Untitled Document

Thomas Henry Wallbank in the Great War

(Thomas's tree can be seen here)

Thomas Wallbank was born in Hanley, Staffordshire in 1897. He enlisted at the outbreak of WWI in the Territorials. After two years

Home Service in the North Staffs Regiment he was sent to reinforce the 14th Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment on their return

to the Somme battlefield in September 1916. On the first day of the Somme battle , the 14th Battalion (2nd Barnsley Pals ) suffered

severe casualties and had to be withdrawn for several months. Later he was transferred to the 1/4th Battalion (Hallamshires) with

whom he fought at Paschendaele in October 1917 with the II ANZACS . Below are transcriptions of extracts from the War Diaries

of the respective battalions in which he served.

EXTRACTS OF WORLD WAR I DIARIES OF BATTALIONS IN WHICH THOMAS WALLBANK SERVED

Download pdf file

Sources:

1. War Diaries , Public Record Office, Kew

a) 1/4^thBatn York and Lancaster Regt, Apr 1915 – Feb 1919 ref: WO95/2805

b) 10^th Batn York and Lancaster Regt, Aug 1916 – Jan 1918 ref: WO95/2529

c) 14^th Batn York and Lancaster Regt, Mar 1916 – Feb 1918 ref:WO95/2365

d) 94 F.A. Mar 1916 - Apr. 1919 ref: WO95/2354

e) 148 Brigade ref: WO95/2804

2. The Burnt Records ref: WO 363

3. The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005

.[Extracts are italicised bold]

Square brackets [ ] show my notes

Thomas volunteered for service at Hanley on the 17^th October 1914, aged 17 years 6 months. He joined the 5^th (Home Service) Batn of the North Staffs Regiment

and was on Home service until 26^th September 1916. He was attached to the 29^th Provisional Batn North Staffs Regt on 17^th November 1915, then re-posted to

the 3/5^th North Staffs Regt, on 11^th August 1916 prior to embarking for France .

1. WESTERN FRONT, SOMME , FRANCE 1916

Battle of the Somme , 1/7/1916 to 18/11/1916

Allied advance in Somme area from 31/10/16 to 21/11/16 . Battle of the Ancre

31^st Division,94 Brigade, X111 Corps, Fifth Army

14^thBatn York and Lancaster Regt (2^nd Barnsley Pals) Regt no. 31544

( When Thomas was absent from the Battalion through illness, events are in italics)

Date	Place	Summary of Events and Information
SEP 1916		[War Diary of 14^th Batn York and Lancaster Regt, Mar 1916 – Feb 1918 ref:WO95/2365]
26-09-16	FOLKESTONE	[Embarked Folkestone, disembarked Boulogne (Burnt Records)]
27-09-16 to 12-10-16	FRANCE	[With 3/5^th North Staffordshire Regt. (Regt. No.3222) (Burnt Records)]
OCT 1916
13-10-16	GEZAINCOURT	Parades as for 12-10-16 . Lt. G.H.T Best is struck off the strength of the Batn. [Thomas transferred to 5^th Res Batn York and Lancaster and posted to 14^th York & Lancaster , new Regt no. 31544)(Burnt Records)]. In billets
14-10-16	GEZAINCOURT	Parades as yesterday. The Batn will move to TERRAMESNIL tomorrow as per Operation Order attached marked WBH no. 27.Reinforcements of 96 O.R.joined for (duty ?) .
15-10-16	TERRAMESNIL	The Batn moved to billets in TERRAMESNIL today. Parades under company arrangements in the afternoon.
16-10-16	TERRAMESNIL	Parades as for programme of 12-10-16 . Reinforcements of 94 O.R joined the Batn for duty today. [Thomas was one of these] [New RSM joined ; RSM Skelton]
17-10-16	THIEVRES	The Batn moved into billets at THIEVRES today as per attached Operation Order marked WBH no. 28. Parades as per training programme for Company. [Thomas was admitted to 94 F.A. then to 93 F.A. (BCRS) (Burnt Records)]
18-10-16	THIEVRES	Parades as on 17-10-16
19-10-16	THIEVRES	Parades as on 18-10-16
20-10-16	THIEVRES	Parades as on 19-10-16 . The Batn will move into trenches tomorrow in accordance with attached Batn Operation Order marked WBH no. 29
21-10-16	In the field , trenches [near SERRE]	Fine weather; very cold. The Batn moved up to the trenches early in the morning. During the day our artillery mainly bombarded the enemy’s second & third lines at SERRE. Retaliation was very slight, nothing heavier than 77mm being sent over our front,. Four patrols went out at night to examine the state of hostile wire. It was found to have been considerably knocked about but in many places still presented a serious obstacle. No encounters with the enemy. Our aeroplanes were very active observing for the artillery. Reinforcements of 56 O.R. reported today & remained at THIEVRES.
22-10-16	In the field , trenches [near SERRE]	Fine clear weather. Our artillery were heavily engaged throughout the (line ?) so has the whole front opposite our sector been shelled. The enemy showed more retaliation than the day before. A considerable portion of his shells were “duds”. Two patrols left our lines to examine the effect of the days shelling & the wire. It was found to be almost demolished in many places though there stilled remained places where it was (thick ?). Enemy (?)(?) in his front line. One fighting patrol also left our lines seeking an encounter with a hostile patrol but no enemy was encountered. Casualties: CSM H, Bower killed in action. The Batn will be relieved tomorrow in accordance with Operation Orders WBH no. 30
23-10-16	In the field , trenches [near SERRE]	Misty weather. The Batn was relieved to billets in THIEVRES . [By bus from COURCELLES]. Casualties: 2 O.R. wounded in action; 1 O.R, wounded but remained at duty. [Thomas rejoined unit from 93 F.A.]
24-10-16	THIEVRES	In billets. Parades under company arrangements in the morning. Commanding officers inspection in the afternoon. 2nd Lt. G.C.H Kaye returned from Lewis gun course. 2^nd Lts A. Baldry, E. Young &16 NCOs proceeded for a course in P.T. & B.F. to WARNIMONT WOOD.
25-10-16	THIEVRES	In billets. Parades under company arrangement & according to programme of training as on 19-10-16 . Special classes to be resumed. Capt C.H. Robin has been transferred to the 13^th Batn York and Lancaster Regt & and is struck off the strength of the Batn accordingly.
26-10-16	THIEVRES	In billets. Parades as per programme issued to Coy commanders. Bayonet fighting, musketry, rapid loading and attack practice & physical training. Special classes to be continued. Casualties: 1 O.R. wounded in action, shell shock 23-10-16 .
27-10-16	THIEVRES	In billets. Parades: Bayonet fighting, rapid loading, musketry, judging distance, attack practice, handling of arms, Platoon & Coy drill, physical training. Specialist classes to continue. [ Extract from London Gazette regarding appointment of temporary 2^nd Lts]
28-10-16	THIEVRES	Instructions received to vacate billets at THIEVRES on 30/10/16 . Weather showery. Parades as per 27/10/16 .
29-10-16	THIEVRES	In billets. Parades. Specialist classes continued. Companies continue bayonet fighting drill, musketry, physical training. Divine Service held in the afternoon. Weather showery.
30-10-16	SAILLY AU BOIS	The Batn moved from billets in THIEVRES at 8.00am and arrived at SAILLY AU BOIS at 11.00am [via AUTHRIE, St LEGER and COGNEUX]. H.Q. established at J18 C8.8, map 1:40 000. Parades: inspection of arms, equipment and men’s feet. Heavy rain.
31-10-16	SAILLY AU BOIS	In billets. The Batn employed in furnishing working parties ,cleaning of communication trenches draining and repairing same from K23a2.1 to front line & also from K23c3.9 to front line. The work was carried out continuously during the 24h..Weather fine
NOV 1916
01-11-16	SAILLY AU BOIS	In billets. The Battalion employed in furnishing working parties cleaning communication trenches as for yesterday. Lt. H Faulden (Intelligence Officer) is attached to 14^th Brigade HQ as Intelligence Officer. Lt. C.F. Moxon takes over the duties of Intelligence Officer and 2^nd Lt,. L,W. Johnson takes over the duties of Pioneer Officer.
02-11-16	SAILLY AU BOIS	In billets. The Battalion employed in furnishing working parties as for yesterday. Major L.H. Tudor South Wales Borders is attached to the Batn HQ for duty during tour of trenches. Extract from London Gazette Sept 19/16. Temp 2^nd Lt on probation is confirmed in rank 2^nd Lt A.E. Bramfitt.
03-11-16	In the field (nr. HEBUTERNE)	The Battalion moved into trenches as detailed on Operation Orders No.32, Nov 2/16. The enemy artillery active all day, bombarding the batteries in rear of trenches and shelling with shrapnel our second line & communicators to front line. An officer’s patrol examined the enemy wire at points where our artillery have been shelling all day, returning without casualties. Casualties: 1 officer, Lt. Quest, 4 O.R. killed. 8 O.R, killed. Weather dull, some rain.
04-11-16	In the field [nr. HEBUTERNE]	Our artillery very active all day, cutting gaps in enemy wire & shelling his front lines with H,E. Shrapnel. Enemy retaliation slight, Aeroplane activity all day, our planes flying very low over enemy lines attracting much M.G. fire. An officer’s patrol examined gaps in enemy wire & reported gaps not clear. Weather slight mist fresh breeze SE.
05-11-16	In the field [nr. HEBUTERNE]	Our artillery active all day, on selected points, - working parties of the enemy were dispersed, and much damage was done to enemy trenches. Enemy artillery chiefly shelling HEBUTERNE & to the right of our sector. Lt R. Goodwin takes over the command & pay of A Coy (temporary) from 3/11/16 . 3 Officer’s Patrols left our line to reconnoitre gaps in enemy wire, Hostile patrols were encountered & dispersed by rifle fire.
06-11-16	In the field [nr. HEBUTERNE]	Enemy artillery inactive. Intermittent activity by our artillery all day on enemy front line. Much enemy movement & working parties observed & reported to artillery. A Coy attempted a raid on the enemy trenches (see special report) on the night of 6/7^th /11/16. Operation Orders 32 [ see copy below] Casualties 1 officer wounded & missing. 2 O.R. killed, 10 O.R, wounded – 1 O.R. missing - 1 O.R. wounded (& at duty).
07-11-16	COUIN	The battalion was relieved in trenches (as per Operation Order No. 34, Nov 6^th 1916 ) and proceed to COUIN. Batn HQ was established at J1a9.4. 2nd Lt E.H.P. Pitt having been evacuated to England is struck off the strength of the Batn from 22^nd/10/16. Authority DAG No 563.
08-11-16	COUIN	Parades according to company arrangements. Cleaning equipment, clothing and rifles. Inspection of feet, clothing + issuing of necessaries. The Batn received a draft of 12 O.R. as reinforcements. Casualties: 1 O.R. (reported missing from 7/11/16 .
09-11-16	COUIN	Parades under company arrangements.. The Batn Lewis gun parade for special inspection and training.
10-11-16	COUIN	Parades under company training schemes. Route march. Rifle exercises. Close order drill. Physical training and bayonet exercise. Work and fatigue parties engaged erecting huts at Bus. Carrying stores from HEBUTERNE to trenches.
11-11-16	COUIN	Parades as for yesterday. Inspection of rifles by Divisional Armourer Sgt.
12-11-16	COUIN	Parades as for yesterday. Special instruction to Lewis gun teams by Staff Sgt M.G.Co.
13-11-16	COUIN	Parades as for yesterday. Capt W.O. Horrick reported to 3^rd Division as Liaison Officer on instructions received from94th Infantry Brigade, but returned to the Batn. the same day.
14-11-16	SAILLY AU BOIS	The Batn proceeded from COUIN to SAILLY to be in Brigade support as Defence Scheme Orders dated 14^th Nov 16 The following officers from 6^th N Staffs Regt having reported for duty are taken on the strength of the Batn from today & posted to coys stated: 2^nd Lt W. Mitchel A Coy. 2^nd Lt J.S. Glass B Coy. 2^nd Lt A,S Dows D Coy
15-11-16	SAILLY AU BOIS	Parades under company arrangements. Inspection of kit and equipment. All companies engaged on improvement and cleaning of billets.
16-11-16	SAILLY AU BOIS	Parades under company arrangements. Inspection of Gas Helmets., rations, equipment and feet. Digging and improvement of bombardment trenches near billets. Fatigue parties at HEBUTERNE unloading stores at dumps. Inspection of Lewis guns. Practice in patrol and raiding parties.
17-11-16	SAILLY AU BOIS	Parades under company arrangements as for yesterday. Capt C,V, Fitton attended a Field G.C.M at the HQ 13^th York and Lanc.. Each man supplied with Gum boots from Div. Gum Boot Store.
18-11-16	In the field SERRE	The Batn moved into trenches in accordance with Operation Orders No. 36 dated 17^th Nov 16 relieving 12^th York and Lancaster. [see photo of orders below]. Artillery active on both sides.. An officer’s patrol left our lines to reconnoitre and examine gap in enemy wire. A hostile patrol was encountered at close quarters and rapid fire opened. One of our own bombs falling short caused 6 casualties to our own men. Enemy were dispersed however.
19-11-16	In the field SERRE	Artillery active on both sides. HEBUTERNE shelled with gas shells. Much activity by our aeroplanes. Much movement has been observed in enemy lines. Men getting in and out of trenches and many small parties observe working and moving about in SERRE which has been subjected to heavy bombardment. An officer’s patrol examining gaps in the wire engaged a hostile patrol. The enemy appear to repair the gaps as quickly as they are formed.
20-11-16	In the field SERRE	Artillery activity. We have heavily shelled the enemy trenches on the right of this sector. Working parties of the enemy in the rear of trenches have been shelled and dispersed. Much disorganised movement observed in SERRE. Two officer’s patrols left our line to examine enemy wire & saps but were not able to find same or keep directions owing to the extreme cold & darkness. Casualties: 5 O.R. wounded
21-11-16	In the field SERRE	Enemy artillery inactive, own artillery less active. The weather has been misty and so working and carrying parties have been busy, taking advantage of the mist to walk on top a small hostile patrol was observed near own wire – an attempt to capture them was not successful. Three officer’s patrols explored no-mans land and all heard much talk in enemy wire and trenches.
22-11-16	In the field SERRE	The Btn was relieved in the line by the 12^th Y & L & one half the battalion proceeded to COURCELLES, the other half proceeded to the Dell near SAILLY AU BOIS. See Operation Orders No 37 dated 31^st Nov 16 [sic] . 50 men of the Batn have joined the Bgd Sapping Coy: Major J.F. Courtenay Hood is in command of half batn at the DELL. [Thomas was admitted to 94 F.A. with trenchfeet]
		WAR DIARY OF 94 F.A. WO95/2354 (25 to 27-11-1916 missing)
22-11-1916	COUIN	Capt. (?) Gill reported his arrival for duty here and was (?) the strength , the unit. (?) came round with O.C. 71 Sanitary Section. Received permission for T(?) (?) to move larger latrine from another camp to this place for use of patients.
23-11-1916	COUIN	Under instruction for A D(?) 31 Div. Cap Cornwall . J. left for duty with 93 Field Ambulance. Lieut. Blakin for temporary duty with 18 West York returned to Headquarters today. S.Sgt (?) and remaining men for walking wounded Collecting Station returned to Headquarters today.
24-11-1916	COUIN	Sent Can to Amiens with patient for eye treatment. [rest difficult to read]
28-11-1916	COUIN	Went to see G.D.U.D (?) (?) here to Cap J.B.C. Walker. (?) Disinfecting have finished but Supplies has not yet sent Sulphur ordered on 18^th inst.
29-11-1916	COUIN	Cap J.H.C. Walker proceeded on leave, (?) to U.K. D.a.D.M.D. came round with Div Sanitary Officer (?) during night.
30-11-1916	COUIn	Sent Can to Amiens with eye cases today, very large number this week so am (?) in Thursday, Friday & Saturday.(?????) . Outdoor work carried on . Making (?) for (?) (?) but no flints available. Signed (?) Lt Col. RAMC. O.C. 94 Field Ambulance.
23-11-16	COURCELLES AU BOIS	[War Diary of 14^th Batn York and Lancaster Regt, Mar 1916 – Feb 1918 ref:WO95/2365, continued ] The Btn employed cleaning equipment, clothing , laying French board & general improvements to hutments. The following named officers, from the 1/28^th London Regt having reported for duty are taken on the strength of the Batn and posted to coys stated: 2 Lt C. Viner to A Coy 22/11/16 2 Lt J. Elstin to B Coy 22/11/16 2 Lt C.A. Moore C Coy 22/11/16 3 O.R. reported for duty as reinforcements are taken on the strength of the Batn
24-11-16	COURCELLES AU BOIS	Parades under company arrangements. Inspections of equipment, clothing & feet. The under-mentioned having reported for duty is taken on the strength of the Batn and potsted to the company stated: 2 Lt W.E.D. Shaw D Coy .
25-11-16	COURCELLES AU BOIS	Parades under company arrangements.
27-11-16	COURCELLES AU BOIS	Parades under company arrangements. Close order drill. Bayonet exercises. Physical training. Inspection of rifles, ammunition & equipment. Bathing etc. [Thomas admitted to 44 CCS with trenchfeet]
28-11-16	COURCELLES AU BOIS	Parades under company arrangements. 2 Lt L.W. Johnson is granted leave of absence from 28/11/16 to 8/12/16
29-11-16	COURCELLES AU BOIS HEBUTERNE (Jena & Warrior Trenches)	The Batn moved into trenches in accordance with Operation Order no.38 dated 28^th Nov 1916 . Artillery active both sides. The enemy occasionally sending over gas shells. HEBUTERNE was heavily shelled at several points with H.E. + shrapnel. Snipers active during the relief.. [Thomas admitted to 26 G.H. at Etaples]

2. ENGLAND

From Burnt Records, PRO ref: WO363

1916-1917
30-11-16	ETAPLES (26 G.H.)	To England , Newhaven. Posted to Depot, Pontefract.
01-12-16 to 03-03-17	EDMONTON MILITARY HOSPITAL	Edmonton Military Hospital , London . Trenchfeet.
20-05-17 to 10-08-17	RIPON	Posted to Depot, Northern Command Ripon (Hospital, Trenchfeet)
11-08-17	SUNDERLAND	Posted to 3 IB [infantry brigade], 3^rd Reserve Battalion York and Lancaster
29-08-17	SUNDERLAND	[When on active service overstaying final leave from 2pm till 8pm 30/8/17 (1day 6hrs) - deprived 1 days pay (Burnt Records)]
30-08-17	SUNDERLAND	[Failing to salute an officer in York railway station about 4.30pm – 4 days CB [confined to barracks] (Burnt Records)]
01-09-16 to 10/10/17	SUNDERLAND

3. WESTERN FRONT, FLANDERS

10^thBatn York and Lancaster Regt

1/4^th Batn York and Lancaster Regt (Hallamshires)

Regt no. 31544

49^th Division,148 Brigade, 1X Corps, Second Army

Battle of Ypres 3: 31 July - 10 November 1917

The German Offensive in Flanders 1918 ,4^th Battle of Ypres

The Battle of the Lys , 9-29^th April 1918

The Battle of Messines, 10-11^th April 1918

The Battle of Bailleiul, 13-14^th April 1918 (include the defence of Neuve Eglise by the 33^rd and 49^th Divisions)

The 1st Battle of Kemmel 17- 19th April 1918

49^th Division,,XXII Corps, Second Army

The 2^nd Battle of Kemmel 25-26^th April 1918

SEP 1917
11-09-17	FRANCE	Disembarked. Posted to 10^th York and Lancaster (from 34 IB). MONT KOKEREELE CAMP (Nr. BOESCHEPE)
12-09-17 to 18-09-17	MONT KOKEREELE CAMP (Nr. BOESCHEPE)	Joined 34 IBD
19-09-17	MONT KOKEREELE CAMP (Nr. BOESCHEPE)	Posted 1/4^th York and Lancaster (Hallamshire)
20-09-17	BRAY DUNES [Nr. DUNKIRK ]	Draft of 142 OR to battalion.[ Thomas joined Battalion]
21-09-17	BRAY DUNES	Strength 42 off. 980 O.R.
22-09-17	BRAY DUNES	Moved to Pte SYNTHE
23-09-17	Pte SYNTHE [?]	Rev C.J. James became attached to the Batn.
24-09-17	Pte SYNTHE [?]	Moved to WOLVEDINGHE by bus.
25-09-17		[no entry]
26-09-17	WOLVEDINGHE	Draft of 37 OR arrived
27-09-17	WOLVEDINGHE	Draft of 4 OR arrived
28-09-17 to 30-09-17	WOLVEDINGHE	Strength 42 off. 1020 O.R. (See photo, dress and equipment list)
OCT 1917
01-10-03	MORINGHAM	March to SALPERWICK (5miles)
02-10-17	SALPERWICK	March to NIEPPE (N35 b 6.3, Sheet 27)(12 miles). All the Batn billeted in one large farm & fields around. 2 Coys in barn, 2 in tents.
03-10-17	NIEPPE	March to WATOU, 14 miles.
04-10-17	WATOU	Capt Smythe to hospital, relieved by Capt W. Allen, RA\|MC.
05-10-17	WATOU	Batn reduced to fighting strength. Major Welsh, Capt Holmes & Brooke , 2^nd Lts Williams , Payne & Rimer with 60OR went to II Corps [?] Reinforcement Camp. 11 O.Rs to MG Coy as carriers.
06-10-17	WATOU	Bus to VALMERTINGE, strength 43 officers, 1016 OR.
07-10-17	VALMERTINGE [49^th Division attached to II Corps Anzacs]	CO went up to reconnoitre the front opposite Passchendaele & returned with verbal instructions about the attack which was due to be carried out on the 9^th. Party of 1 officer and 10 OR per Coy were sent forward to reconnoitre & learbn the way up to the front so that they could lead the Batn up when requested(This party received no further orders & so failed to meet the Batn & took no further part in the battle). A Coy , and 1 officer a& 4NCOs per coy move to POTIJZE.
08-10-17	VALMERTINGHE	Brigade operational orders for the attack were received at 3.00am . At 6.00am Batn marched to fields near POTIJZE. The day was spent in drawing and issuing SAA, grenades, sandbags etc. Mens packs togther with greatcoats were not taken into action. Equipment carried was as is shown in instructions for attack. [Op Orders no. ? for attack (see photo). (Equipment list as above)] 4.45pm Batn fell in to march to Assembly Position which was being reconnoitred and roped out by 2^nd Lt Jackson and the Scouts Owing to the heavy rain which fell almost continuously during the march and the bad state of the track the Assembly Position was not reached until 4.00am, and by this time the men were very weary
09-10-17	SW PASSCHENDAELE	The following officers were present with the Batn. HQ. : Lt Col. D.S. Branson MC (in command). Capt R.E. Wilson (Adjutant), Lt L.H. Reynolds (Signals), 2^nd Lt R.W. Jackson (Intelligence) A Coy : Capt T.G. Sirty [?], 2^nd Lts J.P. Haylewood & S.E. Warbuton. B Coy: Capt P.N. Johnson, Lt C.C. Cloud, 2^nd Lts Howe & de Bell. C Coy: Capt J.F Wortley, Lts W.J.R.E. Poole, A. Gladwin, 2n Lt Beynon D Coy: Lt T.A. [?], 2^nd Lt B.C. Robinson, & Burwell & Moffatt. Liason Officers: Lts W.N. Bagshawe. T.E. Sanderson, 2^nd Lt F.A. Higgins Zero hour 5.20am A report on the attack and criticisms on the arrangements is attached. [see Op Orders no. ?]
10-10-07	SW PASSCHENDAELE	10.00pm Batn was relieved by a New Zealand Batn. and proceeded to camp about a mile E of Vlamertinghe which was reached at about 5.00am [ 11-10-17 ]after a very hard march.
11-10-17	1m E VALMERTINGHE	Total casualties during the battle were Killed: Lt. W.J.R.E. Poole, 2^nd Lt. R.W. Jackson, F.C. de Bell & E.J. Beynon & 42 OR Wounded: Capt T.G. Sirty [?], Lt. W.N. Bagshaw, C.C. Cloud, A. Gladwin, 2^nd Lt. Burnwell , & 199 OR Missing: 2^nd Lt. B.O. Robinson, & 48 OR. 10.00am Paraded[sic] to proceed by train from Asylum station YPRES to HOPOURTHE, thence by march to WINEZEELE. Every man was suffering in more or less degree from trenchfeet which made marching almost impossible, but with the help of passing lorries the Batn reached billets at 5.00pm.
12-10-17 to 14-10-17	WINEZEELE	Strength: 33 officers 688 OR. These days were spent resting and cleaning up and reorganisation.
15-10-17	WINEZEELE	6.00am .Barn occupied by the shoemakers was set on fire and was burnt to the ground 7.00am. Move by bus and march to vicinity of POTIGE camp [1km E of YPRES] [De-bussed at Menin Gate - Official History] On October 15th the Hallamshires paraded once more facing east, but before starting off there was a diversion in the shape of a fire. We had been shivering in the open for the past fortnight, and were therefore not altogether sorry to find a huge barn well ablaze in our midst. By the time the blaze was got in hand, all were comfortably warm; and although the farmer claimed some forty thousand francs, we were inclined to think it was worth the money. The shoe-makers, who had been living in the barn, vehemently denied any culpability in the matter, so, unless the fire was caused by the rats, it must remain one of the unsolved mysteries of the Great War. *At 7 a.m. we were packed into motor lorries and hustled off to* *Ypres* *, debussing at the Menin Gate and marching to our camp at* *Potijze. About a dozen tents and several old tarpaulins were provided,* but by "scrounging" in the neighbourhood we obtained enough old sheets of corrugated iron and timber to make ourselves passably comfortable. The camp was on high ground, which was exposed to the full force of the biting winds, and we suffered considerably from the cold. On account of enemy aircraft, no lights or fires were allowed after dusk, and for the same reason tents were struck before dawn. The Boche shelled us throughout the day in a desultory fashion, so that orders (received on the 18th) to go up to the front line were not altogether unwelcome. The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
16-10-17 to 17-10-17	POTIJZE camp [1km E of YPRES ]	Tents had to be struck during daylight as a precaution against enemy aircraft, and a very uncomfortable day was spent in the open.
18-10-17	POTIGE camp	11.00am Enemy aircraft dropped a bomb on the camp causing 50 casualties. 12.15pm The Batn set out to relieve the 34^th and part of 36th Batn. Australian Inf. In front line. ( sheet 28, D17a 3.3-10d 1.5). Relief complete at 6.20pm . 4^th KOYLI were on the right, a battalion of New Zealanders on the left. Major General Percival visited the Batn to say goodbye on giving up command of the Division, Strength 30 off 647 O.R. . [Batn . HQ at Boethoek - Official History] *At 11 o'clock that morning everything was packed up ready* for the march off at noon, and the men were lying about smoking or writing letters, when, without the slightest warning, a number of bombs fell among us from two enemy aeroplanes flying very high. In a few seconds fifty men were killed and wounded, and many others had miraculous escapes. No officer was hit, but Major Welsh was so shaken up that he went to hospital and never returned to us. Captain Holmes, the senior company commander, was ordered to report to Battalion Headquarters to act as Second-in-Command, and the command of A Company devolved upon Lieutenant F. J. Wilkins. 2nd Lieutenant W. Ryan was appointed Scout Officer, vice 2nd Lieutenant Jackson, who had been killed on the 9th. At 12-15 p.m. we marched away by platoons to the line—an exciting move, as the Boche was shelling the road heavily. The day had turned out very fine and clear, and enemy observation balloons were out in full force. By the time the Battalion had reached the vicinity of Zonnebeke it was obvious that the enemy had seen the long column of troops (the whole Brigade was on the road), and the shelling became more intense. It was 2 p.m. by the time we reached Hill 40 (about two thousand yards from the line), and as the relief was not due to commence until 4 p.m. and the enemy had put down a veritable barrage in front and to the right of us, the CO. decided to deploy the Battalion on the hill. The leading platoons, therefore, were sent off to fill a line of shell-holes near the top, and eventually the whole Brigade was deployed into lines of platoons. For the next hour or more the enemy kept up a steady fire, but the majority of the shells fell about 150 yards to our right in the vicinity of what had once been Zonnebeke Station. The air was thick with flying splinters of shell, but the only casualty was a briar pipe which was suddenly removed from its owner's mouth by a lump of shell. *By 6-20 p.m. the relief was complete, the Hallamshires taking over the front line, which was merely a series of shell holes, from the* *34th and part of the 36th Battalions Australian Infantry. Battalion* *Headquarters were at Boethoek, an unpleasant pill-box with a ceiling* *about four feet high. A, B and D Companies in the front line had a* *joint headquarters at Hamburg House, a pill-box built at a road* *junction. Probably because of its position, this pill-box was shelled* *heavily and accurately, but was very strongly built and survived* *several direct hits.* *The whole of the area was still in a terrible state—black' slime* *littered with dead bodies, weapons and equipment of every kind. The* *Engineers were kept hard at it laying duck-board tracks, and much of* *the Boche equipment was salved and sent down later on.* *The transport, animals and personnel, had to undergo many* *hardships, and it was often due solely to the perseverance and grit of our transport men that we got our rations at all. They were invariably* *shelled on the journey to and from the line, and the nights brought the* *regular visits of the Boche bombers, who appeared to make a special* *target of horse lines.* *Our fellows settled down into their positions in (or, rather, on)* *the front line and at once began to make bits of trench out of shell-holes and to dig "cubby-holes" to give themselves a little protection* from the weather at least. The cheerful sang-froid of the men and their courage and endurance, under the most depressing conditions of ground and weather, were the admiration of every officer in the Battalion.** The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
19-10-17 to 21-10-17	In the Field [near WATERFIELDS]	The line consisted of un[?] trenches and consolidated shell holes & the ground was very wet. The enemy shelled the whole area heavily both day and night but made no counter attack. Casualties 46. Enemy aircraft were very active throughout an fired at the [?] with MGs. A large number of dead both 66^th Division and Australians were buried by us. *In the early morning of October 19th the enemy shelled our* *area with "tear" gas, but although it made everybody sneeze violently,* *it produced no harmful results, and this was followed up by an intense* *counter-preparation barrage, to which our guns replied vigorously.* *This heavy shelling continued for more than an hour, and was repeated* *for shorter periods at intervals throughout the day.* *We were again heavily shelled in the afternoon of the 20th,* *and it was noticeable that the shells were all 10 cm. or larger. The* *ubiquitous 77 mm. shell was conspicuous by its absence, and this* *pointed to the fact that the enemy expected further attacks, and had* *withdrawn his light .guns. At this time we were frequently shelled* *by the enemy with British shells fired from British 6-inch howitzers* *which had been captured from the Russians.* *On October 21st (a Sunday) we were given an extra large dose* *of Boche hate, and at 5-35 a.m. on Monday our guns put down a real* *attack barrage, although there was no attack taking place. The Hun* *got thoroughly windy, put up his S.O.S., and replied with a fierce* *barrage on our lines, but the enemy fire soon died down when he found that the British were not coming over to breakfast after all.* *The Staff frequently sent out details of such shoots as this too late to* *give warning to patrols before the barrage came down. On this* *occasion we had a patrol out in Augustus Wood when the barrage opened—the enemy counter-barrage fell heavily on to the Wood (probably his S.O.S. lines)—and the patrol escaped by a miracle*.The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
22-10-17	In the Field [near WATERFIELDS]	The Batn was relieved by two coys of the 5^th Batn Canadian infantry and preceded to a field near POTIJE for the night. Transport was shelled. 12 horses and [?] killed and 6 sent away wounded *In the evening of the 22nd the 50th Canadians relieved us, and after* *being shelled all the way down the tracks (particularly "K" track)* *we reached the old bivouacs of Potijze, and on the following day moved* *back by bus to a camp near Winnezeele.* The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
23-10-17	WINNEZEELE	Proceeded by bus from YPRES to WINNEZEELE. Under canvas in a wet field. *Meanwhile, the transport lines had been roughly handled by* *the Boche heavies, but in spite of the loss of 30 animals, the T.O.* *managed to move all his wagons to Winnezeele on the 23rd.* The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
24-10-17	WINNEZEELE	Spent day cleaning up.
25-10-17	WINNEZEELE	Lt Colonel (temp Brigadier General) P.L.A [?] D.S.O who relinquished command on 23 inst. Payed a farewell visit to the Batn. He made a speech to all officers and representative of each Platoon & Detail .
26-10-17	WINNEZEELE	Lt Colonel (temp Brigadier General ) L.F. Green-Wilkinson D.S.O who assumed command of the Brigade on the 24 inst.payed a visit to the Batn.. Strength: 29 off 632 O.R
27-10-17	WINNEZEELE	Moved by route march to STEENVOORDE area . A distance of about 5miles. Good accommodation for the men but that for officers [?]. *There was a further march to billets near Steenvoorde on* *October 27th. The Battalion was scattered over rather a wide area,* *but everybody was very thankful to see the last of the leaky tents.* *The weather was getting very cold and fuel was very scarce—so scarce* *that one mess had to burn their gramophone records to keep warm !* *The Battalion stayed in these billets for fifteen days, during which* *time several training schemes were carried out, and there were several short route marches.* The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
28-10-17	STEENVOORDE	Quite day. Church parades.
29-10-17	STEENVOORDE	Capt E.N. Holmes MC takes over command of the Batn.from Lt Colonel D.F. Branson who proceeds on leave. Reinforcements Lt R.E. Ma??? and 51 OR. Brigade school reopens for junior NCOs. Training started.
30-10-17 & 31-10-17	STEENVOORDE	Training. Announcement in II ANZAC Corps routine orders. The Corps commander under authority delegated to him has awarded the Military Medal to the following NCOs and men: 203847 Pte Meskil R; 203426 Pte Kelson J.R.; Sgt Warren J.E.;200742 Pte Jenkinson P.; 200888 Pte L. Cpl Bewer E.C.; 203777 Cpl Green H.; 203426 Pte Downing G.; 203349 Pte Lockwood F..
NOV 1917
02-11-17	STEENVOORDE	Draft of 20 OR and 2^nd Lts J.B. Parker, C.G. Miller, W.T. Shopland, W.E. Gadsby, G.F. D????, J.A. Gemmell, A.J. Nicholls, joined Batn. Strength 33 officers, 633 OR. Military Cross awarded to Capt Wortley and DCMs to CSM Wagg, Sgt Lawless and Sgt Megson.
03-11-17	STEENVOORDE	2 OR joined Batn.
06-11-17	STEENVOORDE	1 OR joined Batn. To be Lts from 1 July 1917 : 2^nd Lt S. Reynolds, 2^nd Lt E.J. Wilkins, 2^nd Lt T.A. Murray, 2^nd Lt T.E Sanderson.
09-11-17	STEENVOORDE	Strength 37 officers, 656 OR.
11-11-17	STEENVOORDE	Batn moved to WIPPENHOEK area by route march. *On November 11th we marched a few kilometres to a field just* *over the frontier into Belgium , and were thence sent on to Walker* *Camp, near Dickebusch. Here the Battalion was housed in waterproof* *huts fitted with stoves—the most comfortable billets we had occupied for some time, in spite of the enemy's disturbing habit of shelling the camp with high velocity shells occasionally.*The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
12-11-17 to 15-11-17	WIPPENHOEK	Batn moved to Divisional reserve near DICKEBUSCH. Lt Colonel D.S. Branson MC resumed command of Batn on returning from leave.
16-11-17	DICKEBUSCH	Presentation of Military Medal ribbons by Divisional Commander , Major-General Cameron. Strength 36 officers, 668 OR.
20-11-17	DICKEBUSCH	Moved to Divisional Support Area.
23-11-17	DICKEBUSCH	Strength 36 officers, 668 OR.
24-11-17	YPRES	Moved to Ramparts YPRES . Still in Divisional Support . *On the 24th the Battalion marched forward to Ypres and was* *billeted in the Ramparts, the tunnels of which, though undesirable as* *residences, were at least good cover from shell fire. Some of the* *officers explored the ruined houses in the vicinity and found quite* *good rooms for billets.* The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
27-11-17	In the Line Map ref: Sheet 28, J3a	Batn moved into the line and became right support battalion . HQ GARTER POINT. [Marched via Derby Road - Shrapnel Corner-Warrington Road -Birr Crossroads-Helles Track -Jabber Track. Official History] *Three days later[27-11-17] a further move forward was made to the front* *line area, the Battalion marching via Derby Road—Shrapnel Corner—* *Warrington Road—Birr X Roads—Helles Track and Jabber Track.* *The companies were echeloned on the Tokio and Westhoek Ridges,* *all of which were shelled ceaselessly by the enemy. The tracks were* *given particular attention, especially at night time.* *Our rations were brought up to Battalion Headquarters at* Garter Point, an old pill-box in the valley between Tokio and Anzac Ridges. No one envied the transport men their nightly journey up those shell-swept tracks, nor did the companies enjoy the journey to Battalion Headquarters to fetch their allotted number of sand-bags filled with bread, meat, jam, etc. *The scarcity of water was a great difficulty. Every drop had* *to be brought up by the ration mules in petrol tins, of which there* *must have been tens of thousands in the Salient. This water was, of* *course, only used for cooking and drinking, and there was seldom* *even a cupful to spare for washing. The water in the shell-holes could not be used for ablution purposes, as it was contaminated by gas and* *other things.* The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
28-11-17	In the Line Map ref: Sheet 28, J3a	2 OR wounded
29-11-17	In the Line Map ref: Sheet 28, J3a	2 OR killed, 3 wounded [On Tokyo and Westhoek Ridges - Official History].
30-11-17	In the Line Map ref: Sheet 28, J3a	Strength: 36 off 693 O.R.
DEC 1917
01-12-17	MOORSLEDE	Moved from Right Support Batn HQ at GARTER POINT up HELLES and JABBER tracks to the front line. Very elementary trenches but dry. Good weather. No communication (except by phone) between the front line and and Batn HQ during daylight & it was not advisable to move about because of the shallowness of the trenches. Battalion HQ in a good and comfortable pill box about 500yds from the line.[at Molenaarelsthoek (Molly’s Nook)-Official History] *On December 1st we moved forward—A, B and C Companies to the front line, with D Company in support. Battalion Headquarters* *was in a pill-box at Molenaarelsthoek, nicknamed "Molly's Nook."* *The front line now consisted of a series of short lengths of trench, constructed from linked-up shell-holes. It was not possible to do any* cooking, and all rations were sent up ready cooked. Every night we worked on the trenches, improving and extending them and putting out more wire in front. During the day we got what rest we could, as movement always brought fire upon us. Most of the enemy shelling was from 15 cm. guns, and a large proportion of it fell on and about the ridges behind us, the front line itself being comparatively quiet. Patrolling was vigorously carried out every night in front of the Battalion. The Corps Summary of Intelligence (better known as "Comic Cuts") had reported a Boche machine gun at a point north of Celtic Wood. Our Scouts were ordered to confirm the presence of this gun. They advanced very warily towards the position, and to their surprise (for these things usually were NOT there), they could see the gun on a slight mound in the faint moonlight—but could see or hear nothing of the enemy gunners. Careful manoeuvring at last brought them within a few yards of the gun. They made a dash forward, seized the gun, and—turned the handle! It was an antediluvian cattle-cake-breaking machine!** The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
02-12-17	In the Line	[Thomas rejoined Battalion – do not know date he left (Burnt Records)] Quiet day , 4 patrols went out on right front during the night & much work done to improve the trenches and shelters. I OR wounded (accident) at the Bde B???? dump.
03-12-17		Similar day to yesterday.
04-12-17	In the Line	At 2.30am according to orders from Brigade each of the 3 companies in the front line sent out a standing patrol. These patrols were to go out 400x, from a given point, at right angles to the front line, and were to take up a position and remain there till just before dawn. The left and centre company patrols got into position without difficulty., but that of the right company ran into the enemy. The patrol consisted of 1 officer and 10 OR. And they took a Lewis Gun with them. Just as they were getting into position they came across a Bosh [sic] MG. post in a hedge about 15 yards from them. They were about to rush this gun when reinforcements sprang up.; some lining the hedge fired on them, and others worked round the flanks. Being very much outnumbered they had to retire after an exchange of shots. On there way back 2^nd Lt Gadsby passed within a few yards of another M Gun. However he managed to get away. The NCO with the Lewis Gun was knocked out and the gun fell into the hands of the enemy. Total casualties: 4 missing (2 of these are known to have been killed) & 1 wounded. *On the morning of December 4th 2nd Lieutenant Gadsby* *took out a patrol in the direction of Justice Wood and ran into the* *arms of a large party of the enemy. Our men made a fighting retirement, but lost two men killed, two missing and one wounded*** The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
05-12-17	In the Line	Batn relieved in the line by Lt Colonel Tetley DSO, Btn the 1/7^th West Yorks Regt. Relief over quickly. Officer’s billets at Ypres much improved but the men still in dirty and evil smelling holes in the Ramparts. Safe but unpleasant. Casualties on way out of the line: 8 OR wounded by shell fire. *The Battalion was relieved at 6 p.m. on December 5th. It was* *pitch dark at that hour, and it was difficult to keep to the narrow duck-board tracks, while eight men were wounded by shell-fire on the way* out. On arrival at Ypres , where we were billeted for the night, hot food awaited us, and our cellar holes in the Ramparts had quite an attractive appearance. One felt on these occasions that it was almost worth while going into the line if only for the pleasure of coming out*! The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919* by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
06-12-17	ESPLANADE YPRES	To VANCOUVER camp. Relieved at Ypres by 1/6^th Batn West Riding Regt. Short march to camp. Plenty of room but little furniture in officers huts. Divisional cinema on edge of the camp and a good football field in the camp. *Next morning [06-12-17] the Battalion marched away to Vancouver Camp, near* *Vlamertinghe, where it stayed for five days with no worries beyond a little drill by day and a little bombing by night.* The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
07-12-17	VANCOUVER CAMP	Day spent cleaning up and interior economy. B&C Coys defeated A&D at football (5-0). Lt and Adjutant W.P. Grant returned to the Batn. Strength 36 officers and 669 OR. *Lieutenant Grant* *rejoined on December 7th, and resumed his duties as Adjutant, Captain Wilson taking over the command of B Company***. The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
08-12-17	VANCOUVER CAMP	Training , bathing & work on the camp. Football match, Officers v Sergts. Officers won 2 goals to 1. They were scored by 2^nd Lt Parker & Moffatt and CSM Hayes.
09-12-17 and 10-12-17	VANCOUVER CAMP	Training and work on improving the camp.
11-12-17	In the Line (ZONNEBEKE)	10.15am Batn left VANCOUVER CAMP and intrained at VLAMERTINGHE. Dinners were taken at HELLFIRE CORNER and during the afternoon the Batn relieved the 1/8^th Batn West Yorkshire Regt. In the Right Subsector of the Divisional front line with Batn HQ at J4b 45.65. B & D coys held front line with A coy in support. C coy was billeted at ZONNEBEKE and worked for a Canadian Tunnelling Company., being under the tactical command of the Left Batn. One company of the 5^th York & Lancaster Regt was billeted in the vicinity of the Batn HQ and was under the tactical command of this Batn. The front line consisted of rather elementary posts which were practically impossible to visit by day. They were not connected by trenches and communication between Coy and Batn HQ except by telephone was not safe during the day. [HQ again at Molly’s Nook (see 2/12/1918)- Official History] *The Battalion marched to Vlamertinghe next morning [11-12-17] and* *there entrained in the usual cattle trucks and proceeded very slowly* *to Ypres , detraining in a field near the School. At this point we proposed to eat our dinner, but the Boche began to shell the field, and we* moved up the railway cutting to Hellfire Corner, dumping ourselves in a field north of the Menin Road . The meal completed, at 3 p.m. we began the trek up that terribly long duck-board track, which was known as "Mole Track." Four hours of walking brought us to our position in the line on the Broodseinde Ridge. Battalion Headquarters were again at "Molly's Nook."** The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
12-12-17	In the Line (ZONNEBEKE)	At 10.30pm an enemy patrol of 7 OR approached our lines at about D29b25.00. It was challenged by one of our posts. On receiving no satisfactory reply the two sentries fired on the patrol, killing 1 man and taking 4 others prisoner. The prisoners belonged to the 10^thRegt (11^th Division).. Otherwise the day was quiet. *During our second night[12-12-17] in the line the sentries of a post on* *the right (B Company) sector saw some men approaching their post.* *The sentries waited until the men got close up to them, and then* *challenged. The reply was a guttural Boche exclamation, so the* *sentries opened fire on them and then ordered the Boche to come in* *and surrender. The enemy, apparently, understood the order, for* *four at once gave themselves up, and of the remaining two, one was* lying dead and the other escaped, wounded. These prisoners declared that they were a party sent to carry rations, and that they had lost their way. They were wearing patrol equipment and carried rifles and hand bayonets, so that the ration-carrier yarn required some swallowing. The sentries (Privates C. Dungworth and V. Rogers) were awarded the Military Medal, and Captain Wilson received the General's congratulations on the vigilance of his sentries. The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
13-12-17	In the Line (ZONNEBEKE)	C Coy changed positions with the coy of the 5^th Batn Y&L Regt then billeted in the vicinity of Batn. HQ. *Jabber Track was becoming increasingly unhealthy, as the* *enemy appeared to have taken a sudden dislike to it and shelled it* *violently at intervals. On December 13th, for instance—chiefly owing to this unpleasantness—we had one man killed, and 2nd Lieutenant* *Kirby (who had only just joined us) and twelve men were wounded.* *We constructed an excellent observation post inside a wrecked* *pill-box on the crest of Broodseinde Ridge. From this a constant* *watch was kept, but there was very little movement to be seen, probably* *because the enemy held his advance posts at night only.* The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
14-12-17	In the Line (ZONNEBEKE)	Right Sub-sector. A support line was formed of five Lewis gun posts all just west of BROODSEINDE RIDGE. These were anti-aircraft posts by day. Soon after dark A Coy relieved D Coy in the front line. D Coy becoming coy in support. Strength 41 off, 649 O.R. Casualties: 2^nd Lt R.H. Kilby wounded; OR 1 killed, 8 wounded.
15-12-17	In the Line (ZONNEBEKE)	The ridge in D29c and Batn HQ intermittently shelled throughout the day. Casualties OR 2 killed, 1 wounded, one other wounded but remained at duty. There was considerable aerial activity on both sides. Weather was good and clear.
16-12-17	In the Line (ZONNEBEKE)	Comparatively quiet day. Casualties 1 OR wounded. During this period in the line considerable progress was made in the improvement of the front line posts. The nights were very dark and it was impossible to do much wiring of the posts.
17-12-17	In the Line (ZONNEBEKE)	The Batn was relieved by the 5^th KOYLI and then proceeded to GARTER POINT (map ref; J3 a5.5) The coys were distributed as follows: A Coy TOKIO RIDGE, D28c B Coy ANZAC RIDGE (map ref: J3a) C Coy In [?] at map ref: D29a 1.8 D Coy WESTHOEK RIDGE (map ref: J8a) The Batn was deployed in Divisional Working Parties.. *From December 17th to 23 rd the Hallamshires were in support* *on the ridges, just behind the front. During most of that time our men* *were employed in putting up wire defences on Broodseinde Ridge, behind the front of the right battalion sector. The weather was bitterly-cold and foggy. Work was carried out in the daytime, as it was possible to move quite freely under cover of the mist. The ground was frozen so hard that it was almost impossible to drive the wire pickets into it. The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919* by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
18-12-17	GARTER POINT	Casualties OR 1 killed 6 wounded
19-12-17	GARTER POINT	A Coy began the wiring of BROODSEINDE RIDGE behind the front line of the RIGHT BATN.
20-12-17	GARTER POINT	A, B and D Coys wiring BROODSEINDE RIDGE. Progress was impaired by a very hard frost. The weather was very foggy.
21-12-17 & 22-12-17	GARTER POINT	Wiring continued. The weather was very foggy.
23-12-17	GARTER POINT	The Bde was relieved by 147 Infantry Brigade to become the reserve to the Division. The Batn was relieved by the 5^thBatn W. Riding Regt. And proceeded to the CANAL area. Coys were billeted in Nissen huts and the HQ was at CHATEAU BELGE (Sheet 28 H23b). *On December 23 rd the 5th West Ridings relieved us and we* *marched out to the Belgian Chateau. In spite of thirteen days in the* *front line area, the men were remarkably clean and fresh, doubtless* *because of the fine frosty weather. In the thirteen days four men were* *killed, and one officer and eighteen men were wounded.* *At this time there were forty-two officers, but only 634 other ranks, on the strength* *of the Battalion* The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
24-12-17	CANAL AREA (Sheet 28 H23b)	The Batn formed Divisional Working Parties (Salvage and digging trench for cables). It was announced that the Military Medal had been awarded to No. 203245 Pte Rogers V. & 2012702 Pte Dungworth C. for gallant conduct on the 12^th when an enemy patrol approached their post. The “TIMES” announced the follwing “Mentions in Despatches” Lt Colonel D.S. Branson MC Major J.E.D. Stickney Capt J.F. Wortley MC Lt T.G. Sanderson Lt A. Gladwin No. 200154 Sgt Naylor W.H.
25-12-17	CANAL AREA (Sheet 28 H23b)	*Working parties leave at 11.30am in order that the men might have their Christmas dinner at 2.00pm.* *The whole of our Brigade was now out of the line and in* *Divisional support. Battalion Headquarters were at Belgian Chateau itself, and the companies were billeted near by in Nissen huts. On* *Chrismas Eve the "Times" informed us that Colonel Branson, Major* *Stickney, Captain Wortley, Lieutenants Sanderson and Gladwin, and* *Sergeant Nay lor had been mentioned in despatches, and in the New* Year's List Colonel Branson received his D.S.O. We supplied working and salvage parties from the 24th to the 28th, but on Christmas Day the work ceased at 11-30 a.m. in order to get the men back to camp in good time for their Christmas Dinner at 2 p.m. As Battalion Headquarters were in the Chateau, the CO. was able to entertain all the officers to a very jolly dinner—with a splendid programme supplied by Drum-Major Manser, the drums, and a few amateurs! At this Christmas dinner, and at many other times during the war, we were able to appreciate the advantage of having friends at home. A small committee of old officers, consisting of Colonel G. E. Branson, Major W. Tozer, Major J. Wortley, Captain Hay, and others, with Captain S. J. Robinson as Officer i/c Administration, saw to it that many luxuries and minor necessaries not obtainable from Army stores reached us—and we were not ungrateful. The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005.
26-12-17 to 28-12-17	CANAL AREA (Sheet 28 H23b)	Divisional Working Parties (Salvage) Strength on the 28^th 42 off, 634 O.R
29-12-17	CANAL AREA (Sheet 28 H23b)	Brigade took over the LEFT SUBSECTOR. The Batn moved to HUSSAR CAMP EAST (map ref: I4 c6.6) becoming Batn in the Bde reserve *The Battalion marched forward again on December 29th and* *occupied some new Nissen huts near the ruins of Hussar Farm at* *Potijze. The camp was not completely ready for occupation, but in* *the next two days every available man was turned out and the job'* *finished. We also revetted the sides of all the huts as a protection* *(more or less) against bombing. Parties of men were sent off each day* *to work on Anzac Ridge for the Canadian Tunnellers, and a hundred* *men worked at making a plank road near Bavaria House. This was* *the daily programme until January 4th, when we relieved the 5th* *K.O.Y.L.I, in the left sub-sector of the front. C and D Companies* were in the front line, with A in support and B in reserve, Battalion Headquarters being in a tunnel close to Seine X Roads. From here a party went over the ground of our battle in the previous October and secured several identifications of men who had been reported "missing." The site of the battle was now some two thousand yards behind the line, and still bore tragic evidence of the fighting that had taken place there. *Our "front line" in this sector was easier to find on the map* *than on the ground. It was merely a line of posts, each consisting of* *a few joined-up shell-holes, with here and there a few yards of proper trench. There were no communication trenches at all, and movement* *during the day-time was very difficult and was not encouraged by* *the Boche.* The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
30-12-17 & 31-12-17	CAMP HUSSAR	All available men worked at completing the camp and revetting round the sides of the huts in the camp which was occupied for the first time by this Batn.
JAN 1918
01-01-18	CAMP HUSSAR	The Batn billeted in CAMP HUSSAR EAST. Working parties were formed as follows: 1. 27 men working for Canadian Tunnellers on ANZAC RIDGE. (J2b8.0) 2. 100 men working on a new plank road at BAVARIA HOUSE (C30c6.3) 3. Remainder of Batn working on revetments [?] huts for protection against bombing
02-01-18		Work as on the 1st
03-01-18		Work as on the 1^st. The “Times” announced that the DSO has been awarded to Lt Colonel D.S. Branson MC (New Year’s Honours)
04-01-18	CAMP HUSSAR	The Batn relieved 5^th KOYLI (Right Batn Left Sub-sector) during the afternoon as follows: C Coy right front line; D Coy Left front line; A Coy Support ; B Coy reserve. Batn HQ were [sic] at D16d75.20. Front Line posts were rather elementary. There were no communication trenches and it was not generally advisable to visit them during daylight. Weather cold and dry. Strength 41 officers and 645 OR.
05-01-18 and 06-01-18	LEFT SUBSECTOR	Quiet days. Casualties 1 OR wounded
07-01-18	LEFT SUBSECTOR	Thaw began but frost set in again in the evening.
08-01-18	LEFT SUBSECTOR	Snow. Casualties 1 OR wounded. Enemy artillery more active than in previous days.
09-01-18		Enemy much more active than usual.. The Batn HQ area was shelled continuously from 10-11.30am and then intermittently for the rest of the day. Casualties 2 OR wounded (1 accidentally).
10-01-18	LEFT SUBSECTOR	Relieved by 2/5^th East Lancashire Regt. Division relieved by 66^th Division. Casualties 1 OR wounded. The Batn billeted in HUSSAR CAMP during the night 10/11^th. Thaw set in. *During the six days here we lost only six men wounded. On* *January 7th snow fell for several hours and added to our discomfort in* *the line. The enemy was comparatively quiet until January 8th, when* *the artillery fire increased considerably, and on the 9th he shelled the whole Battalion area heavily from 10 a.m. to 11-30 a.m., and intermittently throughout the day.* On January 10th the Division was relieved by the 66th Division, the Hallamshires handing over their part of the line to the 2/5th East Lanes, and marching back to Hussar Camp for the night. Mere holes** in the earth—and not the comfortable Nissen huts—were our lot this time, and as the thaw had set in, it was a matter of some difficulty to tuck the men away for the night in the muddy shelters and bivouacs. On the following morning the Battalion marched to a road near Kruisstraat, where scores of motor lorries were drawn up in line. After the regulation wait and a journey of some five hours, we de-bussed at St. Sylvester Cappel and marched to the next village, St. Marie Cappel, where we were billeted for sixteen days. The men's billets were very good, while those of the officers were positively luxurious compared with any others they had occupied since Septem-"ber. The Battalion was scattered over a large area, but even this had its advantages, at least from a company point of view! The fact that there was very little ground available for training was a distinct drawback, but the local farmers were bribed to let us use some of their fields for drill and football. The mornings were devoted to training, and a very comprehensive programme was carried out. Every afternoon there were several games of football, and some very good inter-platoon matches were played. Brigadier-General L. F. Green-Wilkinson presented a silver cup for competition by company football teams in the Brigade. Our C Company team was a hot favourite from the start. Led by Captain Wortley, they made short work of our own company teams, afterwards defeating the 5th Y. and L. team, and finally the 4th K.O.Y.Iy.I. (4-0), thus securing the cup. The village schoolroom was the scene of several evening concerts, no less enjoyable because of the wonderfully stuffy atmosphere, the discomfort of the children's desks, and a glass or two of beer! The Tykes, too, were not far away at this time. The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
11-11-18	CAMP HUSSAR	The Batn moved to ST MARIE CAPPEL (map ref; sheet 27, D13 d7.2). Billets were good especially for officers. Training facilities poor – very little ground available. The Batn was scattered over a rather large area. Strength 41 off, 645 O.R.
12-01-18 to 14-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	These days were spent in re-clothing the men and cleaning up generally
15-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Training. This included for the most part close order drill, Ceremonial, Musketry, Batn respirator drill, [?] and training of the Lewis Gunners, Bombers, Signallers and [?]. A 30 X range was available on every alternate day for rifle and L.C. firing.
16-01-18 and 17-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Training as for the 15^th.
18-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Training as before. Strength 40 officers, 694 OR. First round of football competition (Company teams) for the Brigade Commander’s Cup was played and results as follows: C Coy 2 goals v A Coy 1 goal D Coy 3 goals v B Coy o goals
19-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Training as before.
20-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Sunday – no training. Major John David Kerr MC, Sherwood Foresters joined the Batn as second-in-command. C Coy played D Coy in football to decide which Coy should represent the Batn for the Brigade Commander’s Cup. Result: C Coy 2 goals D Coy 1 goal. *On January 20th we were joined by an officer of the Sherwood* *Foresters as Second-in-Command of the Battalion. Possibly there* *were reasons for finding an appointment for an officer of another regiment, but it was felt that we had officers in the Battalion who could have carried a major's crown efficiently.* The 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
21-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Training as before. Batn played 148 Trench Mortar Battery in the first round of the inter-batn football competition. Result: Batn 7 goals TMB 1 goal.
22-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Training as before.
23-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Semi-final of football competition (companies) for the Brigade Commander’s Cup; C Coy 2 goals A Coy 1/5^th Y&L 1 goal. Training as before.
24-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Training as before. C Coy beat W Cot 4^th KOYLI in the final of the Brigade Commander’s Cup. Score 4-0.
25-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Training as before. Strength 40 officers 717 OR.
26-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Training. Lt Colonel D.S.Branson took over command of the 148 Infantry Brigade while Brig-General L.P. Green-Wilkinson was on leave in England . Major J.D. Kerr MC took over the Batn.
27-01-18	ST MARIE CAPPEL	Batn moved to MONTREAL CAMP (map ref: sheet 28, H19,b6.8). Sub-training at CAESTRE and detraining at BRANDHOEK SIDINGS *All good things come to an end, and on January 27th the Battalion marched regretfully from St. Marie Cappel to Caestre, about* five kilometres away, where it entrained and was taken to Brandhoek, a village on the main Ypres Road , midway between Poperinghe and Vlamertinghe. We marched thence a further three kilometres to Montreal Camp—a miscellaneous collection of Armstrong and Nissen huts built on the side of the Vlamertinghe— Ouderdom Road . For the next two weeks seventy-five per cent, of the Battalion made a daily pilgrimage to the front line area for work on a series of strong posts on the forward slopes of Anzac Ridge. These posts were carefully sited and very well designed. They were made complete with dug-out accommodation and wire defences, and they ran in a continuous line down the whole of the Corps front. Although the actual working time was only three hours per day, our four posts were completed in the time allotted. Every morning we turned out of billets at 4-45 a.m. and were taken by lorry to Brandhoek Siding, whence an ancient passenger train carried us some ten kilometres to Hellfire Corner, east of Ypres . By that time we were generally half dead with cold, and were only too glad to get out and march up Cavalry Road, and then for about seven kilometres up Mole Track (or "Never-ending Track," as the men called it) in single file. The journey on the duck-board track alone took about two hours, and the men declared that it was making them web-footed ! As we got down from our train on those bitterly cold mornings we little thought that within three months Cavalry Road would be our front line, and Hellfire Corner in "No Man's Land," the ill-fated Corps Line having been abandoned without a shot being fired. One morning the train started away from Brandhoek Siding as usual, but had not gone more than two or three hundred yards when an ominous grinding noise was heard, and she began to bump and sway violently. The R.O.D. drivers managed to stop her before she turned over, but it was found that the whole of the front part of the train had left the metals and the coaches were leaning over at a most alarming angle. We thought we should certainly have a day's holiday, but the Railway Operating Department sent another train up from Poperinghe in less than a quarter of an hour! The working parties usually got back to camp at about 2 p.m., by which time they were ravenously hungry, although they always took "haversack rations" with them to the work. The enemy did not interfere with the proceedings, although he was now trying a new and annoying method of shelling. He would concentrate the fire of a number of guns of different calibre upon a given spot and blaze away for a couple of 'minutes, when the fire would as suddenly cease. However, as the capture of Passchendaele had more or less blinded the enemy in this sector, he did not often do damage to anything but the poor long-suffering earth. The popular cries of the day were : "What have you salved to-day?" "Salve more and save shipping." From Corps Commander to Sanitary Man the salvage fever had got into our blood, and in fourteen days the Battalion salved and brought back from the line goods worth thousands of pounds. Boche machine guns, cartridge belts, shell cases, steel helmets, rifles, bayonets, rum jars, bombs—anything and everything that might conceivably be worth a farthing was carried down those miles of duck-board tracks and into the train, and finally dumped into our limbers at Brandhoek Siding. While at Montreal Camp the Battalion received drafts to the number of 315 men. Of these, 171 had been transferred from the 2/5th Y. and L. and 100 from the 14th Y. and L., both of which battalions had been disbanded under the new scheme of organisation, which provided for only three battalions per brigade. As a consequence of this re-organization, the 1/5th K.O.Y.L.I. were, to our great regret, transferred from the 148th Brigade to the 62nd Division.** 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
28-01-18	MONTREAL CAMP	Two-thirds of Batn worked on the CORPS SUPPORT LINE. Party moved by bus from the camp to BRANDHOEK SIDINGS; thence by train to HELLFIRE CORNER.
29-01-18	MONTREAL CAMP	Work as on the 28^th. Draft of 41 OR arrived.
30-01-18 and 31-01-18	MONTREAL CAMP	Work as on the 29^th except that three-quarters of the Batn worked.
FEB 1918
01-02-18	MONTREAL CAMP (H19b6.8 Sheet 28)	The Batn billeted in huts in MONTREAL CAMP. Two-thirds to three-quarters of the men on working parties on the Corps Support Line daily . Parties left camp at 5.00am , proceeding by bus to BRANDHOEK siding, thence to GORDON HOUSE SPUR , usually returning to camp at 2.00pm . Strength 39 officers 723 OR
02-02-18 & 03-02-18	MONTREAL CAMP (H19b6.8 Sheet 28)	Working parties as on the 1^st inst.
04-02-18	MONTREAL CAMP (H19b6.8 Sheet 28)	Working parties as before. Draft of 3 OR joined the Batn.
05-02-18	MONTREAL CAMP (H19b6.8 Sheet 28)	Working parties as before.
06-02-18	MONTREAL CAMP (H19b6.8 Sheet 28)	Work as before Draft of 7 officers and 171 OR from 2/5^th Batn York and Lancaster. Names of officers: Capt L. Cheesewright Lts R.F. Woodroofs, W.N. Scawin, L. Robinson,; 2^nd Lts F.W. Davison MM, C. Utley and G. Thompson MC. It was announced that the Belgian Croix de Guerre had been awarded to: No. 200433 T/RSM Imisson G. & 200485 CSM Wood W. *On February 6th it was announced that the Belgian Croix de* *Guerre had been awarded to R.S.M. Imisson and C.S.M. Wood, the* *veteran Sergeant-Major of B Company.* 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
07-02-18	MONTREAL CAMP (H19b6.8 Sheet 28)	Working parties as before.
08-02-17	MONTREAL CAMP (H19b6.8 Sheet 28)	Work a before. Lt Col D.S. Branson DSO MC returned from commanding No 8 Inf Brigade. Strength 45 officers 893 OR
09-02-18	MONTREAL CAMP (H19b6.8 Sheet 28)	Work as before
10-02-18	MONTREAL CAMP	Work as before. Major J.D. Kerr MC took over command of the Batn from Lt Col D.S. Branson DSO MC on leave to England . Draft of 5 officers and 100 OR posted to the Batn from the 14^th Batn Yorks and Lancaster Regt. Names of officers: Lt. (A/Capt) F.W. Johnson, 2^nd Lt R. Hirst, 2^nd Lts J.W. Field, H.B. Stockley MM, C.R. Hope,
11-02-18	MONTREAL CAMP	Batn moved to MOULLE, ( 5m W of ST OMER) ,entraining at BRANDHOEK siding, entraining at WATTEN, thence by march route. Billets very good indeed but rather scattered. 2^nd Lt J.J. Bramley to England (S) 2^nd Lt C.H. Kilby to England (W) *Entraining at Brandhoek Siding on February 11th, we were* *taken in the familiar cattle trucks to Watten, near St. Omer, a distance of more than fifty kilometres. We arrived there late at night,* *and marched a further six kilometres to exceptionally good billets at* *Moulle. The sole drawback was the fact that the Battalion was* *scattered over a very large area, thus making communication and the* *distribution of supplies difficult. As we had been brought to this delightful part of France for field firing practices, there was not much* time for rest or recreation, but the ranges at Nortleulinghem (some five kilometres from Moulle) were excellent, and the training interesting enough.** 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
12-02-18	MOULLE	Batn fired in the range near NORTLEULINGHEM.
13-02-18	MOULLE	Firing in the range
14-02-18	MOULLE	Firing in the range. C coy won the Brigade Drill Competition in the afternoon.
15-02-18	MOULLE	Firing in the range. Batn football team played te 1/3rd(W.R.) Field Ambulance in the Brigade final of the inter-battalion football competition. Result :Batn 0, Field Ambl 1. Strength 51 officers 995 OR.
16-02-18	MOULLE	Batn carried out a Field Firing Practice in the range
17-02-18	MOULLE	*The other feature of our stay at Moulle—and at Zuytpeene,* *where we marched via St. Omer, Arques and Bavinchove on February,* *17th—was a series of competitions. C Company (Captain Francis* *Wortley) had done remarkably well in all recent competitions, both* *military and sporting, and now proceeded to win fresh laurels. On* February 14th this company won the Brigade Drill Competition, and on the 21st the Divisional Drill Competition. On the 19th its football team played the 245th M.G. Company in the semi-final of the Divisional Inter-Company Football Competition, and won 4-0. On the 15th the Battalion team played the i/3rd (W.R.) Field Ambulance in the final of the Brigade Football Competition, but after a stiff tussle the Ambulance defeated us 1-0. 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
18-02-18	MOULLE	Batn moved by march route via ST OMER –ARQUES- BAUINCHOVE yo ZUYTPEENE (Sheet 27 O7d) Billets good. *On the 18th, at Zuytpeene, the Hallamshires held a crosscountry run, but it was discovered that a twenty-six kilometre marcK* on the day before is scarcely the best preparation for such an event. On the 20th 2nd Lieutenant S. E. Warburton and A Company Rifle Grenade Team won the Divisional Rifle Bombing Competition, while Lieutenant Ryan, with the Scouts, won the Divisional Observing Competition and gained second place in Scouting.** While the Battalion was at Moulle, Major Holmes left for the Senior Officers' School at Aldershot , where he was retained as an instructor.. 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
19-02-18	ZUYTPEENE	Company training and interior economy. C coy played 254^th MG Coy of the semi-final of the Divisional Inter-company football competition. Result: C coy 4. 254^th MG Coy 0.
20-02-18	ZUYTPEENE	A Coy Rifle Bombing team (under 2^nd Lt S.E. Warburton MM) won the Divisional Rifle Bombing Competition. Lt W. Ryan and Scout Section represented Bde in Scout Drill Competion. Result not yet known.
21-02-18	ZUYTPEENE	C Coy (commanded bt Capt J.F. Wortley MC) won the Divisional Drill Competition. Bde cross-country run won by 1/3^rd (W.R.) Field Ambulance. It was announced that the Belgian Croix de Guerre has been awarded to no. 23919 McGough (joined from the 2/5^th Batn York and Lancaster Regt. 9^th inst.).
22-02-18	ZUYTPEENE	Strength 49 off, 986 O.R..
23-02-18	YPRES	148 Infantry Brigade move to forward area and become Bde in Divisional reserve. Batn moved to INFANTRY BARRACKS YPRES. *The Battalion entrained at Bavinchove on February 23rd, and* *was taken up to Ypres , where it was billeted in the ruins of the famous* *Infantry Barracks. There we stayed for a week doing work under the* *Engineers and also improving our billets. There was an excellent* *Divisional Officers' Club on the Menin Road, where one could enjoy* *the comfort of a real coal fire, a "gin and it," or a shampoo; and* *there was a very good canteen for the men where they could buy beer,* *boot-laces, buttons, and many other things, according to their fancy— or thirst.* 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
25-02-18 to 27-02-18	YPRES	A certain number of men sent out on working parties under the R.E. Remainder carried out some training and carried out improvements on billets etc.
28-02-18	YPRES	[no entry]

MAR 1918
01-03-18	YPRES	The Batn at INFANTRY BARRACKS YPRES . Strength: 50 off, 984 O.R. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded
02-03-18	YPRES	Batn moved into the line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR ) relieving 1/6^th Duke of Wellington’s Regt. The Batn held front line (Sheet 28 ,J11b90.05 - J6c25.35) with two coys; one coy in support and one in reserve Batn HQ was at J4c20.40 *On March 2nd we marched up to the front line in the Judge* *Cross Roads sector, east of Polygon Wood, relieving the 6th West* *Ridings. The trenches had been dug by some New Zealand battalions,* *and bore traces of this in their names—Papanui, Otaki, Patu, etc. For the first day or two in the line the enemy was comparatively* *quiet.* 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
03-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Quiet day
04-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Quiet on our front but considerable shelling of our Division on our right. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded.
05-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Incessant bombardment of our Division on our right. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded. *But on March 5th he opened a very heavy bombardment upon* *the 37th Division on our right. The bombardment extended over the whole of that division's front from the trenches to the back area, and* *the shelling on our own front had shown a decided increase. It was* *well known that the enemy had been preparing a big attack, and when* *the bombardment continued on the 6th and 7th we naturally thought* *that the Boche had selected us as his victims.* 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
06-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Bombardment on the right continued. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded
07-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Right Coy (A Coy) reported the enemy moving on the BECLAERE-ZWAANHOEK Right at about 5.15pm . At least a 100 men seen from the CRATER (J11b90.05). The artillery fired on them and the threatened attack did not materialise. [?] 7 [?] all was quiet. At 5-15 p.m. on March 7th Captain Unsworth reported that the enemy was showing great activity on the Becelaere—Zwaanhoek Ridge. We had a very good forward observation post in a crater on !A. Company's front, and from this place a large number of the enemy could be seen, apparently massing for the attack. The artillery were at once 'phoned, and a destructive fire was promptly put on to the enemy troops, with the result that the attack did not materialise. By 7 p.m. all was quiet. 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
08-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Enemy attacked Division on our right (37^th Division) under cover of a smoke barrage in J16c, J21a and J21c at 5.45pm . A temporary footing was made in JOPPA and JERICHO but the enemy was eventually ejected by a counter-attack by 2 coys of the Royal Fusiliers.The attack did not extend to our front but our artillery co-operated. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded. Strength: 49 off, 1032 O.R. Next day [8^th] the enemy artillery fire was intense all the afternoon, and at 5-45 p.m. he attacked the 37th Division on our immediate right under cover of a smoke barrage. The Germans obtained a temporary footing in the front line, but were ejected by the 10th Royal Fusiliers after a stiff fight. The attack did not extend to our front, but our artillery co-operated. We expected our turn to come at any moment, and the rather melodramatic messages that we received from the Staff did nothing to increase the general confidence in our ability to repel the attack. No man ever had his feet warmed by being reminded that Bngland expected him not to get them cold. 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
09-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Quiet day. Casualties 3 O.R. wounded. *In the somewhat lively eight days* *from March 2nd to 9th we had only eight men wounded. Battalion* *Headquarters and two companies were now billeted in tunnelled dugouts on the Ridge; and the remaining two companies in Railway* Wood dug-outs. These were all shell-proof, but there was considerable danger from gas-shelling. Westhoek Ridge was literally covered with guns, and the enemy shelling at this point was often quite disconcerting. Nevertheless, we managed to put in a little time at physical drill, etc., until aeroplane photographs showed that the Ridge was beginning to look like a barrack square. We were then ordered to "scarify" the surface of the ground in order that the guileless Boche might think that no one lived there. man ever had his feet warmed by being reminded that Bngland expected him not to get them cold.** 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
10-03-18	WESTHOEK RIDGE	Brigade relieved by 147 Inf Brigade and moved into Division reserve. Battalion relieved by 1/6^th Batn Duke of Wellington Regt and billeted 2 coys at WESTHOEK RIDGE and 2 coys in RAILWAY WOOD. (In both cases in tunnelled dugouts). Casualties 1 O.R. wounded. *On the night of March 10th we were relieved in the front line* *by the 6th West Ridings, and we filed out down the duck-board tracks* *to the area of Westhoek Ridge.* 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
11-03-18 to 13-03-18	WESTHOEK RIDGE	Batn formed various working parties in the vicinity of WESTHOEK RIDGE and carried out a certain amount of training in small parties. We managed to get the men bathed during our "rest" in these vile dug-outs, but very little real work was done there. The men wrote thousands of letters, and kept the officers busy censoring them—otherwise there was very little to do but sleep. Even that was not easy, for although the vitiated atmosphere of the dug-outs induced sleep, the crashing efforts of our guns prevented it. 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
14-03-18	WESTHOEK RIDGE	As 13^th .Casualties 1 O.R. wounded.
15-03-18	WESTHOEK RIDGE	As 14^th .Strength 49 officers 1042 O.R.
16-03-18 & 17-03-18	WESTHOEK RIDGE	As 15^th. 1 O.R. wounded.
18-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Batn moved into the line relieving 1/6^th Batn Duke of Wellington ’s Regt, being relieved at WESTHOEK and RAILWAY DUGOUTS by 4^th Batn Duke of Wellington ’s Regt. Casualties O.R. 2 killed 3 wounded. *On March 18th the 4th* *West Ridings relieved us in the dug-outs, and we moved forward to* *our old sector in the front line.* *We were instructed that the enemy was to be annoyed as much as possible, and. that efforts were to be made to secure identifications.* *A raid was promptly arranged, and Lieutenant Warburton was* selected to lead it. The raiding party, according to our usual custom, was sent down to train and rest behind the front line area, and the Scouts made several reconnaissances of the position to be raided. The enemy shelling was heavy every day, particularly on our right front and support lines, and in our first four days we lost twelve men killed and twenty-four wounded. 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
19-03-18 to 21-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Considerable [?] with enemy gas shells (Blue +) and the Support Line was frequently heavily shelled. Casualties: 19^th 4 O.R. wounded 20^th 2 O.R. killed 6 O.R. wounded. 21^st 8 O.R. killed 11 O.R. wounded *March 21st, the day on which the Boche* attacked the Fifth Army in the South, was particularly lively, and at about 9 p.m. the shelling had developed into a veritable barrage. Our Scouts were caught in a heavy gas shoot on their way up to the line, but carried out their patrol "according to plan," and were fired on by the very machine guns which were to be the objective of our raiders. 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
22-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Some shelling of the Support Line, otherwise quiet. Casualties: 3 O.R. wounded,. Strength: 46 off, 950 O.R.
23-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Support Line again shelled with 5.9 shells, otherwise quiet. Casualties: 4 O.R. wounded.
24-03-18		Quiet day. 1 O.R. wounded.
25-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	The Batn carried out a raid on German post at about J12a 40.35, capturing 4 prisoners and 1 heavy and 1 light machine gun., and killing several other of the enemy. The raid was carried out by 2^nd Lt S.E. Warburton MM .(Operation Orders are attached) [see Appendix , photo of Op. Orders and map] Casualties: 2^nd Lt S.E. Warburton wounded, 7 O.R. wounded, 1 O.R. missing. Other casualties on that day : 1 O.R. wounded. *On March 25th, our last night in the line, our raid took place.* *The Scout Officer laid tapes from the front line up to within a few* *yards of the enemy post, and led the various detachments of the* raiders into their positions. Colonel Branson, who had returned from leave in time to supervise the arrangements for the raid, came up to the crater in the front line to watch the show, and punctually to the second the artillery opened out with whizz-bangs on the enemy machine gun post. The night was almost perilously moonlit, but the enemy was taken completely by surprise, and in a very few minutes our men returned with four live Boche and two machine guns. They had also killed several Huns and damaged his machine - gun position considerably. Our total casualties for the raid were 2nd Lieutenant War-burton and seven men wounded. Not until the Battalion was out of the line on the next day did we learn that Lieutenant Warburton's servant, who had been watching the raid from the crater, was missing. It transpired that he had attempted to follow Warburton, and had doubtless got lost and killed. *For gallantry in connection with the raid, the M.C. was* *awarded to 2nd Lieutenant S. E. Warburton, M.M.; the D.C.M. to* *Sergeant C. Firth; and the M.M. to Corporal F. Lupton and Privates* *Barron, Day, Adey, Peart and Hopkinson.* 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
26-03-18	In the Line (JUDGE SUBSECTOR)	Batn relieved by 1/6^th Batn Duke of Wellington ’s Regt. Bde became brigade in Divisional reserve and Batn proceeded to MAUI CAMP ( sheet 28, H18c 3.5) *We were relieved in the afternoon of the 26th by the 6th West* *Ridings and marched back to Maui Camp, west of Ypres . Here we* *spent one night.* 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
27-03-18	MAUI CAMP	Batn took over TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR, three coys relieving 4^th Batn Middlesex Regt & and one coy relieving part of 8^th Batn Somerset Light Infantry Regt (37^th Div) Batn held the line with two coys in the front line and 1 coy in support and 1 in reserve. Batn HQ at J20d3.7 *Then we returned to the front, relieving the 37th* *Division south of the Menin Road , almost the only sector in the* *salient which the Division had not previously visited. The enemy* break-through on the Fifth Armv Front had made it necessary to withdraw divisions from the northern portion of our line and hurriedly despatch them southwards. Even the vital Ypres Salient was so weakened in men and guns that, had the enemy attacked there, the consequences might have been very serious. On reaching the line we took over the whole of the front of the 4th Middlesex and part of that of the 8th Somerset L.I., holding our front line with two companies only. The posts were very far apart, and the troops on our right were a scratch battalion of cyclist's, cavalry, etc., who were very elated to be in the front line, but had little or no knowledge of infantry warfare. There were plenty of Boche to be seen in the enemy lines, and our snipers had some excellent shooting. We reported to our artillery that the enemy troops were in the habit of wearing soft caps instead of their tin hats, and were gratified to find that several heavy bursts of shrapnel over their heads had a good effect upon such bad trench discipline. 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
28-03-18	TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR	Quiet day , 4 O.R. wounded
29-03-18	TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR	Casualties 2 O.R. wounded. Strength; 42 off, 956 O.R.
30-03-18	TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR	Quiet day.
31-03-18	TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR	1 O.R. wounded. *Fortunately for us, the enemy was very quiet on our part of the* *front. He caused us a certain amount of trouble at first by firing light trench mortars very accurately at our lines, but this was stopped by* sending back six of our Stokes to each of his L.T.M.'s. The front was vigorously patrolled throughout each night, but very little was heard except the lurid language of our men as they worked on the barbed wire defences. 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
APR 1918
01-04-18	TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR	Quiet day.Relieved by 1/7^th West Yorks Regt. To SCOTTISH WOOD CAMP (map ref: sheet 28, H35b) *Late on the night of April 1st we were relieved by the 7th West Yorkshire Regiment, and went down those interminable duck-board* *tracks to a point where a miniature train was waiting to take us out to* *Dickebusch (Scottish Wood Camp).* *The news of the Boche attacks in the South led us to suppose* *that it would not be long before we were taking our share in the task* *of stopping him, and after the Battalion had had one more (rather uneventful) spell in the line, the Division was withdrawn.* 1/4^th (Hallamshire) Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. 1914-1919 by Captain D.P. Grant, M.C., M.A. ,pub. by The Naval & Military Press, 2005
02-04-18 to 04-04-18	SCOTTISH WOOD CAMP	Some training was also carried out and the “leap-frog” system of attack was practised
05-04-18	SCOTTISH WOOD CAMP	To TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR Relieved the 1/7^th West Yorks Regt.
06-04-18	TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR	Quiet day. Casualties 1 OR wounded.
08-04-18	TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR	Relieved by 5^th York & Lancaster Regt. To MANUWATU CAMP (map ref: I14 b8.1)
09-04-18	MANUWATU CAMP	GOC Bde addressed all officers and some hints on open warfare.By train to ALBERTA CAMP, RENINGHLIST (map ref: M5a 4.2) in the evening
10-04-18	RENINGHLIST	By bus to NEUVE EGLISE. Encamped on hill NW of village. Situation in front not definitely known. Outposts were thrown out. On this day there were Lt Col D.S. Branson DSO , MC and 80 OR who came out with the Batn 13^th April 1918 and who had served continuously with the Batn.
11-04-18	NEUVE EGLISE [The Tactical Incident: “The Defence of Neuve Eglise”]	11.45 am C.O. summoned to Bde HQ where it was explained that the enemy had broken through in squares T23 and T24. Batn was ordered to move forward to “restore the situation”. Four M.Gs of the 49^th M.G. battalion allotted to the Batn. The Batn would later come under the 25^th Division. Batn moved off at 12.30pm assembling at L’ALOUETTE (T16b)[ 1km E of NEUVE EGLISE] It was found that the British occupied HILL 63 but there was no sign of troops to the right of this point. 3.00pm: Batn attacked with B& C Coys establishing a line on road running through T23 turning enemy from farms in the neighbourhood, and getting in touch with KSLI (19^th Division) and 25^th M.G. Batn. on the left. The right flank however was in the air and D Coy was pushed forward to form a flank. 6.15pm : Enemy drove troops in our left from HILL 63 and opened bombardment on batn. front. 7.15pm : Batn ordered to withdraw and take up the line of the road running E&W through T11 c(?) with our right at T11 c3.1 . 1/4^th KOYLI (?) on our right and KSLI on our left. All troops were in position by 11.00pm . Th position of the Coys was as follows: B Coy right flank C Coy left flank D Coy right support A Coy left support Batn. HQ was at T10 central. The 458^th Field Coy RE and some attached infantry held a line in rear and helped to protect the left flank of the Batn. The C.O. met O.C. 4^th KSLI who states that he had orders to withdraw to the Army Reserve Line. This he did leaving the left flank of the Batn in the air. During the night enemy patrols attacked our left Coy twice but were beaten off on both occasions. Casualties: Officers wounded - 2^nd Lt J.B. Parker & A.J. Nicholls OR killed 1 OR wounded 8 OR missing 2
12-04-18	NEUVE EGLISE [The Tactical Incident: “The Defence of Neuve Eglise”]	10.00am Enemy aero plane brought down by rifle fire just behind our front line. 3.00pm Touch was at last obtained on the left with 9^th RIF (108^th Bde). 6.00pm Enemy opened heavy bombardment in neighbourhood of WULVERGEM and as far back as the road junction T10a7.3 and troops were seen retiring. This continued until 8.00pm when it spread to the Batn on our right (1/4^th KOYLI). Enemy attacked and broke through left coy of KOYLI and also attacked C coy heavily. This compelled gradual retirement until about midnight when a line was stabilised from T10c8.6 – T10b4.1 and thence NW to the WULVERGEM Rd. Y coy 4^th KOYLI was placed at the disposal of the batn and used to (?) the right to get in touch with the Army Reserve Line at about T10c3.3. Casualties: Officers killed – 2^nd Lt J.F. Dixon, Lt C.T. Bedwell, & 2^nd Lt D. Howells Officers wounded – 2^nd Lts R. Hirst, P.H. Stockley. Lt. C. Hutley Other Ranks – 3 killed, 76 wounded, 72 missing
13-04-18	NEUVE EGLISE [The Tactical Incident: “The Defence of Neuve Eglise”]	2.00am Orders received to withdraw to Army Reserve Line. This withdrawal was completed by 4.00am , A&D coys being in the line from T9d9.6 to T9b6.6 with B&D coys dug-in in support from T9d2.2 to T9c9.5. Batn HQ was at T9c7.8. The 8^th Gloucesters were on our left, KSLI and 4^th KOYLI on our right – all in the Army Reserve Line. Later a batn of Sherwood Foresters (59th Division) and Field Coy RE of the 19^th Division held the line of NEUVE EGLISE – WULVERGEM RD towards WULVERGEM. 8.00am Parties of the enemy were seen in the WEST End of NEUVE EGLISE village., This threatened our right and rear. A party of 50 strong was therefore sent under Capt. J.F. Wortley M.C. and Lieutenant W.D. Griffins M.C. to attempt to drive them out. This they did capturing 51 prisoners and establishing themselves in line through T14d and T15c with oddments of batns of the 100^th Bde near them. During the day the KOYLI and others holding SE of the village were driven back a short way. 7.00pm Orders were received to move Coys from Army Reserve Line on relief by KSLI and to dig-in within the triangle T9c9.0 – T15b9.9 – T9d3.2. By 8.30pm a line was formed between T9d8.4 and T15b4.9 just S of WULVERGEM RD About 8.00pm Capt. J.F.Wartley M.C. was killed while heading back into the line a party of about 40 stragglers of the 16^th KRR (100^th Bde) Casualties: Officers killed – Capt J.F. Wortley MC & Lt T.E. Sanderson Officers wounded – 2^nd Lt W.K. Shopland Officers missing – 2^nd Lt H.R.Key Other ranks – 12 killed, 44 wounded, 12 missing
14-04-18	NEUVE EGLISE	By dawn the enemy were seen to have penetrated well into the WEST End of the village and the Batn seemed in danger of being outflanked. A platoon was placed at T9c1.0 and HQ details of the Batn and 4^th KOYLI took up a line through T9e central. About 2.00pm the C.O. went to see the Batn on our right (100^th Bde) with a view to organising a counter-attack but they could not be found and it appears that they retired a considerable distance. A Coy was ordered to form a defensive flank on the right. About 5.00pm the enemy put up lights (?) at the Mile(?) (T8d5.4) and were still advancing. The position seemed critical. At 6.00pm enemy attacked after heavy bombardment with T.Ms and artillery on the left, which was held by Hallamshires, KOYLI, KSLI and remnants of other units. They were compelled to fall back under heavy M.G. fire from houses in NEUVE EGLISE to a line running through T9 central, being in touch with the Gloucesters on the left and with the right Coy forming a defensive flank. At this point the C.O. (Lt Colonel D.F. Branson, DSO, M.C.) was wounded. A portion of the troops on the right flank were withdrawn by order of the O.C. 4^th KOYLI to the Corps Line. The remainder maintained their positions until 4.30 am on the following day when they withdrew by order of Bde HO to railway in T2c. Casualties: Officers wounded – Lt Col D.S. Branson DSO, MC. Major J.D. Kerr MC. Lts S.H. Reynolds , R.E. Mainprice, W. Ryan & E. Williams. And 2^nd Lt C.G. Miller Other Ranks – 5 killed, 34 wounded, 23 missing
15-04-18	NEUVE EGLISE	Capt G Unsworth now took over command of the Batn. Soon after 6 am Batn withdrew to SW side of Kemmel Hill where the Batn bivouaced
16-04-18	SW KEMMEL HILL l	12.35 am Orders received to move at once to assembly positions in M34a & b by crossroads M30b2.7 – road junction M29b15.95 – crossroads M29a6.7 – road junction M29a15.70 and hence along LOCRE – BAILLEUL Rd. Batn was eventually halted at a farmhouse in M34b2.9. Men billeted in a stable and Batn HQ was established in the farmhouse itself. Soon after 6.00am the Batn was ordered to hold a line of posts running from M34c3.8 to a point 600 x east of LOCRE-BAILLEUL Rd. Three Coys held the line (“?”) with the fourth Coy in support in M34b.The position in front of the line was still obscure. Touch was eventually obtained with 8^th Btn Leicestershire Regt on our left. The 4^th KOYLI were on our right. Casualties: 15^th Officers wounded – Capt. L. Cheesewright & Lt W.N. Scawin Other Ranks – 11 wounded & 1 missing 16^th Officers – nil Other Ranks – 2 killed , 16 wounded & 2 missing
17-04-18	At Map ref M34a	In the evening the Batn. relieved 9^th Batn HCI ? and part of 16^th Batn KRRC in the line Dispositions as follows: a) Right front Coy held posts at S11a3.7, S11a40.75, S11a60.95 and in support at S15c3.2 b) Left front Coy held line of 5 posts from S5c60.25 to S5d central c) Support Coy held line of posts from S5c1.6 to S5c7.8 d) Reserve Coy held line of posts. One half Coy from S5c3.2 to S5c1.3 and second half Coy from SS4d4.5 to S4d7.6 e) Batn HQ were at S4d65.75 (in a farmhouse cellar). Our HQ was also shared by the batn on our right (4^th KOYLI). A party of R.Es of WYATTS FORCE on our left. Casualties: 2^nd Lt F.W. Davison MM killed, Lt D.T. Keating wounded Other Ranks – 1 killed & 13 wounded
18-04-18 [1^st Battle Kemmel]		8.00am Farmhouse near Batn HQ set on fire by shells. Batn HQ moved to another cellar in the vicinity. Enemy comparatively quiet throughout the day. In the evening 4^th KOYLI took over position in the line held by the Batn and the Hallamshires took over a portion of the line held by R.Es of WYATTS FORCE. Adjustments carried out by 3.45am on following day [19^th]. Casualties: OR – 1 killed, 4 wounded
19-04-18	At map ref S5d	2.45am Dispositions were now as follows:- (a) One and a half Coys held trench lineS5d30.15 – S5d80.30 – S5d95.45. (b) One Coy held line of posts from S5c75.45 to S5d30.50 and one half Coy from S5d30.50 to S5d70.60 (c ) Reserve Coy held line of posts running from S5c40.70 to S5c80.75 and from S5d00.80 to S5d15.80 (d) Batn HQ at S4d30.70 but moved to S5b20.40 later in the day. The day was fairly quiet but there was considerable MG activity in the evening. Batn was relieved by one Coy of the 83^rd French in the night19/20^th. Relief complete by about 1.30am 20^th. On relief Batn moved to a field in G32a where they bivouaced for the remainder of the night. Casualties: 1 OR wounded.
20-04-18	At map ref. G32a	The Batn marched to RIDGE CAMP (map ref: G11 a 5.4) by G26c5.9 – G20a4.5 – G15b1.7 – A4d3.4 – A5d1.2. Accommodation good. Strength of Battalion: 05-04 41 off 939 O.R. 12-04 42 off 932 O.R. 19-04 20 off 563 O.R 26-04 24 off 583 O.R
21-04-18	RIDGE CAMP	Two hundred men of the Battalion were inspected by M. Clemenceau on the POPERINGE – VLAMERTINGE ROAD in A5c
22-04-18 to 24-04-18	RIDGE CAMP	.Capt R.E. Wilson MC returned to the Batn and took command. Time spent in refitting the Batn and some training carried out – particularly in the leap-frog method of attack.
25-04-18	RIDGE CAMP	3.15am Order received to the effect that the Batn must be ready to move forward at half an hour’s notice. 1.00pm Batn moved to assembly position in fields at G30c & d. Batn HQ established in a farm house at G30d5.9.
26-04-18 [2^nd Battle Kemmel]	RIDGE CAMP CHEAPSIDE LINE. KEMMEL	12.30am Orders received for Bde to move forward and take over a position of the FRONT LINE (CHEAPSIDE LINE) between left flank of 9^th KOYLI (64^th I.B.) about N15b9.9 and the HALLEBAT-VIERSTAAT ROAD. [near Kemmel] The Batn took over the BLUE LINE from VIERSTAAT ROAD N10b4.7 to N10a9.1. HQ was established in a dugout at N10a9.9. 5^th York and Lancaster were on our right hand side, XXII Corps mounted troops on our left. The move was completed at 3.30am . At 12.30am orders had also been received to the effect that a counter attack would be carried out by the 39^th French Division on the right hand side of our new position and by the 25^th British Division on our left. The Bde would at the same time punch forward under a barrage to the LA POCKE-VIERSTAAT LINE and occupy it. 4.25am The attack took place.The barrage which was to fall 250yd in front of the BLUE LINE was absolutely inadequate and 5 or 6 German machine guns which had been pitched forward on to the CHEAPSIDE ROAD (running from N10b8.5 to N10c0.2) were quite untouched. There was fortunately a heavy unit which covered the beginning of our advance but as soon as the movement was noticed the machine guns on the CHEEPSIDE ROAD opened fire and rendered further advance impossible. The Batan was forced to withdraw to the BLUE LINE leaving lost several officers, including the company commanders, and about a third of its strength in casualties. From 8 – 10.00am , and again from 3 – 3.45pm the whole Bde area was heavily bombarded but the rest of the day was comparatively quiet. At dusk the Batn took over a further130 yds of front from the 5^th Y&L Regt to enable the Batn to fill a gap between their right and the left of the 9^th KOYLI on the right. Caualties: Officers killed – Capt H. Faulder, Lt T.P. Brawbury, 2^nd Lt R.P.R. Penrose, P.P. McArdle Officers missing – 2^nd Lt W. Beck DCM OR – 17 killed , 65 wounded and 9 missing
27-04-18	BLUE LINE	4.45 – 5.15am and again 7 – 7.45am whole Bde area heavily shelled. In the evening the Batn was relieved by 2^nd Batn Royal Scots Fusiliers and the 4^th KOYLI took over from the 9^th Batn KOYLI. On relief the Batn took up a position in support with one coy in close support to the 5^th Y&L Regt and three coys in N9a central. Casualties: OR – 3 wounded
28-04-18	BLUE LINE	7.45 -8.45pm the whole Bde area was heavily shelled and it was reported by 4^th KOYLI that enemy action had appeared to take place. A further message was shortly afterwards received to the effect that this was not the case on our front. Casualties: OR – 3 wounded
29-04-18	BLUE LINE	At about 5.30am and after a very heavy bombardment enemy attacked 21^st, 25^th and 49^th Divisions. 4th KOYLI and 5^th Y&L Regt were holding Bde front. A ? was effected at the junction of these two Batn (N10c0.3) and OC 5^th Y&L Regt called upon the Batn to eject the enemy. Preparations were at once made to this end but in the meantime the enemy had already been driven out by the troops holding the line. In this Lewis Guns teams of the close support Coy were able to render valuable assistance. The whole are was shelled intermittently throughout the morning and the enemy were frequently reported to have been ? ? by the front line Batns but no further attack developed. The enemy’s aircraft were extremely active throughout the day. Casualties: OR – 3 killed, 14 wounded
30-04-18	BLUE LINE	Comparatively quiet day. Batn relieved in the evening by the 9^th Loyal North Lancs and on relief proceeded to camp at G27b5.0. Relief was completed by 1.30am 1^st May. Strength of Batn during the month 5^th April – 41 officers and 939 OR 12thApril – 42 officers and 932 OR 19^th April – 20 officers and 563 OR 26^th April - 24 officers and 583 OR The following officers joined the Batn during the month 7^th April – Hon Capt and QM M.J. McDermott 21^st April – 2^nd Lt R.P. McArdle 22^nd April – Capt H. Faulder, 2^nd Lt E.P. Tolchard, R.J.R. BeckDCM, J.G. Woolman 27^th April – Lt C.N. Platt, 2^nd Lts J.B. Greenwood, W.Evans (these three officers lent from 19^th Btan Lans Fusiliers). 2^nd Lt W. Jeffs, A. Rylett, G. Milner. 29^th April - 2^nd Lts G. Harrison, T.G. Tongue, F.H. Oldfield, W.H. Oliver. AWARDS The following awards were made for gallantry displayed during a raid on the enemy’s trenches 24/3/18 MC – 2^nd Lt S.E. Warburton MM DCM – No. 14/992 Serg. Firth C. MM – No 202006 Pte Day T., No 14264 Pte Adey A., No 203419 Pte Peart H. . No. 203320 Pte Hopkinson E. [signed] N. E. Wilson Lt Col Comd. 1/4^th Batn Y&L regt.
MAY 1918
01-05-1918	In Camp	Batn in camp at G27b5.0 (Sheet 28)
02-05-1918	In Camp	Bde relieved 74^th Infantry Bde in the Centre of Sector of the Div. Front (N15b0.6- N10c7.9) The Batn relieved the 3^rd Worcester in the Right Sub-sector. Dispositions as follows - (a) One Coy held from N10d4.0 to N10d45.70 (b) Two Coys held from N15b5.8 tro N10d2.3 (c) One Coy from N15b1.5 to N15b4.9 (d) Batn HQ in farmhouse at N9d8.8 Before the relief was actually completed a party of about six of the enemy approached our line . Largeley owing to the gallantry of N. 203320 Pte HOPKINSON (A Coy) the party was dispersed, two of the partry were killed and two captured. Two (?) of (?) and some rations were also taklen. Casualties - officers - Lt C. L. PLATT (attached from Lancashire Fus) and 2 Lt F.H. OLDFIELD wounded. O.R. - killed 2 wounded 3.,
03-05-18	BLUE LINE	From examination 3 prisoners (including the two taken by the Batn on the 2 .5) to expect probably that the enemy would attack on this day. At about 8.15pm a very heavy bombardment (?) and away on the right . (unclear sentence follows) Casualties O.R. 2 wounded. Strength: 26 off, 450 O.R. Lt H. (?) , 2 Lt (?) WEATHERILL and (?) - all of the Loyal North Lancashire Regt joined the Batn.
04-05-18	BLUE LINE	[an unclear sentence from previous page, then] The Bde. Was relieved by the 143^rd French Infantry Batn and on relief proceeded to a camp at G21b0.3. Casualties -OR killed 2 wounded 5. The following officers joined the Batn - Lt. M. ELRINGTON 2^nd Lts J.S.BARNES, J.H.HORN, J. DARNELL (all of the Loyal North Lancs Regt.)
05-05-18	BLUE LINE	Batn marched to ROAD CAMP (F25d3.3). 2^nd Lt T.H. Constable MM. (Loyal North Lancs Regt) joined the Batn.
06-05-1918	ROAD CAMP	2^nd Lt. J. CAPPER (Loyal North Lancs Regt) joined the Batn. The day was spent in refitting, cleaning,
07-05-18 to 09-05-18	ROAD CAMP	Training - chiefly under Coy arrangements with special attention to training of Lewis Gunners. Following Officers and OR joined the Batn. - C Lts A. BROADLEY, W.L. BARNETT, W.J. ROBINS, J. FOWEATHER. E.N GILSON (all from the 2/4^th (H) Batn Tork and Lancaster Regt and 13 OR.
10-05-1918	ROAD CAMP	Training as before. Strength 39 officers, 473 OR
11-05-1918	ROAD CAMP	[no entry, initials at end of line]
12-05-1918	ROAD CAMP	Draft of 120 OR joined Batn.
13-05-1918 & 14-05-1918	ROAD CAMP	[no entry]
15-05-1918 & 16-05-1918	ROAD CAMP	Capt N.W. STREAT and draft of 40 OR arrived
17-05-1918	ROAD CAMP	Strength 39 officers and 639 OR (initialled at end of line)
18-05-1918	ROAD CAMP	[no entry]
		During the period at ROAD CAMP the training carried out was mostly under Coy arrangements. Some musketry was carried out at 60 yard range and special attention was paid to the training of the Lewis Gunners. The men were comfortable and the weather fine.
19-05-1918	ROAD CAMP	Batn moves by motor bus to camp in Q35c . Sheet 2(?)
20-05-1918 & 21-05-1918	(unknown camp)	Musketry in the Range adjoining the camp . On the 21^st a “Bullet and Bayonet” Competition was held for a prize of 1001 francs offered by the Bde Commander. A platoon of A Coy representing the Batn was sent on this competition. Draft of 78 OR and 97 OR joined the Batn on the 20^th and 21^st respectively. Draft of 14 O.R joined the Batn 21^st.
22-05-18	ST MARTIN au LAERT	Musketry on Range adjoining Camp. Military Medals awarded to the undermentioned for gallantry (?) 11-04-1918 to 19-04-1919-8 - 200043 Sgt Bakin F 201744 Cpl Hudson G 200279 L/Cpl Ogden C 203206 Lawrence C 13315 York T 33344 Foster A 201897 Leaven ? H 22154 Pte Thicknell G 203204 Andrews J 17511 (?) C 203838 Bennett A 200800 (?) A 31877 Winter R Lieut (Act Capt) D.F. Grant to Hospital
23-05-1918	ST MARTIN au LAERT	The Brigade marched to B range near MOULLE for field firing - Casualties nil in the Batn
24-05-18	ST MARTIN au LAERT	Transport started on return to ROAD CAMP stopping one night at ETAPLES. Musketry on range prevented by weather until evening. Strength - 39 officers 823 other ranks..
25-05-18	ROAD CAMP	Return to ROAD CAMP by train. Entraining at ST OMER & detraining at PROVEN: transport completed journey. 8 O.R. arrived Reinforcement Camp (?) taken on strength
26-05-1918	ROAD CAMP	.Moved to PETERBORO & PERKIN CAMPS relieving 6^th W.R. Regt. 13 O.R. arrived Reinforcement Camp - taken on strength.
27-05-1918	PETERBORO & PERKIN CAMPS	Carried on with work done by 6^th W.R. Regt on last Poperinge Reserve Line by leaving Camp at 4am & returning about 1-30pm making return journey on Light railway. All Lewis Gunners left off working Parties for Training. Military Medals by Corps Commander to under-mentioned for gallantry 20-4-1918 to 7-5-1918: 201839 Pte Jeffrey H 12690 Clark J 26-?-? Cahill A 703221 Webb A .H. 241229 Wharton F.W 201996 Sissons F.W. 40481 Wing N 283320 Hopkinson 17511 T?. 4 Ors arrived Reinforcement Camp- taken on strength
28-05-1918	PETERBORO & PERKIN CAMPS	[no entry]
29-05-1918	PETERBORO & PERKIN CAMPS	Work carried on as for 27 May
30-05-1918	PETERBORO & PERKIN CAMPS	(?) S. BROOKE rejoined 29^th Draft of 14 Ors joined on the 29^th 38 OR arrived at Reinforcement Camp - taken on strength
31-05-1918	PETERBORO & PERKIN CAMPS	[Sentence no clear] Strength 43 officer ,804 OR


JUNE1918

01-06-18	ST JANTER BIEZEN	At M CAMP
02-06-18	ST JANTER BIEZEN	In the line at YPRES
03-06-18 to 10-06-18	In the Line ( YPRES )
11-06-18	In the Line ( YPRES )	Relived by 1/7^th West Yorks Regt To BRAKE CAMP

20-06-18	In the Line (N of YPRES )	The Battalion relieved 1/7^th West Riding Regt in the night in the sector of the Brigade Front North of YPRES . Three Coys were in the Front Line. C Coy on the left I16a3.0, B Coy in the centre I15d85.40 & D Coy on the right I21b05.60, A Coy in reserve I15a0.5. Relief completed by 2.30am on 21/5/18.
21-06-1918	In the Line (N of YPRES )	Lieut Col. D.S. Branson D.S.O. , M.C. rejoined and took over the command of the Battalion , from ? Lieut R.E.Wilson M.C. Sgt Winterhalder ? of the M.M.P. joined the Battalion on one month’s probation prior to his application being submitted for a commission. Strength 36 officers 857 O.R
22-06-1918	In the Line (N of YPRES )	A proportion of the sixth party of the American personal consisting 3 officers , 3 N.C.Os - 10 other ranks were attached for instruction. They were attached to the Front Line Coy. Lieut J.S. Hamilton joined the Battalion & proceeded up the Line for duty with D Coy.
23-06-1918	In the Line (N of YPRES )	2^nd Lieut S.P. Dorman was interviewed at Battalion HQ RAMPARTS by the Divisional Commander. Casualties:- 2^nd Lieut A. Rylett wounded. I killed , 4 O.R wounded 1 O.R. killed, 2 wounded 24^th
24-06-1918 & 25-06-1918		[no entry]
26-06-1918		4 O.R. reinforcements arrived
27-06-1918		The Brigade discussed proposed minor operation with ?????. Casualties:- 4 O.Rs wounded. 2^nd Lieut H. (?) joined the Battalion.
28-06-18	HILL 40 ZILLEBECKE ROAD	(?) operation carried out. The following took part:- No. 1 Coy O. C. Coy - Captain L.W. JOHNSON M.C. 1 Platoon C Coy with 1 Platoon C Coy in support. 1 Platoon D Coy with 1 Platoon D Coy in support No. 2 Coy O.C. Coy - Captain H. ELRINGTON 1 Platoon B Coy 1 Platoon A Coy 1 Platoon A Coy in support The object was to obtain prisoners , kill the enemy & lower his moral. The right party thoroughly searched HILL 40and crossed the ZILLEBEKE ROAD but could find no enemy nor posts which appeared to have been occupied. The party which moved out along PIONEER TRACK proceeded to about 17a2.3 without finding any of the enemy. They saw a couple of the enemy on their way back but the fog was very thick and they slipped away. The two positions on the left ???? to the 37 barrage line at 17a4.4 ????our barrage came down short and was not very ????? was very steady and accurate. [the rest is difficult to read, refer to photograph of WD] [Raid to kill and demoralise enemy at HILL 40 ( ZILLEBEKE ROAD )] 10 killed, 7 wounded
29/30-06-1918	HILL 40	Operation carried out by 3 Platoons with the objective of capturing prisoners and obtaining identification. It was thought possible that the enemy would be holding a position in the immediate vicinity of the CROSS ROADS in 16a. & the scheme was for one Platoon to (?) along WARRINGTON ROAD and then to move southwards south of the ZILLEBEKE ROAD & cut off the enemy. Just before Zero hour the left Platoon was seen by the enemy who were in considerable strength at about 16 d 38.95. (?) were thrown up by the enemy & a M.G. started firing. Lieut (?) Reserve Platoon which had become much scattered in (?) was fired on by M.G. from about 16d 85.75. (?) MC of the left Platoon did not consider himself strong enough to attack & the officer of the Reserve Platoon could only collect 10 men was unable to get around to his assistance. Meanwhile the Right Platoon reached ????to objective & found none of the enemy & returned to our lines. Casualties. 10 O.R. killed & 7 O.R. wounded. The Battalion was relieved by 1/5^th York and Lancaster Regt. Relief completed by 2-15am 30/6/18 (Battn HQ at H18a0.7 Officers struck off 2^nd Lieut W.J. MOFFAT to RAF 23/6/18 2^nd Lieut S.P. DORMAN to 1/6 Duke of E Regt 26/6/18 Strength 21/6/18 34 officers 857 O.R. 28/6/18 33 officers 854 O.R.

JULY 1918

01-07-18 to 06-07-18	In the Field	Working on rear defences, enemy quiet. [Thomas granted Proficiency Pay Class 1(Burnt Records), presumably he qualified as a Lewis Gunner] Strength: 31 off, 836 O.R. , 7 O.R. reinforcements
07-07-18	In the Field	Relieved by 1/7^th West Yorks . To BRAKE CAMP
08-07-18 to 14-07-18	BRAKE CAMP	Training
15-07-18	In the Field (map ref: I8d1.5)	Relieved 1/4^th Duke of Wellington Regt (map ref: I8d1.5)
16-07-18	In the Field (map ref: I8d1.5)
17-07-18	In the Field (map ref: I8d1.5)	2 O.R killed , 3 wounded
18-07-18	In the Field (map ref: I8d1.5)	B Coy to BROWN LINE
19-07-18	In the Field (map ref: I8d1.5)	Strength; 38 off, 824 O.R. One coy of 3 Batn 118 American Infantry Regt attached to companies in the line and distributed 1 platoon to each company.
20-07-18	In the Field (map ref: I8d1.5)	One American platoon under own command attached to each company
21-07-18	In the Field (map ref: I8d1.5)	One American coy under own command attached to Batn. B Coy relieved by Americans went to BROWN LINE
22-07-18	In the Field (map ref: I8d1.5)	Battalion relieved by Americans went to GREEN LINE
23-07-18	GREEN LINE
24-07-18	GREEN LINE	10 O.R. killed by aeroplane bomb. Batn retuned from GREEN LINE to relieve Americans
25-07-18	VERMOUTH VILLA
26-07-18	VERMOUTH VILLA	Strength: 36 off 806 O.R.; 2 O.R. wounded
27-07-18 to 28-07-18	VERMOUTH VILLA
29-07-18	VERMOUTH VILLA	1 O.R. wounded
30-07-18	VERMOUTH VILLA	4 O.R. wounded
31-07-18	VERMOUTH VILLA	Relieved at VERMOUTH VILLA & GREEN LINE by 1/6^th West Yorkshire Regt. Proceeded to BRAKE CAMP (map ref; sheet 28, A30c9.1)

AUG 1918

01-08-1918	BRAKE CAMP A30c9.1 , Sheet 28	Interior Economy. Enemy aeroplane brought down by AA Lewis Gunners.
02-08-1918	BRAKE CAMP	Training. 1 OR draft arrived. Strength 38 officers. 813 other ranks.
03-08-1918	BRAKE CAMP	Training. Lieut J.S. HOULTON & 15 Other Ranks proceeded to HOUTRERQUE to attend commemoration service on anniversary of the War.
04-08-1918	BRAKE CAMP	Training.
05-08-1918	BRAKE CAMP	Working Parties. Each Company was given a definite task to do on the GREEN LINE Defences.
06-08-1918	BRAKE CAMP	Working Parties on GREEN LINE Defences continue. A Coy’s Task finished on this day . 2 Lieut G. TEECE M.M. proceeded to HOUTKERQUE [sic] to attend Commemoration Service.
07-08-1918	BRAKE CAMP	B, C, & D Coys completed their TASKS on GREEN LINE defences. 2 Lieut G. TEECE M.M. attached to T.M.B.
08-08-1918	BRAKE CAMP	Captain W. RYAN, 2 Lt E.G. COUSENS, I Sgt & 24 Other Ranks per company formed Guard of Honour for King & Queen of Belgians at HAGLE SIDING#S. Relieved 1/6 Duke of Wellington in BROWN LINE in support. Relief complete about 11pm. Dispositions - B & D Coys WARRINGTON ROAD , A & C Coys in support, HQ at BOBSTAY CASTLE .
09-08-1918 to 16-08-1918	BROWN LINE H11b80.30, Sheet 28	Working Parties on Brigade HQ M. & Farm. Revetting & repairing Trenches & Posts. Strength on 9^th. 39 Officers & 901 Other Ranks. 1 O.R. wounded at Duty.
16-08-1918	BROWN LINE	Strength 39 Officers & 939 Other Ranks. Relieved ¼ K.O.Y.L.I. in the right sub-sector. Relief complete about 12.30am, 17^th Dispositions- A Coy Right. B Coy Centre, B Coy Left, D Coy Support. Battn HQ in RAMPARTS YPRES .
17-08-1918 to 19-08-1918	I8d1.5, Sheet 28	All quiet in front line. Enemy aircraft flying low. 1 O.R. wounded Relieved in Right sub-sector by 20^th Middlesex Regt, 14 Division and proceeded to CAMP arriving about 2.30am , 20^th inst.
20-08-1918	BRAKE CAMP A30a9.1, Sheet 28	Interior economy.
21-08-1918	BRAKE CAMP	Relieved by 1/4^th Cheshire Regt , 34^th Division & proceeded to PROVEN by route march, arriving about 5.25pm. Order of march - HQ , A.B,C, D Coys.
22-08-1918	PROVEN	Proceeded from PROVEN to HERZEELE by route march arriving 10.40am. Relieved 1/6 Kent Regt. Relief complete by 12 noon. Order of march HQ, B,C,D, A Coys.
23-08-1918	HERZEELE	Interior economy. Strength 40 officers, 927 Other Ranks.
24-08-1918 & 25-08-1918	HERZEELE	Training. Lt. Col. D.S. BRANSON D.S.O. M.C. returned to Battalion after being in temporary command of 148 Inf Bde.
26-08-01918	HERZEELE	Transport for baggage wagon & Horse cart forwarded by rail to (?)
27-08-1918	HERZEELE	Battalion marched to (?)
28-08-1918		Entrained at (?) 2-30am & forwarded by rail to (?). Then to (?) & (?) arriving about 4-30pm
29-08-1918	LENS	Interior economy. 2 Lt G. TEECE M.M. & 13 Other Ranks (2 ?) returned from 148 TMC & are attached to the Battalion in one of (?) operations
30-08-1918	LENS	Training. The HQ, officers commanding companies & platoon commanders ,(?), 2 Lt Teece, RSM Collingwood, CSM Dedman ? & 2 Lts from each company [ rest not clear - attended something in Fleury near Lens] Strength - 39 officers, 925 Other Ranks.

3. WESTERN FRONT, PICARDY

1/4^th Batn York and Lancaster Regt (Hallamshires)

Regt no. 31544

49^th Division,148 Brigade, XXII Corps, First Army

The Final Advance in Picardy

Battle of the SELLE 17 – 25^th Oct 1918

Battle of VALENCIENNE 1 -2^nd Nov 1918


SEP 1918

01-09-18	MAISNIL ST POL (?)	Training
02-09-18	CANADA CAMP	Training
03-09-18	BRUAY	Training
04-09-18	BRUAY	Training
05-09-18	BRUAY	Marched to GOUY SERVINS [NW ARRAS ]
06-09-18	GOUY SERVINS & PETIT SERVINS	Training. Strength 40off, 932 O.R.
07-09-18 to 11-09-18	GOUY SERVINS & PETIT SERVINS	Training . 7 O.R. joined
12-09-18	GOUY SERVINS & PETIT SERVINS	Marched to WEST CAMP, ROCLINCOURT [ N ARRAS ]
13-09-18	ROCLINCOURT	Relieved Black Watch. Strength 40off, 932 O.R.
14-09-18	In the Field [near ROCLINCOURT]	3 O.R. wounded
15-09-18	In the Field [near ROCLINCOURT]	3 O.R. wounded, 10 O.R. missing. 2 O.R. reinforcements
16-09-18	In the Field [near ROCLINCOURT]	20 O.R. gassed & 7 wounded. Gas projector operations carried out at (Biaches ?)
17-09-18	In the Field [near ROCLINCOURT]	1 O.R. missing , 1 wounded
18-09-18	In the Field [near ROCLINCOURT]	Relieved in the line by 1/5^th York and Lancaster. 1 O.R. killed, 1 wounded
19-09-18
20-09-18		Strength 40 Off, 903 O.R.. 1 O.R. wounded
21-09-18		Minor operations
22-09-18
23-09-18	In the Field [near ROCLINCOURT]	Heavy barrage from enemy at 11pm. 1 O.R. killed [Thomas admitted to hospital – dysentery at St Pol(Burnt Records)]
24-09-18	In the Field [near ROCLINCOURT]	Relieved in line by 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 51^st Division By bus to Y CAMP near ETRUN [NW ARRAS ]
25-09-18 to 30-09-18	Y CAM , ETRUN	Training


*OCT 1918*

01-10-18	MAROEUIL & CAMP [ETRUN]	Training, especially practice with No. 36 grenades and use of smoke and rockets.
02-10-18	MAROEUIL & CAMP [ETRUN]	Range at LA MAROEUIL. Lewis guns fired in afternoon under Lt. Capper. Inter-platoon football
03-10-18	MAROEUIL & CAMP [ETRUN]	Strength; 41 off, 87 O.R.
04-10-18	MAROEUIL & CAMP [ETRUN]	CARENCY - MT. ST ELOI training area [N of ETRUN]
05-10-18	MAROEUIL & CAMP [ETRUN]	German bombing plane brought down in flames in neighbourhood
06-10-18 to 06-10-18	MAROEUIL & CAMP [ETRUN]	Training
07-10-18	[Thomas at St Pol]	[ Thomas admitted to hospital at Le ? , mild dysentery (Burnt Records)]
08-10-18	MAROEUIL & CAMP [ETRUN]	By bus to VILLERS LES CAGNICOURT via ARRAS [between ARRAS & CAMBRAI]
09-10-18	VILLERS LES CAGNICOURT	Marched along ARRAS – CAMBRAI ROAD to map ref: X24d just E of MARQUION. Division still remained as army reserve, relief of Canadians was postponed. Follow up Canadian Division [Canadian 3^rd and 4^th were active in this area] . The 49^th Division being lent temporarily to the Canadians. Left MARQUION for CAMBRAI. Billeted at (?) ST ROCH, N of CAMBRAI Blankets after being distributed were collected and packed three times within 3 hours in accordance with Brigade orders & 2 counter-orders. Finally the G.S. wagon had to take them back to RAILLENCOURT [E of CAMBRAI]
10-10-18	ST ROCH, Nr. CAMBRAI	Germans had withdrawn 36h previously from CAMBRAI. Civilians had been removed and houses ransacked by the “Bosche”. Centre of town had been blown up and houses booby trapped.
11-10-18	ST ROCH, Nr. CAMBRAI	Advanced from ST ROCH at 12.10 along CAMBRAI – NAVES ROAD to map ref: sheet 51A, T21d (1:40000) high ground W of NAVES. Bivouacked for the night. Bad weather. Strength: 43 off 885 O.R.
12-10-18	W of NAVES	At 11.20am* orders to advance. Dinners hurried. Advanced through NAVES to high ground* [a part of the Diary for the 12th was not transcribed at the PRO. From a photograph it continues as follows] Coys were spaced on hillside in artillery formation of platoon where they rested for the night during which it rained heavily. Preliminary order for Bde attack on enemy holding line O22a to 29a. C.O. took Coy cmdrs forward to reconnoitre the ground fao an advance. Whilst riding down the valley they were suddenly fired on by the enemy M.G. at 1000yds range from the direction of AVESNES LE SEC which had been captured by 146^th Infantry Bde. C.O. returned from conference at Bde HQ about midnight and issued his operational orders to coy cmdrs as follows. 1) Enemy Information: May be opposition on ridge N of LA SELLE river. He is holding high ground E of LA SELLE. Ground as far as the river should be cleared by 146^th Bde. 2) Flanks: to immediate right1/5^th York and Lancaster Regt; 1/4^th KOYLI in reserve. Left is the 1/5^th Seaforth Highlanders (51^st Division) 3) Intention : To cross LA SELLE river and occupy high ground East of the [blank] (Sheet 51A SW -1:50000) 4) Boundaries: [not clear] 5) [not clear] 6) Artillery: Damage on railway and road E of LA SELLE till zero + 30, then heavy (?) and(?) fire on various points e.g. sunken road. 1 forward section (?) 7) Disposition of Coys: B Coy from Northern Division boundary to map ref: P2d0.5 (incl) C Coy start in line with B but turn off when across the river to mop up the village of HASPRES . 51^st Division supply inter looking post at SE corner of LE GRAND BOIS. D Coy to follow C but to leave village at right, objectives being from chapel at map ref: P2d0.5 to P8 central. C Coy final objective P8 central to P8d60.30 A Coy in support with Batn HQ. Batn HQ will advance along right boundary of batn front. Leading coy move off at 0605h.* Zero 0900h* *8) SAA etc.* Fighting order as laid down . Greatcoats on backs, haversack at left side. Each coy takes 7 Lewis guns – take off 8 boxes to (?)(?). 2 boxes SAA + 2 boxes grenades
13-10-18	Near AVESNES LE SEC	About 0500h all details of the attack were explained to platoon cmdrs and the Coys. Men had had little sleep owing to the cold and wet . Good breakfasts were ready at 0545h. Coys were ready to move off at 0645h. Batn advanced in artillery formation with scouts ahead. Lewis Gun [teams] went with Coys as far as AVESNES LE SEC railway, (?) the station of which SAA (?) was formed under R.S.M. About 0845h B & C Coys crossed the crest of the high ground about (map ref)D23a1.3 , then they immediately came under heavy machine gun fire. An artillery barrage did not begin until 0900h and then came down on road E of LA SELLE, then leaving a distance of about a mile between front line and barrage. This (?) was full of machine guns, esp. on flanks. 51^st Division was not able to advance and occupy the high ground so that we were badly (?) by M.G. fire from the left flank. According to orders we should not have encountered any opposition on west side of LA SELLE [river], the 146^th Brigade having been told to clear ground as far as the river. B & C Coys advanced within a short distance of the river but suffered so heavily they could not hold the ground. D Coy following C met the same fate. A Coy was sent up to reinforce front line but were unable to advance to the river on account of such strong (?) fire. The Bosch launched a counter-attack against B & C Coy but was successfully driven off. About 1430h the remnants of each coy dug in holding the crest of the hill. Casualties estimated: A 40 O.R., B 85 O.R., C 100 O.R., D 100 O.R. All coy and platoon cmdrs were hit within an hour of zero. Batn was relieved by 2 coys 1/4 th KOYLI about 2100h and went into support at 32A4.5. [ see the report of the Batn Commander for another account]
14-10-18 to 31-10-18	At CAMP [ to get records]

*NOV 1918*

01-11-18	HAULCHIN (near VALENCIENNES )	The Battalion left HAULCHIN at 1200h and proceeded by march route to NAING via TRIANT, where the Battalion had tea in sunken road (map re: J24d, sheet 51a NE). At 1445h the Battalion moved to assembly positions west of FAMARS. At 1630h instructions were received to proceed with the relief of the 147^th Brigade in accordance with orders already given. On reaching FAMARS a verbal message was received from Brigade HQ instructing the Battalion to “standfast”. The Batn then assembled in the aerodrome situated in FAMARS at approximately J14b. At 2330h orders were received to relieve the 1/5^th West Yorks (146^th Inf. Bde) and to carry out an action the following morning, zero being 0330h. In accordance with these instructions the Batn proceeded via FAMARS crossroads N16c05.70 alongside west side of river RHONDELLE northwards for 300yds, crossed over improvised bridge and along sunken road north west of AULNOY , and sunken track through E28d and b, E29a, to a position about E23c. A line of posts were taken up from E22d80.80 to E23c99.20. A Coy on north side of sunken road, D Coy on south side, each Coy with 2 platoons in front line and 1 platoon in support line 200yds behind the front line. C Coy in reserve about E26d10.20. Batn HQ at K4a85.48. The night was spent improving posts.
02-11-18	Near FAMARS	Instructions were received at 0230h canceling attack previously ordered for 0530h. Patrols were sent out at 0500h and found railway occupied by enemy machine guns. Patrols again went out at 1000h and brought in 20 prisoners from house at E23c40.40 without meeting any resistance. These prisoners reported BARLEY clear and enemy retiring in a north-easterly direction, also stating that they had been previously sending machine guns along Railway (?) In accordance with instructions received from Bde HQ A and D Coys were ordered to advance at 1300h and establish a line of posts north east of steelworks at least260 yds in front of the RED LINE. The enemy opened out a heavy barrage of H.E. on these Coys as they (?) to move forward. They also encountered fairly heavy machine gun fire from the village of LA VILLETE . A considerable amount of resistance was met with from the enemy posts at (map ref: E23d10.90). The garrison of this post was either killed or taken prisoner and 1 light machine gun captured. Both coys achieved their objectives at 1530h. CONSOLIDATION - A line of posts was established from E17c2.4 - E23(?)10.80 – N23h30.00, the left coy of 1/4^th KOYLI being (?) yds on our right on Railway bank. On our left the Canadians right-hand post was at E17c40.95. Two small posts were thrown out, 1 at E17c15.15 and the other to keeping touch with the front line, 1 in support at E23c90.60 and at E23b30.60 respectively. Positions were subjected to intermittent shelling during the day and rather more during the night especially along railway embankment and sunken road at E23a&c.
03-11-18	Near FAMARS	In accordance with instructions received from Brigade HQ the leading companies were informed that the Canadians would probably advance at dawn in an easterly direction. A Coy on the left was ordered to keep in close touch with them and move forward when they advanced conforming with their line. D Coy was instructed to conform with A Coy and keep the left company commander of the 1/4^th KOYLI informed as to any change in this situation. Information was received from Canadians at 0330h that a counter –attack was expected and that they had orders to “stand-to”. Later information was received that the Canadians had moved forward and orders were given to send out patrols to confirm this and to conform with their movements. The 1/4^th KOYLI were advised of this. This information to be reported as correct the Battalion advanced at 1100h approximately meeting no resistance. At 1130h our front line ran from cross-roads F19a6 (exclusive) to cross-roads E24d central (exclusive), and we were in touch with the Canadians on our left (th54th Batn ,11^th Bde) and the 1/4^th KOYLI on the right where the Batn stayed until night when it was withdrawn to billets at HAULCHIN. There was intermittent shelling on new positions while the above operations were being carried out by front line companies, C Coy who had been in support at E28d10.20, moved forward to position vacated by D Coy in E29b. *OBSERVATIONS:* The following observations on the recent operations were made by the officers commanding the leading companies of this Batn. 1. BARRAGE In the attack on the steel works on November 2^nd the barrage was very weak and the speed too slow considering the good state of the ground over which the troops made advance. 2. FORMATIONS DURING THE ADVANCE The formation adopted was found to be satisfactory in every way. Although the men had to commence the advance under very heavy H.E. barrage, the formation was maintained very well, and the platoon commanders found no difficulty in controlling and maneuvering their sections. It is felt however that platoon commanders require more practice in controlling sections especially in turning movements, as there is still too much tendency for sections to bunch under these conditions. 10-11-18 Lt Col Cmding 1/4^th York and Lancaster Regt
04-11-18 to 05-11-18		[missing from my records]
06-11-18	[ETAPLES]	[Thomas joined 7 I.B Depot at Etaples (Burt Records)]
08-11-18	LE FOREST	Strength: 27 off, 500 O.R.
09-11-18 to 12-11-18	LE FOREST	Resting and training [11^th Thomas awarded 5 days F.P. No.2 (Burnt Records)]
13-11-18	Le Forest	[Thomas rejoined Battalion – (Burnt Records)]
14-11-18	LE FOREST	Draft of 114 O.R. arrived
15-11-18	LE FOREST	Strength 27 off. 615 O.R. Coys organised in 3 platoons.
16-11-18 to 21-11-18	LE FOREST	Training [Thomas left France on leave on 18-11-18 . (Burnt Records)]
22-11-18	RAIMBEAUCOURT	Strength: 37 off/ 642 O.R.. 70 men on leave
29-12-18	RAIMBEAUCOURT	Strength: 39 off, 774 O.R. 90 men on leave
DEC 1918

04-12-18	RAIMBEAUCOURT	[Thomas returned to France from leave in England (Burnt Records)] Strength: 40 off, 774 O.R.

MAR 1919

03-03-19		[Thomas leaves France for home, Disembodied 02-04-1919 at Clipstone, Yorks , (Burnt records)]

SUMMARY OF FRONT LINE ACTIVITY OF THOMAS WALLBANK , 26-09-1916 to 13-11-1918

Date	PLACE	ACTIONS & OPERATIONAL ORDERS

03-11-1916 to 06-11-1916	HEBUERNE	Front line trenches. Operational Order 32, 2^nd Nov. A Coy raid on enemy trenches on 6/7^th Nov., Operational Orders 32
18-11-1916 to 22-11-1916	SERRE	Front line trenches, Operational Order 36, 17^th Nov.
08-10-1917 to 10-10-1917	PASSCHENDAELE Marsh Bottom	Attached to II ANZAC Corps. Marsh Bottom. Operational Order . 5 officers and 90 O.R. killed or missing. 5 officers and 199 O.R. wounded. [casualties = 30% of battalion strength]. Relieved by New Zealanders.
19-10-1917 to 22-10-1917	PASSCHENDAELE Waterfields	Attached to II ANZAC Corps. Consolidating positions. Buried large no. of 66^th Division and Australians. Relieved by 5^th Canadian Inf.
27-11-1917 to 30-11-1917	Map ref: J3a, Sheet 28 GARTER POINT, near Ypres	Right Support battalion. HQ at Garter Point.
2-12-1917 to 5-12-1917	Front line near Jabber track.	Holding front line trenches. Botched patrol on 04-12-16 lost a Lewis Gun.
11-12-1917 to 17-12-1917	ZONNEBEKE, Broodseinde Ridge.Map ref: D29b25.00	Enemy patrolwas encountered . Some aerial activity
18-12-1917	GARTER POINT S.W. ZONNEBEKE	Wiring of Broodseinde Ridge behind front line. Map ref: D29a
04-01-1918 to 10-01-1918	N. of BROODSEINDE Map ref: D16d75.50	Front line posts. Relieved by 2/5^th East Lancashire Regt.
02-03-1918 to 10-03-1918	N.E. BECLAERE Judge Sub-sector Map ref: J11b90.05 –J6c25.35	Relieved 1/6^th Duke of Wellington’s Regt. Held front line between map references left with two coys, one in support and one in reserve.. HQ at J4c20.40. Quiet, few casualties Relieved by 1/6^th Duke of Wellington’s Regt., 147 Bde,
18-03-1918 to 26-03-1918	Judge Sub-sector	Relieved 1/6^th Duke of Wellington’s, Frequently shelled with gas. Raid on German post at J12a40.35. [see Operational Orders]. Relieved by 1/6^th Duke of Wellington’s Regt.
28-03-1918 to 01-04-1918	TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR Map ref:J20d3.7	Relieved 4^th Middlesex Regt.. Quiet, little activity. Relieved by 1/7^th West Yorks Regt.
06-04-1918 to 08-04-1918	TOWER HAMLETS SECTOR Map ref:J20d3.7	Relieved 1/7^th West Yorks Regt. Quiet , little activity. Relievied by 5^th York & Lancaster Regt.
11-04-1918 to 15-04-1918	NEUVE EGLISE	The Tactical Incident: “The Defence of Neuve Eglise”
16-04-1918 to 20-04-1918	KEMMEL , 1^st Battle Map ref: M34a	Rapid movements and defensive action around Kemmel, eventually holding at Cheapside .
26-04-1918 to 30-04-1918	KEMMEL , 2^nd Battle	Holding of Cheapside Ridge. Relieved by 9^th Royal North Lancashire Regt. From 5^th April to 19^th April , battalion lost 21 officers (50%) and 376 O.Rs (38%)
02-05-1918 to 04-05-1918	CHEAPSIDE , Kemmel Blue Line. Map ref: N10d-N15d	Relieved by the 143^rd French Inf Batn.
02-06-1918 to 11-06-1918	YPRES , ST JANTER BIEZEN	Relieved by 1/7^th West Yorks Regt.
20-06-1918 to 29-06-1918	YPRES , Blue Line Map ref I15- I16-I21 area	See WD for precise troop dispositions. Operation at HILL 40, Zillebeke Road 28^th June
01-07-1918 to 06-07-1918		Working on rear defences, presumably near Hill 40. Relieved by 1/7^th West Yorks Regt.
15-07-1918 to 22-07-1918	VERMOUTH VILLA Map ref: I8d1.5	Relieved 1/4^th Duke of Wellington ’s Regt. Relieved by Americans, went to GREEN LINE. 10 O.R. killed by aeroplane bomb while in GREEN LINE
25-07-1918 to 31-07-1918	VERMOUTH VILLA	Relieved Americans. Relieved by 1/6^th West Yorkshire Regt.
17-08-1918 to 19-08-1918	Map ref: Id14.5, Sheet 28	Relieved 1/4^th K.O.Y.L.I.
13-09-1918 to 18-09-1918	ROCLINCOURT	Relieved Black Watch. Gas attacks. Relieved by 1/5^th York & Lancaster Regt.

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WAL(L)BANK(s) one-name study

Place

Summary of Events and Information

MAR 1918

DEC 1918

04-12-18

MAR 1919

03-03-19

SUMMARY OF FRONT LINE ACTIVITY OF THOMAS WALLBANK , 26-09-1916 to 13-11-1918