British Battalions on the Western Front: January to June 1915

Grenadier Guards

‘Neuve Chapelle’ ‘Aubers’ ‘Festubert 1915’

1st Battalion

January–February–March–April

Fleurbaix sector. Part of 20th Brigade, 7th Division. Second-Lieutenant F.E.F. Crisp killed 5th January. Relieved 3rd March and to billets in Rue du Bois. To Neuf-Berquin 4th, Estaires 5th. Took up reserve positions near Neuve Chapelle – Rue du Bacquerot and Cameron Lane 10th and attacked next day. Heavy casualties while crossing Rue Tilleloy. In action again 12th, Lance Corporal W.D. Fuller and Private E. Barber winning the Victoria Cross. Advanced to trenches in front of Moulin du Piètre 13th. Relieved later and to billets in Laventie. Total casualties during Battle of Neuve Chapelle – 16 officers, 325 other ranks. Officers killed or mortally wounded – Lieutenant-Colonel L.R. Fisher-Rowe; Major G.W. Duberly; Captains The Hon. G.H. Douglas-Pennant and E.F.F. Sartorius; Lieutenants H.W. Ethelston, Lord Brabourne and M.A.A. Darby; Second-Lieutenants C.F. Burnand, A.C. Foster and R. Gelderd-Somervell. Carried out further tours in front line and occupied reserve billets at Estaires.

May–June

Moved to Béthune on 10th May, Hinges 11th. Took over trenches north of Festubert 15th and in action next day. Lieutenant E.O.R. Wakemen killed. Occupied front and second line trenches, moving back to Hinges 19th, then to billets at Robecq. Located in trenches in front of Festubert and Givenchy between 1st–5th June then to Hingette. To Robecq 8th June, front line 14th. Took part in attack near Givenchy 15th. Second-Lieutenant C.J.D. Smith killed. Total casualties – 3 officers, 63 other ranks. To Gorre 19th June, Les Choquaux 21st. Took over trenches between Givenchy and the La Bassèe Canal 24th. Relieved and to Le Préol 27th, Busnes 30th.

2nd Battalion

January

Rue de Cailloux sector. Part of 4th (Guards) Brigade, 2nd Division. To Locon 2nd and took over trenches at Rue du Bois 8th. Relieved and to Le Touret 18th then to Les Choquaux 25th. Stood by at Gorre in support to 1st Division, leaving Les Choquaux for Béthune 30th.

February–March–April

Moved to Annequin 1st February then took over trenches near Cuinchy. Captain A.B.R.R. Gosselin killed by shell splinter 7th. Remained in same sector resting between tours in firing line at Beuvry. To Béthune 1st March. Stood by at positions east of Gorre 10th and 11th, returning to Béthune at night. Began tours in Givenchy sector trenches 12th. Rested at La Préol when out of the line. Lieutenant F.G. Marshall killed 22nd March. Lieutenant-Colonel The Right Hon. Sir Frederick Ponsonby records in his history of the Grenadier Guards how in April, while digging a communication trench, a number of silver items were unearthed. Handed in to the French authorities, the owner subsequently wrote to the Battalion thanking them for what they had done. He also enclosed a plan showing where more items of treasure were buried in what was once his garden.

May–June

Relieved by 1/14th London 12th May and to Le Casan. Took up support positions on Rue du Bois 16th. Moving back to Lacouture during evening. Marched to Le Touret next day and then to firing line. Took part in attack at La Quinque Rue 18th, digging in during night after gain of 300 yards. Casualties included the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel W.R.A. Smith, Major B.H. Barrington-Kennett and Second-Lieutenant C.O. Creed killed. Relieved by 3rd Coldstream during night 19th, moving into billets, first at Lapugnoy, then Vendin. Marched via Béthune to Noeux-les-Mines 31st and during first week of June began tours in trenches near Auchy-les-Mines. Also in Vermelles area and occupied rest billets in Sailly-Labourse. Moved to Oblinghem 28th.

Coldstream Guards

‘Neuve Chapelle’ ‘Aubers’ ‘Festubert 1915’

1st Battalion

January

Beuvry. Part of 1st (Guards) Brigade, 1st Division. Moved to Annequin 1st and began tours in front line next day. To Cambrin 21st and took over trenches in Cuinchy sector 23rd. War Diary records 25th, that a German deserter gave information on an attack due that day. This came too late and the enemy having blown mines along the British line attacked at 7.30 am and gained part of the Coldstream line. Casualties – 202 killed, wounded or missing including Captain Hon. J.B. Campbell, DSO; Second-Lieutenants C.G. Mills, G.C. Armstrong, J.E. Rodgers and H.N. Clifton who were killed or mortally wounded. Moved to Béthune 25th, Oblinghem 30th, Ecquedecques 31st.

February–March–April–May–June

Moved to Hinges 27th February and next day began tours in trenches at Rue du Bois. Rest billets were in Le Touret. Moved to Hinges 9th May, then later to Le Préol. Began tours in Vermelles sector 15th, resting at Sailly-Labourse and Béthune.

2nd Battalion

January–February

Le Touret sector trenches. Part of 4th (Guards) Brigade, 2nd Division. Moved later to Les Choquaux then on 30th January began tours in Cuinchy sector near The Keep. In action 1st February – 110 casualties, including Second-Lieutenant J.A. Carter-Wood killed. Captain Viscount Northfield killed by sniper later. Relieved by 3rd Coldstream during evening and to billets near Béthune. Carried out further tours in same sector, resting at Pont Fixe and Béthune.

March–April–May–June

To Le Quesnoy 10th March and began tours in Givenchy sector. Took over line near Cuinchy during first week of May. Relieved 12th and via Le Préol marched to Locon. Returned to Le Préol 26th and began further tours in Givenchy sector trenches. To Noeux-les-Mines 30th and during first week of June took over line at Cambrin.

3rd Battalion

January–February

Rue de Cailloux sector trenches. Part of 4th (Guards) Brigade, 2nd Division. Moved later to Hinges then on 30th to Annequin. Relieved 2nd Coldstream in front line trenches near The Keep, Cuinchy sector 1st February. Carried out tours in same area, resting at Pont Fixe and Béthune. Sustained 63 casualties, including Lieutenant C.M. Cottrell-Dormer mortally wounded, during action 5th/6th. Second-Lieutenant F.C.V. Tyrrell mortally wounded by a stray bullet 15th February.

March–April–May–June

Moved to Le Préol 10th March and began tours in trenches at Givenchy. Lieutenant Sir Roland J. Corbet, Bart. killed 15th April. Relieved 12th May and via Le Préol marched to Locon. Relieved 2nd Grenadiers in front line near La Quinque Rue 19th. To Le Préol 26th, Noeux-les-Mines 30th. Began tours in Cambin sector during first week of June.

Scots Guards

‘Neuve Chapelle’ ‘Aubers’ ‘Festubert 1915’

1st Battalion

January

Annequin. Part of 1st (Guards) Brigade, 1st Division. To Cuinchy 1st and took part in attack on enemy position south of the La Bassée Canal. Captain R. Stracey and Lieutenant A.G. Menzies killed. Later took over line to the north running towards Givenchy. Relieved during night 13th and to Béthune. Returned to Cuinchy sector near The Keep 23rd and on 25th sustained 396 casualties during enemy action. Those killed included Lieutenant G.V.F. Monckton and Second-Lieutenant A.H. Lang. Relieved at night and to Béthune. Moved later to Burbure then Oblinghem.

February–March–April–May–June

Took over trenches in the Rue de l’Epinette sector 28th February. Rested at Le Touret and Hinges between tours in front line. Moved to Richebourg-St. Vaast sector 30th March. To Hinges 9th May and on 12th relieved 1st Irish Guards in trenches at Givenchy. To Béthune 14th and began tours in trenches at Le Rutoir 16th. Rested at Vermelles. Held line around Cuinchy during first part of June, then to Cambrin. To Labeuvrière 17th, Burbure 24th then Verquin.

2nd Battalion

January–February–March–April

Rouges Bancs sector. Part of 20th Brigade, 7th Division. Held line in this area, resting at Sailly-Sur-La-Lys between tours in front line. Relieved 1st March and via Estaires and Neuf-Berquin reached Vieux-Berquin 3rd. To Estaires 7th and took up positions in Cameron Lane near Pont du Hem 10th. Advanced next day to breastworks running from Pont Logy towards Fauquissart. Took part in attack near Moulin du Piètre 12th. Withdrawing to Cameron Lane 13th. Casualties – 192 killed, wounded or missing, including Captain Sir E.H.W. Hulse killed. Moved later to billets in Laventie and from there carried out tours in front line near Neuve Chapelle.

May–June

To Hinges 12th May. Moved forward 15th and took part in attack north of Festubert. Casualties – 10 officers, 401 other ranks killed, wounded or missing. Officer casualties included Captain C. Rivers-Bulkeley; Lieutenants W.G.A. Garforth, D.G. Stephenson and J. Mackenzie; Second-Lieutenants L.A. Jarvis and F. Marsham-Townsend. Withdrew to dug-outs on Rue du Bois 17th. To Hinges 18th, Busnes 19th. Moved to Cerise Du Raux 1st June, Mt. Bernenchon 5th, Essars 12th. Relieved 1/8th Royal Scots in trenches at Givenchy 13th. To Essars 14th, Gorre Wood 15th, trenches in the Le Plantin sector 18th. To Busnes 30th.

Irish Guards

‘Festubert 1915’

1st Battalion

January

Trenches in Le Touret sector. Part of 4th (Guards) Brigade, 2nd Division. Relieved 3rd January and to billets near Vieille Chapelle. Returned to trenches 8th, being relieved by 1/1st Hertfordshire 10th and marching to Richebourg-St. Vaast. Back to trenches 12th then to Locon 15th. Second-Lieutenant H.S. Keating (Bombing Instructor) killed during training 20th. War Diary records that an ‘old-type’ fused bomb prematurely exploded. To Essars 25th, Locon 29th, Cuinchy sector 30th and took over trenches near The Keep.

February

No. 4 Company in action 1st February. Lieutenants R. St.J. Blacker-Douglass and L.C. Lee killed. Lance-Corporal M. O’Leary awarded Victoria Cross. Nos. 1 and 3 Companies took part in assault on enemy positions 6th. Lieutenant T. Musgrave killed. Second-Lieutenant T. Allen killed by a shell 25th. Relieved 28th February and to Béthune. Total casualties for February – 38 killed, 90 wounded.

March–April–May–June

Began tours in Givenchy sector trenches 10th March, resting at Le Préol. Second-Lieutenant J.M. Stewart killed by sniper 1st April while looking over the parapet opposite Duck’s Bill and Second-Lieutenant H. Marion-Crawford (Brigade Bombing Instructor) killed in bombing accident 16th. To Béthune 17th returning to Givenchy sector 22nd. Rested once more at Le Préol and on 12th May took over bivouacs near Le Touret. Moved into support trenches at Rue du Bois 16th, back to Le Touret 17th, then in afternoon took over line at La Quinque Rue. Took part in attack near Vour l’Avoine Farm 18th. Casualties – 405 killed, wounded or missing, including Major Earl of Rosse mortally wounded, Captain J.N. Guthrie and Second-Lieutenant V. W.D. Fox killed. Returned to Le Touret 19th then later to Lapugnoy. To Oblinghem 25th, Noeux-les-Mines 31st May. Marched to Sailly-Labourse 6th June and from there began tours in Cambrin sector trenches. To billets in Annequin and Cambrin 20th, Béthune 28th.

Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment)

‘Neuve Chapelle’ ‘Ypres 1915’ ‘Gravenstafel’ ‘St. Julien’ ‘Frezenberg’ ‘Bellewaarde’ ‘Aubers’ ‘Festubert 1915’

1st Battalion

January–February–March

Air-sur-la-Lys. Part of 81st Brigade, 27th Division. To Caestre 6th January, Millenkruisse 7th, trenches in St. Eloi sector 10th. To Westoutre 13th, Millenkruisse 15th, trenches 16th, Millenkruisse 18th, trenches 20th, Millenkruisse 22nd, Westoutre 23rd. Carried out work on road repairs. To Millenkruisse 29th then St. Eloi trenches. Remained in this area resting between tours in front line at Elzenwalle, Dickebusch and Reninghelst.

April

Moved to Poperinghe 4th and took over trenches around Inverness Copse 8th. Captain E.J.F. Johnston killed 12th. Relieved 12th and withdrew into close support at Sanctuary Wood. Returned to trenches 16th. Lieutenant N.M. Young killed 23rd, Second-Lieutenant W.A. Copeland killed 25th, Second-Lieutenant H.C. Pecker killed 30th.

May–June

Withdrew to Zouave Wood 3rd May then next day to Vlamertinghe. Returned to Sanctuary Wood 9th. Captain E.S. Farquharson killed 12th. Relieved and to Busseboom 22nd. Total casualties since 11th May – 26 killed, 72 wounded. Moved to bivouacs about one mile east of Ypres 24th. To Bailleul 28th May, Steenwerck 29th, Armentières 30th. Relieved 1st King’s Shropshire Light Infantry in Rue du Bois sector and began tours in trenches near Bois-Grenier. Second-Lieutenant J. Hobbs died of wounds received 26th June.

2nd Battalion

January–February–March–April

Westoutre. Part of 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. To Locre 4th January, Scherpenberg 5th. Began tours in Kemmel sector 9th. Rested at La Clytte. Took over new line east of Vierstraat and opposite Wytschaete 10th February. Second-Lieutenant C.S. Hedderwick killed 28th February, Captain H.D. Saward killed 23rd March, Lieutenant E.E. Molson killed 1st April.

May–June

Relieved and to Scherpenberg 9th May and on 12th took over trenches north of Hill 60. War Diary records that the Germans occupied the same trench and were just thirty yards away. Relieved 3rd Royal Fusiliers in trenches running from the railway line to Bellewaarde Lake 25th. Second-Lieutenant L.G. Broome mortally wounded 29th May. Held position during attack 16th June. Later advancing and consolidated captured lines. Lieutenant J.M. Anderson killed 17th. Relieved in Railway Wood 19th and to Brandhoek.

1/8th Battalion (Territorial Force)

January–February–March

Toquet sector. Attached to 22nd Brigade, 7th Division. Remained in this sector resting at Fleurbaix between tours in front line. Took over Picantin sector line 1st March, being relieved on 19th and moving back to Rue du Bacquerot. To Estaires 20th, La Gorgue 29th.

April–May–June

Took over trenches east of Rue Tilleloy 7th April. To Estaires 14th, Oultersteene 28th, Estaires 5th May. Moved into assembly trenches behind Rue Petillon 8th, moving back to Rouge-de-Boat next day. To Essars 10th, billets near Les Choquaux 12th. Took part in attack at Festubert 15th. Held captured ground under heavy shell fire. Relieved and to Béthune 18th. Casualties since 15th May – 12 officers, 182 other ranks, including Lieutenant-Colonel A. Brook mortally wounded 18th. To Lillers 19th, Essars 2nd June, trenches behind Le Plantin 6th. Took over front line at Windy Corner, Givinchy sector 10th. Relieved by 2nd Scots Guards 13th and to Robecq. To Hingette 14th, Le Casan 18th, trenches Festubert sector 20th. Relieved and via Les Choquaux to St. Hilaire 30th.

1/9th (Highlanders) Battalion (Territorial Force)

February–March

Edinburgh. Part of the Lothian Infantry Brigade and attached to coast defences. Moved to Southampton 23rd February and sailed HMT Inventor for France. Landed Havre 26th then next day moved by train to Cassel. Marched from there to billets at Abeele. Became part of 81st Brigade, 27th Division. ‘B’ Company to Dickebusch for work in trenches near Voormezeele and Vierstraat 6th March. ‘A’ Company to Dickebusch 10th, rest of Battalion following 12th. Began instruction in trenches between The Brasserie and Vierstraat sector. To Mt. Kokereele 23rd, Ypres 26th. Began work digging second-line defence trenches.

April

Took over line at Glencorse Wood 8th. Relieved and to Vlamertinghe 12th. War Diary records two bombs dropped on camp from Zeppelin 13th. To Ypres 15th, Glencorse Wood 16th, Vlamertinghe 21st. Took part in attack north of St. Jean 23rd. Casualties – 4 officers, 120 other ranks. To Potijze Wood 27th, Sanctuary Wood 28th.

May–June

Took up support line at Potijze 2nd May, returning to Sanctuary Wood same day. Moved forward to firing line east of Hooge 4th. Lieutenant W.S.S. Lyon killed 8th May. Relieved 22nd and to Busseboom. To Vlamertinghe in reserve 24th, returning to Busseboom 25th. To Dranoutre 28th, Steenwerck 29th, Armentières 30th May. Began tours in trenches near Bois-Grenier, Battalion Headquarters moving from Chapelle d’Armentières to The Orchard on 27th June.

11th (Service) Battalion

May–June

Bramshot. Part of 27th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division. Left Liphook Station for Folkestone 11th May. Sailed SS Invicta for Boulogne. Moved by train to Wizernes 12th. To billets near Ebblinghem 16th, Steenwerck 17th, Armentières 20th. Began instruction in front line trenches. To Steenwerck 22nd and Pont-de-Nieppe 3rd June. Marched through night to Isbergues 5th then to St. Hilaire 25th, La Tombe Willot 29th, Essars 30th.

12th (Service) Battalion

May–June

Bramshott. Part of 27th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division. Left Liphook Station for Folkestone 11th May. Embarked SS Queen and sailed for Boulogne. Moved by train to Wizernes next day. Marched to Ebblinghem 16th, Steentje near Noote Boom 17th, Armentières 20th. Began instruction in trenches under 18th Brigade. Returned to Steentje 22nd. To Pont de Nieppe 3rd June then marched through night of 5th to Isbergues. To Lières 25th, Fontes 28th, Le Cornet Malo 29th. Began tours in Le Plantin and Festubert sectors.

Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

‘Aubers’ ‘Festubert 1915’

1st Battalion

January

Hinges. Attached to I Corps Headquarters. Battalion had been reduced to a strength of two companies due to heavy casualties during the fighting around Gheluvelt in the previous October. In his war history of the Queen’s, Colonel H.C. Wylly, CB notes that, although numerous drafts were received, many of the men had been previously wounded and were not suitable for active service. On one occasion a special medical board was set up to examine a particular draft, and this resulted in some seventy per cent being sent back to England. The Battalion War Diary records ‘Ordinary routine’ for the first part of 1915. Went forward with Corps Headquarters to Béthune then on 10th marched via Beuvry, Annequin and Cambrin to Givenchy sector. Arrived at Harley Street then relived 1/14th London in trenches at French Farm. Battalion Headquarters set up at Givenchy Redoubt, 200 yards behind the front line. Fighting strength recorded as 262. One officer that served with the Battalion noted that they had no machine guns or hand grenades. Communication trenches were waterlogged and the only way up to the front line was along the main road after dark. Battalion relieved after three days and moved back to Béthune. Then later in month to Hinges. Battalion Headquarters at the Café Alphonse and billets occupied in road leading to the railway station.

February–March–April

Moved to Chocques 3rd February. To Pont Levis 10th March. Later occupied billets just north of the La Bassée Canal, in Chocques, Vendinlez-Béthune and Le Hamel.

May–June

Battalion made up to four companies by early May – ‘A’ Company (Captain G.B. Parnell); ‘B’ Company (Captain M.G. Heath); ‘C’ Company (Captain P.C. Esdaile); ‘D’ Company (Captain R.L.G. Heath). Held reserve positions east of Béthune during the Battle of Festubert, 15th2–25th May. Several casualties, including Second-Lieutenant P.W. Johnson mortally wounded, among ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies. Moved to Marles-les-Mines 1st June, then to Beuvry 30th.

2nd Battalion

January–February

Fleurbaix sector. Part of 22nd Brigade, 7th Division. Held trenches east of La Boutillerie and reserve line at Rue Delpierre throughout January and February. War Diary records a few casualties each day from enemy guns and snipers. Also noted are the discomforts, hardships and horrors of trench life.

March

Moved to Laventie sector 1st. Strength recorded as 29 officers, 824 other ranks. War Diary records – ‘Our new line of trenches extends over a front of 1,400 yards, and as regards comfort to the officers and men is very much superior to that we have just left.’ Battalion Headquarters was in the Rue Tilleloy and German line, on average, 230 yards away. Parapets were noted as not being bullet-proof in most places and not of sufficient height. During the fighting at Neuve Chapelle, the War Diary records on 10th March: ‘Holding front line trenches. At 7.30 am our artillery bombardment commenced and was maintained incessantly until 8.15 am. Information received at 8.45 that the 8th Division attack had taken the enemy’s front line trenches with slight loss. Rue Tilleloy shelled vigorously by enemy artillery at 8.55. Information received 9.25 that the Indian Division had taken enemy trenches opposite them. 25th Brigade reported at 10.50 as being in the main street of Neuve Chapelle. The 23rd Brigade held up by wire, 8th Division to the north of Neuve Chapelle, 21st Brigade captured line of enemy trenches some 1,000 yards to the Queen’s front and Moulin-du-Piètre consolidated during afternoon.’ On the 11th the War Diary notes – ‘In Trenches. 4.30 am. Germans holding a line of trenches in front of us, a position facing south-west of Aubers. Our troops facing the enemy on line of our present trenches and line facing Moulin-du-Piète.’ The following day the enemy are reported as holding a line through Moulin-du-Piètre and southwards. The 21st Brigade facing them at about 200 yards distant. Intermittent shelling, otherwise all quite, noted 13th. ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies move down the line and take over trenches from 1st Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Battalion relieved 18th and to billets in Estaires. Casualties during recent operations – Second-Lieutenant C.F. Austin and two other ranks killed, 24 wounded.

April–May–June

Carried out further tours in firing line. Resting at Estaires, Laventie and La Gorgue. Left La Gorgue 8th May and moved into support trenches on north side of the Rouge de Bout, just in rear of the Rue du Bois. Took part in the Battle of Festubert 16th May. In his war history of the Queen’s, Colonel H.C. Wylly, CB records that the Battalion’s front was of 200 yards and ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies were to lead the attack. Strength upon going into action – 22 officers, 773 other ranks. Artillery bombardment on the enemy’s trenches commenced at 2.45 am. The leading platoons of ‘A’ Company going over the top after thirty minutes. Colonel Wylly notes that the enemy were – ‘apparently in no way effected by the intense British bombardment’ and opened up as soon as the attackers showed their heads above the parapets. ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies followed and pushing on – ‘forced the Germans out of their lines.’ By this time many of the Queen’s had fallen – ‘but the survivors’, some 5 officers and 230 non-commissioned officers and men, ‘charged on beyond the captured German trench over the 800 yards of ground separating them from their final objective, and two more German lines were passed, as also La Quinque Rue on the way, until about 6 am the final objective was reached and captured.’ Casualties – 9 officers; Majors H.R. Bottomley, and R.C. Slacke (3rd Buffs attached); Captains W.B. Fuller, W.B. Haddon-Smith and J.A. Lang-Brown; Second-Lieutenants A.M. Hiller, G.L. Pratt, D.F. Humphreys and M.H. de Rougemont killed or mortally wounded; 8 officers wounded; 153 other ranks killed; 231 wounded, 45 missing. Battalion remained for rest of May and June either in support or reserve. On 31st May Lieutenant-General Sir C.C. Monro, Commander of I Corps and former officer with the Queen’s, inspected the Battalion at Bourcq.

6th (Service) Battalion

June

Aldershot. Part of 37th Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division. Moved by train to Folkestone 6th then sailed SS Invicta for France. Landed Boulogne and on 7th entrained for Wizernes. Arrived same day and marched to billets at Meteren. Moved later to Armentières and began instruction in front line trenches. Then to Ploegsteert. Relieved in front line trenches by 7th East Surrey 30th.

Buffs (East Kent Regiment)

‘Ypres 1915’ ‘Gravenstafel’ ‘St. Julien’ ‘Frezenberg’ ‘Bellewaarde’

1st Battalion

January–February–March–April–May–June

Armentières sector. Part of 16th Brigade, 6th Division. Moved by train to Vlamertinghe in support of 27th Division 14th March, but returned to Armentières next day. Transferred to Ypres sector and 31st May marched via Bailleul to billets at Wittenhoek. Later began tours in Potijze sector trenches.

2nd Battalion

January–February

Winchester. Part of 85th Brigade, 28th Division. To Southampton 17th January and sailed for Havre. Moved by train to Hazebrouck, arriving 21st and marched to billets at Rouge-Croix. To Ouderdom 2nd February and on 4th moved forward to reserve line at Bedford House. Returned to Ouderdom next day. Took over trenches north of the Ypres-Comines Canal 6th. Took part in the fighting at ‘O’ Trench 14th2–15th. Casualties included Captain L. Fort; Lieutenants R.M. Heywood and J.W. Butts Archer killed. Relieved and via Ypres to Reninghelst. To Locre 19th February and began tours in Kemmel sector 22nd.

March–April

Captain A.S. Cresswell killed by sniper 12th March. To Dickebusch 23rd and from there took over trenches in the St. Eloi sector. Moved to Zonnebeke 10th April then Broodseinde sector. Relieved 14th and to St. Jean. Returned to same line later, then back to St. Jean 21st. Took part in the fighting around Wieltje between 23rd–27th then relieved by 4th Rifle Brigade and to St. Jean. Casualties included Captain J. McB Ronald killed 23rd, Lieutenant W.G. Jackson and Second-Lieutenant C.W. Laing killed 24th, Lieutenant E.H.U. Buttanshaw killed 27th. Took over trenches at Verlorenhoek 28th April. Commanding Officer – Lieutenant-Colonel A.D. Geddes killed by shell.

May–June

Relieved during night of 3rd May and moved back to wood north of the Vlamertinghe-Poperinghe road. Casualties (estimated by War Diary) since 22nd April – 17 officers, 702 other ranks. Moved forward through Ypres to trenches near Verlorenhoek 8th. Relieved 12th and to Poperinghe. In action with 9th Lancers at Hooge and 3rd Royal Fusiliers in trenches near Bellewaarde Lake 24th. Casualties included Lieutenant D.W. Hammond killed. Moved to Poperinghe 27th May. Carried out tours in St. Eloi sector throughout June.

6th (Service) Battalion

June

Aldershot. Part of 37th Brigade, 12th (Eastern) Division. Moved to Folkestone 1st and sailed for Boulogne. Left next day for St. Omer and from there marched to billets at Remilly-Wirquin. Moved after a few days to Meteren. Later began instruction in trenches at Armentières and from there moved to Ploegsteert. Took over front line in Ploegsteert Wood, being relieved by 6th Queen’s Own Royal West Kent 30th.

The King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

‘Ypres 1915’ ‘Gravenstafel’ ‘St. Julien’ ‘Frezenberg’ ‘Bellewaarde’ ‘Festubert 1915’

1st Battalion

January–February–March

Carrying out tours in Le Touquet sector trenches. Sharing duty with 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers and resting at Le Bizet when out of the line. Part of 12th Brigade, 4th Division. War Diary records average trench life, noteing on 1st January that the hospital in Le Bizet was shelled. A week later, ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies were forced to leave their trenches after a heavy rain storm caused flooding. Carter’s Farm was destroyed by enemy shellfire on 14th January. Mining activity, from both sides, around Sniper’s House is also noted. On 20th April the enemy were actually engaged underground and shots were exchanged. Relieved 28th April and moved to billets in Bailleul. Marched two days later via Locre and La Brique and took over trenches at Wieltje.

May

Second-Lieutenant R. Selwyn Pryor killed 1st. War Diary records next