236 Brigade Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery

   6th London Brigade, Royal Field Artillery served as Divisional artillery with 47th (2nd London) Division. The 2nd London Division was part of the First Line Territorial Force formed in 1908. The Division had just arrived for their annual summer camp on Salisbury Plain when war wasdeclared in August 1914, they were at once recalled to their home base and mobilised for war service. The Division concentrated in the St Albans area for training. Many units were detached from the Division and sent to France to be needed reinforcements for the BEF. The remainder of the Division proceeded to France on the 8th of March 1915, being only the second TF Division to arrive in theatre. The 5th London Brigade was ordered to Cassel, and the remainder of the Division concentrated near Bethune and were joined by 5th London Brigade near the end of the month. They saw action in The Battle of Aubers Ridge, The Battle of Festubert, The Battle of Loos and The subsequent Actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt.
On the 17th of May 1916 6th London Brigade RFA were renamed CCXXXVI Brigade, RFA. In 1916 they fought during The German attack at Vimy Ridge, and on The Somme in The Battle of Flers-Courcelette capturing High Wood, The Battle of the Transloy Ridges in which the captured Eaucourt l'Abbaye and The attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt. In 1917 they were in action in The Battle of Messines, the Third Battles of Ypres and The Cambrai Operations where they captured Bourlon Wood and fought against the German counter attacks. In 1918 they were in action on The Somme and the Final Advance in Artois including making the official entry into Lille. At the Armistice the the forward units of the Division had reached Franses-lez-Buissenal. They marched back to Tournai and on the 26th of November moved on to the Bethune area where demobilisation began with the first parties returning to England in the first week of January 1919.

1st March 1915 Hemel Hempstead - War preparations

2nd March 1915 Hemel Hempstead - War preparations  6th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery reports that the Laying and Fuse setting Examination arranged for today was cancelled.

3rd March 1915 Inspections and Promotions

5th March 1915 Replacements and Training

6th March 1915 Requisitioning

7th March 1915 Horses

8th March 2015 Further Supplies

9th March 1915 Finalise Equipment Lists

10th March 1915 Billets and Equipment

11th March 1915 Officer Appointments

12th March 1915 Movement Orders

13th March 1915 Inspection Cancelled

15th March 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Depart for France  6th County of London Brigade RFA left Hemel Hempstead by sections, starting with the 16th Battery at 2045, (15th March 1915). They departed at intervals of about 2 hours and entrained on arrival at Berkhamstead. Each section, on reaching Southampton, embarked forthwith.

16th March 1915 6th London Brigade RFA proceed to France  6th County of London Brigade RFA embarked on two large troop ships and a small steamer boat. The ships left in total darkness at 2000 (16th March 1915).

17th March 1915 Arrival in France

18th March 1915 Journey by Train

19th March 1915 Re-routing of Units

20th March 1915 Brigade Attachment

22nd March 1915 Brigade Inspection

23rd March 1915 Brigade Officers Lecture

24th March 1915 Early Casualty  6th County of London Brigade RFA report that Lt R A Corsan has contracted measles and was taken to a Clearing Hospital.

25th March 1915 Front Line Experience  6th County of London Brigade RFA report:- Lt Colonel R J Machugh, Major A C Gordon, Major P J Cliton, Capt W Cooper, Lt W J Barnard, 2/Lt J H Van Den Bergh, 2/Lt V C Lucas with NCOs and telephonists proceeded for attachment to Regular Battalions in the firing line for three clear days.

26th March 1915 Promotion  Teh war diary of 6th County of London Brigade RFA records that 2/Lt G Lyon Smith promoted Lieutenant.

27th March 1915 Brigade Move  6th County of London Brigade RFA moved from Fontes to Lapugnoy.

29th March 1915 Front Line Training Rotation  6th County of London Brigade RFA report that the Return took place to War Station of officers who proceeded to Front on Thursday last. Major R R Wansbrough, Lt G Lyon Smith, Lt A F Yencken, Lt R Bruce, 2/Lt A F Blackwell, 2/Lt J A O Petro, proceeded with six NCOs and six telephonists for attachment to Regular Batteries in 1st and 2nd Divisions.

30th March 1915 Front Line Training Rotation  6th County of London Brigade RFA report all officers of the Brigade in the Firing Line recalled by wire. On arrival, one (junior) subaltern per unit was left at War Station, and all the remaining officers including the OC. Brigade and the Adjutant, proceeded to Firing Line. Major R R Wansbrough took over command of the Brigade.

1st April 1915 Int. Report for March 1915 Intelligence Report  6th County of London Brigade RFA Intelligence Summary by Lt Colonel R J Machugh for March 1915:
From March 1st to March 16th, the Brigade was chiefly occupied in completing preparations for moving from War Station at Hemel Hempstead to join the Expeditionary Force in France. The Brigade moved on 15th to 17th March to Le Havre via Southampton. No casualties occurred to personnel on the journey. Four horses were injured on the train journey and one left behind at the point of embarkation. Two of these, the Adjutant's chargers, are to be sent on to rejoin the Brigade and a Driver was left in charge of the animals for this purpose, with instructions to bring them on to France when recovered.
The move to France was carried out without incident and at the end of the month the Brigade was in billets at Lapugnoy. Between March 25th and April 1st all officers, with two exceptions, had experience in the Firing Line, having been attached to RFA Brigades in the 1st and 2nd Division. Much useful information was gained by these officers.
The Medical, Veterinary, Supply and Transport Services were satisfactory during the month both during the period in England and in France. Signed R J Machugh Lt Col, 6th London Bde. RFA Thursday April 1st 1915. Lapugnoy, France.

1st April 1915 GOCRA Conference  6th County of London Brigade RFA report all officers who were attached to the Regular Batteries at the Firing Line were recalled with the exception of the OC. Batteries and their senior subalterns. The OC. Brigade and Adjutant attended a conference at the GOCRA’s Headquarters, Chateau de Monte Evente. Capt C H Welch RAMC, Medical Officer to this Brigade, contracted measles and was removed to a local Field Ambulance Unit.

3rd April 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Inspected  An inspection was carried out in the rain, of 17th London Battery by the OC. Brigade. The remainder of the 6th London Brigade Officers returned from the Firing Line.

4th April 1915 More Inspections

7th April 1915 Fuses received by 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA report 648 fuses (Type 65) which had been exposed to the weather were received.

8th April 1915 Appointments 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA record that bad weather has been experienced daily. Lieut W R Sadler RAMC, attached to this Brigade as Medical Officer, instead of Capt C H Welch. The Adjutant and Brigade Commander's Orderly Officer attended a conference on ‘Telephones’ at Marles. 2/Lt H B Wells (Officer in charge Base Details) reported for duty with the Brigade.

9th April 1915 Abortive Move for 6th London Brigade RFA   Forty two Gunners per Battery of the 6th County of London Brigade RFA under the command of OC. Batteries and Senior Subalterns left Lapugnoy in motor omnibus for Vimy Line, with the object of organisng preparatory gun positions. On arrival at Rue de Leanette, they found the positions which had been assigned to them already occupied by other Batteries.

10th April 1915 Into the Front Line

11th April 1915 Brigade Positions 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA report the guns and wagons and all the remainder of the Brigade took up their positions at dusk. Wagon lines for both Batteries are at Gerre Chateau.

12th April 1915 First Bombardments 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA report that 15th Battery fired twenty four rounds at a cottage in Cantileux to register, range, fuse and line. Range 4150 yards. 16th Battery registered enemy and trenches from A.3, C.1.6 to A.9.a.6.8 Range 3775/4000 yards.
Lt R Bruce and 2/Lt A F Blackwell (Both of 6th London Ammunition Column) were attached to 16th and 15th London Batteries respectively.

13th April 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Target Registering  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 15th London Battery registered on communication trench running from Catileux westward. Range 3725 yards. 16th London Battery registered German trench A.9.a.5.8 to A.9.a.8.5 Range 4025 yards.

15th April 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Registrations and Inspection  6th County of London Brigade RFA record 15th Battery fired on red cottage in Cantileux. Range 3950 yards. 16th Battery registered three points, including the end of a German breastwork (A.3.c.1.4). Range 3775 yards. 17th Battery were inspected by GOC First Army, General Sir Douglas Haig, at two hours notice. The GOC expressed his satisfaction at the appearance of the men, harnesses and guns.

16th April 1915 Further enemy targetting  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 15th Battery did not fire. 16th Battery changed Observation Station and checked zero lines on German trench with eleven rounds at point A.3.c.1.3. Range 3850 yards. 16th Battery also registered right extremity of ‘R’ breastwork. Range 3625 yards.

17th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   15th Battery, 6th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery registered on forward German trench near Railway. Range 3350 yards. 16th Battery opened fire - twelve rounds - on road junction about Chapelle St Roche (A.4.c.1.4). 16th Battery, at request of OC. 3rd Coldstream Guards fired twelve rounds on German second trench (A.9.c.7.7.). Range 4175 yards.

18th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   17th Battery, 6th County of London Brigade RFA, which until this date had been in Reserve, took over the position of 15th Battery, which proceeded to Liere. 16th Battery fired twelve rounds at ‘S’ Bend. 17th Battery fired at a communication trench at Cantileux for registration. Range 3525/3725 yards. 2/Lt H B Wells (6th London Ammunition Column) was attached to 17th Battery.

19th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   Today's entry by 6th County of London Brigade RFA in the War Diary is very faint copy - almost unreadable:- 16th Bty ---- to --- (Range 3575 yards), and fired 2 rounds on the enemy at ---- ---- and to the left in the trenches of the enemy at the end of the communication trench in Cantileux. Range 4175 yards.

20th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA's War Diary entry is a very faint copy - almost unreadable: 16th Bty fired 12 rounds during the night at "K" works (A.3.C.2.9) Range 3575. 17th Bty fired at area behind Cantileux. Range approximately 4475 yards.

21st April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   16th London Bty fired 12 rounds at "S" bend (A9.06.8) at request of infantry. 17th London Bty engaged Cantileux communication trench. Range 3525/3625.

22nd April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   16th London Battery moved into a new position and did not fire.

23rd April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA report 16th london Bty began to register a new zone, but the Observing Officer was shelled out of his observation station. Later 16th Bty registered trenches from S.27A.0.3 to A.3.A.0.5, 23 rounds fired. Ranges 3375-3575 yards. 17th London Bty did not fire. 15th London Bty came into position again from reserve, at daybreak 23rd April 1915.
The 15th & 16th Batteries are now under the tactical command of Colonel Hall RA (36th Brigade RFA), the 17th Bty remains under the tactical command of Colonel Parry (34th Brigade RFA). Brigade Headquarters moved from the banks of the La Bassee to Loisne.

24th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA's 15th Battery registered K works (3600 yards), R2 works (3500 yds) and R1 (3600 yds), firing thirty six rounds. Their Wagon Line was shelled with one man being wounded, two horses killed and four horses injured. 16th Battery completed the registration which was interrupted yesterday. Zone registered - A.3.a.0.2 to S.26.b.9.6. Range 3359/3550 yards. 17th Battery fired at the end of the communication trench in Cantileux. Range 4125 yards.

25th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA report 15th Battery did not fire. 16th Battery fired thirty six rounds in registering German trenches from A.3.d.2.2 to A.3.a.0.2. Range 3425-3600 yards. 17th Battery registered four points - a snipers post (3050 yds), Canal trench (3100 yds), German forward trench (3425 yds), and German Communication trench (3700 yds). The 16th and 17th Batteries, as the result of Chateau Gorre being shelled yesterday moved the Wagon Lines to La Motte Farm and the banks of the La Bassee canal respectively.
Today the Brigade came under the tactical command of General Wray (Through Colonel Hall) instead of General Onslow, 2nd Division.

26th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   During the night of April 25th/26th, the 15th London Battery fired six rounds at the K works. After the second round shouting was heard from the enemy. Later the sound of hammering of posts was heard, and the sound ceased after the last two rounds were fired. 16th London Battery registered zone from A.3.d.2.2. to A.3.a.0.2. 36 rounds fired. 17th London Battery registered a communication trench leading along the north bank of the La Bassee canal. Range 3925-4200 yards.
H A Barker and Pte P L G Winter (15th Battalion, London Regiment) gazetted as 2nd Lieutenants.

27th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   15th and 16th London Batteries reported a series of explosions in the direction of Givenchy and the fact that searchlights were played on enemy Trenches from the direction of La Bassee. The 15th Battery did not fire. The 16th Battery fired five rounds at the gap in the south end of the J Breastwork. 17th London Battery registered a communication trench. Later 16th Battery shelled to the left of 17th Battery firing thirty six rounds. There was an inspection of 6th London Ammunition Column by the OC. Brigade.

28th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   15th London Battery fired six rounds at a working party reported near J2. Four rounds struck the parapet. 16th London Battery verified registration of ‘K’ works. 17th London Battery fired on Canal Trench and the Communication trench leading to it, verifying the range and line already registered.

29th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   Between 0035 and 0045 15th London Battery fired six rounds at J2. 16th London Battery registered J6, J7 and ‘S’ Bend - twenty six rounds - and verified registration of J1. 17th London Battery fired at rear extension of communication trench, and verified registration of other points.

30th April 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA's 15th Battery registered on K4 and K1 - 20 rounds - and at 2320 fired four rounds at J1. Later 15th Battery fired five rounds at K1.

1st May 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   At 0630 a heavy bombardment was heard in a northerly direction. No batteries of the 6th London Brigade fired, except in a test as follows - A test was held to see how soon after the receipt of a message from the infantry, the batteries could open fire. The 15th battery took two minutes, 16th Battery one minute. They appear to be quicker than the time taken by the Regular Batteries.

2nd May 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   Firing heard in the direction of Neuve Chapelle. 15th London Battery fired two rounds at J3 (A.2.d.8.3). 16th London Battery opened fire at 1530 to verify registration of that part of zone invisible from last observing station i.e. the Orchard. Fourteen rounds fired. At 2237 it fired two rounds into the Orchard at request of 18th London Battalion. One direct hit. 17th London Battery did not fire.

3rd May 1915 Gas Warnings  6th County of London Brigade RFA report information received from 1st Army of use by enemy of asphyxiating gas east and north of Ypres. Brigade conflagration just behind La Bassee Church. One of the guns of the 15th London battery was placed in a forward position at 2100 but was withdrawn by order at 2130. 16th London Battery fired two rounds at Cross Roads by P.4, at request of OC. B Company, 18th London Regiment. Two Germans seen doubling from M.22 wearing light blue uniforms and flat round caps. All the men received masks and bicarbonate of soda for use against gases. At the suggestion of the OC. Brigade a certain portion of the enemy's breastworks were bombarded by heavy guns. 17th London Battery fired four rounds to verify points on registered lines.

4th May 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   15th London Battery fired eight rounds at 1115 on enemy's communication trench S.27.d.11 and subsequently fired eight rounds on enemy's breastwork at 2350. Thirty nine rounds were fired at A.2.d.77 and A.2.b.95. 16th London Battery fired eight rounds in direction of trenches north of the ‘S’ Bend. Both Batteries also fired twelve special 65a fuses. Report received that the 1st Herts. in front line trenches, had been overcome by gas. This was untrue.

5th May 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA state that during the misty weather firing in the early morning was impossible. 15th London Battery did not fire therefore, but 16th London Battery fired twelve rounds at 0900 to register wire in front of J1. Range 3375 yards. Observation very difficult. 17th London Battery did not fire.

6th May 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   15th London Battery fired in the early morning (0415 - 0645). At 0640 16th London Battery fired thirteen rounds between J7 and ‘S’ Bend. Attack by Germans expected. Fifty rounds per gun sent to Batteries to be dumped.

7th May 1915 6th London Brigade RFA fues shells  6th County of London Brigade RFA: With a view to an attack by the British, the fifty shells were fused. Action expected at dawn tomorrow, but was delayed twenty four hours. Weather very misty. 15th London Battery fired 12 rounds at wire between J1 and J3. 16th London Battery verified registration on M2 and M3. Observation very difficult.

8th May 1915 6th London Brigade RFA register ranges  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 15th London Battery fired nine rounds on enemy's breastwork J1 and two rounds on J3. Range 3450 and 3500. 16th London Battery fired eleven rounds to register wire at K3 (3425), later fired ten rounds at wire at K3 (3425’) and four rounds at a point on the Rue D’ Ouvert.

8th May 1915 Battle of Aubers Ridge

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.

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

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.

12th May 1915 15th London Battery in action  6th County of London Brigade RFA's 15th London Battery fired nine rounds on working party at ‘K’ works, between 1815 and 1845. 16th London Battery did not fire.

12th May 1915 Orders

13th May 1915 Daily Battery Activity

14th May 1915 6th London Brigade RFA in Action  15th London Battery fired six rounds at ‘K’ works and seven rounds on communication house in Rue D’Ouvert, and at 0615 fired twenty three rounds at electric wire in ‘K’ works, after which at 0730, twenty two rounds were fired at the Rue Du Marais. Later in the evening, from 1730 to 1910, forty five rounds were fired at the Rue Du Marais and Rue D’Ouvert. Finally at 2150, 2230, 2310 and 2355 burst of four rounds were fired at the enemy's second line trenches. The 16th London Battery, fired one hundred and eighteen rounds during the day, of which one hundred and twelve rounds were fired at the north end of the Rue D’Ouvert.

15th May 1915 Battle of Festubert   6th County of London Brigade RFA report 16th London Battery fired two rounds at southern end of Rue D’Ouvert, thirty nine rounds from J.6 to ‘S’ Bend, twenty nine rounds at north end of Rue D’Ouvert and Rue Du Marais. Further fifty five rounds were fired over the same parts. Major R R Wansbrough (6th London Ammunition Col) appointed to command 47th Division Ammunition Column. Capt P A Love (15th London Battery appointed to command 6th London Column).

16th May 1915 Battle of Festubert   6th County of London Brigade RFA report: Today an attempt was made, on similar lines to those adopted last Sunday, to break through the enemy's line. Considerable ground was gained and the success achieved today gave the foundation to several more successful attacks carried out during the week. The Brigade formed part of Barter Force.

17th May 1915 Battle of Festubert

18th May 1915 Battle of Festubert   The attack continued. 15th London Battery fired one hundred and forty rounds at ‘K’ works, J4, J2, J3 and Rue D’Ouvert between 1535 and midnight. 16th London Battery fired one hundred and thirty nine rounds at ‘S’ bend.

18th May 1915 Orders

19th May 1915 Battle of Festubert   Positions gained by Barter Force were consolidated. 15th London Battery fired sixteen rounds at J12, J27, D33 and twenty six rounds on the Rue D’Ouvert, followed later by four rounds on the same objective. 16th London Battery fired one round ranges per hour at ‘S’ Bend. At 1615 thirty four rounds were fired at ‘S’ Bend, and twenty two rounds were fired at a German working party.

19th May 1915 Battle of Festubert

20th May 1915 Battle of Festubert   6th County of London Brigade RFA report: 15th London Battery fired thirty six rounds at registering gaps on K.5. 16th London Battery did not fire. The attack was continued.

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.

21st May 1915 Battle of Festubert   6th County of London Brigade RFA report: 15th London Battery fired nineteen rounds on gaps in K.5, six rounds on J.3 and two rounds on Dogwheel House. 16th London Battery did not fire. Lieut G Lyon-Smith was wounded in the arm whilst observing from the British Front Line trenches and proceeded to England.

22nd May 1915 Battle of Festubert   15th London Battery fired eighteen rounds on J.1, J.2, J.3 and eighteen rounds on Dogwheel House. 16th London Battery fired two rounds every hour at J.6, J.7 and ‘S’ Bend. Subsequently one hundred and forty rounds were fired at the ‘S’ Bend. 17th London Battery fired twelve rounds in reply to a small bombardment in the direction of Givenchy.
A gunner of the 15th London Battery was killed this day the first man killed in the Brigade.(The Gunner killed was J.A. Whiting number 568 who is buried at Brown Military Cemetery, Festubert. Later mentioned in the New Year's Honours list on 1st January 1916)

23rd May 1915 Battle of Festubert    15th London Battery fired twenty four rounds on J.13 and four rounds on J.12. 16th London Battery fired twenty nine rounds on ‘S’ Bend, J.6 and J.7.

24th May 1915 Battle of Festubert   15th London Battery fired eighteen rounds on Rue D’Ouvert and ninety nine rounds on Dogwheel House. 16th London Battery fired eighty three rounds on J.3, and twenty eight rounds later at the same objective. 17th London Battery fired on objectives within their zone at irregular intervals.

25th May 1915 End of Battle of Festuberg  6th County of London Brigade RFA report: So as to prevent the enemy from making a counter attack, the artillery of the Division were ordered to form a barrage of fire. The 15th London Battery fired continuously on J.10 and at 0315 caught enemy infantry coming out of their trench at J.3. At 0600 observation stations at Rue D’Ouvert were bombarded. Enemy working parties were engaged at K.6 and K.7. More enemy in Rue D’Ouvert and enemy at J.8 - J.10 registered. The 16th London Battery were responsible for J.7 - J.10, at which they fired one hundred and sixteen rounds. Eighty one rounds were fired at enemy observation stations at Charelle St Roche, followed by twenty eight rounds. 17th London Battery cut wire in several places and fired on an enemy working party.

26th May 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA with the same objective as yesterday, 15th London Battery fired four hundred and seventy eight rounds on J10, J12, J15, J19. The 16th London Battery fired four hundred and thirty six rounds on J5, J10 and ninety four rounds at J7, J10. The 17th London Battery fired seven rounds on enemy trenches near G8 at the request of infantry.

27th May 1915 6th London Brigade RFA in action  15th and 16th London Batteries again formed a barrage, the former firing one hundred and seven rounds on J10 - J14. During the day, the observation stations of their Batteries at Le Platin were shelled in retaliation. New observation stations had to be found. A New shell type has been issued except to 17th London Battery and is considered a great improvement.

28th May 1915 Daily Battery Activity  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 15th & 16th London Batteries did not fire. 17th London Battery shell a machine gun position at H8, 2 rounds, at request of infantry.

29th May 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Reports  15th London Battery moved its position to that occupied in the first place by the 16th London Battery, and proceeded to register on J13 and I12, with 6 rounds. This zone was invisible from the last observation station. 16th London Battery did not fire. The 20th London Battery today came under the command of the OC. 6th London Brigade RFA.

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.

31st May 1915 47th Divisional RFA Move  6th County of London Brigade RFA report the remaining section in each Battery were replaced and the 17th London Battery was moved south and took up position in the neighbourhood of Vermelles. Signed: J H Van Dan Bergh TA. 6th London Brigade RFA.

1st June 1915 Daily Battery Activity  Report from 6th County of London Brigade RFA Reference to the map refer throughout to the continued sheet Bethune 1/4000 unless otherwise stated
Last night the 15th & 16th London Battery’s occupied their new positions at Vermelles, as did one section only of the 17th London Battery. Registration was commenced at once. The 15th London Battery fired 13 rounds on A.29.c.10.7, 9 rounds on A.29.c.9.4, 7 rounds on A.28.d.2.8 and 9 rounds on G.11.b.6.8. The 16th London Battery registered cardinal points in its zone. The 17th Lon Battery, being incomplete did not register. Their position however was shelled and one wagon belonging to 17th Bty, RFA was lost, but no one hurt.

2nd June 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Register Targets  Target Registration continued for 6th County of London Brigade RFA. 15th London Battery fired 4 rounds on A.29.c.10.7, 10 rounds on G.4.b.4.4 and 18 rounds on G.8.a.9.0. 16th London Battery fired 20 rounds on registering the right section of various points in its zone. The 17th London Battery did not fire.

3rd June 1915 Registration Continues  6th County of London Brigade RFA report registration continues. 12 rounds were fired at A.30.b.4.8 and later 2 rounds at the same registration. The 16th London Battery fired 24 rounds in completing its registration. During the afternoon the enemy shelled the British front line trenches, when according to orders, this Brigade replied with 2 shells for every one German shell. In this way the 16th London Battery fired 34 rounds at the Bus Carre, a small clump of saps about 100 yards in front of the German front line trenches, probably used as an observation station. The 17th London Battery registered further points in its zone, G.11.d.5.7, G.17.g.2.4 and G.17.e.0.1. Tonight the British attacked Givenchy, when in spite of successful artillery fire they were repulsed from the positions gained by Minenwerfer. Owing to the exposed nature of the country, exercise for horses may only take place in batches of 16 or 17.

4th June 1915 Batteries Register  In 6th County of London Brigade RFA 15th London Battery fired 11 rounds on A.30.g.4.8 and later fired 2 rounds on the same target. 16th London Battery fired 10 rounds in registering southern limit 4 extension of zone. 17th London Battery registered extension of the same zone as 16th London Battery.

5th June 1915 6th London Brigade RFA in Action  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 15th London Battery fired 25 rounds on A.30.b.4.8 and later fired 21 rounds on the same target. 16th London Battery, at request of GOC 140 Infantry Brigade fired 3 rounds on working party in G.11.d. 17th London Battery as a consequence of a reconnaissance report by infantry, that extensive entanglements existed between G.23.b.5.7 and G.23.b.6.7, fired on both these points.

6th June 1915 6th London Brigade RFA in Action  15th London Battery fired 4 rounds at 1630, 4 rounds at 1735, and 4 rounds at 1810 on A.30.b.4.8. 16th London Battery did not fire. 17 London Battery in reply to 2 rounds from the enemy fired 4 rounds on the Bois Carre. At 1730 17th London Battery fired 12 rounds on Bois Carre and German front line trenches, at G.23.a. At 2000 fired 2 rounds on Aulluch Road. A few officers attended a demonstration of the working and affect of gas.

7th June 1915 6th London Brigade RFA work with 36th Div  6th County of London Brigade RFA hosted OC Batteries and Officer Commanding of the 36th Bde. RFA, who examined positions and observation stations of the batteries with a view to taking over. 15th & 17th London Batteries did not fire. 16th London Battery fired 5 rounds at a working party.

8th June 1915 Preparations for Move

9th June 1915 Reliefs  The remaining sections of each battery of the 6th London Brigade RFA were relieved by sections of batteries of the 36th Brigade RFA and, together with the Brigade Headquarter Staff, proceeded to Lapugnoy, which was reached in the early hours of Thursday morning. The whole Small Arms Ammunition section of the Brigade Ammunition Column, and one section of gun ammunition, was detached from the Brigade, and was stationed at Drovin under 2/Lt H.B. Wells, to supply the 140 Infantry Brigade and the 19th London Battery (who remained in action) with ammunition.

11th June 1915 Reinforcements 6th London Brigade RFA   6th County of London Brigade RFA report 36 men under Lt N.V. Brasnett arrived at Lapugnoy from Base Details to fill up deficiencies caused by death, sickness and the increased establishment of the Brigade Ammunition Column. Lt Brasnett returned to Base Details.

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.

13th June 1915 Officers rejoining 6th London Brigade RFA   6th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery records, Lt R.A. Corsan and Lt C.E.H. Lloyd, both of whom had suffered from measles, arrived at Lapugnoy from England.

15th June 1915 Veterinary Inspection  The horses of the 15th & 16th London Batteries and 6th County of London Brigade Headquarters Staff were inspected by the OC. Brigade.

15th June 1915 Veterinary Inspection  The horses of the 17th London Battery were inspected by the OC. Brigade.

16th June 1915 Inspections and Regimental Sports  A detailed inspection of the 6th County of London Brigade RFA Headquarters Staff and 15th London Battery was held by the OC. Brigade, after which the horses of the Ammunition Column were inspected. This afternoon Regimental Sports took place in excellent weather. At 2345 a message was received warning the Brigade to get ready to move off at half an hours notice.

17th June 1915 GOC 1 Corps Visit  6th County of London Brigade RFA report at 0300 a message was received that no move would take place for the present. A visit was received from the GOC 1st Corps Lt General Sir Charles Munro, who described the work of the Brigade as 'magnificent'. A detailed inspection was held of the 16th London Battery. The Brigade was warned to be ready to move at one hours notice.

18th June 1915 6th London Brigade RFA More Inspections  6th County of London Brigade RFA records a detailed inspection of the 17th London Battery took place.

19th June 1915 6th London Brigade RFA More Inspections  The 6th London Ammunition Column was inspected in detail by the OC. Brigade. Lt H.B. Wells went to hospital suffering from severe neuralgia.

20th June 1915 Back to Action  6th County of London Brigade RFA: This evening the 15th & 16th London Brigades proceeded into action, the former being attached to the 36th Brigade RFA, and occupying its former position at Vermelles, and the latter to the 41st Brigade RFA near Cambrin F.30.c.5.5. The 6th London Ammunition Column was divided, part going with each battery. Brigade Headquarters and the 17th London Brigade remains at rest at Lapugnoy.

22nd June 1915 Equipment withdrawn  6th County of London Brigade RFA report all blankets were withdrawn and returned to Railhead.

23rd June 1915 Leave of Absence  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Capt M.J.K. O’Malley proceeded to England on 7 days leave.

26th June 1915 Medal Award 6th London Brigade RFA   Under authority of his Majesty the King, the Field Marshall Commanding in Chief awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) to the following member of the 6th London Brigade RFA: Number 1699 Gunner A.W. North 16th County of London Battery RFA for coolness and gallantry whilst acting as telephonist in the observation station at Festubert during the heavy bombardment to which it was subjected.

27th June 1915 Leave of Absence  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Lt W.A Saxer (RAMC) proceeded to England on 5 days leave.

28th June 1915 Leave of Absence  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Capt P.A. Love proceeded to England on 7 days leave.

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.

30th June 1915 Battery Training 6th London Brigade RFA   The Hesdigneul Race Course has been allocated to the 6th County of London Brigade RFA on 3 days per week for Battery Training. A telegram was received stating that the 16th London Battery, being no longer required by the 1st Division would proceed tonight to Lapugnoy. At 2345 a further message was received saying that as the services of this Battery were still required, they would remain in action and would occupy the position F.30.c.4.0.
Since going into action on the 21st of June, the 15th London Battery had been occupied principally in registering and retaliating. No work of great importance was carried out. During this period, Machine Gun posts were bombarded by the 15th London Battery and 8 direct hits were obtained. This was done at the request of infantry. Other targets engaged were Fort Hohenzollern (A29), The Haishes Cross Roads and Fosse 8 - at the latter target 37 rounds were fired on June 23rd and 8 rounds on June 25th: on this occasion 2 German observers disappeared. On June 27th, 95 rounds were expended (43 Rounds on B.25.b.6.7 and 54 rounds on A.30.b.3.8.) From Monday June 21st to Saturday June 26th, the 16th London Battery occupied the time in registering the zone A.28.c.2.2-A.21.d.4.1. For every one round fired by the Germans, 6 rounds were fired by the 16th London Battery. From June 26th to the morning of June 29th not a round was fired. During this period (on the night of June 28th) the left section was withdrawn and proceeded to the rest Line. The remaining section fired 40 rounds in 10 minutes on the evening of June 29th, in support of a demonstration and the exploding of 3 mines. On June 30th, the Battery was ordered back to Lapugnoy. This order was cancelled at the eleventh hour and the right section came into its new position (F.30.c.4.0) at 2200. J.H. Van Den Bergh 2/Lt
Total Casualties to June 30 1915.

Officer Wounded Lieut G. Lyon Smith 15th Lon Battery.
Other Ranks Killed Gunner Whiting 15th Lon Battery.
Died of wounds Bombardier Farrow 15th Lon Battery.
Died of wounds Gunner Deverell 15th Lon Battery.
Wounded Gunner Miles 17th Lon Battery.
Wounded Gunner Darbyshire 15th Lon Battery.
Died of sickness Dr Rossall 16th Lon Battery.
Injured as a result of Shell fire.
Bdr Maclaren 16th Lon Battery.
Bdr Irons 17th Lon Battery.

J.H. Van Den Bergh 2/Lt

1st July 1915 Rounds Fired

2nd July 1915 Appointments

6th July 1915 Leave of Absence

7th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA in Front Line

8th July 1915 Movement

9th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Register Targets

10th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA in Action

11th July 1915 Wagons Move Back

12th July 1915 Orders Cancelled

12th August 1915 Vacancies to be filled  6th County of London Brigade RFA report their vacancies in non-commissioned ranks, caused by death or sickness are being filled by promotion to temporary-acting-rank.

13th July 1915 Reconnaissance

14th July 1915 Batteries of 6th London Brigade RFA Fire

15th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Fire

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.

17th July 1915 Reconnaissance & Retailiation

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.

19th July 1915 New Gun Positions

20th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Retaliate  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports Lieut. W.J. Barnard proceeded to England on 7 days leave of absence, thereby leaving the 16th Lon Battery with only two Officers. 2/Lt. J.A.W. Petro attached to the 16th London Battery from the 6th London Ammunition Column. 15th London Battery fired 15 rounds in retaliation on forward German trenches and 16th London Battery fired a total of 8 rounds also in retaliation, on the same target. 17th London Battery likewise retaliated.

21st July 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   The Adjutant of 6th County of London Brigade RFA, Captain M.J.K. O’Malley, became sick and was evacuated to 6 Field Ambulance. 15th London Battery fired a total of 36 rounds on billets at Loos and 7 rounds on German forward trenches, all in retaliation. 16th London Battery fired 23 rounds in retaliation, of these, 8 rounds were fired at Loos and remainder distributed along the German Front Line trenches. Later 32 rounds were fired at the latter target. At 3 periods during the day 17th London Battery retaliated on G.34.c.6.8. Three NCO’s and one man of the 15th London Battery were wounded as a result of examining a German 'blind' shell. One man of the 17th London Battery was wounded during bombardments of the 17th London Battery Wagon Line at Novelles

22nd July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Fire  Retaliating, 15th London Battery fired 12 rounds on Loos billets and a total of 17 rounds on German Front Line trenches. 16th London Battery fired 91 rounds on Loos billets and German Front Line trenches. 17th London Battery fired at Loos billets. The hostile bombardment was particularly severe - using high explosive, on Philosophe, Les Brebris and neighbourhood this afternoon. One man in the 17th London Battery Wagon Line at Noyelles was wounded. 10 rifles per Battery along with the rifles of Brigade Headquarters staff and Ammunition Column were withdrawn. These Units are to be rearmed with carbines.

23rd July 1915 Retaliation by 6th London Brigade RFA   15th London Battery fired a total of 80 rounds on German Front Line trenches in retaliation for fire on ours. This Battery also fired 11 rounds registering a new point, G.28.b.3.7. The 16th London Battery fired 13 rounds in retaliation for the same reason as the 15th London Battery. The 17th London Battery fired 3 rounds on G.34.c.6.9.

24th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA in Action  15th London Battery fired a total of 48 rounds on the German Front Line trenches in retaliation. 16th London Battery retaliated similarly with 24 rounds. 17th London Battery fired at G.34.c.6.8 and dispersed a working party. Tonight one gun from the 15th, 16th and 17th London Batteries and one gun of the 13th London Battery (commanded by Major A.C. Scammel) took up forward positions prepared by working parties from the 5th and 7th Brigades, Royal Field Artillery for wire cutting.

25th July 1915 Wire Cutting  15th London Battery with 3 guns only, fired 13 rounds on G.28.c.8.1, 6 rounds on a German working party, 8 rounds on the Loos crossroads and billets in retaliation for German bombardments on Philosophe. 16th London Battery fired two rounds on Loos and the 17th London Battery replied to hostile bombardments of Maroc. Wire cutting took place tonight. Observation was for range rather than effect. The 15th London Battery fired 6 rounds, the 16th London Battery 5 rounds, 17th London Battery 7 rounds and the 13th London Battery 12 rounds. The results were satisfactory. The best results were obtained by the 17th London Battery, range 1750 yards. In all the cases the gun positions were over 3000 yards away. The working parties from the 5th and the 7th London Brigades returned to their units.

26th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Fire  15th London Battery retaliated with 22 rounds on German forward trenches. By order of the 47th Division HQ, 16th London Battery fired on chimney seen in German trenches and after firing 16 rounds satisfied themselves that the chimney was not in the first or second line German trenches. 17th London Battery fired 2 rounds on transport on crossroads at H.25.d thereby stopping traffic. Last night the guns were bought back from wire cutting positions.

27th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA Retaliate  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 2/Lt J.C. Woollett proceeded to England on 7 days leave of absence. 15th London Battery fired 28 rounds in retaliation on German first and second line trenches. On this objective 16th London Battery retaliated with 10 rounds and also fired 3 rounds at Loos pylons. 17th London Battery did not fire.

28th July 1915 6th London Brigade RFA movements  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Major H.D. Sprague (2/6th London Battery RFA) and Captain E.J. Matcham (2/3rd East Anglian Brigade RFA) attached to the 16th and 17th London Batteries respectively. One section of the 15th London Battery was last night relieved by a section of A Battery ( 71st Brigade RFA, Kitchener’s Army) This section of the 15th London Battery proceeded forthwith to Gosnay. 16th London Battery fired 4 rounds on German Front Line trenches and 20 rounds on Loos, all in retaliation. A draft of 4 men received from Base Details.

29th July 1915 Daily Battery Activity 6th London Brigade RFA   6th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery record in their war diary: The remaining section of the 15th London Battery and one section of the 16th London Battery were relieved by sections of Batteries of the 71st Brigade, RFA last night. D Battery of the 70th Brigade, RFA was in position at Vermelles, should have relieved the 17th London Battery, but having lost its way, failed to put in an appearance until 0400. As it was then daylight the relief had to be postponed.

30th July 1915 On the Move

31st July 1915 On the Move

1st August 1915 Unit Move and Inspection  The 6th London Brigade RFA is now complete at Gosnay (Chateau des Dames). A series of inspections is about to be embarked on - horses, kit, harness wagon are all being inspected by OC. Field Units. The guns of the Brigade were inspected by the Inspector of Munitions. W Corps who made a satisfactory report.

2nd August 1915 Staff changes  The Adjutant, Capt. M.J.K. O’Malley rejoined 6th County of London Brigade from the Base. A supply of Cooks' Carts were received.

3rd August 1915 Staff movements  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Major H. Bayley proceeded to England on 7 days leave of absence.

4th August 1915 Staff Training  6th County of London Brigade RFA report an examination took place of a class of 20 recruit signalers, undergoing a three month course of instruction. This is the end of the first month's examination.

5th August 1915 Training  The 6th London Ammunition Column are carrying out Battery Gun Drill with the guns of the batteries. Brigade Headquarters are moved to the Mill House, Gosnay.

6th August 1915 Training  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Major P.J. Clifton, sick, proceeded to hospital. The race course, on Hesdigneul Common, is at the disposal of Batteries of this Brigade for two days per week.

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.

8th August 1915 Brigade Boxing Tournament

9th August 1915 Training and recreation  All 6th County of London Brigade RFA signallers are being re-drilled. The 16th London Battery moved it's Wagon Line and Gun Park to a position higher in the woods of the Bois Des Dames. A working party of 100 men of this Brigade proceeded to Les Brebis to construct gun pits on the second line of defence, under the supervision of 2/Lt C.E.H. Lloyd. All billets are being systematically searched, so that all surplus ordnance and supply stores can be handed to the Salvage Company. Capt M.J.K. O’Malley won 2nd prize in the Open Jumping Competition at 7th London Brigade RFA sports.

10th August 1915 Personnel changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports Lt Col A.C. Lowe DSO and Major A.C. Gordon proceeded to England on 4 & 7 days leave respectively. A draft of 5 men arrived from Base. 2/Lt J.A.W. Petro attached from 6th London Ammunition Column to 17th London Battery during absence of Lt C.E.H. Lloyd.

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.

14th August 1915 Personnel changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Major P.J. Clifton, 17th London Battery, rejoined the Brigade from the Base. Lt H.B. Wells was struck off the strength of the Brigade from today’s date.

15th August 1915 Medical  6th County of London Brigade RFA men who have been inoculated with one dose only are to be re-inoculated. 100% of the Brigade have now been inoculated.

16th August 1915 Moves and Sport

17th August 1915 Appointments  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Capt. C.P Bertie proceeded to England on 7 days leave of absence. A Board was appointed to examine the Class of Shoeing Smiths who had undergone a six week course of instruction.

18th August Appointments  6th County of London Brigade RFA report 2/Lt J.A.W. Petro proceeded to Les Brebis to assist 2/Lt C.E.H. Lloyd in digging gun pits on the defence lines. Two 18 pounder guns fetched from 15th Divisional Artillery to provide practice for the Batteries of this Brigade.

19th August 1915 Training  Hesdigneul Common is no longer at the disposal of Artillery Brigades of 47th Division for any purpose.

20th August 1915 Waggon Lines

21st August 1915 Postings and Promotions  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Lieut G. Lyon-Smith having rejoined the Brigade from the 3/6th London Brigade RFA was posted to the 15th London Battery. Major R.R. Wansbrough promoted Lieutenant-Colonel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

27th August 1915 Waggon Lines

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2nd September 1915 Personnel changes  6th County of London Brigade RFA reports Lt W.P.S Edwards Army Veterinary Service returned from 1st Division.

3rd September 1915 Guns

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.

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.

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.

10th September 1915 Court Martial  6th County of London Brigade RFA report Court Martial was held again. President Major P.J. Clifton.

12th September 1915 Church Parade  6th County of London Brigade RFA attend Church Parade held at 4th Corps HQ. in Labuissiere.

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.

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.

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.

16th September 1915 Personnel changes  Interpreter Chapaux joined 6th County of London Brigade to replace Interpreter Legrix posted to ADMS, ADVS and DADOS.

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.

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.

19th September 1915 Church Parade  6th County of London Brigade RFA hold Church Parade at 4th Corps HQ. Labuissiere.

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.

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.

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.

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.

24th September 1915 Pre Loos Bombardment  4th day of bombardment prior to Battle of Loos.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

30th September 1915 On the Move

1st October 1915 On the Move

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.

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.

4th October 1915 New CO

5th October 1915 On the Move

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.

7th October 1915 Inspections  6th County of London Brigade RFA started thorough inspections of horses and equipment.

8th October 1915 Ready to Move  6th County of London Brigade RFA was held in readiness to move at a half hours notice.

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.

10th October 1915 Church Parade  Church Parade at 1045 for the whole 6th London Brigade. Order to move at a half hour notice cancelled.

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.

13th October 1915 Preparations

14th October 1915 Move

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

2nd November 1915 Artillery Activity

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.

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.

5th November 1915 Cartridges Accidentally Ignited

6th November 1915 Dense Mist

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.

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.

9th November 1915 Hostile Batteries Observed

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.

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.

12th November 1915 Quiet Day

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.

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.

15th November 1915 Batteries Relieved

15th November 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. formerly 6th County of London Brigade RFA. Territorial Force.
All Batteries tested timing switches by actually firing and carried on registering of Division Zone. Day was generally quiet. Bombardment of Snout provoked a little retaliation. At 1430 hostile aeroplanes were unusually daring and nonplussed observers which let one machine fly almost unmolested 1500 feet over I.26, 27 and Valley Cottages. New enemy work at I.19.c.1.4 and I.30.b.8.0 has progressed. Activity round a camouflet near hilly place suggests offensive Sapping operations, ultimate intention probably being to jump our front line and command reverse slope of ridge. (Note: sapping is constructing trenches forward from the front line towards enemy positions,usually as listening posts or, as suggested here, jumping off points for attacking troops, getting them nearer to enemy lines under cover). (Further note: a camouflet is a chamber created by explosives underground without breaking the surface (which would be a crater)).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

24th November 1915 Training and recreation  6th County of London Brigade RFA are at Auchel. The Brigade Headquarter Staff, 17th London Battery and 6th London Ammunition Column went on a route march, at the end of which the OC. Brigade inspected their harness. In the evening, by invitation of the OC. Brigade, these units attended a Cinematograph performance in the Auchel Cinematograph Theatre. Major P.J. Clifton, 17th London Battery, proceeded to England on 12 days leave of absence. Capt W. Cooper, 17th London Battery, proceeded to England on 7 days leave. Capt W. Cooper is in command of the 47th Divisional Artillery Leave Party.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1st Dec 1915 Derby Scheme Armlets

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'

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.

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.)

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.

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.

15th December 1915 Action Stations

16th December 1915 Registration

17th December 1915 Registering

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)

19th December 1915 Intermittent Shelling

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.

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).

22nd December 1915 6th London Bde Batteries in Action

23rd December 1915 London Batteries in Action

24th December 1915 Christmas Eve Explosion

25th December 1915 Steady Bombardment

26th December 1915 Observation Posts Sighted

27th December 1915 6th London Bde Batteries Fire

28th December 1915 Batteries in Action

29th December 1915 A Busy Day

30th December 1915 Enemy Mine Explosion

31st December 1915 Observation Post

1st January 1916 Firing in the New Year

2nd January 1916 Report

3rd January 1916 Enemy Shelling

4th January 1916 Quiet Day

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.

6th January 1916 Reliefs

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.

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.

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.

10th Jan 1916 Group System Reopens

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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)

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

9th February 1916 Call Ups

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

24th February 1916 Training  The entire 6th County of London Brigade RFA moved to Bowry to undergo training and arrived at about 1400.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

8th March 1916 Training  6th County of London Brigade RFA units at disposal of unit commanders.

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.

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.

11th March 1916 Relocations  6th London Brigade RFA units at disposal of unit commanders. Billeting party proceeded to Dieval.

12th March 1916 Relocations  6th London Brigade RFA proceeded to its new reserve area and arrived at Dieval at 1800.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

18th March 1916 Training  6th County of London Brigade RFA at Dieval. Units at the disposal of unit commanders.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

6th May 1916 HQ moves

7th May 1915 New CO

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

28th May 1916 Waggon Lines

29th May 1916 HQ Moves

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.

1st June 1916 Movements

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.

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.

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.

7th June 1916 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report OC. Batteries went to inspect gun positions.

8th June 1916 Gun Positions

9th June 1916 Inspections  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Barlin. OC. Brigade inspected D236 Battery.

11th June 1916 Church Parade  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery hold Church Parade at Barlin.

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.

13th June 1916 Movements

14th June 1916 New Positions

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.

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.

17th July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery: Nothing to report all quiet.

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.

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.

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).

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.)

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

5th July 1916 Observation Impossible  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Aix-Noulette report Observation impossible so all quiet on this front.

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.

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.

8th July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Aix-Noulette: All quiet.

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.

10th July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report All quiet on this front.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

19th July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report All quiet.

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.

21st July 1916 All Quiet  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery: All quiet. Nothing to report.

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.

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.

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.

25th July 1916 Movements

26th July 1916 On the March

27th July 1916 236th London Brigade Relocate  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery move to Sains les Pernes. Batteries at disposal of Battery Commanders.

28th July 1916 Quiet

29th July 1916 Reliefs

30th July 1916 On the Move

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.

1st August 1916 On the March

2nd August 1916 Daily Battery Report  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Beauvoir Riviere. Batteries at disposal of Battery Commanders.

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.

4th August 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Batteries at the disposal of Battery Commanders.

5th August 1916 Moves

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.

7th August 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Batteries at disposal of Battery Commanders.

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.

10th August 1916 Movements

11th August 1916 Movements

12th August 1916 Movements

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.

14th August 1916 Into Position

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4th September 1916 Misfire causes Injury

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.

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.

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.

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.

9th September 1916 Attack Made

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

15th September 1916 New Positions

16th September 1916 Moves

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.

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)

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

29th September 1916 Infantry Assault

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.

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.

2nd October 1916 Infantry Attack

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

11th October 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Nothing of any importance.

12th October 1916 Reliefs

13th October 1916 On the Move

14th October 1916 At Rest

15th October 1916 On the March

16th October 1916 On the March

17th October 1916 On the March

18th October 1916 On the March

19th October 1916 Into Billets

20th October 1916 On the March

21st October 1916 Reliefs

22nd October 1916 Positions

23rd October 1916 Batteries Register  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Nothing of any importance. Batteries registered. Very little firing.

24th October 1916 Battery Zones  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report a certain amount of movement in our zone which extends from just south of Clonmel Copse to just north of Zwarteleen. The Battery zones being in order from the north A236, B236, C236 and D238.

25th October 1916 Minewerfen Activity   236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Very little activity. C180 Battery is added to Right Brigade. This Battery commanded Major Digby. Left Brigade of 23rd RA consists of remainder of 180 Brigade RFA under the command of Major Stebbing. Right Brigade HQ shifted to Lille Gate. Considerable minewerfen (mortar) activity by the enemy from about 1200 to 1500. Batteries fired in retaliation. Nothing else of much importance.

26th October 1916 Retaliation Fire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Very quiet day. Batteries only fired in retaliation.

27th October 1916 Interpreter Joins Brigade  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report a Belgian interpreter was attached to the Brigade. The French interpreter M Chapaur returned after being away for some weeks with a French Corps Headquarters. Very quiet day.

28th October 1916 Minenwerfers Silenced  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Very quiet day until about 1400, when the hostile minenwerfers (mortars) showed some activity but were effectively silenced by our Howitzer Battery.

29th October 1916 Some hostile Minewerfens  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery.: Nothing of very great importance. Some hostile minewerfens (mortars).

30th October 1916 Considerable Minenwerfer Activity.   236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report General Gorringe called at HQ in the morning. Nothing of any importance occurred. Very little activity with artillery, but considerable minenwerfer (mortar) activity.

31st October 1916 Quiet Day  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery record a Quiet day. Very little firing by Batteries except for a little retaliation by C/180 Battery. GOCRA Corps went round Batteries in afternoon.

1st November 1916 Registration  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery are at Ypres, Lille Gate. Quiet day on the whole. Considerable trench mortar activity on our left. Batteries fired in registration only.

2nd November 1916 Light Bad  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Light bad in the morning for registration. Some trench mortar and artillery activity displayed on our front about 1300. D236 Battery fired in retaliation for this.

3rd November 1916 Heavy Hostile Trench Mortar Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery record a Quiet day until about 1530 when there was heavy hostile trench mortar activity on the right portion of our front (Davison Street, Winnipeg St, Crab Crawl and Sanctuary Wood). Batteries fired in retaliation and ultimately stopped the enemy's fire.

4th November 1916 Trench Mortars Silenced  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report that at about 1620 the enemy fired some trench mortars on Crab Crawl but was stopped by the retaliation of C180 Battery.

5th November 1916 Retaliation Fire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Fairly quiet day. Some minenwerfers (mortars) were fired and the Batteries only fired in retaliation.

6th November 1916 Reorganisation  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Nothing much in the morning. B236 spotted German's minenwerfer (mortars) in the afternoon. It was decided that 236th Brigade should be reorganised into two six gun batteries and two four gun Howitzer Batteries.

7th November 1916 Quiet Day  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Practically nothing happened all day.

8th November 1916 Slight Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report A little shelling took place on the German side but very little happened otherwise.

9th November 1916 Battery Visit  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Major General Gorringe came round the Batteries in the afternoon. Very quiet day and only about five minenwerfers (mortars) were fired by the enemy, all of them coming from Clonmel Copse.

10th November 1916 Reorganisation Scheme

11th November 1916 Firing at Intervals  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Morning quiet. At 1500 the enemy opened fire of Crab Crawl with Trench Mortars and rifle grenades. We retaliated but the enemy continued firing at intervals until 1730.

12th November 1916 Engineers Advise  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report OC. 128 Field Company went round all positions in the morning to advise on drainage and points in construction. Current Observation Point was also visited re continuation of Observation Point on the roof. The situation was normal until 1500 when Trench Mortar activity spread from the right onto our lines, but as before enemy did not give up until 1725 in spite of sharp retaliation.

13th November 1916 Visibility Good  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Ypres. Visibility good resulting as usual in comparative inactivity of hostile Trench Mortars. A236 Battery fired on and dispersed several working parties. A236 Battery carried out a registration of the zone sub group. Our aeroplanes were active and one hostile machine came over at 1400 but soon veered off. Major P F Clifton went to B235 Battery on order of Commander RA.

14th November 1916 Intermittent Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: During the morning intermittent shelling took place at Sanctuary Wood, Maple Copse, Lille Gate and Ypres with 77 mm and 4.2 inch guns. Batteries fired back at Clonmel and continued registration. At 1400 hostile Trench Mortars were active on the Right. Activity spread to our zone at 1605. We retaliated with fifty 4.5 inch and eighty 18 pounder guns in sharp bursts, until the enemy was silenced at 1700. Six men seen J.20.d.7.4 dressed in blue uniform dispersed. Six men in sap Jige 10.55 were Stokes Mortared and strafed with 18 pounders. They ran back along the sap. Considerable movement of men and vehicles on road J.21.a.1.7 to J.27.a.0.5. A squad of men were seen at Tower Hamlets, but disappeared quickly.

16th November 1916 Visibility Excellent  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Visibility excellent bringing unusual district shelling. Hostile aeroplanes were again active and more daring. During the afternoon level crossing I.21.d 4.5, Shrapnel Corner, Hell Fire Corner and Zillebeke were shelled with 77 mm and 4.2 inch guns. Enemy artillery generally unusually active. Proposed bombardment of I.30.b.8.0 fell through owing to a failure of communication.

17th November 1916 A Very Satisfactory Shoot  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Several Trench Mortar emplacements were registered. At 1130 bombardment of I.30.b.8.0 trench was carried out by D236 Battery, our infantry being cleared. There were no duds and it was a very satisfactory shoot. Several hits were obtained with trench boards, pieces of wood and revetment being blown through the air. The enemy's work was wrecked. Fifty eight rounds were fired all being observed from the front line. (Note: Revetment is the general lining of trench floors and walls including fire stepping and duckboards).

18th November 1916 Poor Visibility  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Visibility was poor generally. 4.2 inch guns were active in the morning on usual spots. Some activity with Trench Mortars on both sides near Hill 60 and The Dump. Bombardment of the Snout at 1630 by 18 pounders provoked no retaliation. 40% of Heavy Artillery shells were duds.

19th November 1916 Battery Registration  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. report from Ypres. Registration for a special operation was carried out in the morning. Our Trench Mortars and artillery were active all day. At 2210 enemy Trench Mortars retaliated but stopped at once on our firing salvoes into Clonmel Copse. At 1550 Trench Mortars were active again. Our retaliation at first was ineffective because it was too dispersed. A second retaliation of well grouped Howitzers and 18 pounders effectively silenced the enemy. Enemy Trench Mortars fired from about J.19.c.2.4 and I.30.b.6.0.

20th November 1916 New Works  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report B236 and D236 Batteries carried out a registration on new works. D236 reported new work at two points. Enemy shelled I.27.a.9.8 for first time for about three weeks but except for slight Trench Mortar activity at 1500, the enemy was quiet. D236 Battery report 3/29 blind.

21st November 1916 Reorganisation  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Visibility bad all day which was quiet. A raid attempted at 1130 from Cross Trench against J.19.c.45.55, failed owing to wire not being completely cut by the Bangalore Tube. Contradictory reports led Battalion Commander to stop Artillery Barrage and almost immediately to start it again. This was done very quickly in each case communications being excellent. A full programme was carried out by Artillery after abandonment of raid owing to call wire from Crab Crawl being broken. The semi circular barrage appeared to be very effective. Enemy retaliated with Trench Mortars only on trenches and 77 mm guns behind. Batteries engaged were A180, B236, D236, C188 and A236. Reorganisation of 18 pounder Batteries took place at noon 21st inst. Right Section C236 to B236. Left Section C236 to A236. BQMS continued to draw rations for C/236 men. GOC 47th Division made formal inspection of Wagon Lines. (Bangalore Torpedo-an explosive tube used to clear a path through a wire entanglement)

22nd November 1916 Visibility Bad  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. report from Ypres. Visibility bad and day quiet. At 0530 a party of twelve Germans crawled over opposite Cross Trench and attempted to throw bombs. These all fell short and they retired hastily.

23rd November 1916 Exchange of Fire  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Enemy broke his custom and began Trench Mortar strafe in the morning. From 9am to 10.30am about thirty bombs were fired on our trenches I.21.d.5.3 and I.24.d.5.4. Group were informed and scheme two for bombardment of Trench Mortars was ordered at 1050. Left Brigade and Heavies did not fire but C180 Battery carried out the programme. Enemy became annoyed and at 1120 opened a heavy Trench Mortar fire on our trenches. Retaliation scheme two as ordered again at 1210. This time all batteries fired and at 1230 the enemy was silenced for the day. On Right of Group Zone the enemy's Trench Mortars were very active from 1345 to 1415 from Snout to Dump. This repeated from 1535 to 1615 with the addition of 4.2 inch and 77 mm guns. Reorganisation officially ordered but S.O. ASC still insists that C236 Battery should draw its own rations.

24th November 1916 Daily Battery Activity 236th London Brigade  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Ypres. Hostile Trench Mortars became active at 1450. Scheme two was ordered and enemy silenced. He appeared to retaliate for scheme two further to the right. At 1550 scheme six was ordered and was effective, but almost immediately a heavy bombardment broke out from Knoll Road to the Dump with the enemy using Trench Mortars, 4.2 inch and 77 mm guns. The Division on our Right retaliated and all was quiet by 1645.

25th November 1916 Infantry Officers Instructed  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Infantry officers attached to A236 and B236 Batteries for instruction. Batteries did not fire with observation being bad.

26th November 1916 Fire on Sound Bearings  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery record Morning very quiet until 1100 when five 5.9 inch shells fell near Blaupoort Farm. This was fired repeated at 1030. The Heavy Artillery were given Sound Bearings and fired on the suspected Battery and the Howitzer ceased fire. Visibility sketch was made from I.28.d.5.8, a proposed Observation Point on the back of Verbrandenmolen Hill to the corner of Armagh Wood site and Yeomanry Port and Observatory Ridge. From 1000 to 1300 the Dump was shelled with single 5.9 inch shell at one round per minute.

29th November 1916 Low Cloud  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report C180 Battery dispersed a working party at J.19.b.7.1. between 1126 and 1215. D236 Battery registered by aeroplane. Usual trench mortar, 5.9 and 4.2 inch shelling. A fine day, but low cloud interfered with aeroplane observation.

1st December 1916 Covering 23rd Division  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery at Ypres record: All map references on Zillebeeke Bund.3.E 1/10,000 and sheet 28 1/40,000 236th Brigade RFA still covering the 23rd Division. A236 and B236 Batteries registered for special operations. Heavy mist made general observation impossible enemy artillery and trench mortars were very quiet. At 1230 a raid was attempted by the 11th Sherwood Foresters on sap at I.30.b.15.20, which was not successful.

2nd December 1916 Daily Battery Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. formerly 6th County of London Brigade RFA. Territorial Force.
No firing due to thick mist.

3rd December 1916 Visibility Bad  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery Batteries did not fire as visibility was bad. Our Trench Mortars were active, both heavy and medium. The enemy did not retaliate. At 0300 in the morning the observing officer reported Trench Mortars were active. At 0230 a successful raid was carried out at J.19.c.15.55. Our barrage silenced the enemy's fire.

4th December 1916 Visibility Good   236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Visibility was good and all batteries carefully checked map and gun ranges. Considerable enemy movement was seen behind their lines and working parties were dispersed by A236 Battery with two salvoes falling amongst them, after which no further movement was observed. Barrage Z to help 47th Division was ordered at 1501 which was successful.

5th December 1916 Batteries in Action  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Ypres. Visibility was good in the morning. D236 Battery registered a single gun at I.20.b.95.95. Working party in J.19.b fired on and dispersed. A direct hit was obtained on a wheelbarrow they were using. Trench Mortars were active against our trenches from 1315 to 1330 and 1500 to 1555. Scheme four was ordered and silenced the enemy fire at 1540. There was increased hostile artillery activity behind our lines. L’Ecole, Zillebeke Village and Station were shelled with 4.2 inch guns. Ypres Square, Station Crossing and Menem Road were shelled with 4.2 inch guns at 1700. Direct hits by 5.9 inch guns were obtained on Zillebeke Lake duck boards, Hellblast Corner and the Bund.

6th December 1916 Hostile Trench Mortars  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Visibility was good and the morning was quiet. Hostile Trench Mortars opened moderate fire on Crab Crawl and Winnipeg Street at 1300. Scheme two fire successfully silenced them.

7th December 1916 Hostile Trench Mortars  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report the morning was quiet. At 1400 Trench Mortars were active on I.30.a and a scheme four was effective in silencing them. Visibility bad owing to the mist. At 1530 a stationary engine was heard working near Stirling Castle. A bugle was heard at 1600 behind Bodmin Copse.

8th December 1916 Visibility again Bad  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Ypres. Visibility was again bad. At 1320 hostile medium Trench Mortarss opened fire on Winnifred Street and a scheme two was ordered. Enemy ceased fire before the scheme (with Heavy Artillery) was put into force, but the enemy did not retaliate. Enemy artillery remained inactive.

9th December 1916 Considerable Enemy Movement   236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report during the morning considerable enemy movement was seen near Stirling Castle at J.13.d.4.5 and at Tower Hamlets. These parties were fired on and dispersed. Engine noise again heard on bearing 134 degrees from I.24.d.7.4.

10th December 1916 Battery Registration  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery A236 Battery carried out careful registration of all guns. Flashes of a 5.9 inch Howitzer battery firing on Dickerbusch seen on bearing 140 degrees 5 minutes (true) from I.24.d.7.3. with time from flash to sound 13.5 seconds. 2/Lt Edds observed large Tower like edifice about forty feet high with construction of seven poles with three hooped bands round them. True bearing 39 degrees from I.24.d.70.35. It has no platform.

11th December 1916 Enemy Working Parties  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Working parties at I.13.d.30.15, were dispersed three times by A236 Battery, with casualties. Hostile balloon up from dawn to 0800. At 0900 a hostile aeroplane came over Blauwe Poort farm. A236 Battery fired but this drew attention and battery was shelled.

12th December 1916 Army Commader Visits  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Visibility as very poor and none of the batteries fired. Enemy was also very quiet. During the morning the 2nd Army Commander visited all batteries and was pleased with what he saw.

13th December 1916 Unusual Enemy Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report There was some unusual enemy activity. At 0900 the enemy's Trench Mortars opened fire and a Scheme two was commenced and continued intermittently until 1200. An enemy 77 mm Battery covered the fire. At 1340pm the enemy made a special bombardment of C Sap. At about 1400 hostile Trench Mortars were again active and spread down towards Hedge Street. A Scheme four was at once put into operation after which there was no further activity.

14th December 1916 Heavy Trench Mortar Silenced  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report the morning was normal. At 1500 the Division on our right bombarded Hill 60 and the Snout. We cooperated on our front. The enemy retaliated at 1525. D236 Battery silenced a Heavy Trench Mortar. A Scheme five was ordered twice and the second time was effective. Much movement was seen on Tower Hamlets Road.

15th December 1916 An eventful day  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery record an eventful day. From 0700 to 0940 the enemy bombardment the whole of our trench system, paying especial attention to the part from Hedge Street to Canada Trench. We retaliated vigorously. Considerable damage was done to our trenches. At 1600 the enemy commenced another bombardment this time accompanied by an artillery barrage. All batteries stood to (action stations). About forty Germans advanced against Sap B. An SOS flare was fired and our barrage opened whilst the rocket was still in the air. This barrage come down on the enemy in No Mans Land and inflicted casualties. The enemy at once left our trenches and returned to his own. No more Germans attempted to penetrate the barrage. Several dead Germans were left in our trench and on the parapets. Our casualties were very slight.

16th December 1916 Enemy Artillery Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report the enemy artillery was fairly active on our back area. Snipers were busy on both sides. D236 Battery fired one hundred and six rounds at 1530 in cooperation with Scheme of Division on our right (47th). Aeroplanes were active on both sides.

17th December 1916 Poor visibility.  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery record a very quiet day and poor visibility.

18th December 1916 Batteries Calibrated  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Again a very quiet day and the Batteries calibrated.

19th December 1916 Much Work in Progress  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report at 0950 A236 Battery fired on and dispersed a working party. At 1515 A236 fired on a new machine gun emplacement near Observation Point at I.19.c.10.65, but without effect. A lot of work is being done here.

20th December 1916 Considerable Damage  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report From 1000 to 1130 the enemy bombarded our trenches with Trench Mortars and 4.2 inch guns, we retaliated with D236 Battery firing one hundred and forty rounds. Heavy and counter artillery Groups cooperated. GOC. 23rd Division asked for a further bombardment at 1530. This was carried out on the enemy support line opposite Stewart Street and considerable damage was done to the enemy's works.

21st December 1916 Slight Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report: Day was normal. Slight artillery activity on usual places. B236 Battery dispersed a working party.

22nd December 1916 Hostile Battery in Action  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report front was very quiet all day. Considerable activity took place on our right. At 1430 a hostile 77 mm battery was seen in action from St Peters Street, 176.5 (true) from I.24.d.6.1. The battery shelled Yeomanry Port and Observatory Ridge.

23rd December 1916 Slight Activity  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Day was quiet except for slight activity from enemy 77 mm battery on roads. Working parties were seen and dispersed by our fire.

24th December 1916 Enemy Artillery Active  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. report Enemy artillery activity on Railway Dugouts and Duckboards. Counter batteries engaged the battery shelling these places and the enemy ceased fire at 1700.

25th December 1916 Christmas in ypres  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery are at Ypres on Xmas Day. All very quiet during the morning. A236 Battery fired at intervals throughout the day on working parties at J.20.d.7.7 firing eighty six rounds. After firing on two occasions stretcher parties were seen and finally a large horse ambulance drove up. In the afternoon the lines at Zillebeke and Ypres Square were shelled by enemy 77 mm and 4.2 inch batteries respectively.

26th December 1916 Misty  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Very quiet all day and observation was bad owing to mist. Battery Commanders of relieving Brigade - 103 Brigade RFA - came up early. At 1000 a German fighting aeroplane came over our lines and shot down one of our planes near Gordon House. The first sections of the 103 Brigade will relieve our sections as soon as it will be dark enough.

27th December 1916 Relief  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Ypres. Slight trench mortar activity in the morning. This was silenced by our Trench Mortars and 4.5 inch Howitzers. The remainder of the day was quiet. Completion of relief - the remaining two sections of each Battery moved in. Relief was completed by 2100 when command of Observatory Ridge Sector Artillery Group was handed over to OC. 103 Brigade RFA, 23rd Division Artillery. During the day the remaining section was moved to rest billets at Winnezeeze and Oudezeeze. Lt Col Lowe assumed command of the brigade. Lt G Lyon Smith returned to position of Adjutant after being Brigade Major of Lowe’s Group R.A.

28th December 1916 In Billets  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery now in billets at Winnezeeze and Oudezeeze. All horses were put under cover.

29th December 1916 Xmas Festivities   236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report from Friday 29th December to 31st December 1916 Refitting and Section Commander's inspections Xmas festivities are held late, owing to the fact that relief was taking place on the 25th and the day after.

1st January 1917 Training and recreation  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. formerly 6th County of London Brigade RFA. Territorial Force are at Winnezeele. Batteries, with exception of C236 Battery in action with Left Group 47th Divisional Artillery, continued training in Reserve Area. 2/Lt A Morton Cole posted to B236 Battery.

2nd January 1917 Training  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery from Tuesday 2nd January 1917 to Sunday 21st January Training continued.

11th January 1917 Movements

15th January 1917 Movements

21st January 1917 Reliefs

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

28th January 1917 Battery Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report C236 Battery at Langkhof Farm was shelled during the day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2nd February 1917 GOC Visits  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report the GOC 47th Division visited B236, C236 and D236 Batteries at 1200.

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.

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.

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

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.

7th February 1917 Registration  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report All quiet, registration by batteries.

8th February 1917 Personnel changes  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery 2nd Lt H V Ramsey evacuated out of Divisional Area - sick.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

23rd February 1917 Movements

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.

28th February 1917 Movements

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.

2nd March 1917 Battery Shelled  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery, A236 Battery was again heavily shelled. Batteries are on small allotment.

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.

4th March 1917 Enemy Shelling  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Enemy actively shelled our back areas during the evenings.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

11th April 1917 On the March

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.

15th April 1917 Relocations  236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery report Major W Cooper OC. A236 Battery returned from special leave.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

5th May 1917 Movements

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

16th May 1917 Relocations  Headquarters 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery went out of action to Wagon Louex.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

24th May 1917 Relocations  First section of C236 Battery 236th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery in action in new position tonight.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Those known to have served with
236 Brigade Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery
during the Great War 1914-1918.

Ashworth Harry Clifford.
Best George Henry. Bmdr. (d.17th July 1917)
Child Samuel James. Sgt.
McLaren Thomas. Gnr. (d.15th Jul 1917 )
Roberts Albert John. Sgt.

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264168

Bmdr. George Henry Best 236th (6th London) Brigade, C Battery Royal Field Artillery (d.17th July 1917)

I hardly know anything about my great great grandfather George Best. We know that he is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery near Ypres and died on the 17th of July 1917.
Owen Wickens

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223042

Gnr. Thomas McLaren 236th Bde. Royal Field Artillery (d.15th Jul 1917 )

I know very little about Thomas McLaren other than he was my grandfather's brother. He was born in Limekilns, Fife and enlisted in Inverness. He was the son of David McLaren of Halkettshall, Limekilns, Fife. He died aged 30, and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium. Sadly I have never been there to visit his grave. He is commemorated on the Limekilns Village War Memorial.
Duncan McLaren

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219073

Harry Clifford Ashworth 236 Brigade Royal Field Artillery

Harry Clifford Ashworthâ€™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 communiquÃ© 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 oâ€™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 â€“ 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 â€“ lez â€“ 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 â€œcancel all ordersâ€ ; 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 â€“ 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 Iâ€™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. Motherâ€™s birthday. Now we are getting night frosts and pretty cold sleeps. Today , however, is lovely. Marshall has been taken to officersâ€™ 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 â€˜torpedoedâ€™ 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. Iâ€™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 menâ€™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 â€™ s. Paddy repeated Christmas day performance and today in a sad state. â€˜I shall die â€˜
6th January 1919. Today played football for F sub and C subs. Lost 3-0. Credit Â£3. 8. 11d. Sweating on demob. two going tomorrow, Oâ€™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 â€“ 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

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213527

Sgt. Samuel James Child 236th Brigade Royal Field Artillery

Sam was in the 6th London Brigade RFA Territorial Force (TF) service no. 955169. He joined on 24/05/1909 at Brixton. War broke out in August 1914 and at the time he was on Salisbury Plain training. Many Brigades were transferred into other units, Samâ€™s being one of them, his Brigade became the 236th Brigade â€œAâ€ Battery. This Brigade was within the 47th ( 2nd London) Division. His Brigade was moved to the St.Albans area and at some times to the Braintree area to train prior to entering the theatre of war in France. His Brigade was only the second to enter France in March 1915. They sailed from Southampton to Le Havre then to Bethune before entering the war.
Samâ€™s Military Record reveals that on 29th July 1917 he did receive a Gun Shot Wound (GSW) to his head leaving him with a scar on his left cheek. He was also reprimanded on 01/11/1917 for riding on the gun carriage with two other men, he was busted to Corporal but did get his stripe back to Sergeant again fairly quickly. When you think he had been in the thick of it from the beginning I believe it was a bit strong to lose a stripe. He was reported by a Corporal for the breach of Queens Regulations. I bet Sam had a word with him later.
Below are the battles he was involved in:-
1915
The Battle of Aubers Ridge (9 May)
The Battle of Festubert (15-25 May)
The Battle of Loos (25 september - 1 October)
The subsequent Actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt (13-19 October)
1916
The German attack at Vimy Ridge (21 May)
The Battle of Flers-Courcelette in which the Division captured High Wood
The Battle of the Transloy Ridges in which the Division captured Eaucourt l'Abbaye
The attacks on the Butte de Warlencourt
The Battle of Messines (7 - 13 June) including Hill 60
The Battle of Pilkem Ridge (31 July - 2 August), a phase of the Third Battles of Ypres
Other operations in the Third Battles of Ypres (18 August-2 September and 8 -17 September)
The Cambrai Operations, in which the Division captured Bourlon Wood and fought the German counter attacks
1918
The Battle of St Quentin
The First Battle of Bapaume
The Battle of the Ancre
The Battle of Albert
The Second Battle of Bapaume
It is strange reading the war diaries of the 236th RFA, nearly every single day they were under heavy fire, many horses killed and mentioned, many RFA killed, but they did have regular sporting events, boxing tournaments, concert nights put on by each Brigade, concert nights with entertainers from the UK, even cinema evenings. Regular church parades as well. One day they even found a French race course and held their own horse races both flat and hurdles. One thing that I had never heard of was that an officer would go up in a barrage balloon when the artillery was firing to see if they are on target or they had planes up observing and then relaying the details back to the gunners. To give you a flavour of the 236th Brigade War Diaries I recorded the first few days in the Diary, it starts on Monday 15th March 1915.
â€œLeft Hemel Hempstead by section starting with 16th Battery at 20:45 riding for 2 hour stints to Southampton, arrived 20:00 16th March 1915 where two large troop ships and a small steamer are taking us to Le Havre, remarkably smooth crossing., 22:00 drive to Berguette, now attached to different Army Corp to that intended now there is no place for billeting. Drive to Liere, then Foucquenhem, Ecquedcques at 15:30 on 19th March, then billet at Fontes at 22:00. Work of billeting officer who proceeded to France 9 days earlier entirely useless. Brigade now attached to 6th Infantry. 22nd March Brigade inspected by Field Marshall, Commander-in-Chief at Chateau De Mazingham. Moved to Lapugony 27th March.â€
"Can you imagine driving gun carriages at speed in the pitch dark, no street lamps, from Essex to Southampton on country lanes that were in poor repair."
Another entry says- 28th Jan 1917 Ypres, 236 shelled at Langkhof Farm.
Each man was issued with one blanket during the war so all they had were the uniform they stood in and a blanket, Iâ€™ve thought about this and I know there were times when it was extremely cold and wet, I reckon they slept with the horses to keep warm, thatâ€™s what I would have done.
I forgot to mention the Samâ€™s Brigade went down with something in the May 1918, all the Brigade were sick, it was later diagnosed as Influenza, I do remember seeing a programme a few years ago telling the tragedy of many hundreds of thousands of troops dying after the Armistice but before they were shipped home, perhaps this was the Spanish Flu that Samâ€™s Brigade was going through.
Graham Child

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212337

Sgt. Albert John "Robbie" Roberts 236th Brigade Royal Field Artillery

On 20th January 1909 Albert enlisted in the 6th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery, 2nd County of London Division (Later 47th Division), Territorial Force raised at 105 Holland Road, Brixton, as a Gunner in the 16th Battery. After much reorganisation this later became the 236th Brigade 47th Division. At the start of the WW1 his Brigade were stationed in Hertfordshire before moving to France in March 1915. Being the first Territorial Army Division to go to France as a complete unit. He saw action around Bethune, Lose, Vimy Ridge and the Somme. The Division moved from the Somme in 1916 to Ypres where they remained over the winter. The Brigade Headquarters were moved forward to Bedford House for the build up to the Battle of Messine Ridge which started on 7th June 1917. The bombardment commenced on 21st May. The Germans retaliated in kind, and this is when Albertâ€™s front line service comes to an end when a German shell landed on his dugout. On Saturday 2nd June 1917 he was wounded along with another unnamed sergeant. Staff Sergeant Thomas Masters and Gunner Joseph Alexander Gordon were both killed and are buried at Bedford House which was also a dressing station. Albert always thought the other Sergeant in the dugout was also killed but just after WW2 he was in the White Horse Public House in Chislehurst when the other Sergeant walked in. Unfortunately who he was is lost to history. I have done a lot of research on 236th Brigade which anybody can have a copy of. I also have transcribed the War Diary from March 1915 to 8th June 1917.
Andy Roberts

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