Place |
Date |
Hour |
Summary of Events and Information |
BEDFORD |
1915-02-19 |
|
Battalion left BEDFORD in three trains between 5:45am,
7:10am and 9:45am arrived at Southampton and embarked on
transport Archimedes sailed at 7pm |
HAVRE |
1915-02-20 |
|
Landed at HAVRE 12 noon, marched to No2 Rest Camp
were completed with clothing and necessaries |
|
1915-02-21 |
|
In rest camp |
|
1915-02-22 |
|
Marched from rest camp at 4am, entrained and started
at 9:30m |
BAILLEUL |
1915-02-23 |
|
Arrived at BAILLEUL at 10am detrained and billeted
in the GRAPPARIES |
|
1915-02-24 |
|
Still in the GRAPPERIES |
|
1915-02-25 |
|
Still in the GRAPPERIES |
|
1915-02-26 |
|
Still in the GRAPPERIES |
LA CLYTTE |
1915-02-27 |
|
Marched out of BALLIEUL to LA CLYTTE joined 8th
Inf Bde
3rd Division 2nd Army Corps.
Billeted in Huts |
|
1915-02-28 |
|
Still at La Clytte |
|
MARCH |
|
|
|
1915-03-01 |
|
Still at La Clytte |
|
1915-03-02 |
|
A Coy went into trenches with the 4th Middlesex
Regt for 4 days of instruction, Platoon to each Coy |
|
1915-03-04 |
|
B Coy went into trenches with the 1st Gordon
Highlanders |
|
1915-03-06 |
|
C Coy went into trenches with the 2nd Royal
Scots & 1 MG section to 1st Gordon Highlanders
1 man of which was severely wounded by shell. |
|
1915-03-08 |
|
D Coy went into trenches with 2nd Suffolk Regiment.
1 man killed and 2 wounded of B Coy while in reserve from
bursting outside (?) 1 signaller
wounded with Royal Scots died in Hospital on the 9th |
|
1915-03-09 |
|
1 man wounded with the 2nd Suffolks and 1 man wounded with 2nd Royal Scots |
|
1915-03-10 |
|
A Coy went into trenches with 4th Middlesex
Regt. Given L5 to hold by themselves with ½ Company |
|
1915-03-11 |
|
Batt
still in huts. D Coy in trenches. 1 man killed |
|
1915-03-12 |
|
B Coy went into trenches with 1st Gordon
Highlanders. 2 men wounded |
|
1915-03-13 |
|
Officers of C Coy reconnoitered G3 &4 Trenches.
B Coy with 1st Gordons
1 man wounded |
|
1915-03-14 |
|
Ordered to take over trenches G3 & 4 and H1 with
2 Coys remainder to take up billets
in LOCRE. C & D Coys paraded
for trenches but whole move cancelled on account of German
attack on St ELROI [D Coy officers
reconnoitered H.1.2.3 & 4 trenches] 1 man wounded. |
|
1915-03-15 |
|
Inspection of transport by BGC] A Coy came out of
trenches. |
|
1915-03-16 |
|
Battalion took over G3 & 4 H1, 2, 3 &4 trenches
with C and D Coys A Coy in support.
B Coy rejoined from trenches with 1st Batt.
In Reserve at ROSIGNAL. |
|
1915-03-17 |
|
Batt
holding G3 & 4 H1 2 3 & 4 trenches changed that
night to K2 A,B & C with C Coy and 2 MG. D Coy in reserve.
A & B Coy back to LA CLYTTE. 2 men wounded C Coy, 1
man killed D Coy. |
|
1915-03-18 |
|
C Coy still in trenches. D in reserve. Officers of A & B Coys reconnoitered new M trenches |
|
1915-03-19 |
|
C Coy relieved by D Coy. 2 men killed one man wounded
C Coy. A & B Coy took over new part of line. Headquarters
attached to 1st Gordons
at VIERSTRAT. B Coy in trenches 2 men killed one man wounded. |
|
1915-03-20 |
|
A & B in “N” Trenches C&D in “K”
trenches. 1 man accidentally shot. |
|
1915-03-21 |
|
A & B in “N” Trenches C&D in “K”
trenches. |
|
1915-03-22 |
|
A & B in “N” Trenches C&D in “K”
trenches. 1 man killed, one wounded. |
|
1915-03-23 |
|
A & B in “N” Trenches C&D in “K”
trenches. |
|
1915-03-24 |
|
A & B in “N” Trenches C&D relieved
in K2 trenches by the East Surreys returning to huts at
LA CLYTTE. 1 man killed. |
|
1915-03-25 |
|
B Coy relieved. A Coy in trenches. C&D in huts
at LA CLYTTE |
|
1915-03-26 |
|
A & B Coys came out
of N trenches being relieved by 1st Gordon Highlanders
and rejoined the rest of the battalion in huts |
|
1915-03-27 |
|
Battalion in huts at LA CLYTTE |
|
1915-03-28 |
|
Battalion in huts at LA CLYTTE |
|
1915-03-29 |
|
C & D Coys relieved
2 Coys of 1st Gordons
in N trenches. Also 2 trenches
from 2nd Royal Scots |
|
1915-03-30 |
|
C & D Coys in N2 and
M3 trenches |
|
1915-03-31 |
|
C & D Coys in N2 and
M3 trenches |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SP McClintock (Capt & Adj)
4th Gordon Highlanders |
|
APRIL |
|
|
LA CLYTTE |
1915-04-01 |
|
C & D Coys in N 1, 2
& 7 & MS trenches. A &B in LA CLYTTE. 1 man
killed |
|
1915-04-02 |
|
C & D Coys in N 1, 2
& 7 & MS trenches. A &B in LA CLYTTE. 1 man
wounded (died on the 10th) |
|
1915-04-03 |
|
C & D Coys in N 1, 2
& 7 & MS trenches. A &B in LA CLYTTE. 1 man
wounded (died on the 4th) |
|
1915-04-04 |
|
A & B Coys took over
K2 ABCD&E K3 & L1 from 1st East Surreys.
C & D Coys relieved by them.
1 man killed 1 man wounded. |
|
1915-04-05 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3 & L1 trenches |
|
1915-04-06 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 6 men wounded 4 by rifle grenades |
|
1915-04-07 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches |
|
1915-04-08 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches |
|
1915-04-09 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 2nd Lieut. Hopkinson slightly wounded in shoulder. 3 men wounded. |
|
1915-04-10 |
|
C& D Coys relieved A
& B Coys in K2 and 3 &
L1 trenches. A & B back to huts. 1 man killed, 1 man
wounded. |
|
1915-04-11 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches |
|
1915-04-12 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches |
|
1915-04-13 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches |
|
1915-04-14 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 2 men wounded |
|
1915-04-15 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 1 man killed, 1 wounded. |
|
1915-04-16 |
|
A & B Coys relieved
C & D Coys in K2 and 3 &
L1 trenches. C & D back to huts. 3 men wounded. |
|
1915-04-17 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 1 man wounded |
|
1915-04-18 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 2 men wounded |
|
1915-04-19 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 1 man killed, 5 wounded |
|
1915-04-20 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 2nd Lieut. Calder wounded
– left side. 1 man killed, 1 wounded. |
|
1915-04-21 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. Capt McClintock accidentally wounded
in leg falling on bayonet. Capt Wilson wounded in thumb. |
|
1915-04-22 |
|
C & D Coys relieved
A & B Coys in K2 and 3 &
L1 trenches. C & D back to huts. Lieutenant Crombie slightly wounded, 2 men killed, 1 wounded. Battle north of Ypres
began. A & B Coys ordered
to hold themselves in readiness to move at ½ hrs
notice. |
|
1915-04-23 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 1 man wounded |
|
1915-04-24 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 5 men wounded 4 with rifle grenades.
Coy in trenches ordered to hold itself in readiness to receive
a possible German attack. |
|
1915-04-25 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 1 man killed, 1 wounded. |
|
1915-04-26 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 1 man killed, 2 wounded. |
|
1915-04-27 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 3 men wounded. |
|
1915-04-28 |
|
C & D Coys in K2 &
3&L1 trenches. 1 man killed 4 wounded. A & B Coys
relieved C & D Coys in trenches |
|
1915-04-29 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3 & L1 trenches. 3 men wounded |
|
1915-04-30 |
|
A & B Coys in K2 &
3 & L1 trenches. 1 killed. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monthly Casualty totals Killed 15 W 5+44
Ian A Clarke Lt a/adj 4th
Gordon Highlanders. |
|
MAY |
|
|
LA CLYTTE |
1915-05-01 |
|
A & B Coys in trenches
K2, K2A, K2B, L1 and K3. No casualties D Coy moves to SIEGEFARM
at dark relieving Coy of 1st Gordon Highlanders
to act as Brigade reserve in trench area. |
|
1915-05-02 |
|
A & B Coys in trenches
K2, K2A, K2B, L1 and K3. |
|
1915-05-03 |
|
A & B Coys in trenches
K2, K2A, K2B, L1 and K3. . Practice in trenches in putting
on special respiratory pads to guard against asphyxiating
gases. Work on CT. de MOL – trenches
? on. No casualties. |
|
1915-05-04 |
|
A & B Coys in trenches
K2, K2A, K2B, L1 and K3. No casualties |
|
1915-05-05 |
|
C & D Coys in trenches
K2, K2A, K2B, L1 and K3. C & D relieve A & B in
trenches 1 killed 2 wounded – 1 killed, 1 wounded |
|
1915-05-06 |
|
C & D Coys in trenches
K2, K2A, K2B, L1 and K3. no casualties |
|
1915-05-07 |
|
C & D Coys in trenches
K2, K2A, K2B, L1 and K3. Heavy day of shelling – 1
killed |
|
1915-05-08 |
|
C & D Coys in trenches
K2, K2A, K2B, L1 and K3. 1 wounded – quiet day. |
|
1915-05-09 |
|
C & D Coys in trenches
K2, K2A, K2B, L1 and K3. Received orders 6:15am
to hand over trenches at right to Notts and Derby Regt. And to proceed to ROZENHILL huts.
Ordered to be ready to move at shortest possible notice.
1 man wounded. |
|
1915-05-10 |
|
Whole battalion reassembled at ROZENHILL huts by 4:30am.
Rest day- Practiced attack in the afternoon and emergency
turn out in the evening. |
|
1915-05-11 |
|
ROZENHILL huts. Practiced attack before GOC 8th
Bde. |
ZILLEBEKE |
1915-05-12 |
2:50pm
8:30pm |
ROZENHILL huts. Inspected by GOC 2nd Army
Corps
Moved with rest of Bde to
CHATEAU 1 ½ miles SW of YPRES
Moved from CHATEAU to dugouts ¾ mile WSW of
ZILLEBEKE |
|
1915-05-13 |
|
At night dug a new switch line. 12 men wounded. |
|
1915-05-14 |
|
Fatigues and guiding parties. 1 man wounded. |
ZILLBEKE |
1915-05-15 |
|
Carrying and Working parties |
|
1915-05-16 |
|
Carrying and Working parties. 2 men wounded |
|
1915-05-17 |
|
Carrying and Working parties. 1 man wounded |
|
1915-05-18 |
|
Carrying and Working parties. 5 men wounded |
|
1915-05-19 |
|
Carrying and Working parties. 2 men wounded |
|
1915-05-20 |
8:30pm |
Moved with rest of Brigade back to LA CLYTTE area.
When into huts at ROZENHIL. (B Coy billeted at farm near
LA CLYTTE huts) |
REZENHIL |
1915-05-21 |
|
Resting in huts. B Coy moved to ROZENHIL in afternoon |
|
1915-05-22 |
|
Resting in huts. |
|
1915-05-23 |
|
Resting in huts. |
|
1915-05-24 |
|
Resting in huts. 8pm A & B Coys
proceed to K and L trenches. HQ, C & D Coys
proceed to La CLYTTE huts
Above order for 24th cancelled and the
following substituted:
5pm Marched with the rest of Brigade to a point ½
mile E of VLAMERINGHE. Held as 5th Corps reserve. |
VLAMERTINGHE |
1915-05-25 |
|
Remained as 5th Corps Reserve. Got orders
to reconnoitre trenches W of HOOGE
to be taken over following night from 80th Brigade.
|
|
1915-05-26 |
|
Took over line trenches from 1) Rifle Brigade 2) Shropshire
light infantry in part 3) Kings Royal Rifles in part.
Took over HQ of KRR. A
and B Coys in firing line C&
D in reserve on EHQ line One man wounded during relief. |
|
1915-05-27 |
|
A & B Coys in firing
line, C & D in reserve trenches. Shelling fairly continuous
but no casualties. |
|
1915-05-28 |
|
A & B Coys in firing
line, C & D in reserve trenches. One man killed and
one wounded. |
|
1915-05-29 |
|
C & D Coys relieve A
& B Coys in fire trenches.
No casualties |
|
1915-05-30 |
|
C & D in fire trench. A & B in reserve trenches.
Heavy shelling of advance post. 4 killed and 13 wounded |
|
1915-05-31 |
|
Heavy shelling of fire trench. 2 killed and 3 wounded. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casualties 10 killed 35 wounded
?signature Illegible? for a/adj
4/Gordon Highlanders
|
|
JUNE |
|
|
VLAMERTINGHE |
1915-06-01 |
|
C and D Coys in fire trenches.
A and B Coys relieve C and D Coys at night. 1 killed 1 wounded. |
|
1915-06-02 |
|
A and B Coys in fire trenches,
C and D in reserve. Very heavy bombardment on HOOGE. 1st
Gordons and our trenches. Casualties
however comparatively slight with only 11 men being wounded
by shrapnel. All slight except one. Germans made two infantry
attacks at night on trenches in neighbourhood of HOOGE but both were driven back by the
Cavalry. |
|
1915-06-03 |
|
A and B Coys in fire trenches,
C and D in support. Very quiet today. 2 wounded. |
|
1915-06-04 |
|
A and B Coys in fire trenches,
C and D relieve A and B Coys at
night. Some heavy shelling in the evening. One officer wounded
(2nd Lt Simpson) |
|
1915-06-05 |
|
C and D Coys in fire trenches,
A and B in reserve. Quiet day |
|
1915-06-06 |
|
C and D Coys in fire trenches,
A and B in reserve. Quiet day. One man wounded. |
|
1915-06-07 |
|
C and D in fire trenches. A and B relieve C and D
at night. 2nd Lt Hopkinson
and 4 men wounded. |
|
1915-06-08 |
|
A and B Coys in fire trenches.
C and D in reserve. Quiet Day 2 men wounded. |
|
1915-06-09 |
|
A and B Coys in fire trenches.
C and D in reserve. Lieut. Cook, 2nd Lt McKinnon
wounded. One man killed and 6 wounded. |
|
1915-06-10 |
|
A and B Coys in fire trenches.
C and D in reserve. In the evening C & D relieve A &
B in the fire trench. No Casualties. |
|
1915-06-11 |
|
C & D Coys in the fire
trenches A & B in reserve. Quiet day. |
|
1915-06-12 |
|
C & D Coys in the fire
trenches A & B in reserve. Very quiet. |
|
1915-06-13 |
|
C & D Coys in the fire
trenches A & B in reserve. A & B relieved C &
D in the evening. Fairly heavy shelling all day. 3 men killed
and 3 men wounded in |
|
1915-06-14 |
|
A & B Coys in the fire
trenches C & D in reserve. During the day and night
the wire entanglements of the enemy’s front trenches
were carefully inspected. At night the wire in front of
our own trenches was cut sufficiently to allow easy exit.
Orders received from 8th Brigadier attack by
3rd Division on the 18th.
This order subsequently cancelled. During the day
and especially at nightfall the Germans shelled the roads
heavily. No casualties. |
|
1915-06-15 |
|
A & B Coys in the fire
trenches C & D in reserve. In
the evening D Coy occupied a support trench. The 7th
and 9th Brigades occupied assembly trenches.
A quiet day of preparation. One man wounded. |
VALMERTINGHE |
1915-06-16 |
2 am
3am
4am
7-10am
10am
11am
12noon
1pm
2pm
3pm
4pm
5pm
6pm
7pm
8pm
9pm
10pm to 12 midnight |
Dawn broke on a very quiet morning. There was considerable
mist.
The artillery bombardment commenced on Y wood at 2:50am.
The ranging was very accurate. The
bombardment almost ceased for 15 minutes between 3:30 and
3:45 then it commenced again. The mist had to some extent
cleared but was still thick in the hollows.
This combined with the great smoke made observation
difficult.
Bombardment heavier and fairly accurate. It ceased
at 4:15am. The 7th
Brigade then advanced to attack. They
had little difficulty capturing the first line of German
trenches then very little could be seen of the advance.
Fairly quiet. Germans were firing a few shells –
mostly shrapnel.
Verbal orders from Brigadier General afterwards confirmed,
to send a company to Y wood with shovels. They were to occupy a portion of German trenches captured
in the morning. At 10:30 D Coy advanced to K wood undergoing
heavy shelling from shrapnel. No room could be found in
Y Wood all the trenches being occupied and more men coming
pouring back being driven back by German bombs.
Shrapnel and machine gun fire in Y wood
D Coy dig themselves in,
in Y wood having failed to discover any trench unoccupied
by out men or any means of working. There was considerable
confusion and no orders could be got of any sort.
Severe bombardment of Y wood lasting for ¾
of an hour. The shelling continued during the afternoon
and evening. All trenches were severely shelled
Shelling slackens slightly. Message received from
Brigade that 42nd Brigade would attack and attain
original objective. This to
be started later.
42nd Brigade arrive in our front line trenches
but unable to advance further because of heavy German shellfire.
They also suffered from German GAS shells. The Battalion
crowded into our fire trench.
Trenches in Y Wood visited with a view to moving two
companies there to support D Coy. These
trenches were found however to be very much congested with
42 Brigade and no move was made.
German shelling very fierce for 1 hr especially at
Y wood. 42 Brigade withdrew to Ypres
Shelling slackens considerable. Fair number of “GAS”
shells
Only occasional German shells.
Quiet
A few shrapnel and gas shells falling
Collection of wounded. Received orders that the Batt was to go with the Brigade reserve at GHQ line. D Coy
relieved in Y Wood at midnight. Casualties: Major G A Smith,
Lieut. DSP Douglas, Lieut. J A
Clarke and 2/Lt D Pratt all wounded. 7 men killed, 46 wounded 1 missing. |
|
1915-06-17 |
|
Whole battalion in GHQ line in reserve. The Germans
shelled the communications trench for the first time. 3
killed 5 wounded. |
|
1915-06-18 |
|
A and D Coys in GHQ line
sent south of MENIN ROAD, B Coy North of road C Coy in Support
Trench 23. C Coy to go to Y Wood to bury dead.
Quiet day no casualties. |
|
1915-06-19 |
|
Battalion duties as for the 18th. Some
shelling during the day. Were relieved by KRR about 9:30pm
and marched back to bivouacs behind VLAMERTINGHE. 1 man
killed 5 (?) wounded. |
|
1915-06-20 |
|
At rest in bivouacs. 1 man accidentally wounded. |
|
1915-06-21 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-06-22 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-06-23 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-06-24 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-06-25 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-06-26 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-06-27 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK Orders that the
Batt move to the trenches night of 28th 29th
Trench reconnoitered then move cancelled |
|
1915-06-28 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-06-29 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-6-30 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
|
|
James Watson a/Adj 4th
Bn Gordon Highlanders
|
|
JULY |
|
|
VLAMERTINGHE |
1915-7-01 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-02 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-03 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK Draft of 71 men
from 2/4 Gordons |
|
1915-7-04 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-05 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-06 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-07 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-08 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-09 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-10 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-11 |
|
Resting in bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-12 |
|
Brigade relieved 7th Brigade in trenches
at HOOGE. Bn remains at BRANDHOEK
until further orders. |
|
1915-7-13 |
|
In bivouacs near BRANDHOEK. Practices emergency move – alarm given at 9:43pm.
Turned out ready for trenches with transport in 55 minutes |
|
1915-7-14 |
|
In bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-15 |
|
In bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-16 |
|
In bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-17 |
|
In bivouacs near BRANDHOEK |
HOOGE |
1915-7-18 |
|
Batt
went to trenches C1 and C2 in SANCTUARY WOOD relieving the
2nd Royal Scots. 2 wounded |
|
1915-7-19 |
10am
7pm
8pm
9pm
9:30pm
11pm |
Operational Orders regarding mine explosion at HOOGE
received at 10am Batt ordered
to assist by fire from trenches. During
afternoon some shelling by guns
and large trench mortar.
Mine successfully exploded. Artillery bombardment
for 20 mins by our guns. German
artillery replied immediately and considerable volume.
German artillery very active for about an hour
German artillery fire much slacker
Orders received to send on Coy to report to OC 4th
Middlesex Regt at ISLAND POINT. A Coy started from dugouts
at 10:50pm along with 8 bombers who reinforced 4th
Middlesex in the mine crater
Much quieter. Casualties 4 killed and 13 wounded including
2nd Lt J Ratt wounded. |
|
1915-7-20 |
1am
3am
4am
8pm
11:30pm |
Orders received to send all available bombs to OC
4th Middlesex Regt
Orders received to all bombers to report to 4th
Middlesex at ISLAND POST One officer and 12 bombers left
at 4:20am
A Coy returned leaving 8 bombers under Sgt Allardyce in communication trenches forward from crater.
During the day Germans shelled us heavily and with
increased force from 6-8pm
Orders received as to disposition in case of German
counter-attack. 2nd Suffolks came in from
reserve.
During evening our bombers were employed in German
trenches forward of crater
German shellfire ceased. Casualties 3 killed 18 wounded. |
|
1915-7-21 |
|
Fairly quiet day – a few German shells and Trench
Mortar bombs. Bombing squad
relieved by fresh squad at about 5pm. Casualties 1 killed. |
|
1915-7-22 |
|
Very quiet day. Bombers returned from crater at 3:30pm.
Casualties 2 killed 1 wounded. Batt
relieved at night by KRR returning to bivouac at BRANDHOEK |
|
1915-7-23 |
|
In bivouac at BRANDHOEK orders received to take over
trenches 31 and 32 from 14th Brigade on night
of 24th |
BRANDHOEK |
1915-7-24 |
|
Batt
relieved 1st DCLI in trenches 31 and 32 in wood
100yds SW of Hill 60. A and B Coys
in fire trenches 2 Suffolks, C and D coys in reserve
2 Dug outs |
|
1915-7-25 |
|
Day passed quietly |
|
1915-7-26 |
|
Day quiet except for 1 hours shelling with shrapnel
from 7:30 to 8:30 pm |
|
1915-7-27 |
|
Quiet day. Batt relieved
by 2nd Royal Scots who entered the line from
our left. |
|
1915-7-28 |
|
Returned to bivouacs about 1 mile W of DICKEBUSCH |
|
1915-7-29 |
|
In bivouacs C and D Coys
digging fatigue cutting trench for telephone wire from 1st
BN HQ to batteries in rear |
|
1915-7-30 |
|
In Bivouacs. A and B Coys
on same digging fatigue 1 man wounded |
|
1915-7-31 |
|
In bivouacs |
|
|
|
SPMcClintock actAdj 4th Gordon Highlanders TF
|
|
AUGUST |
|
|
DICKIEBUSCHE |
1915-08-01 |
|
In bivouack one mile N of
DICKIEBUSCHE |
|
1915-08-02 |
|
In bivouack, C & D Coys on digging fatigue during day digging trench for telephone
wire. 4 men wounded by shrapnel. 1 man sick. Lieut
RA Hughes M.O. sick |
|
1915-08-03 |
|
Battalion took over ½ 28, 29, 30 & 31 support
trenches from 1st Gordon Highlanders. Capt Jenkins
in command of Battalion. Major Lyon on leave. Capt Adj
McClintock sick. Trenches left of YPRES-COMMINES Canal. 3 men sick and 2nd Lt C R Brander. |
|
1915-08-04 |
|
Battalion in trenches 4 men sick |
|
1915-08-05 |
|
Battalion in trenches 1 man killed, one man accidentally
wounded, 1 man sick |
|
1915-08-06 |
|
Battalion in trenches 1 man wounded, Draft of 72 men
arrived at bivouack |
|
1915-08-07 |
|
Battalion in trenches 1 man wounded 1 man accidentally
wounded, 1 man sick |
|
1915-08-08 |
|
Battalion in trenches. Major Lyon returned from leave and took over command
that night. Two men wounded one man sick |
|
1915-08-09 |
|
Battalion in trenches. As 6th Division
were attacking at HOOGE. Battalion was ordered to try and
create a diversion by grenade and rifle fire.
Trenches were shelled intermittently by enemy. 1
man killed, 2 wounded. |
|
1915-08-10 |
|
Battalion in trenches. Some shelling by enemy of our trenches by high explosive
and shrapnel.2 Lt Rose FA killed. 2 men killed 6 wounded.
Battalion relieved by 1st Gordon Highlanders.
D Coy left at Bedford House as Brigade Reserve |
|
1915-08-11 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
Capt J H Begg sick. |
|
1915-08-12 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
1 man sick |
|
1915-08-13 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
3 men sick |
|
1915-08-14 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
A & B Coys working at fortified
farm at point Sheet 28 H 16 D 22 |
|
1915-08-15 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
2 men sick |
|
1915-08-16 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE. |
|
1915-08-17 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
2 men sick |
|
1915-08-18 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
3 men sick |
|
1915-08-19 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
3 men sick |
|
1915-08-20 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
1 man sick |
|
1915-08-21 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
2 men sick |
|
1915-08-22 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
|
|
1915-08-23 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
Draft of 59 men arrived |
|
1915-08-24 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
B & C Coys on wood collecting fatigue in YPRES. 1 man killed |
|
1915-08-25 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
A & D Coys digging telephone
cable in rear ZILLEBEKE LAKE 1 man sick |
|
1915-08-26 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
A, B & C Coys working at fortified
farm at 28
H D 11. 1 man sick. |
|
1915-08-27 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
1 man sick |
|
1915-08-28 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
Brigade Sports. 1 man sick |
|
1915-08-29 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
1 man sick |
|
1915-08-30 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE.
1 man sick |
|
1915-08-31 |
|
Battalion in rest billets one mile N. of DICKIEBUSCHE. |
|
|
|
SR McClintock Capt Adj
4th Gordon Highlanders
|
|
SEPTEMBER |
|
|
1 mile east of OUDERDOM |
1915-09-01 |
|
Still in rest billets. Party of 5 officers and 150
men on digging fatigue at night at moated
Grange (?) at z16 c.5.8. N of ZILLIBEKE lake.
New drums received for battalion having brought out
none. |
¾ mile east of OUDERDOM |
1915-9-02 |
|
Battalion changed rest billets to field on main OUDERDOM-VLAMERINGGHE
road. 12 huts for men 6 for officers. Rest of Battalion
in bivouac. Remainder of brigade quite near, some in huts
some in bivouacs. Very wet night.
Lt Coutts (?) evacuated sick & 5 men |
|
1915-09-03 |
|
Still in same hutments. Still wet. (2 men sick) |
|
1915-09-04 |
|
Still in same hutments. Still wet |
|
1915-09-05 |
|
Still in same hutments. Still wet |
|
1915-09-06 |
|
Still in same hutments. Base(?) digging fatigue plus
1 officer and 50 men digging trench on ZILLIBEKE SWITCH |
|
1915-09-07 |
|
Still in same hutments. 1 man sick. C.Sgt Major Low commissioned while on leave (gazetted? arrived?) today. |
|
1915-09-08 |
|
Still in same hutments. During last 10 days all officers went 2 or 3 at a time
and visited the trenches at HOOGHE and SANCTUARY WOOD reconnoitering
the front and enemy’s trenches as we are informed
that brigade is to make an attack shortly. During the same
period our artillery of all sorts have been bombarding the
enemy’s trenches at intervals and keeping up intermittent
fire day & night. |
|
1915-09-09 |
|
Still in same hutments. Same digging fatigue as on
the 6th. 4 men sick. |
|
1915-9-10 |
|
Still in same hutments. Lt Waddell and 49 men went
up to SANCTUARY WOOD and built 6 dugouts for
? and ? and bombstores
etc in view of attack. Attack ?? . Bn. warned for the Trenches on the 12th |
|
1915-09-11 |
|
Still in same hutments. |
|
1915-09-12 |
|
Still in same hutments. Batt. paraded at 5:45 to march to trenches B8 and C1 in SANCTUARY
WOOD. 2 occupied trenches C1
and C15 |
SANCTUARY WOOD |
1915-09-12 |
cont |
.1/2 BB B.8.S.G?R 2RS relieving
1st Lincolnshire Regiment. Weather very fine
(1 man sick) |
|
1915-09-13 |
|
Quiet day. Our artillery bombarded enemy’s trenches
from 10:30-11:15am C1 had to be cleared during this. Throughout the day various batteries registered various
points in enemy’s trenches on our front. Enemy’s
guns in early morning and afternoon very active but not
against trenches held by the battalion. Weather fine. |
|
1915-09-14 |
|
Fine day. Guns bombarded enemy’s trenches with
400 rounds of H.E. Field Guns. Also 8 inch and 6 inch registered
(one man wounded). Lt J.D. Knott(?) wounded in right forearm when approaching point
A 95 N at night with a party to hold this point. Germans
were already there and opened fire. They retired afterwards
and we occupied this post. One man employed with advance
(?) Coy. Wounded. |
|
1915-09-15 |
|
Fine day. Our guns as usual active against the German
trenches. Battalion working
very hard every day reconstructing our old front line C2
and C1 also making CTs Dugouts, bombstores etc in preparation for the attack. |
|
1915-09-16 |
|
Fine day. Our guns as usual active throughout the
day but particularly during the afternoon. Enemy retaliated
about 4pm giving about 100 whizzbangs
into our area but as out frontline trenches were cleared
did little damage wounding slightly 2 men.
During this tour in the trenches Sgt Forbes did very
useful work in crawling out in front of our trenches and
reporting on wire, enemy’s lines and all kinds of
useful information. At times
he crawled in daylight to within 10 yards of the German
trenches. |
|
1915-09-17 |
|
Fine day. Usual activity by our guns. Q95 occupied by day as well as night. This was the first
time this was held by day since our troops had been driven
out about 5 weeks ago. Germans
at various times during the day and night tried to get up
to it along their communication trench but always retired
as soon as fired at or on throwing 2 or 3 bombs.
Two Germans were shot while trying to come up CT. |
|
1915-09-18 |
|
Fine Day. Heavy bombardment by us at 5:30pm on N.
of Menin Road for about an hour.
Enemy retaliated but not on our trenches. Our guns bombarded
? and ? in afternoon about 2pm enemy
retaliated only some whizzbangs
came over our trenches, our front line trenches were cleared. Relieved by 1st Lincs Regt. But our usual working parties worked up to 12
midnight so as not to lose a day. Battalion
marched back to rest billets about ½ a mile East
of OUDERDOM. 2 men wounded while crossing our dump? Leaving trenches (2 men sick) |
Barrack ¾ mile East of OUDERDOM |
1915-09-19 |
|
In rest billets. Sgt Forbes and 6 snipers left out
in Trench area to report on condition of enemy trenches
and wire etc and any changes or additions made. Fine |
|
1915-09-20 |
|
In rest billets. Fine. (1 man sick) |
|
1915-09-21 |
|
In rest billets. Sent up some pioneers at night to
trenches to make dugouts for HQ, water cans water tank with
material for same. Very good
reports received daily from Sgt Forbes. 2 men sick |
|
1915-09-22 |
|
In rest bivouac. Field Marshall Lord Kitchener inspected
4th GH , 1st
GH and 2nd R. Scots. Addressed
troops afterwards and said that 8th Brigade had
done excellent work so far and he was sure they would the
same in the events which were to take place in the next
few days. Bn Warned for trenches
tomorrow night. Fine. 3 men sick. |
|
1915-09-23 |
|
Battalion left for trenches, strength marching out
27 officers and 614 other ranks. Took
over trenches C1 B8 C15 B8.5 CIR & r51 all in SANCTUARY WOOD from 1st Lincoln Regt. |
SANCTUARY WOOD |
1915-09-24 |
|
In trenches in SANCTUARY WOOD busy getting everything
ready for attack. Copy of operation
orders attached. |
|
1915-09-25 |
1:30am
3:50am
4:05am
4:10am
4:18am
4:20am
4:50am
4:50-12:00noon
5am – 5:30
About
11-12 noon
1pm
1:30-2 pm
9pm
|
A small ration of coffee distributed in Dixies
to men; immediately afterwards all ranks moved into assembly
positions, everyone in correct positions by 3:40am
Our bombardment commenced. Almost at once Germans
started bombarding our trenches, mostly with (?) causing some casualties mostly in CI 5 and Half Moon
Street
Our bombardment lifted off German front line trenches
½ of B Coy crawled forward to German line
½ of D Coy and ½ of C Coy advanced and
the other half advanced from our second line trenches.
Our 1st and 2nd line got into
German trenches with little loss. Found many Germans in
it most of whom bolted.
3rd line advanced over this trench and
along with second line, advanced to objective. Certain amount
of confusion. Germans met with in considerable numbers in
the open and in the trenches and a good bit of rifle fire
and hand to hand fighting but all were soon captured, killed
or escaped.
Reports gradually got back saying the objective had
been gained.
At the same time 1 off and 9 RE attached and 25 Battalion
pioneers under Lt Waddell started to work on CT from Appendix to
German line, but after a short time had to stop owing to
heavy fire from artillery several of the pioneers being
killed. They went forward to help consolidate the furthest line
taken by us.
Germans started heavy bombardment of captured trenches
in redoubt, reports came back telling of this and asking
for shovels and sandbags to strengthen trenches.
Some were sent up but did not arrive owing to shelling.
It was almost impossible to get up bombs etc to the
furthest line held by us as the German CTs
were blocked by shell fire and anyone coming out into the
open was fired at by rifle and machine gun fire coming from
North of the MENIN ROAD.
Reports came back from Capt Hopkinson
that he was at point J.13. A 6 and that a field gun had
been captured there. Sgt Forbes was killed at this point
by a shell.
Lieut. Henderson now in command of C Coy (Capt Reed
having been wounded in the middle of the redoubt and carried
back to our own lines by his servant) reported that he was
at point J13 C 79 with 6 men he was afterwards driven back
from this by shellfire.
Heavy shelling from Germans all the time. Reinforcements
were asked for by Coys in German
3rd line and half of B Coy under Capt Watson
were sent up. Capt Watson was wounded
in Appendix by a shell.
One half of A Coy in reserve in B.8.S was sent to
take the place of B Coy in C1 as supports. All out old trenches were being fairly heavily shelled
by whiz bangs which made it very difficult to get up supplies
of bombs etc even as far as the Appendix but it was don
alright and a bomb reserve was made in German first line
at point S13 C 3.9 but it was found almost impossible to
take them further forward than there.
Germans collected North of the Menin
road and at about 11:30 – 12noon attacked from N and
NE with bombing parties up the trenches and others over
the open.
Our bombers with some of the 1st GH who
were isolated from their own battalion were driven back
for want of bombs and the German bombers working along their
old front line from the North forced out men to retire,
but not before they had opened rapid fire on them killing
a good many.
Our men retired to the Royal Scots trenches and across
the open through the wood to Appendix 2 B 8 where they were
collected and lined the parapet of Appendix C1 and B8. They
were well handled by 2Lt Bain. The Germans 4 times tried
to advance from their own front
line into C1 and Appendix but each time were stopped by
accurate fire of these men.
The men of C and D coys
who were in the German 3rd line were cut off
and are missing
The remainder of A coy were
at once sent for to reinforce and hold our old front line
all this time the Germans were accurately shelling our trenches
with field guns, inflicting several casualties.
The brigade was at once informed of the situation
and asked to send reinforcements.
1 Coy of the 49th Middlesex Regt was sent
to relieve men in appendix C12B8
Men in C1 B8 were relieved and went back to Middlesex
dugouts in Sanctuary wood. One machine gun in new trench
not relieved until later when it was relieved by 2 MG of
the Suffolks
Battalion marched back to rest billets near OUDERDOM
Casualties as far as at present known:
Officers
Killed |
Wounded and Missing |
Wounded |
Missing |
2nd Lt GP Dawson |
Lieut AR Henderson |
Capt CD Setiskain |
Capt S Hopkinson |
|
|
Capt C Reed |
Lt J Morrison |
|
|
Capt LE Watson |
Lt RD Coutts |
|
|
Lt C R Branden |
2LT WJC Sangster |
|
|
2Lt ER Watts |
2Lt W Addison |
|
|
2Lt W Inkster |
2Lt G Low |
|
|
2 Lt EM Tennant |
|
NCOs and Men |
A Coy |
B Coy |
C Coy |
D Coy |
TOTAL |
Killed |
3 |
10 |
6 |
4 |
23 |
Died of Wounds |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
Wounded |
23 |
43 |
36 |
46 |
148 |
Wounded & Missing |
- |
- |
4 |
2 |
6 |
Missing |
5 |
19 |
65 |
52 |
141 |
TOTALS |
32 |
72 |
111 |
104 |
319 |
Total of all ranks 334
Copies of operation order No1 and 2 attached
(out of 641 strength to trenches
ed)
|
Rest Bivouac ¾ mile NE of OUDERDOM |
1915-09-26 |
|
Battalion resting. Church parade at 6pm in evening |
|
1915-09-27 |
|
Corps Commander Lt Gen Sire EHH Allenby
KCB came and addressed the battalion, explaining situation
and complimenting the battalion on what they had done.
(5 men sick to F. Amb) |
|
1915-09-28 |
|
Divisional Commander Lt Gen JAL Haldane
came and addressed the battalion, explaining situation and
the necessity of containing attacks & complimented the
battalion very strongly on the way they attacked. |
|
1915-09-29 |
|
In rest billets |
|
1915-09-30 |
5am
8:30am
9:30am |
Orderly arrived direct from 3rd Division
with a message ordering the battalion to be (ready) to move
as soon as possible and to march to Dug outs in H 23 B near
KRUISSTRAAT
Arrived at 8:30 am
Got a message from 3rd Div to supply a
party of 150 men to carry bombs from KRUISSTRAAT to MAPLE
COPSE. Total strength out about 300. Very heavy work as the
men in marching order and very wet underfoot. Carrying parties sent off in small parties of 10 to arrive
at MAPLE COPSE after about 2pm 3 men wounded by shell on
the way. |
ZILLEBEKE VILLAGE |
1915-09-30 |
2pm
3pm
4pm
5pm
9pm
10pm |
Battalion sent back to ZILLEBEKE VILLAGE to remain
hidden there
Our bombardment started on B4 and salient there. 2nd Suffolks and
Middlesex Regts did a bomb attack
to try and recover some of the lost trenches.
Only partially successful.
One of our aeroplanes fell
about 70 yds E of ZILLEBEKE street
Communications Trench. Our stretcher bearers brought in
officer wounded in both legs.
Battalion told to move to MAPLE copse
Battalion put into dug-outs A&B Groups in SE Corner
of SANCTUARY WOOD
50 men carrying ammunition from MAPLE COPSE to SANCTUARY
WOOD. Men very tired also very wet. Had nothing hot all
day.
Signed 4/10/15 SR McCLINTOCK
4th Gordon Highlanders. |
|
OCTOBER |
|
|
SANCTUARY WOOD |
1915-10-01 |
|
Battalion remained in A and B group Dug Outs till
the evening when we relieved the 2nd SUFFOLK
Regt. In B8 & B8S and dug outs in rear. B* much knocked
about since the attack. Wood much thinner. 2nd
Lt WADDEL, GEDDES and WALKER admitted to hospital sick (2
men sick) |
|
1915-10-02 |
|
Battalion still in trenches day passed quietly work
of reconstruction of trench p??? with
26 men sent back to transport lines sick. All ranks feeling
the strain not having properly recovered from the attack.
Men a bit grumpy? (Sgt Crichton wounded) (2 men to
?? ) Draft of 9 rejoined
men and 15 new men arrived. |
|
1915-10-03 |
|
Battalion still in trenches. Quiet day. (4 men sick) |
|
1915-10-04 |
|
Battalion in trenches. Germans fired a good many high explosive shells near
B 8 and B8 S & Dugouts in rear, also some trench mortars
at B 8 but no casualties. Battalion
relieved by 1/Royal Scots Fus.
9th Bde. Rather late
relief owing to darkness and state of roads.
Battalion marched back to rest billets. |
¾ mile East of OUDERDOM |
1915-10-05 |
|
Battalion in rest billets |
|
1915-10-06 |
|
Battalion in rest billets. 12 officers arrived from
3/7th Bn |
|
1915-10-07 |
|
Battalion in rest billets. Major Smith rejoined (1
man sick) |
|
1915-10-08 |
|
Battalion in rest billets. (1 man sick) |
¾ Mile E of OUDERDOM |
1915-10-09 |
|
Battalion in rest billets. 4 new officers went for
3 days instruction to 1st Bn
in the trenches with 1st Bn. |
|
1915-10-10 |
|
Battalion in rest billets (1 man sick) |
|
1915-10-11 |
|
Battalion in rest billets Lt Col OGILVIE returned |
|
1915-10-12 |
|
Battalion in rest billets 4 officers went to the 4th
Middlesex Regt in trenches (2 men sick) |
|
1915-10-13 |
|
Battalion marched off to the trenches. B3 junction
sap. ROBB Street. B7 and relieved Xth
Middlesex Regt. Trenches very bad, large working parties of Suffolk Regt
and others working on our line improving it. 1 Coy Royal
Scots attached to us. Strength
of the Battalion marching to trenches 268. Lt I. A. CLERKE wounded by shrapnel while attached
4th Middlesex Regiment. 2 men wounded. Weather
fine mist at night (2 men sick) |
SANCTUARY WOOD |
1915-10-14 |
|
Battalion is same trenches. Quiet day. Some bombing at night. 2 bombers wounded. Fine weather (3
men sick) |
|
1915-10-15 |
|
Early in the morning at 5am enemy started sudden shelling
of wood behind front line trenches. Lasted for about 15
minutes but did not do much damage (2 men wounded) Weather
fine. 7th RSLI one company attached to us as reserves.
(6 men sick) |
|
1915-10-16 |
|
Quiet day on the whole, our trench mortars under RGA
registered and bombed enemy’s trenches during night
of 15/16. Enemy started throwing bombs, but our bombers threw more
back and stopped them. 3 men wounded (12 men to field ambulance). Men very tired&
many coming sick with temperatures. Cannot relieve men in
front line trenches as we have not sufficient men to do
so. 1 Coy Kings Liverpool Regt attached for instruction
the KSLI ?learning? |
SANCTUARY WOOD |
1915-10-17 |
|
Quiet day on our front except for a few trench mortars
and 2 rifle grenades. Enemy
bombarded for about 4 hours on our left in direction of
ZOUAVE WOOD and F1. Battalion relieved by 1/R.Scots Fus.
(8 men sick from rest billets) |
¾ mile E of OUDERDOM |
1915-10-18 |
|
In rest billets |
|
1915-10-19 |
|
In rest billets. The batt. Was transferred to
76 Bde composed of 1st
GH, 2nd SUFFOLKS 8th KINGS OWN R.
LANCS, 10th R. Welsh FUSILIERS(1 man sick) |
|
1915-10-20 |
|
In rest billets. Got orders to be ready to move in
the evening to POPERINGHE as all the Division was going
back for a rest. Batt marched at 5:30pm and were billeted in two places a brewery
and a school. |
POPERINGHE |
1915-10-21 |
|
Batt
got orders to move to EECKE at 5:30pm leading the Brigade
via BOESCHEPE and GODEVAERSVELDT arrived at about 11pm.
Men and officers in billets but very crowded. |
EECKE |
1915-10-22 |
|
Got more billets for the men so now fairly comfortable |
|
1915-10-23 |
|
In EECKE. Did little apart from settle down |
|
1915-10-24 |
|
In EECKE. (1 man sick) |
|
1915-10-25 |
|
Started training the battalion, especially men of
the latest draft. All ranks need smartening up. Very wet
day (1 man sick) |
|
1915-10-26 |
|
Battalion route march (1 man sick) |
|
1915-10-27 |
|
Drill and Training. Lt GIBBON and 20 other ranks gone
over by busses to RENINGHELST to be inspected by the King
along with detachments from other regts
in the 3rd Div. Sgt CAMERON reports by letter
from Germany that he 223 others are prisoners in Germany
also 5 men wounded and prisoners and Lt ADDISON is also
a prisoner. |
EECKE |
1915-10-28 |
|
Still in billets. Drill & Classes (1 man sick) |
|
1915-10-29 |
|
Still in billets. Drill & Classes (3 men sick) |
|
1915-10-30 |
|
Still in billets. Drill & Classes |
|
1915-10-31 |
|
Still in billets. Drill & Classes (2 men sick) |
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NOVEMBER |
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1915-11-01 |
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Still in billets. Drill & Classes Capt BEGG and
Lt DOUGLAS rejoined(1 man sick) |
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1915-11-02 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Usual parades. Draft of 50 men arrived including 4 rejoined.
2 men admitted hospital |
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1915-11-03 |
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Still in Rest Billets. New draft inspected by CO 1 man admitted hospital |
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1915-11-04 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Usual parade. |
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1915-11-05 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Quantity of ammunition carried on men reduced to 120
rounds. 1 man to hospital. |
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1915-11-06 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Final of divisional football
competition at STEENVOORDE. Arrangement
made for battalion boxing tournament. 2289 L/Sgt Bridges
awarded the “Croix de Guerre” |
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1915-11-07 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Communion Service 50 men joined
the church. Kit and equipment inspection by CO. 2 men to
hospital |
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1915-11-08 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Men instructed in the use of Tube Helmets. Battalion practiced blocking trenches. |
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1915-11-09 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Practiced “outposts” |
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1915-11-10 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Battalion route march. Batt supplied working party to construct brigade rifle range.
Interpreter ?JAQUEN….? leaves to be attached to 8th Bde. Sgt BURNS returned to England
pending Commission. 3 men arrived including 2 rejoined. |
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1915-11-11 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Practiced building parapet and blocking C.T.s
No1 Coy practiced shooting on rifle range. |
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1915-11-12 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Usual parades. Football matches played in the afternoon. |
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1915-11-13 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Practice in building parapet,
blocking trenches and drainage. Times
and material used noted. |
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1915-11-14 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Church parade in School playground.
Inspection of billets by CO A draft of 50 men arrived
including 4 rejoined |
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1915-11-15 |
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Still in Rest Billets. New draft inspected by CO. Usual parades. No2 Coy drilled
in afternoon wearing Tube Helmets. First – round boxing (Light weight) wrestling and
pillow fighting 1 man to Hospital. |
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1915-11-16 |
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Still in Rest Billets. The recent drafts put under
Capt BRANCHER? For training. Parades as usual. Finals of
Battalion sports. |
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1915-11-17 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Battalion route march. Afternoon devoted to football. Major A LYON returned from instruction
at 8th Bde H.2.and
took over duties of Adjutant. 6
men arrived including 1 rejoined. |
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1915-11-18 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Kit inspection of A & B Coys by the Brigadier General who also inspected the transport.
He expressed himself pleased with both. Fatigue
parties sent to H2
last Riding RE to make Gabions and new pattern
trench. Six officers proceeded by motor bus to attend exhibition
of aeroplane photos at RENINGHELST.
The journey each way lasted 1 ½ hours the exhibition
25 minutes. Party very disappointed. 1 man to hospital.
Weather very cold and wet. |
EECKE |
1915-11-19 |
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Still in Rest Billets. Battalion warned to proceed
on 20th to trench area with a view to occupying
a position as Reserve and Pioneer Batt
on right 21/22. Filled in al practice trenches . Weather very frosty and much colder. |
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1915-11-20 |
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Battalion marched to Rest Billets in RENINGHELST.
Marched at 10am and arrived at 2pm. Weather fine and frosty. Had to wait 2 hours in a field until 8th East
Surreys departed. Dinners were taken during the wait.
Specialists conveyed from EECKE to RENINGHELST by
motor busses arrived at 10pm a proportion of them were ordered
to proceed at 2:30 am to take over from2nd London Regiment. Rest camp consisted of tents and a few huts.
Ground fearful state of mud. |
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1915-11-21 |
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Specialists left at 2:30am to take over. Church parade
at 10 am in barn. Battalion paraded
for trenches at 2:40pm A Coy and 25% of specialists left
in camp. Battalion marched at 3 pm to trench area and relieved
2 London Regiment in Dugouts on canal in rear of Bluff.
( I .33a .4 .b) 5h 28. Relief completed at 7 39pm. No casualties. Night was
clear and very frosty. Details in camp ordered to leave for another billet and
given two days to move. 1 man to field ambulance. |
RENINGHELST |
1915-11-22 |
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Quiet day. Very frosty. Mist worked all day improving
dugouts and surroundings. Provided fatigue for miners material,
no casualties. 1 man to field ambulance.
Details
Site for new camp G35 C3.2 clear grass field. Drew
25 tents form Ordinance and erected camp with trench boards
down centre. |
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1915-11-23 |
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Details: Moved to new camp and busy whole day on improvements.
Started to erect officers mess, latrines etc. Pte BEGGS sentence to 9 months
hard labor by Court Martial was promulgated today before
details. Very quiet in trench area frosty in morning but
mild and raining at night. Work of reconstructing dugouts
continues slowly as ground everywhere is in a very bad state
1 man wounded by bullet while on ration fatigue. 3 men to
field ambulance. |
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1915-11-24 |
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Details: 20 on sick parade. Chiefly colds. Carried
on work in camp. Men all very keen on getting things into
order. RE Park have been of great assistance in supplying us
with wood for building purposes. In trench area things very quiet in our sector but considerable
shelling all day to our north. Our snipers shot one German
from the BLUFF and harassed several working parties. Our
snipers have taken over the “Shootings on the BLUFF”
from the RW FUSILIERS. Weather dull with some rain. Continued
work on dugouts and on supporting points. 1 man to Field
Amb. |
RENINGHELST |
1915-11-25 |
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“A” Coy relieved “B” Coy in
dugouts. Commenced new M.Gun emplacement
in GORDON POST. Also making loopholed
dugout in R10. Continued improving dugouts. 1 man to Field
Amb. |
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1915-11-26 |
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Continued work as above. Dugouts now in much better condition. LANKHOF CHATEAU
bombarded for about 3 minutes by 15 cm guns apparently trying
to find a battery of ours. 1 man to Field Amb. |
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1915-11-27 |
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Major SMITH and other officers relieved CO and officers
in trench area. Very quiet day. 2 men to field Ambulance. |
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1915-11-28 |
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Very cold and frosty all day. Work in dugouts R10 and R11 carried on as usual. 2 men
to Field Amb. |
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1915-11-29 |
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Our HAR registered on trenches opposite 33 & 35.
otherwise quiet. Camp improvement
continues but hindered by lack of wood. 1 man to field Amb. |
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1915-11-30 |
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German trenches opposite 34 and 36 bombarded with
field guns and howitzers. Results
appear to have been satisfactory. Last
day of work on dugouts as we are warned to commence work
on CTs 3 men to Field Amb |
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Alexander Lynn Major
A/Adj 4th Gordon
Highlanders.
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DECEMBER |
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RENINGHELST |
1915-12-01 |
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Weather fine and warm but wet in evening. Heavy firing from south which sounded as if in the vicinity
of KEMMEL. Commenced work repairing
CTs but work rather held up through
shortage of material. 1 man to Field Amb |
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1915-12-02 |
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Weather fine and warm. Work continued on dugouts and
CTs Our guns rather active. 1
NCO wounded by shrapnel in CT 33 left. 4 men to Field Amb. |
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1915-12-03 |
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“C” Coy relieved “D” Coy in
dugouts. Officers’ relief also carried out. Weather
misty and rainy. Work in CTs continues. |
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1915-12-04 |
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HAR fired at enemy’s mine shaft with good results.
A sheet of flame was seen to rise up after the burst of
one shell. Taped out enemy proposed
trench located and registered on by a filed gun placed at
Lt Barne’s (Intelligence Officer) disposal. Arrangements
made to send over some shrapnel during the night. Work as
usual. Cpt BRANDER? Left for ROUEN to relieve Lt RL MacKinnon appointed
to Divisional Staff.
1 officer and 40 men East Yorks attached to Bde for work
accommodated in out dug-out area. Carried on camp improvements. |
RENINGHELST |
1915-12-05 |
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Taped trench found still undug
in morning. Snipers saw working party and dispersed them
with shellfire. 1 German shot by snipers in a fire trench.
A tower of HOLLEBEKE CHATEAU fell down in the afternoon.
Good amount of shellfire on both sides.
The dump beside HQ dug outs shrapnelled
about 5pm all bursting fairly high. Work as usual. Machine
Gunners relief. Suffolks take over one position from us on the south side
of Canal . Men in camp church parade
in YMCA Hut. Inspection of kit
of the men returning from the trenches. |
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1915-12-06 |
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Fine Day. Good deal of shelling in the direction of
Brigade Headquarters in the evening, otherwise quiet. |
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1915-12-07 |
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Fairly dry today. With the exception of a few shells
which landed in the rear of headquarters things were relatively
quiet. Around PEAR TREE WALK
however a considerable number of small shells dropped. |
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1915-12-08 |
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Colder this morning. About 10am a considerable number
of shells dropped around CHESTER FARM and one man (?Webster?
a cook?) severely wounded in right leg by HE Shrapnel. He
died later in the day. Major Lynn left this forenoon for
the 8th Brigade. One man (Mitchell) killed and
another (Logan) severely wounded at the entrance to PEAR
TREE WALK about 2pm by a whiz-bang. |
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1915-12-09 |
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Heavy shelling early this morning over on right. Hazy
and dull and about 11am rain commenced to fall and continued
throughout the day.
Private Mitchell was buried in front of headquarters
this afternoon; the Padre came out for the burial. Officers’
relief affected this afternoon and evening. |
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1915-12-10 |
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Heavy rain overnight and dull and misty in the morning.
Comparatively little shelling near dugouts but near PEAR
TREE WALK several small shells were dropped |
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1915-12-11 |
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Raining heavily overnight. Very heavy shelling by
both sides three or four times during the night |
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1915-12-12 |
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Dry overnight and a clear morning. Slightly colder.
Some of our heavies registered on the German front
line this afternoon. The Germans sent over several heavy shells in reply but
nothing came near us. A good bit colder tonight. |
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1915-12-13 |
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Colder this morning and dry ???.
About 9am shelling by our heavies commenced. Lasted until
10:30am. Very feeble reply by Germans on Bluff and around
trenches. Frost at night. |
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1915-12-14 |
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Frosty this morning and very quiet. A little shelling
overnight but hardly anything during the day |
DUG OUTS |
1915-12-15 |
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Roads ???? KRUISSTAAT heavily shelled and also in the
trench area Our artillery ??? |
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1915-12-16 |
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Weather very misty. Enemy shelled a good deal around
PEAR TREE FARM. Major SMITH appointed temporary Command
8th KINGS OWN LANCASTER REGIMENT |
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1915-12-17 |
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Very quiet today and hardly any shelling at all |
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1915-12-18 |
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Quiet day. Draft of 250 men arrived at camp today. |
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1915-12-19 |
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Heavy rifle fire early this morning. About dawn a
strong smell of gas from north and heavy bombardment Guns
busy all day and 1st Gordons
heavily shelled |
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1915-12-20 |
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Shelling heavy again today. Work interfered with. L/Cpl STARNACH of B??? S????? killed in
the evening near light railway on road. |
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1915-12-21 |
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Dull and wet and very little shelling |
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1915-12-22 |
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Dry weather in the morning, recommenced to rain about
noon. Some shelling in the vicinity of Peartree
during the forenoon |
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1915-12-23 |
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Dull and misty. Hardly any shelling at all. |
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1915-12-24 |
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Heavy rain overnight but dry and clear in the morning.
Almost an entire absence of any shelling |
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1915-12-25 |
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Dry and Clear in the morning and practically no shelling
whatever throughout the day |
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1915-12-26 |
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Clear and bright this morning. No shelling in the
forenoon but in the course of the afternoon the enemy sent
over a good few shells across to the right of BEDFORD HOUSE.
Had a gas alarm practice at 11:30 pm |
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1915-12-27 |
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Raining overnight but clear and bright in the morning.
Very quiet all day. |
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1915-12-28 |
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Quiet all day |
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1915-12-29 |
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Quiet early part of the day but a good deal of shelling
in the afternoon. |
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1915-12-30 |
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Clear and bright this morning and very little shelling |
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1915-12-31 |
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Dry night and hardly any shelling during the day.
At 11pm some heavy shelling by our artillery without
receiving any reply from the enemy
John R Harrison (?) 2Lt A/Adjutant
4th Gordon Highlanders |
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