th January 1918 Lewis Gun class under L.G.O.   9th January 1918 Entrain tomorrow at Mericourt 9th January 1918 Improvised bath's built over Hot Water stream 10th January 1918 CG72 10th Jan. 1918 10th January 1918 Battalion entrained at Mericourt - Ribemont Station 11th January 1918 Preperations for move in to line. 12th January 1918 Operational Order 204   12th January 1918 7th London Regt. moved to Front Line trenches 13th January 1918 Day very quiet with practically no shelling.   14th January 1918 Trenches still frozen and in a bad condition. 15th January 1918 Programme of work issued to Companies 16th January 1918 Trenches Very Muddy   17th January 1918 Machine Gun Coy. carried out harassing fire   18th January 1918 Reconnoitered evacuated Enemy Salient.   19th January 1918 Slight Artillery and Grenatenwerfer activity   20th January 1918 A S.O.S. test was fired from Brigade H.Q. 21st Jan 1918 Course 21st January 1918 Covering party returned after   22nd January 1918 Battalion H.Q. moved from Kaiser Trench to Kaiser Support. 23rd January 1918 Battalion employed on Sunday working parties 24th January 1918 Enemy shelled Ribecourt village 25th January 1918 Battalion in camp at Lechelle. 26th January 1918 Bath's allotted to Battalion at Bertincourt 27th January 1918 Brigade Church parade and Medal presentations 28th January 1918 Work in connection with re-organisation carried on. 29th January 1918 Nominal rolls in quadruplicate completed 0900 hours. 30th January 1918 Major General spoke to all the Officers. 31st January 1918 Work in connection with cleaning up continued. 1st February 1918 C.O. & Adjt. visited transport 2nd February 1918 Reorganisation 5th Feb 1918 Course Ends 13th Feb 1918 Personnel 21st Feb 1918 Reorganisation 19th Mar 1918 Reliefs 20th Mar 1918 Reliefs 21st Mar 1918 Arrangements   21st Mar 1918 In Action   22nd Mar 1918 Fighting Withdrawal   23rd Mar 1918 Fighting Withdrawal   23rd Mar 1918 Retreat 24th Mar 1918 In Defence   25th Mar 1918 Fighting Withdrawal   26th Mar 1918 Fighting Withdrawal   27th Mar 1918 In Defence   1st Sep 1918 Orders Received   2nd Sep 1918 In Action   3rd Sep 1918 Patrols   4th Sep 1918 Patrols and Posts   5th Sep 1918 Attack Made   5th Sep 1918 Reliefs   6th Sep 1918 Ground Gained   7th Sep 1918 On the March   8th Sep 1918 On the March 9th Sep 1918 On the Move 10th Sep 1918 On the Move 11th Sep 1918 Very Wet Day 12th Sep 1918 On the March 13th Sep 1918 In Billets 19th Sep 1918 Accomodation 20th Sep 1918 Training 21st Sep 1918 Inspection 24th Sep 1918 Gymkhana 1st Oct 1918 Training 2nd Oct 1918 On the Move 3rd Oct 1918 On the March 4th Oct 1918 Shelling   5th Oct 1918 Reliefs 6th Oct 1918 Recce 7th Oct 1918 Visit 8th Oct 1918 Reliefs 9th Oct 1918 Patrols 10th Oct 1918 Patrols 13th Oct 1918 Heavy Shelling 16th September 1919 Divisional Horse Show If you can provide any additional information, please add it here. Want to know more about 47th (2nd London) Division? There are:2227 items tagged 47th (2nd London) 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 47th (2nd London) Division during the Great War 1914-1918. Ashby George William. Capt. 6th (City of London) Battalion (d.25th Sep 1915) Ashworth Harry Clifford. 236 Brigade Beaumot-Edmonds William George. 2nd Lt. 1/22nd (County of London) Btn. (d.17th Sep 1916) Berry Dennis Henry. Pte. 24th Btn. Brogden Sydney Ernest. Gnr. B Bty., 235th Bde., RFA (d.22nd Jul 1917) Brooks Frederick Francis. Pte. 19th Btn. Disley William James. Pte. 141st Light Trench Mortar Battery Faulkner W. Pte. 23rd Btn. (d.10th November 1915) Harriss A. Pte. C Coy. 1st/23rd Btn. (d.10th November 1915) Jenner Ernest Leslie . Pte. A Coy. 23rd Btn. (d.10th November 1915) Lincoln W W . L/Cpl. 23rd Btn. (d.10th November 1915) Martin Walter Robert . Pte. 23rd Btn. (d.10th November 1915) Mcleod Frederick William. Rfmn. 18th (London Irish Rifles) Btn. Morrison Charles Henry. Rfn. 17th Btn. Saunders Archibald Sidney. Rfn. 1/21st (Surrey Rifles) Btn. (d.22nd Mar 1918) Staples William John. L/Bdr. 235th Brigade, A Battery Thomas Francis Albert. Pte. 15th Btn. (Civil Service Rifles) Vainstein G V. Pte. 23rd Btn. (d.10th November 1915) Whatling Frederick George . L/Cpl. 1st/23rd Btn. C Coy. (d.10th November 1915) Willis Reginald Grant. Pte. 1/6th (City of London Rifles) Battalion Woodbridge William Ernest. Pte. 23rd 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. 1206626 Pte. Dennis Henry Berry 24th Btn. London Regiment My Uncle Harry Berry was a furrier at Debenham & Peabody's store in Wigmore Street London when he enlisted in the 24th London Territorial Army on the 10th of June 1914. He embarked for France on the 15th of March 1915 and fought at Battle of Festubert. His regiment fought with great distinction standing firm when the regular army retreated and winning the day. On the 25th of March 1915 he was wounded in his left arm and left leg. He was hospitalized at Rouen nd afterwards given home leave. He returned to active service on the 9th of October 1915 and fought at the Battle of Loos and the second Battle of the Somme. He was blown up and gassed but he survived the war and was Honorably discharged on the 3rd of January 1919. They Were All Heroes and deserve to be remembered. Eric Foster Add to this record. 1206364 2nd Lt. William George Beaumot-Edmonds 1/22nd (County of London) Btn. London Regiment (d.17th Sep 1916) William Beaumont-Edmonds was born at Stockwell, June 2, 1883. He was educated at Merchant Taylors School from 1896-1900 and Gray's Inn, Inns of Court and was admitted to the Bar in 1909. Edmonds served in the 16th London Regiment (Westminster Rifles) as a Lance Corporal for seven years prior to the Great War. He was promoted to 2nd Lt and joined 1/22nd London Regiment in 1915 and served 10 months in France prior to his death. 2nd Lt. Beaumont-Edmonds was killed in action on the 17th of September 1916 in a trench about 1/4 mile northeast of High Wood by an artillery shell. His identity disc was recovered and he was buried close to the trench. However, due to the fortunes of war his grave location was lost and he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. Ralph Bennett Add to this record. 1206161 Pte. Francis Albert Thomas 15th Btn. (Civil Service Rifles) London Regiment My Grandfather, Francis Thomas enlisted on 29 November 1915 at Somerset House. He was wounded by shrapnel I believe, although I do not know at which battle as I have only just started researching, and had probably revolutionary surgery for the time. A Canadian surgeon saved the use of his hand by swapping tendons to enable him to close his fist. He rarely talked about his service, but did suffer from nightmares. My father recalls, I suspect a fairly standard tale, of him jumping into a hole during a night bombardment and waking up next to a dead German soldier. I have seen at least one photo of him in uniform which I hope to post in due course. Lynn Frost Add to this record. 261208 Gnr. Sydney Ernest Brogden B Bty., 235th Bde., RFA 47th (2nd London) Division (d.22nd Jul 1917) Sydney Ernest Brogden was my great-great-uncle. His brother (Charles Godfrey Brogden, my great-great-grandfather) served in the Cheshire Regiment and was the first in and last out of France in 1914 and was part of the Old Contemptibles. He survived the whole war and served in some of the bloodiest battles. I haven’t yet found any pictures of him. Unfortunately, Sydney was killed in action at age 21, but I don't know exactly how or where he died. There were 6 siblings in all (including my great-great-grandfather), but I have no information about the other four. Sydney is buried at La Clytte Military Cemetery in West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Brian Brogden Add to this record. 247148 Pte. G V Vainstein 23rd Btn. London Regiment (d.10th November 1915) Private G. V. Vainstein, at the time of his death was serving with the 23rd Battalion London Regiment. On the 4th of November 1915 the 23rd London Regiment of the 142 Brigade, 47th Division, were relieved from the front line near Loos in Northern France and moved back to the reserve trenches. From there they moved to Philosophe, Mazingarbe, France. On the 10th November 1915 a shell landed on one of the billets occupied by C Company, 23rd Battalion London Regiment killing seven men outright including Private Vainstein. He is buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, Pas de Calais, France. The personalised inscription on his headstone simply says "Mother with you". Caroline Hunt Add to this record. 247147 Pte. Walter Robert Martin 23rd Btn. London Regiment (d.10th November 1915) Walter Martin served with the 23rd Battalion London Regiment. On the 4 November 1915 the 23rd London Regiment of the 142 Brigade, 47th Division, were relieved from the front line near Loos in Northern France and moved back to the reserve trenches. From there they moved to Philosophe, Mazingarbe, France. On the 10th November 1915 a shell landed on one of the billets occupied by C Company, 23rd Battalion London Regiment killing seven men outright including Private Martin. He is buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, Pas de Calais, France. Caroline Hunt Add to this record. 247146 L/Cpl. W W Lincoln 23rd Btn. London Regiment (d.10th November 1915) Lance Corporal W. W. Lincoln. At the time of his death he was serving with the 23rd Battalion London Regiment, service no. 3786. On the 4 November 1915 the 23rd London Regiment of the 142 Brigade, 47th Division, were relieved from the front line near Loos in Northern France and moved back to the reserve trenches. From there they moved to Philosophe, Mazingarbe, France. On the 10th November 1915 a shell landed on one of the billets occupied by C Company, 23rd Battalion London Regiment killing seven men outright including Lance Corporal Lincoln. He is buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, Pas de Calais, France. Caroline Hunt Add to this record. 247145 Pte. Ernest Leslie Jenner A Coy. 23rd Btn. London Regiment (d.10th November 1915) Private Ernest Leslie Jenner, son of Frederick William and Emma Matilda Jenner, of Martins Road, Keevil, Trowbridge. At the time of his death he was serving with A Company, 23rd Battalion London Regiment. On the 4 November 1915 the 23rd London Regiment of the 142nd Brigade, 47th Division, were relieved from the front line near Loos in Northern France and moved back to the reserve trenches. From there they moved to Philosophe, Mazingarbe, France. On the 10th November 1915 a shell landed on one of the billets occupied by C Company, 23rd Battalion London Regiment killing seven men outright including Private Jenner, he was aged 22 years. He is buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, Pas de Calais, France. He is not listed on the War memorial, Keevil, Wiltshire, reason not known. The personalised inscription on his headstone says "Greater Love hath no man than this". Caroline Hunt Add to this record. 247144 Pte. A Harriss C Coy. 1st/23rd Btn. London Regiment (d.10th November 1915) Private A. Harriss, son of Arthur and Frances Harriss, of 21, Perran Road, Tulse Hill, London. At the time of his death he was serving with C Company, 1st/23rd Battalion London Regiment. On the 4th of November 1915 the 23rd London Regiment of the 142nd Brigade, 47th Division, were relieved from the front line near Loos in Northern France and moved back to the reserve trenches. From there they moved to Philosophe, Mazingarbe, France. On the 10th November a shell landed on one of the billets occupied by C Company, 23rd Battalion London Regiment killing seven men outright including Private Harriss, he was aged 27 years. He is buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, Pas de Calais, France. The personalised inscription on his headstone simply says "In Loving Memory". Caroline Hunt Add to this record. 247143 Pte. W Faulkner 23rd Btn. London Regiment (d.10th November 1915) Private W. Faulkner. At the time of his death was serving with the 23rd Battalion London Regiment, service no. 4364. On the 4 November 1915 the 23rd London Regiment of the 142 Brigade, 47th Division, were relieved from the front line near Loos in Northern France and moved back to the reserve trenches. From there they moved to Philosophe, Mazingarbe, France. On the 10 November 1915 a shell landed on one of the billets occupied by C Company, 23rd Battalion London Regiment killing seven men outright including Private Faulkner. He is buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, Pas de Calais, France. He has no personalised inscription on his headstone. This may have been the result of the initial policy of the IWGC, that the next of kin should pay for the inscriptions by the letter. Caroline Hunt Add to this record. 247140 L/Cpl. Frederick George Whatling 1st/23rd Btn. C Coy. London Regiment (d.10th November 1915) Frederick Whatling was born in Walthamstow in 1893, son of John Arthur and Eunice Whatling. The 1911 census shows the family living at 1 Cowper Road, Acton, London; Frederick was an entering clerk. He enlisted with the British Army in 1909 and at the time of his death was serving with C Company, 1st/23rd Battalion London Regiment. On the 10th November 1915 a shell landed on one of the billets occupied by C Company killing seven men outright, including Frederick, he was aged 23 years. He is buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, France and is remembered on the War Memorial, St Mary's Church, Acton, London. Caroline Hunt Add to this record. 220745 Capt. George William Ashby 6th (City of London) Battalion London Regiment (d.25th Sep 1915) I have been writing short biographies for the men who are listed on the Ratby, Leicestershire War Memorial and died during WW1, Captain George William Ashby is my last biography. He served with the 6th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment. Lynne Cox Add to this record. 220723 Rfn. Archibald Sidney "Harry" Saunders 1/21st (Surrey Rifles) Btn. London Regiment (d.22nd Mar 1918) Archibald Saunders, known as 'Harry', formerly 4340, 5th East Surrey Regt, was severely wounded by shrapnel in the 21st Battalion, London Regt, 47th Division attack on High Wood, The Somme, during the evening of 15 September 1916. He was brought back to UK and died of his wounds 18 months later at the 2nd Eastern General Hospital, Brighton, on 22nd March 1918, at the age of 28. He left behind his wife and three little children. Peter Saunders Add to this record. 220371 Pte. William Ernest Woodbridge 23rd Btn. London Regiment William Woodbridge served with the 23rd Battalion, London Regiment during WW1 Peter Woodbridge Add to this record. 219888 Rfmn. Frederick William Mcleod MM. 18th (London Irish Rifles) Btn. London Regiment Frederick Mcleod, known as Old Mac was my Grandfather and he served throughout the first world war. He was at Loos and I believe he took part in the valiant Footballer of Loos incident. He won a Military Medal in Oct. 1918. Having survived during the war he went to Ireland with the Black and Tans. He then tried to re-enlist in 1939 but was rejected as too old and served in the London Fire Brigade during the blitz, with all the danger and trauma that implies. He survived until the 1980s and to us this brave hero was just Grandad. Add to this record. 219716 Pte. Frederick Francis Brooks 19th Btn. London Regiment My grandad Frederick Francis Brooks served with the 19th (St. Pancras) Battalion, the London Regiment. He had his foot blown off in the Battle of the Somme and by the time he had medical attention gangrene had set in which meant he lost his leg up to his knee and I can remember as a child my dad still taking out small pieces of shrapnel. Elaine Haines Add to this record. 219073 Harry Clifford Ashworth 236 Brigade Royal Field Artillery Harry Clifford Ashworth’s Great War with Royal Regiment of Artillery, 236 Brigade, 47th London Division. Taken from his only surviving war diary covering August to November 1918 22nd August 1918. Expecting a move at any moment. Have just read news of capture of Courcelles by NZ and English; also Achiet Lepetit; read communiqué re Achiet le Grand. Places of lasting memory. Also Bucquey. 31st August. On the morning of the 23rd we moved to a field just outside Warloy. Cookhouse in middle of a field and a long way to go for water because the water carts being left up the line owing to straffing. The guns were near Albert. Early on the 24th after having spent a cold night in a hut at Warloy, an early reveille brought news of an 8 o’clock move. After a quick pack to move, passing across the open by Henencourt and Senlis, we arrived at gun position. The vicinity of the old front line had been terribly desolate. One or two of the dead from the retreat were still lying about. A first glimpse of the Cathedral showed what terrible havoc had been wrought in the city. After waiting for a little we set out on our way to cross Albert. The first row of houses, railway bridge, showed what to expect. The road which had been cleared , ie over the bridge to left, past Cathedral to La Boiselle, was 2 or 3 inches in dust. Not a whole wall of a house was standing. Having arrived here we found a large flooded area close to which we pulled in. At first we pulled the water from the river. Later obtained from pump where we had row in general. Round about were dead men and horses which stank somewhat. Our little bivouac most noted for dirt. Two days later, on 27th August, moved to a place not far from La Boiselle. Here water problem was rather difficult. First night was one to remember. Going forward in afternoon water was not available in Contalmaison. Harwood was sent us back. After tea set off again with Macarthy and Plumer. After going back and along Pozieres Road we obtained about 2/3 load. Got practically in position and could not find way. Started loading and went back . Stanley came up and delivered load. First time at guns since Fonquevillers. Got supply alright on return and got in about 4 am. In time to waken Harrington. On 27th got up about dinner time . In evening went up again but only could get a small load on return. On 29th Carney, Byford and Woods returned from leave. Got water in the morning towards Becourt and on return saw C Bat. moving off. We did quick move . I went up to the guns in cart where I dumped material from cart and left in charge.. Later the wagon line came to the same place in Mametz Wood where water point is just down the road. On 29th we were awakened early and told to be ready to move about 6am Owing to stubborn resistance by the enemy we did not move and unpacked. In afternoon went to guns in most desolate country. Along railway ralway track and saw German signs with familiar names as Troneswood, , Ginchyy, Longueval, Combles, Montauban etc. A few shells were sent over but nothing to mean anything. Scotty says I must go up every day No ban. Today, 31st is a rotten day – drizzzly and cold. Everything is standing still at present. 5th September. Things have now moved pretty quickly for us lately On 1st we moved to Guillemont and guns to Fregicourt through Combles ie early in the morning. In this part there were a good many dead dead lying about and plenty of stench accompanied it. While guns pulled in, an aeroplane was brought down and it seem pretty clear that position was given away. Filled up cart at Delville Wood. In the evening we went up again and saw shells falling along Combles - Sailly - Saillised road, consequently we had to move quick. We found guns had been severely bombed. Having loaded our cart , shells immediately commenced to fall. Horses unhooked etc. In lull we got away safely. Next day we moved up - 2nd in the afternoon. A mistake cause death in B Battery . Here water was a big problem. On 3rd we were waiting in Combles for a very long time. Fortunately Battery were coming out. On 4th got up about 6am to fill up and was fortunate. 10 am moved to Bouchavesnes after many stops on way. Was out all night trying to get water at Clery and finally got it at Le Foret. Bund being the driver. On 5th ie today Dervene and Martin killed and Slack wounded. Report of Douai Cambrai, Lens etc captured. Tuesday 6th September 1918 The same night ie 5th , guns came out of action and after having remained the night. Set off next morning to Ville-sur-Ancre. Passing through Maricourt and Fricourt . Landing there we found a village very much knocked about but plenty of material still about. It escaped in the first stint and was just behind the lines. This time it had been very hurriedly evacuated. On the evening of the 7th we set off to Merricourt to entrain. Rather a tedious business. We decided to sleep under GS Wagon. And would have been well of if it had not rained. All the same we stuck getting up when train stopped at Doullens. We stuck close to the grub. Passing through Marles – lez – Mines and Allouagne we came to Lillers and detrained, making the grub in the rain. Lillers had caught it badly in the latest push. Passing through Ecquedecques, Faucqueheme Nedon we arrived at Nedonchelle on evening of the 8th . This is a slow place but we have a decent old woman in the billet. Then there are Henri, Suzanne, Louise etc : all helped to make the fun. We had one concert by DAC . For two days we have had rumours of a move but nothing happens. During the time there has been good news characterised by taking of St Mihiel. Austrian peace move is the latest gag. The pig has had a litter. Wed 18th September. Today all is excitement, bustle and uncertainty . What seems pretty certain is that we are going a long train ride. Bonner, the all-knowing one says we must be going a sea journey because only one horse may be taken ie OC. On the other hand the Captain asked West to get all his money changed into Italian as soon as possible so for the present, a visit to Italy may be taken as official. On Sunday we were to move at 9. Monday - we did not but orders were issued to move at 9. Wednesday, today - we were settled down for a move to Hesdenon . Late last night I was coming along the road and Stevens came along and said in a frightfully fed up way “cancel all orders” ; I being the first to be informed , I spread the news and some people were glad and some the reverse . We had the wire from West before and were not surprised. This morning points to Italy . Every possible thing is to be left , or dumped and now am waiting for developments. 1pm 19th Sept. We are not being told much news but we have various rumours. (1) Only fighting units to go to Italy (?) (2) Move to spot close to Pernes in early morning and where handing over the entraining will take place. This is practically a certainty . It appears that more material is likely to go with us – mess carts, cooking materials, artificers, tools etc. The captain's gone on leave . Another rumour says eight days journey. Sounds rather a long time , still I’m looking forward to a journey more than anything. Saturday 29th September. On the 20th we left Nedonchelle and passing through Pernes came to Bours where we met certain French people , vis Marie, Louise, Julien Alice etc. This cookhouse was near water point . After being there a day or two days we cancelled for two days owing to train smash. When sweating again move cancelled for a week. Each time spirits fell to zero. I felt certain that we would go into action on the same front. After a few days rumour came through that we were in wrong area hence came to Monchy Cayeau yesterday. We thought that it was the first move to action but it was backwards to railhead and Amiens, hence we are sweating on going to Italy. Lately have had a couple of letters from Cyril. News on all fronts has been good. Allenby rushing forward. Balkans going well and American gain at Argonne . Sunday 30th Sept. Mother’s birthday. Now we are getting night frosts and pretty cold sleeps. Today , however, is lovely. Marshall has been taken to officers’ mess and Mac has been put in. The same uncertainty still prevails in regards to moving. 1st October. Early on1st [October] we were called up early and told to prepare to move everything. Later it became Nedonchells and apparently back up to action. On the morning of the 2nd had to move to Merville sector, more as support. After a long trek through Lillers came to Robecq. On 3rd made long journey through Merville to Meurillon and after tea on again. Dark overtook us and causing much delay etc owing to mines. At the moment Jerry was retreating quickly and so passed our appointed place and came to Fromelles. Day following to Quesnoy ou Gd Mansuar 10th October While here at Quesnoy we have had much good news. Some time ago Bulgaria packed up. A couple of days ago an offer from Germany which has not been accepted. Now we hear that Germany is routed at Cambrai . So let the great big world keep turning and turn us to peace. 14th October Still at Quesnay and nothing much doing. Been straffed once or twice - 4000 yards from Jerry. Italian rumour is very strong again. Infantry man says he has been over the top this morning. 16th October It looks as if Italy is off again for the moment and the Germans having evacuated a little way up here. Infantry and ambulance had gone out but are returning again. On tenterhooks again. Sunday 20th October. Just written home to say am sweating on top line. 17th October, left Fromelles about 11.am a little after Germans evacuated Lille. While on the way was ‘torpedoed’ at Laventie but fortunately little harm was done . About tea-time landed at Estaives. (17th) and spent the night. 18th October. Left morning to arrive at St Venant where now we are in good billet once an asylum. Beds are the rule. DArty gone to Lillers. It has been a fine place but has suffered a good deal. Canal runs here. Fitted YMCA with water this morning. The war seems to be going good . Ostend and Bruge taken. Italy seems to be off altogether and is never mentioned. Where we are going we do not know. Burges says here for a few days. 1st December. Many things have happened. After St Venant, Riez Balleul and Haubourdin which which we left on 28th to go on leave After leave and Armistice (11th ), 13th Bulougne, 14th St Pol, 15th Lille and Hellemmes. 16th A day in Lille and a night in a good bed. Joined the battery on the Sunday at Bourghelleses where we had a good time. Return to Fouquieres via Fournes. During this time demob and education scheme is topic. 29th December 1918 Up to present Ed. Scheme does not appear to have come up to much. There has been much messing about with demob but no one seems to know exactly how it is working. I’m waiting communication from Reading and House. Have been advised to send Form 56. Christmas has been a lively affair. Inebriation has been the rule. On Christmas Day many men were well away before dinner , which had a sobering influence. Rum punch, beer and private stocks of drinkables soon put men out again. Officers came and made asses of themselves. The concert was far from most men’s thoughts. The object in view from the start was a glorious drunk and rough house. Thomson was out to make a violent nuisance of himself and succeeded ; so much so that he had to be persuaded to leave. Noakes, Hancock, Lorah, Bonner, Keyes, Cross, Daley, Talman are worthy of mention. What a night we had with Daley. Many men were never sober on Boxing Day. Cooks were determined to have a day. Wilkinson was helpless at 10 a.m. Hancock and Cramp rolled Daley in the mud after dinner and then went out to dinner. Cramp, Heyes returned in a horrible state. Former had D.T ’ s. Paddy repeated Christmas day performance and today in a sad state. ‘I shall die ‘ 6th January 1919. Today played football for F sub and C subs. Lost 3-0. Credit £3. 8. 11d. Sweating on demob. two going tomorrow, O’Neill and McAra. Bonner gone away to Fromes. Good chance of getting away soon. Dunbar anxous to take up maths and desired me as Instructor. Letter from House a few days ago . Says fares will be more. 19th On 9th it came to my knowledge that I was to proceed to England the following day On 10th left for imaginary camp at Hesdigneul. After which lorry jumped to Colanne – Ricouart and walked to Camblain Chatelaine and stopped night at 47th Division Camp On 11th proceeded to Ligny by lorry where stopped for the night in dismal circumstances at X1 Core rest camp. On 12th to Brias where train never came. On station form 9.30 p.m to 2a.m after which turned in. Boarded train on 13th at 12 but did not leave St Pol until 5 p.m. Arrived on 14th at Havre were we were deloused and sent to embarkation camp. We stayed all 15th - a very wet day at Havre and on 16th left France at 4 p.m. Boat sailed at 6 p.m after which most people were sick. Arrived outside Southampton at 12.50 a.m on 17th where we stayed until 9 a.m. At 12 we left Southampton and arrived at Camp at Clipstone at 7 p.m . After eating and passing doctor, giving in kit etc. I received my ticket at 1.30 am 18/1/19. Left there at 5am and arrived home at 1.30 a.m 18th January 1919 After buying suit came home and changed. Saturday evening Stannary and Sunday evening. Civvie life Monday 20th January /1919 Have written to Knapman House and Cyril. Wretched day. John Ashworth Add to this record. 218701 Pte. Reginald Grant Willis 1/6th (City of London Rifles) Battalion London Regiment Recently my mother talked about her father's WW1 experiences. Not having the best of home life my grandfather, Reginald Willis, ran away to fight, seeing it as a better way out. He was 15 and by time his father found out what he was up too he was on his way to France. That was all my mum knew until, as a youngster, she walked into the normally locked bathroom to find my grandfather washing. From that brief encounter, and my grandfather's acute embarrassment (covered up by lots of shouting), saw the wounds that he had suffered. Almost one side of his body was held together by a metal plate. While at Ypres serving with the The City of London Rifles he was badly injured. How he received his injuries, I don't know. His friends moved him under a bush and said they'd come back for him later, which they did. What happened after that is not known. I do have one of three medals he received, The Allied Victory Medal. He received the usual, The British War Medal, Silver War Badge, Allied Victory Medal. The other two he either sold or binned, the one my mum retrieved from a dustbin after he had thrown in there with the words 'the war hasn't done anything for me'. As a child I remember him being around then disappearing never seeing him again, the rest of the story is not for here but suffice to say that he was probably still suffering 50 years on. We'll never know. Paul Gunnell Add to this record. 218055 Pte. William James Disley 141st Light Trench Mortar Battery Royal Field Artillery Will Disley was my grandfather, he served with 141st Light Trench Mortar Battery which was part of the 141st (5th London Brigade) in the 2nd London Division. Linda Jordan Add to this record. 213323 Rfn. Charles Henry Morrison 17th Btn. London Regiment My Grandfather was Charles Henry Morrison and he enlisted with the 17th Battalion as Rifleman, Service Number 4466. We do know he had shrapnel wounds from which he later died but never found out if he served abroad. He died in 1921 from a lung disease and he left a widow with 5 children. My Grandmother received just 10 shillings per week. She soon lost her home in James Place, Stepney and all the family slept on the floors of relative's homes. They knew real poverty living on what was found under the fruit and vegetable stalls in local East End markets. They had no shoes to wear at all. In time the children went to work at the ages of 13 so their lives improved a little. However one son named after Charles was born 'an imbecile' a very unkind phrase used in the 1918 when he was born. When his father died in 1921 he was sent to St Lawrence's in Surrey a home for imbeciles, he died there in 1943 from Tuberculosis. He was buried in a mound along with 100's who died from the epidemic. Charles Junior was another casualty of WW1. I do know my Grandfather is listed on the Wall Screen at the East London Cemetery and he is actually buried underneath the wall because the family could not afford to bury him. So his name liveth for evermore along with high ranking Officers also buried with him. WW1 was a terrible war that should have taught us all a lesson, but along came WW2 and the Morrison family were once again engaged in war as two of Charle's sons joined the Army and were engaged in battles in Africa. One Uncle was buried with a military salute at Colchester Barracks. So many sad family stories emerged from both these wars. Colleen Bennett Add to this record.

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