War Diary of the 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles (1914–17)
Transcribed from the original manuscript version of the War Diary at the National Archive. The diary records the unit’s activities during the time that Sergeants Bobbie Rice and George McLeay served with the Scottish Rifles, the full story of which is recounted in Letters to Lizzie.
[Notes on the text have been added below in brackets]
November 1914
4 November 1914, HURSLEY
The Battalion marched off from HURSLEY PARK CAMP at 2.40pm & arrived at SOUTHAMPTON dock at 6.15pm. Seven horses, six draught & one riding cast by the Army Veterinary Corps. Embarkation in SS CORNISHMAN completed at 9.45pm — sailed 10.15pm.
5 November 1914, LE HAVRE
Arrived at LE HAVRE 12.30pm. Disembarked & marched to №6 Rest Camp, arriving at 5.15pm. Owing to faulty derricks, great delay in disembarking transport vehicles which only reached camp at 1am 6th inst.
6 November 1914
Inspected by Base Commandant. One riding horse & five draught cast by vet. office. 13 horses made up by Remount Department.
7 November 1914
Made up deficiencies of kit.
8 November 1914
Entrained at 11am, & left LE HAVRE at 2.30pm. Four men admitted to hospital.
9 November 1914, ST OMER
4.30pm. Detrained — one man admitted to hospital. Billeted for the night.
10 November 1914, between ST OMER & BERQUIN
Shifted billets to area lying between ST OMER & BERQUIN.
11 November 1914, between BERQUIN & ESTAIRES
Moved into fresh billets lying between NEUF-BERQUIN & ESTAIRES.
12 November 1914, STEENWERCK
Ordered to move into billets at NEUVE ÉGLISE but stopped at STEENWERCK & billeted there.
13 November 1914, NEUVE ÉGLISE
Moved into billets at NEUVE ÉGLISE.
14 November 1914, MESSINES Trenches
Took over the trenches from a Battalion of the 156th French Regiment South West of MESSINES.
15 November 1914
Trenches. Two men wounded.
16 November 1914
Trenches. One man killed & three wounded.
17 November 1914, ESTAIRES
Relieved by 4th Middlesex Regiment & returned to billets at NEUVE ÉGLISE. Marched to ESTAIRES & went into billets.
18 November 1914, LA FLINQUE
Detached as Brigade Reserve. Marched to LA FLINQUE & went into billets.
19 November 1914
All quiet. Constructed dug-outs
20 November 1914
Two series of shells fired by enemy — no damage.
21 November 1914, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches. One man killed.
22 November 1914
Trenches. Lt GSM LARDER 3rd Devons attached & three men wounded.
23 November 1914
Trenches. One man wounded.
24 November 1914, ESTAIRES
Relieved by 2nd Devons & moved into billets at ESTAIRES as Corps Reserve. One killed & four wounded.
25 November 1914
Nothing to record.
26 November 1914
Nothing to record.
27 November 1914, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in trenches. Lt AW TOMS, 3rd Devons attached, accidentally killed. One man killed.
28 November 1914
Trenches. One man killed, 9 rank & file wounded.
29 November 1914
Trenches. One killed & two wounded.
30 November 1914, LA FLINQUE
Trenches. Four wounded. Relieved by 2nd Devons & moved into billets at LA FLINQUE.
Signed: WI Maunsell, Capt, Adjutant 2nd Scottish Rifles
December 1914
1 December 1914
Nothing to record.
2 December 1914
Nothing to record.
3 December 1914
One man killed & one wounded. Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches.
4 December 1914, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Trenches. Cap shot off German — blue with red piping, probably Jaeger. No casualties.
5 December 1914
Trenches. Two men wounded. LC Thompson D Company brought in the pay book, diary & letters of a dead German belonging to 57th Regiment, 14th Division, 7th Corps.
6 December 1914, PONT RICHON
Trenches. Two men wounded. Moved into billets at PONT RICHON.
7 December 1914
One man wounded (accidentally).
8 December 1914
First reinforcement arrived, 94 NCOs & men
9 December 1914, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches.
10 December 1914
Trenches. One man killed.
11 December 1914
Trenches. Two men wounded (one accidentally self-inflicted).
12 December 1914, LA FLINQUE
No casualties. Moved into Brigade Reserve in billets at LA FLINQUE.
13 December 1914
Nothing to record.
14 December 1914, NEUVE-CHAPELLE Trenches
Relieved 2nd Northamptons in trenches North of NEUVE-CHAPELLE. Three men wounded.
15 December 1914
Trenches. One man killed.
16 December 1914
Trenches. Two men killed. Lt TL LODEN-SYMONDS & one man killed.
17 December 1914
Trenches. One man wounded.
18 December 1914
Trenches. Supported with fire from trenches an attack by 2nd Devons. Sent out party by night to dig trench connecting the left of our line with the right of 2nd Devons. Lt CRI HOPKINS & four men killed, four men wounded.
19 December 1914, LAVENTIE
Relieved by 1st Worcesters & went into Brigade Reserve at LAVENTIE. One man wounded.
20 December 1914, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Royal Berkshires in trenches by CHAPIGNY. One man killed & four wounded.
21 December 1914
Trenches. Lt TEJ DUNN & three men wounded.
22 December 1914
Trenches. Lt TEJ DUNN died of wounds. One man killed & three wounded.
23 December 1914
Trenches. Two men wounded.
24 December 1914, LA FLINQUE
Relieved by 2nd Devons & went into billets in Brigade Reserve at LA FLINQUE. One man killed & one wounded.
25 December 1914
Christmas Day. Nothing to record.
26 December 1914
Nothing to record.
27 December 1914, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches by CHAPIGNY. Four men wounded, one self-inflicted.
28 December 1914
Trenches. Five men wounded.
29 December 1914
Trenches. One man wounded.
30 December 1914, PONT RICHON
Relieved by 2nd Devons & went into billets in Divisional Reserve at PONT RICHON. Lt HAC SIM & three men wounded, three men killed.
31 December 1914
Nothing to record.
Signed: WI Maunsell, Capt, Adjutant 2nd Scottish Rifles
January 1915
1 January 1915
Battalion had a bath.
2 January 1915, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches. One man wounded.
3 January 1915
Trenches. Draft of one officer Lt SOMERVAIL & 105 other ranks joined. Two men wounded.
4 January 1915
Trenches. Two men wounded.
5 January 1915, LA FLINQUE
Trenches. One man wounded. Relieved by 2nd Devons & went into Brigade Reserve in & around LA FLINQUE.
6 January 1915
Nothing to record.
8 January 1915, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches near CHAPIGNY. One man killed.
9 January 1915
Trenches. Three killed & one wounded.
10 January 1915
Trenches. 2/Lt R GRAHAM 2nd Scottish Rifles & 2/Lt JH KENNEDY 2nd Somerset Light Infantry attached, killed. Capt RD HUNTER & seven NCOs & men wounded.
11 January 1915, PONT RICHON
Trenches. Four killed & one wounded. Relieved by 2nd Devons & went into Divisional Reserve at PONT RICHON.
12 January 1915
Nothing to record.
13 January 1915
Nothing to record.
14 January 1915, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches. One man killed.
15 January 1915
Trenches. Two men wounded.
16 January 1915
Trenches. Eight men wounded.
17 January 1915, LA FLINQUE
Trenches. Two men killed & four wounded. Went into Brigade Reserve in & around LA FLINQUE.
18 January 1915
Nothing to record.
19 January 1915
Draft of one sergeant & 29 men arrived from Base.
20 January 1915, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches.
21 January 1915
Trenches. Nothing to record.
22 January 1915
Trenches. One man killed & one wounded.
23 January 1915, PONT RICHON
Relieved by 2nd Devons & went into Divisional Reserve at PONT RICHON, in billets. One man killed & eight wounded.
24 January 1915
Nothing to record.
25 January 1915
Nothing to record.
26 January 1915, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Trenches. One officer, two Corporals & 62 men joined from the Base. Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches. Two men wounded.
27 January 1915
Trenches. Three men wounded.
28 January 1915
Trenches. One man killed. Commenced to place in state of defence buildings in rear of trenches.
29 January 1915, LA FLINQUE
Trenches. One man killed & two wounded. Relieved by 2nd Devons & went into billets in Brigade Reserve in & around LA FLINQUE.
30 January 1915
Nothing to record.
31 January 1915
Nothing to record.
Signed: WI Maunsell, Capt & Adjutant, 2nd Scottish Rifles
February 1915
1 February 1915, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Draft of one Corporal & 39 men joined from ROUEN. Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches. One man killed. Lt WJ KERR & three men wounded.
2 February 1915
Trenches. One man killed & one wounded.
3 February 1915
Trenches. One man killed & one wounded.
4 February 1915, PONT RICHON
Relieved by 2nd Devons & went into billets in Divisional Reserve at PONT RICHON, in billets. One man killed & two wounded. One man reported missing. 2/Lts GV BOOKLESS & CT GRANT joined the Battalion from 3rd Battalion Scottish Rifles.
5 February 1915
Nothing to record.
6 February 1915
Nothing to record.
7 February 1915, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches. Three men wounded.
8 February 1915
Killed Capt & Adjutant WI MAUNSELL & two men. Three men wounded.
9 February 1915
Nothing to report.
10 February 1915, LA FLINQUE
Two killed & four men wounded. Relieved by 2nd Devonshire Regiment & went into Brigade Reserve at LA FLINQUE.
11 February 1915
Nothing to report.
12 February 1915
Nothing to report.
13 February 1915, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches. Casualties nil.
14 February 1915
Trenches. Three men wounded.
15 February 1915
Trenches. One man wounded.
16 February 1915, PONT RICHON
Relieved by 2nd Devons & went into billets in Divisional Reserve at PONT RICHON, in billets. Two men wounded. Draft of 50 men joined from Base.
17 February 1915
Nothing to record.
18 February 1915
Nothing to record.
19 February 1915, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches. Two men wounded.
20 February 1915
Trenches. One man killed, four wounded.
21 February 1915
Trenches. Two men killed, two wounded.
22 February 1915, LA FLINQUE
No casualties. One Sergeant, one Corporal & 28 men joined from Base. Two killed & four men wounded. Relieved by 2nd Devons & went into Brigade Reserve at LA FLINQUE.
23 February 1915
One man wounded.
24 February 1915
2/Lt S de T WILLIAMSON 3rd Battalion Scottish Rifles joined from Base.
25 February 1915, CHAPIGNY Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches. One man wounded.
26 February 1915
Trenches. Lt AA DREW 4th Battalion Scottish Rifles joined from Base Le Havre. Two men killed & three wounded.
27 February 1915
One man killed & one wounded.
28 February 1915
One man wounded.
Signed: WB Gray-Buchanan, Adjutant, 2nd Scottish Rifles
March 1915
1 March 1915, PONT RICHON
Relieved by 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters. Capt AC STANLEY CLARKE wounded, one man killed & two wounded. Billeted for the night at PONT RICHON.
2 March 1915, MERVILLE
Marched to MERVILLE & went into billets in vicinity.
3 March 1915
Lt RHH ROBERTSON 4th Battalion Scottish Rifles, one Lance Sergeant & 19 men joined from Base.
4 March 1915
Nothing to record.
5 March 1915
Nothing to record.
6 March 1915
Nothing to record.
7 March 1915, LA GORGUE
Moved into close billets at LA GORGUE. Three men missing, absent without leave.
8 March 1915
In billets at LA GORGUE. Nothing to record.
9 March 1915, PONT DU HEM Assembly Point
Nothing doing in the morning. Paraded at 10.45pm & marched to CAMERON LANE, LE PONT DU HEM. Hot meal was issued there at 1am on 10th.
10 March 1915, BATTLE OF NEUVE-CHAPELLE
At 2am marched across country to Signpost corner — single file — formed up in trenches as on map A by 5.30am. Guns preregistering at 7am. 7.30–7.45am:Bombardment of enemy trenches (wire cutting). 7.45–8.00: bombardment of front line enemy trench. 8.05: A&B Companies left trenches & advanced on enemy’s first line in quick time — A Company Major E de L HAYES, B Company Capt FERRERS , C & D Companies then occupying trenches vacated by A & B. B Company reached the first German trench with very little opposition. Not so A Company, who met with a heavy rifle & machine gun fire. The German wire was not well cut in front of this Company by the guns. ‘A’ Company experienced a heavy enfilade fire as the Battalion on its left — the 2nd Middlesex — could not get forward, although making three gallant attempts. About 70 prisoners gave themselves up in the first line trenches. By the time the first line had been reached, Lt Col BLISS & Adjutant Capt GRAY-BUCHANAN were killed close together practically reaching the first line. C & D Companies followed A & B at a short interval & the whole Regiment went on taking the German 2nd line. The Regiment had now arrived at points 21 & 82 (Map B) & the right flank advanced point 41 as far as 18. The line now held 18, 41, 82 & 21. 9.30am: our guns now shelled 18. Heavy German rifle & machine gun fire came from 22. The 2nd Middlesex were now able to advance & our gunners had cleared 22 — the whole line was now able to advance & the Battalion occupied 53 & 19. The Battalion reached this point before our scheduled time — our gunners opened fire on this line but fortunately the Battalion retired before any material damage was done — they occupied a position 18.65. At 2.15pm, Major CARTER-CAMPBELL, who by this time was the only officer left except Lt SOMERVAIL, was hit on the head & the Battalion reoccupied 19.53. Where the 5th Black Watch were digging trenches, very heavy machine gun from direction of pt 5 began & was finally silenced by our machine guns — time about 4pm. The night of 10th/11th was spent in trench 19.53 & defended house 19. A hot meal with tea & ample rations was brought up by Quartermaster GRAHAM. About 8pm the Sherwood Foresters came through the Battalion advancing to a night attack. The night of 10th/11th was spent in digging & improving defences of house.
11 March 1915
At 5.30am C Company occupied position 55.19; the remainder of the Battalion stayed where they were heavily shelled with high explosive ‘Black Marias’ & shrapnel. Very few casualties, not more than 2 or 3 men hit with shrapnel bullets. The night of 11th/12th was spent in the same position. The Battalion again had a hot meal from the cookers brought up with great difficulty as the road was blocked & being heavily shelled.
12 March 1915
On the morning of this day, the Battalion was in & about points 19.55.53, subjected to heavy shell fire during the day, but did not suffer much, four or five casualties only. About 4pm, Major CARTER-CAMPBELL was wounded & Lt SOMERVAIL, assisted by Regimental Major CHALMERS, assumed command of the Battalion. At the time Major CARTER-CAMPBELL was wounded, he was on his way from the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment where he had been making arrangements for a night attack. He was to have commanded both Battalions. The command then devolved on Major MG PEN, 2nd West Yorkshires. About 8pm, the Battalion formed up on the road at about point 65 facing South. The Battalion formed the advance guard by 29.50.31. They moved across country & joined up with 2nd Devons & formed a preparatory formation for a night attack. The night attack however did not come off. About 4am 13th, the night operations were cancelled & the Battalion returned to its position 19.53.55.
13 March 1915
In the morning of the 13th, the Battalion occupied 54. About 8pm, after spending the day under shell fire, the Battalion retired to 22.17 where they remained all night.
14 March 1915
Consolidated the above position & about 4pm retired back by Companies through the German trenches to orchard 15.16.13. This night the Battalion was relieved by the 25th Brigade. The Battalion was in Reserve that night 14th/15th.
15 March 1915, LA BASSÉE — ETAIN ROAD
Rested in billets on the LA BASSÉE — ETAIN ROAD near ROUGE CROIX. Draft of 57 men joined.
16 March 1915, Trenches
Rested until the evening & went into usual trenches the night of 16/17 to 13.15.16. On the 12th(?), 2/Lt BN PIRRIE 3rd Scottish Rifles joined with a draft of 20 men. On morning of 12th(?), 2/Lt BURT joined with a draft of 37 men.
17 March 1915, L’ÉPINETTE FARM, RUE DU BACQUEROT
Returned to billets at L’ÉPINETTE FARM on RUE DU BACQUEROT, LA FLINQUE ROAD. Major OAKLEY & Capt MONEY joined from 1st Battalion & assumed command of the Battalion & Capt MONEY took over the duties of Adjutant. 2/Lt ARMOM(?) from 3rd Battalion also joined. During the operations 10th-14th March the following casualties occurred:
Killed — 13 officers
Lt Col WM Bliss
Major E de L Hayes
Major GA Ellis
Major HDW Lloyd
Capt JP Kennedy
Capt PR Dodd
Capt WB Gray Buchanan
Lt The Hon J de Blaquière
Lt JB Bibby
Lt JD Alston 3rd Battalion attached
Lt AA Drew 3rd Battalion attached
Lt S de T Williamson 3rd Battalion attached
Lt DHH Robertson 3rd Battalion attached
Wounded — 9 officers
Major GTC Carter Campbell
Capt EB Ferrers
Capt JF Dew 3rd Battalion attached
Lt MD Kennedy
2/Lt JT Conway
2/Lt RI Evans 3rd Battalion attached
2/Lt RB Harley 3rd Battalion attached
2/Lt GT Bookless 3rd Battalion attached
2/Lt JW MacEwan 3rd Battalion attached
Rank & file
112 Killed; 314 Wounded; 21 Missing. Included amongst other ranks were 29 Sergeants & Acting Sergeants killed & wounded.
18 March 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
19 March 1915, D Trenches
In billets. Relieved 2nd Devons in D lines.
20 March 1915
In trenches, nothing to report.
21 March 1915, PONT DU HEM
In trenches. One man slightly wounded. HQ D lines shelled, no damage. Relieved by 4th Camerons, to billet + road M.15.C.2.8 PONT DU HEM.
22 March 1915
In billets. Draft 502 men joined companies. The following officers arrived & were posted to companies as under.
Capt SANDILANDS to B Company. Capt BLUE (3rd Scottish Rifles) to D Company. Capt SALMON (3rd Scottish Rifles) to C Company. Lt FENTON (3rd Scottish Rifles) to A Company. Lt CONNAL (3rd Scottish Rifles) to A Company. Lt HENDERSON (3rd Scottish Rifles) to B Company.
23 March 1915, RUE DE BATAILLE, BAC ST MAUR
Changed billets. Marching at 2.15pm via LAVENTIE to billets in the RUE DE BATAILLE, South of BAC ST MAUR. 1/6th Scottish Rifles joined the Brigade.
24 March 1915
Nothing to report.
25 March 1915, LA TOULETTE
Changed billets. Marching at 7.30pm to billets in the neighbourhood of LA TOULETTE, one mile East of FLEURBAIX.
26 March 1915
The following officers arrived, & were posted to Companies as under: Capt TR LODEN-SYMONDS to B Company (rejoined after being wounded). Lt EG WIGHTWICK (4th Scottish Rifles) to C Company. Lt LB STEVENS (3rd Staff Scottish Rifles) to C Company. Lt J BUTLER (4th Scottish Rifles) to D Company. Lt BT HOOD (Temp. Comm. Art. Rif.) to A Company. Lt DR SEATH (Temp. Comm. Art. Rif.) to A Company. Lt EH FORTON (Temp. Comm. Art. Rif.) to D Company. Lt CW STEVENS (Temp. Comm. Art. Rif.) to D Company. Lt CM POWER (Temp. Comm. Art. Rif.) to C Company.
27 March 1915
Nothing to report.
28 March 1915, BOIS GRENIER Trenches
Nothing to report. Relieved 2nd Devons in the trenches in №6 Section in front of BOIS GRENIER, occupying the line immediately next to the 1st Battalion, The Cameronians (XIX Brigade).
29 March 1915
Nothing to report.
30 March 1915
One man killed in look-out. A high explosive shell pitched in a dug-out in which were eleven men, killing five, wounding four, & two were untouched.
31 March 1915, LA TOULETTE
One man killed. Relieved in trenches by 2nd Devon Regiment. Billeted in the neighbourhood of LA TOULETTE.
Signed: RI Money, Capt & a/Adjutant, & Major R Oakley, Commanding 2nd Scottish Rifles 1.4.15
April 1915
1 April 1915
In billets at LA TOULETTE. Nothing to report.
2 April 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
3 April 1915, №6 Trenches BOIS GRENIER — BRIDOUX ROAD
Relieved 2nd Devons in trenches, №6 Section, VIII Division, astride BOIS GRENIER — BRIDOUX ROAD South of LE TOUQUET.
4 April 1915
In trenches, nothing to report.
5 April 1915
In trenches, nothing to report. Lt GJ Hamilton joined for duty.
6 April 1915, BAC ST MAUR
Relieved by 1st Worcesters in trenches. One Sergeant wounded in morning, one Private wounded on road during relief. Marched via BOIS GRENIER to billets on the RUE BATAILLE South of BAC ST MAUR. The whole Brigade to be in Divisional Reserve for six days.
7 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
8 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report. Capt COLLINS RAMC joined for duty.
9 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report. Capt MCSHEEHY RAMC left to join 2nd Division Cavalry Field Ambulance.
10 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
11 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
12 April 1915, №2 Trenches FLEURBAIX
In billets. 3pm Inspected by the Commander in Chief, Field Marshall Sir John French, who addressed the Battalion. 8pm Relieved Royal Berkshire Regiment in trenches, №2 Section 3800 yards South of FLEURBAIX (N9C3.8 to N10D4G Reference Sheet 36 France & Belgium 1/40000 squared). Marching from billets via CROIX DE BLANC & RUE PETILLON.
13 April 1915
In trenches. Four men killed, one wounded.
14 April 1915
In trenches, one man wounded.
15 April 1915
In trenches, one wounded.
16 April 1915
In trenches, one wounded.
17 April 1915
In trenches, two men wounded. Capt HYDE SMITH, 2/Lt PERRIN South Staffordshires & Lt SIMPSON 2nd Scottish Rifles joined.
18 April 1915, RUE DU BOIS
In trenches, relieved by 6th Scottish Rifles. To billets on RUE DU BOIS N2d (Ref Sheet 36). The following NCOs & men were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry at Neuve-Chapelle: №6055 CSM WJ McBEATH; 8347 Sergeant P MAYO; 9204 Lance Corporal HR CANNON (Killed in action); 9786 Private W TONGS; 10777 Private H McCABE (Killed in action, would have been awarded had he lived).
19 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
20 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
21 April 1915
In billets. Major GTC CARTER-CAMPBELL awarded DSO. Lt WF SOMERVAIL 3rd Scottish Rifles attached 2nd Scottish Rifles & 4978 Regimental Sergeant Major J CHALMERS awarded Military Cross for distinguished service at the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle.
22 April 1915
In billets. Four men wounded by a shell bursting in the roof of a billet on the RUE DU BOIS. One man of Royal Engineers working party wounded.
23 April 1915
In billets. Nothing to report. Major RI COLLINS RAMC to 1st Sherwoods. Lt ERC COOKE joined for duty.
24 April 1915, DOULIEU
In billets. One man wounded (stray shot on RUE DU BOIS). Capt RD HUNTER rejoined. Moved into Divisional Reserve billets in the neighbourhood of DOULIEU, L11 sheet 36A 1/40000.
25 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
26 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
27 April 1915
In billets. Lt Col CB VANDELEUR joined & assumed command. Lt HAC SIM rejoined. Lt AG MAITLAND 3rd Scottish Rifles joined from Base with 131 other ranks.
28 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
29 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
30 April 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
Signed: CB Vandeleur, Colonel, 1st Battalion The Scottish Rifles, 1st May 1915
Enclosure: Copy of speech to the Battalion on 12 April 1915, by Field Marshall JPD French [NB. Available in original War Diary — not transcribed here].
May 1915
1 May 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
2 May 1915, ESTAIRES
Moved to billets in ESTAIRES.
3 May 1915
Moved to D lines trenches order for evening was cancelled.
4 May 1915, №2 Trenches RUE PETILLON
Moved to PETILLON & took over №2 section from 1st Sherwood Foresters.
5 May 1915
In trenches. Three men killed, five men wounded. 2/Lt GC PIRIE wounded. A Listening Post of one NCO & 9 men was surprised & rushed by about 20 of the enemy, who used the butt of the rifle & bayonet only. One man was killed & four wounded. The enemy retired at once, the NCO being enabled to return with another post immediately.
6 May 1915, RUE DU BOIS
In trenches. Seven men wounded & one man killed. Relieved by 1/7th Middlesex & moved to billets on RUE DU BOIS.
7 May 1915
In billets. The CO attended a conference at Brigade Headquarters, at which orders were issued for an assault to take place on the enemy lines on the 8th. Operations suspended for 24 hours about 7pm.
8 May 1915, CELLAR FARM Assembly Trenches
Major GJ CARTER-CAMPBELL rejoined after being wounded. Moved to assembly trenches, CELLAR FARM N10a28 at 8.45pm.
9 May 1915 BATTLE OF AUBERS RIDGE
The artillery bombardment commenced at 5am & at 5.40am the infantry assault by the 24th & 25th Infantry Brigades commenced on the right & left of the SAILLY-FROMELLE road respectively. The 23rd Brigade was in Divisional Reserve & had orders to follow the left attack. About 6.30am an order was received from the Brigadier to advance in support of the 2nd Rifle Brigade; this was done in the following order in lines of ½ Companies on a front of 125 yards — C,D,A,B. During the advance to the fire trenches recently held by the Battalion some casualties were suffered especially in crossing the open ground immediately in rear of the fire trench, where enfilade fire was brought to bear on our advancing lines from our left. Lt Col VANDELEUR was wounded shortly before reaching the fire trench & Major Carter-Campbell assumed command of the Battalion. Here orders were received for the Battalion to occupy the trenches on the left of the 2nd Devons; previous to receiving this order, some men of the leading Companies had crossed our fire trench, some of whom succeeded in reaching the first German trench; later orders were received to send three machine guns & the Battalion bombers to support the 2nd Lincolns who were occupying part of the German trench; in moving out to & occupying this trench some losses were suffered, among which was Lt ORTON in command of the Machine Gun Section, who was killed. All day the Battalion was under heavy shell fire, but suffered few casualties from that cause. At dusk, the Battalion was withdrawn to its assembly trenches. During the operations, the following casualties occurred:
Killed
Capt CG Salmon 3rd Battalion attached
Lt TL Loder-Symonds
Lt EH Orton
2/Lt B Simpson
Lt HAC Sim
Wounded
Lt Col CB Vandeleur
Major R Oakley
Capt RD Hunter
Capt RC Money
Capt D Blue
2/Lt DA Seath
Wounded & missing
2/Lt LB Stevens 3rd South Staffordshires attached
Rank & file
Killed 23; Wounded 94; Wounded & Missing 7; Missing 2210 May 1915
Remained in assembly trenches. Nothing to report.
11 May 1915, №2 Trenches
Moved to trenches, taking over №2 Section from 1st Worcesters & 1/7th Middlesex. One man wounded.
12 May 1915
In trenches. One man wounded.
13 May 1915
In trenches. Nothing to report.
14 May 1915
In trenches. One man wounded.
15 May 1915
In trenches. Two men killed & two wounded.
16 May 1915, RUE DU BACQUEROT
In trenches, relieved by 6th Scottish Rifles & moved to billets on RUE DU BACQUEROT as Brigade Reserve.
17 May 1915
In billets.
18 May 1915
In billets. The following officers joined: Capts EW ANDERSON & EM MACHANG; 2Lts JWS GRAY, FW WALLACE, MF RODGERS, DF CAMPBELL, EW BRECKEN, H MORRIS & WH POHEN. 14 other ranks also joined.
19 May 1915
In billets, nothing to record.
20 May 1915
In billets, nothing to record.
21 May 1915, Trenches
Relieved 6th Scottish Rifles in Front line. One man wounded in billets before moving off.
22 May 1915
In trenches. Two men wounded.
23 May 1915
In trenches. One man wounded. The following officers joined: Lt JAH STANSFELD; 2/Lts RA MacAULEY, DP PETRIE, J FERGUSON & WA McGRAC.
24 May 1915
In trenches. Five men wounded. The following officers joined: Lt M MALLACE; Lt JG GRICE; 2/Lt RC GALLOP.
25 May 1915
In trenches. One man wounded & one killed.
26 May 1915
In trenches. Lt RN PAISLEY joined.
27 May 1915, RUE DU BACQUEROT
In trenches. Three men wounded. Relieved by 6th Scottish Rifles & went into Brigade Reserve billets on RUE DU BACQUEROT.
28 May 1915
In billets. 2/Lt HM SMITH & 50 other ranks joined from the Base.
29 May 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
30 May 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
31 May 1915
In billets, nothing to report.
Signed: J Carter-Campbell, Major, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles, 3.VI.16
June 1915
1 June 1915, F Trenches
Relieved 6th Scottish Rifles in the trenches F lines.
2 June 1915
In the trenches. Nothing to report.
3 June 1915, RUE TILLELOY Trenches (A & B) & RUE DU BACQUEROT Billets (C & D)
In the trenches. Two men wounded. C&D Companies came out of trenches & went into Brigade Reserve on RUE DU BACQUEROT. Trench 4a established on RUE TILLELOY (N.13a) & Battalion Headquarters on RUE DU BACQUEROT (M.6b).
4 June 1915
Two men wounded.
5 June 1915
One man wounded.
6 June 1915
Nothing to report.
7 June 1915, Companies change over
One man wounded. A & B Companies were relieved in the trenches F1 & F2 by C & D Companies; the former taking over the latter’s billets on RUE DU BACQUEROT.
8 June 1915
One man killed, two wounded.
9 June 1915
Two men wounded.
10 June 1915
Two men wounded. 2/Lt Wightwich was accidentally wounded by a bayonet.
11 June 1915
Two men wounded.
12 June 1915
Two men wounded.
13 June 1915, Companies change over
C & D Companies were relieved in the trenches F1 & F2 by A & B Companies; the former going into billets on RUE DU BACQUEROT. One man wounded during relief.
14 June 1915
Lt Wallace accidentally wounded by bayonet in the leg when jumping over the parapet on returning from putting out wire. Three men wounded.
15 June 1915
Nothing to report.
16 June 1915
Lt Pohin slightly wounded by shell splinter in the leg (on duty).
17 June 1915
Nothing to report.
18 June 1915
Nothing to report.
19 June 1915, Companies change over
One man wounded. Companies changed over.
20 June 1915
Lt SOMERVAIL slightly wounded in the neck by a rifle grenade (At duty).
21 June 1915
One man killed.
22 June 1915
One man killed, one man wounded
23 June 1915
One man accidentally wounded
24 June 1915
Nothing to report.
25 June 1915
Companies changed over. One man wounded.
26 June 1915
Nothing to report.
27 June 1915, RUE DE BRUGES
Relieved by 152nd Brigade Highland Division & went into Divisional Reserve on the RUE DE BRUGES.
28 June 1915
One man accidentally wounded.
29 June 1915
Nothing to report.
30 June 1915
Nothing to report.
Signed: J Carter-Campbell, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
July 1915
1 July 1915, RUE DUQUESNE
Moved into Brigade Reserve on RUE DUQUESNE.
2 July 1915
Nothing to report.
3 July 1915
Nothing to report.
4 July 1915
Nothing to report.
5 July 1915
One man employed with RE working party wounded at BOIS GRENIER.
6 July 1915
Nothing to report.
7 July 1915, Section 3 & 4 Trenches
Moved into trenches, Section 3 subsections R & S & Section 4 subsections P, Q, R & S. One man wounded.
8 July 1915
Two men wounded.
9 July 1915
Lt AG Maitland & three other ranks wounded on patrol. One other man wounded.
10 July 1915
Nothing to report.
11 July 1915
Three men wounded.
12 July 1915
Nothing to report.
13 July 1915, RUE DE BRUGES
Lt H Morris severely wounded. One man wounded. Battalion moved into Divisional Reserve on RUE DE BRUGES. One man wounded during relief.
14 July 1915
Lt H Morris died of wounds in 26th Field Ambulance. Buried at SAILLY Cemetery.
15 July 1915
Nothing to report.
16 July 1915
Nothing to report.
17 July 1915
Nothing to report.
18 July 1915
Nothing to report.
19 July 1915, RUE DU BOIS
Moved into №1 Brigade Reserve on RUE DU BOIS.
20 July 1915
Nothing to record.
21 July 1915
Nothing to report.
22 July 1915
Nothing to report.
23 July 1915
Nothing to report.
24 July 1915
Six men wounded by shell fire whilst on digging fatigue under the RE.
25 July 1915, RUE PETILLON Trenches
Battalion took over the trenches near RUE PETILLON from 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment. One man killed & one wounded.
26 July 1915
One man wounded.
27 July 1915
Nothing to record.
28 July 1915
Nothing to record.
29 July 1915
Nothing to report.
30 July 1915
One man wounded.
31 July 1915, SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS
Two men killed. Moved into Divisional Reserve to the North West of SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS.
Signed: VC Sandilands Capt, for Lt Colonel Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
August 1915
1 August 1915
Nothing to report. In Divisional Reserve North West of SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS.
2 August 1915
Nothing to report.
3 August 1915
Nothing to report.
4 August 1915
Nothing to report.
5 August 1915
Nothing to report.
6 August 1915
Nothing to report.
7 August 1915
Nothing to report.
8 August 1915, RUE DUQUESNE & RUE DU BOIS
Moved into Brigade Reserve on RUE DUQUESNE & RUE DU BOIS.
9 August 1915
Nothing to report.
10 August 1915
6th Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire 2I was attached to the Battalion for instruction.
11 August 1915
Nothing to report.
12 August 1915
One man wounded.
13 August 1915
Nothing to report.
14 August 1915
One man slightly wounded.
15 August 1915
Nothing to report.
16 August 1915, RUE PETILLON Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in trenches RUE PETILLON.
17 August 1915
Nothing to record.
18 August 1915
One man wounded.
19 August 1915
Nothing to report.
20 August 1915
Draft of 43 men from Base. One man wounded.
21 August 1915
One man wounded.
22 August 1915
Mine exploded opposite N9d7.3 70 yards from A Company.
23 August 1915
Nothing to record.
24 August 1915, RUE DUQUESNE
Two men killed. 2/Lts JC ALLAN & F MORTON 13th Scottish Rifles joined for duty. Relieved by 2nd Devons in the trenches & went into Brigade Reserve on RUE DUQUESNE.
25 August 1915
In billets. One man wounded on working party under RE. Lt GD Pervin, South Staffordshire Regiment, rejoined his own unit.
26 August 1915
One man wounded on RE working party. Capt JL JACK joined for duty & took over command of B Company.
27 August 1915
Nothing to record.
28 August 1915
Nothing to record.
29 August 1915
Nothing to record.
30 August 1915
Nothing to record.
31 August 1915
C Company who were in immediate support to 2nd Devons were moved up by OC Devons to his Headquarters owing to the enemy having exploded a mine near the parapet & subsequently shelled the trenches. Nothing further happened & C Company returned to billets at 5.30am next morning.
Signed: J Carter-Campbell, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
September 1915
1 September 1915, RUE PETILLON Trenches
Relieved 2nd Devons in trenches RUE PETILLON.
2 September 1915
Two men wounded. Communication trenches & supporting posts shelled during this afternoon.
3 September 1915
One man wounded. Enemy tried to shell C Company but shells fell short.
4 September 1915
One man killed, four men wounded. Battalion Headquarters was shelled by enemy’s field guns. No casualties.
5 September 1915, SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS
Relieved by 12th King’s Liverpool Regiment. Moved into Reserve North of SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS.
6 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
7 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
8 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
9 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
10 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
11 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
12 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
13 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
14 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
15 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
16 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
17 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
18 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report. One man attached Grenadiers Company wounded.
19 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
20 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
21 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
22 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
23 September 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
24 September 1915, BARLETTE FARM Assembly Trenches
The Battalion moved into assembly trenches in Divisional Reserve at BARLETTE FARM. C & D Companies were digging all night to get themselves in by morning.
25 September 1915, In Reserve
Division attacked. Battalion was in reserve all day. At 8pm B Company was moved down to ELBOW FARM in support of Lambert’s Detachment (24th Infantry Brigade) but were not needed & stayed at ELBOW FARM.
[NB. Further South, operations began at Loos, during which battle Sergeant George McLeay’s brother — Rifleman Edward Joseph McLeay — was injured in the attack by the Poplar & Stepney Rifles. The action by the 24th Brigade at Elbow Farm was designed, along with other subterfuges on the Western Front, to draw enemy reserves into their immediate front lines and thus prevent them from moving southwards towards Loos.]
26 September 1915
Battalion was again in Reserve all day & the Division not making progress operations died down. B Company rejoined at 7.30pm.
27 September 1915, RUE PETILLON Trenches
Orders received in the afternoon to relieve 7/KOYLI & 1 Company of 12th King’s Liverpools in the trenches №2 Section, RUE PETILLON. This was done & relief was finally completed at about 2am.
28 September 1915
In the trenches. One man killed.
29 September 1915
One man wounded.
30 September 1915
Enemy started bombarding B Company’s lines with trench mortars at 6.45am. Having just taken over from another Brigade we had none with which to reply & before the supporting battery opened fire we had had two men killed & one wounded. When the guns opened the enemy at once ceased fire.
Signed: VC Sandilands Major, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles, 2/10/15
October 1915
1 October 1915, RUE DUQUESNE
Relieved in the trenches by 2nd West Yorkshires & went into billets on RUE DUQUESNE. Two men wounded during relief.
2 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
3 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
4 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
5 October 1915, RUE PETILLON Trenches
Relieved 2nd West Yorkshires in the trenches RUE PETILLON. Two men wounded.
6 October 1915
One man wounded.
7 October 1915
Two men wounded.
8 October 1915
Between 4am & 5am enemy bombarded the mine crater field by C Company with trench mortars. Our artillery replied & eventually silenced them. We lost one killed & seven wounded.
9 October 1915
During the evening & early part of the night enemy fired trench mortars but was soon silenced by our guns (Field howitzers) & rifle grenades. 2/Lt JC ALLAN was wounded slightly during the afternoon.
10 October 1915, RUE QUESNOY
One killed & one wounded. The latter was Sergeant LAFFERTY who came out with the Battalion & had been at duty ever since. Relieved by 1st Sherwood Foresters & went into Divisional Reserve on RUE QUESNOY.
11 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
12 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
13 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
14 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
15 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
16 October 1915, RUE DUQUESNE
Moved into billets on RUE DUQUESNE. In Brigade Reserve.
17 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
18 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
19 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to record.
20 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to record.
21 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to record.
22 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
23 October 1915, SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS
Moved back to billets at SAILLY. In Divisional Reserve. Nothing to report.
24 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
25 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
26 October 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
27 October 1915, Trenches
Relieved 1st Royal Irish Rifles in the trench near JOUQUET.
28 October 1915
In the trenches. Nothing of interest.
29 October 1915
One man killed. 2/Lts TB DUNCAN & AL DEVITT joined for duty.
30 October 1915
Two men wounded. One died in hospital next morning.
31 October 1915
Two men wounded.
Signed: VC Sandilands Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles, 2/10/15
November 1915
1 November 1915, FLEURBAIX
Relieved by 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment & went into billets at FLEURBAIX with A Company in immediate support of 2nd West Yorkshires.
2 November 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
3 November 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
4 November 1915, SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS
Moved into Divisional Reserve in SAILLY
5 November 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
6 November 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
7 November 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
8 November 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
9 November 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
10 November 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
11 November 1915, RUE PETILLON Trenches
Relieved 9th York & Lancasters in the trenches RUE PETILLON. 7th Middlesex Regiment on our left & a Brigade of the 20th Division on our right. 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment was in support. No casualties.
12 November 1915
In trenches. Nothing to report.
13 November 1915
In trenches. Nothing to report.
14 November 1915
In trenches. B Company shelled for half an hour in the early morning.
15 November 1915
In trenches. One man killed.
16 November 1915, RUE DUQUESNE
Relieved by 2nd West Yorkshires & went into billet & posts on the RUE DUQUESNE. D Company in immediate support to 2nd West Yorkshires.
17 November 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
18 November 1915
In billets. Nothing to report.
19 November 1915, Trenches
One man killed & two wounded on a working party. Relieved 2nd West Yorkshires in the trenches. 1/7th Middlesex on our left & 20th Division on our right.
20 November 1915
Artillery bombarded enemy. Very little reply & we only had one man slightly wounded.
21 November 1915
Nothing to report
22 November 1915
A Company relieved by 12th Kings’ Liverpool Regiment & went into billets at CROIX BLANCHE.
23 November 1915, SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS
Rest of Battalion was relieved by 12th Kings & whole Battalion went into billets in SAILLY.
24 November 1915, VIEUX BERQUIN
Moved to BLEU near VIEUX BERQUIN. The following officers joined for duty: Capt CB WALLIS; Lt GC PIRIE; 2/Lt T ANSELL.
25 November 1915
Nothing to report.
26 November 1915, MORBECQUE CAMP
Moved to Camp in MORBECQUE. Inspection by CinC cancelled owing to weather.
27 November 1915
Nothing to report.
28 November 1915
Nothing to report.
29 November 1915
Nothing to report. Company training commenced.
30 November 1915
Nothing to report.
Signed: VC Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
December 1915
1 December 1915
Nothing to report.
2 December 1915
Nothing to report.
3 December 1915
Nothing to report.
4 December 1915
Nothing to report.
5 December 1915
Nothing to report.
6 December 1915
2/Lts R GIRVAN & D GEEKIE joined for duty. Nothing to report.
7 December 1915
Nothing to report.
8 December 1915
Nothing to report.
9 December 1915
Nothing to report.
10 December 1915
Nothing to report.
11 December 1915
Nothing to report. 2/Lts W BALD & DD MacMILLAN joined for duty.
12 December 1915
Nothing to report.
13 December 1915
Nothing to report.
14 December 1915
Nothing to report.
15 December 1915
Nothing to report.
16 December 1915
Nothing to report.
17 December 1915
Nothing to report.
18 December 1915
Nothing to report.
19 December 1915
Nothing to report.
20 December 1915, OUISTEDE
Divisional training. Battalion billeted at OUISTEDE.
21 December 1915, BOMY
Divisional training. Battalion billeted at BOMY.
22 December 1915, WARDRECQUES
Divisional training. Battalion billeted at WARDRECQUES.
23 December 1915, MORBECQUE CAMP
Marched back to Camp at MORBECQUE.
24 December 1915
Nothing to report.
25 December 1915
Nothing to report.
26 December 1915
Nothing to report.
27 December 1915
Nothing to report.
28 December 1915
Nothing to report.
29 December 1915
Nothing to report.
30 December 1915
Nothing to report.
31 December 1915
Nothing to report.
Signed: VC Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
January 1916
1 January 1916
In camp at MORBECQUE. Nothing to report.
2 January 1916
Nothing to report.
3 January 1916
Nothing to report.
4 January 1916
Nothing to report.
5 January 1916
Nothing to report.
6 January 1916
Nothing to report.
7 January 1916
Nothing to report.
8 January 1916
Nothing to report.
9 January 1916
Nothing to report.
10 January 1916
Nothing to report.
11 January 1916, VIEUX BERQUIN
Marched to billets about VIEUX BERQUIN.
12 January 1916, CUL DE SAC FARM, SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS
Marched to billets in Divisional Reserve at CUL DE SAC FARM near SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS.
13 January 1916
In billets, nothing to report.
14 January 1916
Nothing to report.
15 January 1916
Nothing to report.
16 January 1916
Nothing to report.
17 January 1916
Nothing to report.
18 January 1916, FLEURBAIX
Moved into Brigade Reserve at FLEURBAIX.
19 January 1916
Nothing to report.
20 January 1916
Nothing to report.
21 January 1916
Nothing to report.
22 January 1916, LA BOUTILLERIE Trenches
A good deal of shelling about FLEURBAIX. Moved into the trenches in front of BOUTILLERIE relieving the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment. 2nd Devons on our left & 7th Middlesex on our right.
23 January 1916
One man wounded shell fire. Patrol under 2/Lt FERGUSON bombed enemy’s covering party near TURK POINT. Results unknown.
24 January 1916
Party of C Company tried to round up same covering party but the moon was too bright & the enemy went in. Considerable shelling of front line & area in rear but no damage.
25 January 1916
Nothing to report.
26 January 1916, FLEURBAIX
Relieved by 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment & went into Brigade Reserve in FLEURBAIX. A Company in advanced billets CROIX MARECHAL in immediate support to 2nd West Yorkshires. A Company 1st Tyneside Scottish attached to the Battalion for instruction.
27 January 1916
Nothing to report.
28 January 1916
Nothing to report.
29 January 1916
A Company’s advance billet shelled in the afternoon. Three Sergeants & three men wounded.
30 January 1916
Nothing to report.
31 January 1916, LA BOUTILLERIE Trenches
Nothing to report. Relieved 2nd West Yorkshires in the trenches at LA BOUTILLERIE. 2nd Devons on our left, 25th Brigade on our right. One man wounded.
Signed: VC Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
February 1916
1 February 1916
In trenches, nothing to report.
2 February 1916
Fire demonstration against enemy at 7pm, supported by trench mortars & artillery. Two men wounded.
3 February 1916
Nothing to report.
4 February 1916, SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS
Relieved by 9th Yorkshire & Lancashires. To billets in SAILLY.
5 February 1916
Nothing to report.
6 February 1916
Nothing to report.
7 February 1916
Nothing to report.
8 February 1916
Nothing to report.
9 February 1916
Nothing to report.
10 February 1916
C Company’s billet shelled. One man wounded.
11 February 1916
Nothing to report.
12 February 1916
Nothing to report.
13 February 1916
Nothing to report.
14 February 1916, ESTAIRES
Moved to billets in ESTAIRES.
15 February 1916, LAVENTIE
Moved to billets in LAVENTIE.
16 February 1916
Nothing to report. Capt EW ANDERSON & 2/Lt AMCD DOUGLAS joined for duty.
17 February 1916
Nothing to report.
18 February 1916
Nothing to report.
19 February 1916, FAUQUISSART Trenches
Relieved 2nd West Yorkshires in the trenches at FAUQUISSART, 2nd Devons on our left, 19th Division on our right.
20 February 1916
Nothing to report. One man killed.
21 February 1916
Nothing to report.
22 February 1916
Nothing to report.
23 February 1916, LAVENTIE
Relieved by 2nd West Yorkshires. Billets in Brigade Reserve at LAVENTIE.
24 February 1916
Nothing to report.
25 February 1916
Nothing to report.
26 February 1916
Nothing to report.
27 February 1916, FAUQUISSART Trenches
Relieved 2nd West Yorkshires in the FAUQUISSART trenches.
28 February 1916
Nothing to report.
29 February 1916
Nothing to report.
Signed: VC Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles, 2/3/16
March 1916
1 March 1916
Nothing to report.
2 March 1916, LAVENTIE
Relieved by 2nd West Yorkshires. To billets in LAVENTIE.
3 March 1916
Nothing to report.
4 March 1916
Battalion Headquarters shelled early in the morning. No damage.
5 March 1916
Nothing to report.
6 March 1916, Trenches
C Company’s billet at WANGERIE Post shelled & burnt down. No casualties & most of their kit was got out. Relieved 2nd West Yorkshires in the trenches.
7 March 1916
Nothing to report.
8 March 1916
Three men wounded. Battalion Headquarters & vicinity shelled during afternoon. 178 5.9"s & 4.2"s counted. No damage. They all fell in adjoining fields.
9 March 1916
Nothing to report.
10 March 1916, LAVENTIE
Relieved by 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment.
11 March 1916
Nothing to report.
12 March 1916
Nothing to report. A German aeroplane was brought down near our billets in LAVENTIE.
13 March 1916
D Company’s billet shelled. Three men wounded.
14 March 1916, Trenches
Relieved 2nd West Yorkshires in trenches. A Company’s billet (remaining one at WANGERIE POST) shelled & burnt down. No casualties, but a certain amount of Company’s material. Vicinity Battalion Headquarters shelled in the evening. One man very slightly wounded & another (attached Brigade Grenadiers Company) wounded. One civilian also hit.
15 March 1916
Nothing to report. One Company 14th Hampshires attached to Battalion.
16 March 1916
One man killed.
17 March 1916
Nothing to report.
18 March 1916, LAVENTIE
Relieved by 2nd West Yorkshires in the trenches. Billets in LAVENTIE.
19 March 1916
Nothing to report.
20 March 1916
Nothing to report.
21 March 1916
Nothing to report.
22 March 1916, Trenches
Relieved 2nd West Yorkshires in the trenches.
23 March 1916
Nothing to report.
24 March 1916
Nothing to report.
25 March 1916
Nothing to report.
26 March 1916, SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS
Relieved by 15th Sherwood Foresters & into billets in SAILLY.
27 March 1916, AMIENS
Marched LESTREM in the evening & entrained for AMIENS district.
28 March 1916, ST VAAST-EN-CHAUSSÉE
Detrained FOUGEAUX & marched to billets at ST VAAST-EN-CHAUSSÉE.
29 March 1916
In billets at ST VAAST. Nothing to report.
30 March 1916
Nothing to report.
31 March 1916
Nothing to report.
Signed: VC Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
April 1916
1 April 1916
In billets at ST VAAST. Nothing to report.
2 April 1916
Nothing to report.
3 April 1916, ST GRATIEN
Marched to ST GRATIEN & billeted for night.
4 April 1916, DERNANCOURT (B&C) & BECOURT WOOD in Support (A&D)
Marched to DERNANCOURT. In Brigade Reserve. A & D Companies in close support to 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment in BECOURT WOOD.
5 April 1916
Nothing to report.
6 April 1916
Nothing to report.
7 April 1916
Nothing to report.
8 April 1916
Nothing to report.
9 April 1916, HÉNENCOURT WOOD
Relieved by 2nd Rifle Brigade & marched back to Hut Camp in HÉNENCOURT WOOD. Detachment of 200 men under Lt M MALLACE left at DERNANCOURT for work under RE.
10 April 1916
Nothing to report.
11 April 1916
Nothing to report. One man wounded attached 179th Company RE.
12 April 1916
Nothing to report. Stood to arms from 8–11. Were not called on.
13 April 1916
Nothing to report. Detachment rejoined.
14 April 1916
Nothing to report.
15 April 1916
Nothing to report.
16 April 1916
Nothing to report.
17 April 1916, AUTHUILLE WOOD Trenches
Relieved 9th York & Lancasters in the trenches by AUTHUILLE WOOD — A&D Companies in firing line, C & one platoon of B in support, B (less one platoon) in Reserve in ALBERT. 2nd Devons on our right. A Battalion of Manchesters (32nd Division) on our left. 2nd West Yorkshires in Brigade Reserve.
18 April 1916
Nothing to report.
19 April 1916
Nothing to report.
20 April 1916
One man wounded.
21 April 1916
Nothing to report. Manchesters on our left relieved by 17th HLJ.
22 April 1916
Artillery demonstration carried out on our right & artillery fired & 17th HLJ raided enemy’s lines. Enemy replied vigorously on A Company’s lines. This Company lost three killed & one badly wounded.
23 April 1916, ALBERT
Relieved by 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment & marched into billets in ALBERT.
24 April 1916
Nothing to report.
25 April 1916
A draft of one corporal & three men arrived from Base.
26 April 1916
Nothing to report.
27 April 1916
Nothing to report.
28 April 1916
Nothing to report.
29 April 1916, AUTHUILLE WOOD Trenches
Relieved 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment in the trenches near AUTHUILLE WOOD, B & C Companies in front line, A Company in support & D Company, less one platoon holding QUARRY Post in Reserve at ALBERT. 2nd Devons on our right & Manchesters on our left. At 12pm, the German trenches on our left were raided. The raid was successful, about 40 Germans being killed. The trenches in the vicinity where the raid took place were heavily shelled. At 2.30am, a bombardment of our trenches opposite LA BOISELLE began & continued till 3.30. Battalion stood to. We had one casualty (trench mortar).
30 April 1916
Draft of ten NCOs & men joined. At 7.30 the trenches in the vicinity of LA BOISELLE were again bombarded. Battalion stood to but everything on our front was quiet. A few rounds of shrapnel were fired at the trenches opposite us.
Signed: VC Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
May 1916
1 May 1916
In the trenches. Nothing to report.
2 May 1916
Nothing to report.
3 May 1916, MILLENCOURT
Relieved by the 2nd Battalion The Rifle Brigade & marched to billets in MILLENCOURT.
4 May 1916
A draft of one NCO & ten men arrived from the Base.
5 May 1916
The Brigadier presented the Brigade football cup to the Regiment & medals to individual members of the team. One officer wounded (accidental) by bomb at Brigade Bomb School — 2/Lt GH ROMAN.
6 May 1916
Nothing to report. 2/Lt LA OTTO joined for duty.
7 May 1916
Relieved 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment as left Brigade Reserve & came under the tactical command of the GOC 25th Infantry Brigade.Line was held by 2nd Rifle Brigade.
8 May 1916
Nothing to report. 2/Lt DP Wright joined for duty.
9 May 1916
Nothing to report.
10 May 1916
Nothing to report.
11 May 1916
25th Infantry Brigade was relieved by our Brigade.
12 May 1916
A draft of four NCOs & 14 men joined from Base. 2/Lt W FOX rejoined for duty.
13 May 1916
The Regimental football team beat the 8th York & Lancaster Regiment in the semi-final for Divisional Football Cup by 4 goals to nil.
14 May 1916
At 10.30pm Battalion ‘stood to’ owing to a SOS which was cancelled at 10.40pm.
15 May 1916, AUTHUILLE WOOD Trenches
Relieved 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment in the trenches at AUTHUILLE WOOD. D Company held NAB, A Company the centre & two platoons of C Company the right. B Company were in support in GLASGOW ROAD & the remaining two platoons of C Company were in reserve in ALBERT. The Royal North Lancashire Regiment were on our left & the 2nd Battalion Middlesex Regiment on our right.
16 May 1916
One NCO & two men wounded.
17 May 1916
One NCO wounded. A burst of rapid gunfire was opened on D Company in the NAB which lasted for about 4 ½ minutes. We had no casualties.
18 May 1916
One man killed & two slightly wounded by shellfire.
19 May 1916, №4 Camp HÉNENCOURT WOOD
One man killed. Relieved by 2nd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment (25th Brigade) & marched to Camp in HÉNENCOURT WOOD.
20 May 1916
Nothing to report. 2/Lt J QUIN joined for duty.
21 May 1916
Nothing to report. 2/Lt JE McLENNAN joined for duty.
22 May 1916
Nothing to report. 2/Lt W DOULL joined for duty.
23 May 1916
The Regimental team beat the 8th Divisional Cyclists in the final of the Divisional Football Cup, by 3 goals to 1. The Corps & Divisional commanders were present. After the match, the latter presented the cup.
24 May 1916
Nothing to report.
25 May 1916
Nothing to report.
26 May 1916
Nothing to report.
27 May 1916, №5 Camp HÉNENCOURT WOOD
Moved from №4 Camp & relieved the 9th Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment in №5 Camp, HÉNENCOURT WOOD.
28 May 1916
Nothing to report.
29 May 1916
Six officers joined: 2/Lts EG WIGHTWICK, W AMOTT, VB GRAY, JB BULLENS, W HENDERSON-CLELAND & MG FRASER.
30 May 1916
Two officers joined: 2/Lts RWO THURBURN & D DARLY.
31 May 1916
A detachment of 200 men under Lt Rodger (Commanding A Company) relieved a similar detachment of the 2nd Middlesex Regiment for work at DERNANCOURT
Signed: VC Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
June 1916
1 June 1916
2/Lt P TAYLOR joined for duty.
2 June 1916
Nothing to report. One man on detachment wounded
3 June 1916
Nothing to report.
4 June 1916, ALBERT
Relieved 8th Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment in left Brigade Reserve ALBERT.
5 June 1916
A few shells fell in ALBERT about midnight but did no damage.
6 June 1916
Nothing to report.
7 June 1916
One man joined from LE HAVRE. One Sergeant & one man killed on left of the NAB whilst on a working party.
8 June 1916, Trenches
Relieved the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment in the trenches with 2nd Middlesex Regiment on our right & 15th Lancashire Fusiliers on our left. One man’s steel helmet was hit by a piece of shrapnel. Same man was slightly wounded on the head.
9 June 1916
Night was very quiet. Nothing to report.
10 June 1916
Between 11pm & 12 midnight there was a heavy bombardment on our left. A few trench mortar bombs & also shrapnel shells were fired at C Company in the vicinity of the NAB. There were no casualties.
11 June 1916
Nothing to report.
12 June 1916, №4 Camp HÉNENCOURT WOOD
C & B Companies were slightly shelled One 5.9 wounded six other ranks. Relieved by 2nd Battalion The Rifle Brigade & marched to HÉNENCOURT WOOD (№4 Camp).
13 June 1916
Nothing to report.
14 June 1916
One officer joined for duty: 2/Lt RJ LIDDLE.
15 June 1916
Detachment of 240 other ranks consisting of B & C Companies under Capt MALLACE relieved a similar one of the 2nd Devonshire Regiment in the ALBERT defences.
16 June 1916
Nothing to report. Draft of four men arrived from Base.
17 June 1916
Nothing to report.
18 June 1916
Nothing to report.
19 June 1916
A draft of five NCOs & four men arrived from Base.
20 June 1916
Four officers from Royal Scots Fusiliers arrived: 2/Lts CH PAYNE & PJ BOOTH 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers & 2/Lts RC COLQUHOUN & WJ ANGUS 9th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Special Order by Brigadier General HD Tuson CMG Commanding 23rd Infantry Brigade.
The Brigadier desires to place on record appreciation of the work performed by all ranks during the past fortnight. The work has been continuous & heavy & often necessitating loss of sleep & long marches.
It has been carried out with that thoroughness & cheerfulness which has characterized the work of the Brigade in the past, & which is the happiest augury for the success of the forthcoming operations.
The Brigadier has been personally complemented by the GOC 8th Division on the excellent work performed and is glad to take this opportunity to thank all ranks.
WBF Rayner Major, 23rd Infantry Brigade21 June 1916
Draft of two men arrived from Base
22 June 1916, LONG VALLEY
The Battalion moved from HÉNENCOURT WOOD to LONG VALLEY W.19.6.9.8 & bivouacked. A detachment consisting of D Company made up by A Company to 250 other ranks under Capt SOMERVAIL relieved a similar detachment of the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment in ALBERT.
23 June 1916
Capt SOMERVAIL’s detachment rejoined the Battalion in LONG VALLEY, from ALBERT.
24 June 1916
Capt MALLACE’s detachment rejoined the Battalion from the ALBERT defences.
25 June 1916, Trenches
Relieved 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment in the front line from GOOSEDUBS to DORSET ST. A Company were in front line, B Company in HOUGHTON ST, C Company in RYECROFT ST, & D Company in RIBBLE ST. One man of B Company slightly wounded. A & C Companies were shelled. Our guns bombarded the enemy lines throughout the night.
26 June 1916
Our bombardment became rather more intense. A & C Companies were shelled. 2/Lt DP WRIGHT was wounded, two men killed & three wounded.
27 June 1916
At 6.10 am, gas & smoke were liberated along our front. The enemy retaliated by shelling our front line & RYECROFT ST. Horns were blown & red rockets were fired. A Company were heavily shelled throughout the day. The German front line system & especially OVILLERS-LA-BOISSELLE were very heavily shelled; wire cutting by field guns was carried out with good result. At about 2am the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment relieved us in the front line & after relief the Corps withdrew to RIBBLE ST, our assembly position. One man was killed & two wounded.
28 June 1916, MILLENCOURT
Our bombardment continued; we suffered casualties. At 10am the Battalion withdrew to MILLENCOURT owing to the postponement of operations.
29 June 1916
Nothing to report. 2/Lt RWO THURBURN went to hospital.
30 June 1916, RIBBLE STREET Assembly Position
The Battalion marched to its assembly position in RIBBLE ST.
Signed: VC Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles, 30.VI.16
July 1916
1 July 1916, LA BOISSELLE
Special Order by Brigadier General TC TUSON CMG Commanding 23rd Infantry Brigade.
In the coming great offensive in which the British & French are fighting shoulder to shoulder against the common enemy, the 25 Infantry Brigade has been selected among many others to be the first to break through the enemy defences & to capture the village of POZIÈRES.
This is only the first step in what is hoped will prove to be a decisive & signal victory.
Many Divisions will pour through the gap opened for them by the Brigade.
The enemy with all his faults is a brave fighter & in all probability the task set will prove no light one.
It is for us to show that he has met more than his match at last and that English men will not let his crimes against EUROPE & humanity go unpunished.
It is with the greatest confidence that I look forward to the successful accomplishment of our task, for if any Brigade can do it the 23rd can - and will.
Officers, NCOs & men, the enemy has for years boasted about 'The Day'.
The day is at hand.
We have our duty to do & well I know you will do it.
signed HD Tuson, Brigadier General
Commanding 23rd Infantry Brigade Battalion took part in action near LA BOISSELLE & were in Brigade Reserve throughout the day, B & D Companies under Major JL JACK occupying our front line trenches which at intervals during the day were heavily shelled. A & C Companies remained in assembly dug-outs & were not moved forward. About 6pm orders for relief were received & in order to facilitate the relief the Battalion was ordered to occupy the Brigade frontage, the other battalions of the Brigade being withdrawn.
[NB. 1 July 1916 is recorded as the first day of the lengthy Battle of the Somme. The offensive at Albert took place 1–13 July 1916]
2 July 1916, YZEUX
Relieved by a Battalion of the Regiment belonging to the 12th Division. Battalion moved to bivouac near MILLENCOURT about 9am. During the action 2/Lt MJ FRASER was killed while on patrol & the following officers were wounded: Lt DF CAMPBELL, Acting Adjutant; 2/Lts RJ LIDDLE, J QUIN, RC COLQUHOUN (RSF, attached, died of wounds July 3rd) & D DARBY. One other rank was killed & 60 wounded. Four missing, believed killed. Battalion marched to MERICOURT-L’ABBÉ in the afternoon & entrained for an unknown destination, detrained at AILLY-SUR-SOMME, & marched about eight miles to billets at YZEUX.
3 July 1916
Nothing to report.
4 July 1916, CROUY-SUR-SOMME
Battalion paraded at 9.30am & marched to CROUY-SUR-SOMME, about five miles.
5 July 1916
Nothing to report.
6 July 1916, BARLIN
Orders arrived at 2.30am to entrain that day for an unknown destination. Battalion paraded at 8.30am & marched to LONGEAU Station where they entrained, distance about 15 miles. Entrained at 3.30pm & detrained at 9pm at DIEVAL Siding. Marched to BARLIN, arriving about 3am July 7th.
7 July 1916
Eleven other ranks joined from Base.
8 July 1916
Nothing to report.
9 July 1916
Church parade. Battalion had baths.
10 July 1916
Battalion inspected by GOC.
11 July 1916
Nothing to report.
12 July 1916
Nothing to report.
13 July 1916
Nothing to report.
14 July 1916, near LA BASSÉE CANAL
Lt RODGERS & two Sergeants to Base for two months’ course as Instructors. 2/Lt FERGUSON & four other ranks Sniping course. Battalion moved from BARLIN to a bivouac near BÉTHUNE prior to moving into the trenches that night. Relieved Royal Sussex Regiment, 11th Battalion, right section of Brigade line, South of LA BASSÉE CANAL.
15 July 1916
Enemy shelled our front & support lines to some extent at intervals during the day & night. No material damage done. Mostly 77mm & 15cm shells & trench mortars. No casualties.
16 July 1916
Mine sprung by us at 4am. Our artillery bombard enemy lines from 12–5.30pm. Enemy retaliated with 77mm shells. Casualties: one killed, two wounded.
17 July 1916
Two bombing parties occupied lip of new crater at 11pm. Owing to heavy machine gun & trench mortar fire, position could not be consolidated. Parties withdrawn at daylight. Casualties: killed 2, wounded 1 officer 2/Lt LA OTTO.
18 July 1916
Three Germans attempted to bomb one of our ?. Private THOMSON, though hit in three places, closed with one of the enemy & finally captured him. Private THOMSON has since died of wounds. Casualties: killed 5, wounded 5.
19 July 1916
Trench mortar & rifle grenade fire during the night. Casualties: killed 1, wounded 1.
20 July 1916
Two small mines sprung by enemy. Casualties: killed Nil, wounded 3.
21 July 1916
Nothing to report. Casualties: killed Nil, wounded 10.
22 July 1916
Nothing to report. Casualties: killed 1, wounded 1.
23 July 1916
Nothing to report. Five officers joined for duty from England: 2/Lts EAJ COX; WO HATCHER; JG CLAY; RM MILLER & J SMART. Casualties: killed 1, wounded 1.
24 July 1916
Nothing to report. Casualties: killed 3, wounded 6.
25 July 1916
Nothing to report. Casualties: killed 1, wounded 1.
26 July 1916, In Support
Battalion moved to support line at 6pm & occupied posts behind front line. 2/Lt CM PAYNE (2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers, attached) struck off strength on being employed in Royal Flying Corps.
27 July 1916
2/Lt EAJ COX to hospital. 2/Lt J CARNAGHAN joined for duty.
28 July 1916
2/Lt W FOX to Divisional Trench Mortar School as Commandant. Capt JF DEW, 3rd Battalion, joined for duty. 2/Lt T ANSELL rejoined from Base.
29 July 1916
Two SOS messages from front line during the night first at 9.55pm, cancelled at 11.40pm, & at 2.20am, cancelled at 3.28am. 2/Lt CW STEVENS rejoined for duty.
30 July 1916, LABOURSE
Battalion relieved by 1st Sherwood Foresters at 8pm. Marched to billets at LABOURSE.
31 July 1916
2/Lt CW STEVENS left Battalion to be employed under APH to the Division.
Signed: VC Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
August 1916
1 August 1916
2/Lt CW STEVENS left to be Assistant APH, 8th Division. 2/Lt W HENDERSON-CLELAND to 8th Division School of Instruction.
2 August 1916
Nothing to report.
3 August 1916
Detachment of four officers & 150 other ranks under Capt JF DEW to CLARKE’S KEEP, VERMELLES for work as spoils party in trenches.
4 August 1916
Other ranks — one wounded.
5 August 1916
Nothing to report.
6 August 1916
Other ranks — one wounded.
7 August 1916, HOHENZOLLERN TRENCHES
Battalion moved into trenches (HOHENZOLLERN SECTION) & relieved the 2nd Berkshire Regiment. Lt EW BRECKEN & 2/Lt W ARNOTT to hospital. One other rank killed in action, one wounded in action.
8 August 1916
2/Lt P TAYLOR killed in action. One other rank killed in action, four wounded in action.
9 August 1916
One other rank wounded in action.
10 August 1916
2/Lt J CARNAGHAN to hospital. One other rank killed in action, two wounded in action.
11 August 1916, In Support
Battalion relieved in trenches & withdrawn to support. This tour in trenches was characterised by constant trench mortar activity on both sides. 2/Lt EG WIGHTWICK accidentally wounded by rifle grenade . One other rank killed in action, three wounded in action.
12 August 1916
Capt EH Hacking to 1st Army School of Instruction. Six officers from 2nd Middlesex Regiment attached for duty to the Battalion: 2/Lts CM HAY, SG DUNBAR, SA HALL, TH DAWSON, HE SUTER & HW BOULTER. Five officers sent to reinforce 1st Battalion Cameronians: 2/Lts WO HATCHER, RM MILLER, FY ANGUS (Royal Scots Fusiliers attached), J SMART & TCC STANFIELD. One other rank wounded in action.
13 August 1916
Capt WF SOMERVAIL to 24th Brigade Headquarters.
14 August 1916
Nothing to report.
15 August 1916, In Trenches
Battalion relieved 2nd Devonshire Regiment in the front line. 2/Lt EG WIGHTWICK rejoined from hospital. Six other ranks wounded in action.
16 August 1916
Trench mortar activity on both sides. One other rank killed in action, one wounded in action.
17 August 1916
Lt DP PETRIE to hospital.
18 August 1916
Mine exploded by us at 9am. Very successful. No action followed. Enemy trenches damaged. 2/Lt W HENDERSON-CLELAND rejoined from 8th Divisional School of Instruction. One other rank wounded in action.
19 August 1916, In Support
Battalion relieved in front line by 2nd Devon Regiment & withdrawn to support. Losses during this tour light.
20 August 1916
Capt JF DEW to 37th Brigade Headquarters.
21 August 1916
Nothing to report.
22 August 1916
Major JL JACK to command 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment.
23 August 1916, BÉTHUNE
Battalion relieved in support trenches by 2nd Battalion East Lancashires & moves to billets in BÉTHUNE.
24 August 1916
2/Lt IB BULLEN Acting Adjutant to hospital.
25 August 1916
Six officers joined for duty: Lts J CONNAL, R HEADRICH, P MILLER & W IMRIE; 2/Lts JS MORRISON & RA ANDERSON.
26 August 1916
Capt GS PEEBLES CF (Pros) [Protestant Chaplain] joined. 2/Lt A BELLEW joined for duty.
27 August 1916
Nothing to report.
28 August 1916
Nothing to report.
29 August 1916
Nothing to report.
30 August 1916
Draft of six other ranks joined for duty from Base.
31 August 1916, FOUQUEREUIL
Battalion moved from BÉTHUNE to billets in FOUQUEREUIL.
Signed: M Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
September 1916
1 September 1916, QUARRIES TRENCHES
The Battalion moved from billets in FOUQUEREUIL & relieved the 2nd Lincolnshire Regiment in the left sector of QUARRIES SECTION front line trenches. 2/Lt W HENDERSON-CLELAND to hospital. №9803 Sergeant TC TAYLOR was awarded the Military Medal for the following act of gallantry — “During operations July 1916 Sergeant Taylor went with an officer to reconnoitre the enemy’s positions which was separated from our front line by 600 yards of open ground swept by machine gun & shell fire, in full view of the enemy. They were seen & fired at by hostile snipers as soon as they left our trenches & the officer was killed. The gallant NCO however continued the reconnaisance to within a short distance of the enemy’s line & after two hours returned with the most valuable information (Auth III Corps №CR3/505/21/16 d 25.8.16). Three other ranks wounded in action.
2 September 1916
2/Lt VB GRAY & two other ranks to hospital with gas poisoning. 2/Lt AR PRENTICE joined for duty. Two other ranks killed in action. Lt DP PETRIE struck off strength. In the morning we blew two small mines to destroy enemy galleries — successful. In the evening we blew another large mine & during the night successfully consolidated the near lip of the crater.
3 September 1916
Another small mine blown by us — successful — no enemy action. 2/Lt VB GRAY rejoined from hospital. One other rank wounded in action.
4 September 1916
Enemy exploded a small mine. No damage done to our trenches. Four other ranks wounded in action.
5 September 1916, In Support
The Battalion was relieved in the front line trenches by the 2nd Devonshire Regiment & withdrew to the support trenches. Four other ranks wounded in action.
6 September 1916
Nothing to report.
7 September 1916
Lt T ANSELL from 8th Division School of Instruction.
8 September 1916
Lt GP THORNTON, 2/Lts WF CHARTER, CA MAGUIRE & J REID joined for duty. One other rank wounded in action.
9 September 1916, QUARRIES TRENCHES
Battalion relieved 2nd Middlesex Regiment in the front line trenches (centre sub-section, QUARRIES section). Lt DA FENTON killed in action.
10 September 1916
2/Lt CW STEVENS (attached 8th Division Headquarters, Assistant APM) to hospital.
11 September 1916
Nothing to report.
12 September 1916
2/Lt JE McLENNAN to RFC. 2/Lts C PURDIE & F GUNNER joined for duty. Two other ranks killed in action, three wounded in action.
13 September 1916
One other rank killed in action, three wounded in action..
14 September 1916
Capt DAH GRAHAM & three other ranks joined for duty. One other rank killed in action, one wounded in action.
15 September 1916
Nothing to report.
16 September 1916
One other rank killed in action.
17 September 1916, SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS
Battalion was relieved in the front line trenches by the 1st Northamptonshire Regiment & withdrew to billets in SAILLY-LABOURSE. This tour of trenches was on the whole quiet, although there was a considerable amount of trench mortar fire on both sides. Lt J CONNAL to 1st Army School of Instruction. Capt EM MacHARG rejoined from 1st Army School of Instruction.
18 September 1916
Nothing to report.
19 September 1916
Two other ranks joined from Base.
20 September 1916
Nothing to report.
21 September 1916, HULLUCH TRENCHES
Battalion relieved the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers in the front line trenches (left sub-section, HULLUCH section). One ordinary rank wounded in action.
22 September 1916
Nothing to report.
23 September 1916
Lts R MILLER & AR PRENTICE & 2/Lt F GUNNER to 10th Battalion Scottish Rifles.
24 September 1916
About 6.30am the enemy commenced a violent bombardment with heavy trench mortars, HE & field guns. This continued until about 1.30pm. Two other ranks killed in action, four wounded in action.
25 September 1916, PHILOSOPHE
Enemy continued his bombardment as on the previous day starting about 7am & not stopping till 1.30pm. Over 800 heavy trench mortars fell & our trenches were considerably damaged. As a result relief was postponed till after dark. Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Devon Regiment in front line trenches & withdraw to billets at PHILOSOPHE cross-roads. 2/Lt IB BULLEN rejoined from hospital.
26 September 1916
Lt MF RODGER rejoined from Base.
27 September1916
Capt CRH Stirling rejoined for duty as Second in Command.
28 September 1916
Draft of one officer (2/Lt JF SUTER, attached from 2nd Middlesex) & 107 other ranks joined from Base.
29 September 1916, HULLUCH TRENCHES
2/Lt JE SUTER rejoined his own Battalion. The Battalion relieved 2nd Devons in the front line, Left sub-section, HULLUCH Section.
30 September 1916
Casualties: one other rank killed in action, three wounded in action.
Signed: M Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
Enclosure: Account of a raid carried out by 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, 15th September 1916 [NB. Available in original War Diary — not transcribed here].
October 1916
1 October 1916
Nothing to report.
2 October 1916
Wire cutting & bombardment by our trench mortars during afternoon & night. Then bursts of rifle & machine gun fire from every available weapon during the night. Enemy quiet. Casualties: two other ranks wounded.
3 October 1916, PHILOSOPHE
Relieved by 2nd Devons & withdrew into Brigade Reserve at PHILOSPHE. 2/Lt EAJ COX rejoined for duty.
4 October 1916
Colonel VC SANDILANDS took over temporary command of the Brigade. Draft of 34 other ranks joined for duty.
5 October 1916
Draft of ten other ranks joined for duty.
6 October 1916
Nothing to report.
7 October 1916, HULLUCH TRENCHES
Relieved 2nd Devons in the left sub-section (left) HULLUCH section.
8 October 1916
Nothing to report.
9 October 1916
Nothing to report.
10 October 1916
The following officers joined for duty: 2/Lts DJ STEWART & S CLARK.
11 October 1916
Nothing to report.
12 October 1916, NOEUX-LES-MINES
Relieved in trenches by 13th East Surrey Regiment & marched to billets in NOEUX-LES-MINES. There were no casualties during this tour in the trenches.
13 October 1916, LABEUVRIÈRE
Battalion marched to billets at LABEUVRIÈRE, a distance of about seven miles.
14 October 1916, CHOCQUES
Battalion marched from LABEUVRIÈRE to CHOCQUES, where they entrained at 10pm.
15 October 1916, DOUDELAINVILLE
Battalion detrained at PONT REMY & marched nine miles to billets at DOUDELAINVILLE.
16 October 1916
Nothing to report.
17 October 1916
Battalion were conveyed by motor buses to VILLE-SUR-ANCRE, from where they marched to billets at MÉAULTE.
18 October 1916
Nothing to report.
19 October 1916
Nothing to report.
20 October 1916, LE TRANSLOY
Battalion paraded at 4am & marched to camp at TRÔNES WOOD from where they marched to the trenches & relieved the 2nd Essex Regiment. Casualties: two other ranks wounded.
21 October 1916
Heavy shelling throughout the day on both sides. Casualties: six other ranks wounded, & RSM CHALMERS, who was hit by a sniper while touring the trenches with the Commanding Officer. In the evening, the transport suffered four casualties while bringing up rations to the trenches. Three animals were killed at the same time.
22 October 1916
The following officers joined for duty: 2/Lts JL HOUSTON, CH NAPIER, WF FERGUSON, J GLEN, R ARMOUR & GW JAMIESON. A draft of 22 men joined for duty the same night.
23 October 1916
At 2.30pm the Battalion assaulted the German trench known as ZENITH trench, opposite LE TRANSLOY with the 2nd Middlesex Regiment on our left. Order of battle:-
1st Line. 2nd Line.
B Company (Capt EM Machaig) A Company (2/Lt VB Gray)
D Company (Capt T Ansell) C Company (Capt M Mallace)Both Battalions gained their objective & held them in spite of severe opposition; on our front, entry into the enemy trench was only effected after the first wave of men were held up but the advance was carried out with the utmost gallantry & determination by all ranks under heavy artillery & machine gun fire. This success was to a great extent due to the gallantry of 2/Lt FERGUSON, Sergeant HAWKINS & Private MURRAY, who bombed along the German trench, 2/Lt FERGUSON being responsible for the destruction of three German machine guns. He was unfortunately killed after clearing almost the whole front opposite the Battalion. The 12th Brigade of the 4th Division operated on our right & the 25th Brigade on our left. The total casualties were as follows:
Officers - Killed: Capts EM MacHAIG & T ANSELL, Lt MF RODGER, & 2/Lts J FERGUSON, A BELLOW & DJ STEWART. Wounded: 2/Lts EAJ COX, C PURDIE, CM HAY & J CLARK. Missing: 2/Lts J CARNAGHAN & J REID.
Other ranks — Killed: 47. Wounded: 167. Missing: 14.
Total casualties: 240.24 October 1916
Heavy shelling throughout the day. Casualties: two other ranks killed.
25 October 1916, TRÔNES WOOD
Battalion were relieved in the front line by 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment & withdrew into support, where Battalion Headquarters was shelled heavily all morning. In the evening, the Battalion marched from trenches to camp at TRÔNES WOOD. Casualties: one other rank killed, four wounded. Lt R HEADRICK to hospital.
26 October 1916
Nothing to report.
27 October 1916, In Trenches
Battalion relieved 2nd Middlesex Regiment in the trenches. Casualties nil. A draft of 20 men joined for duty. Lt GP THORNTON to hospital.
28 October 1916
Casualties: three other ranks killed, six wounded.
29 October 1916, MANSELL CAMP
Battalion relieved in trenches by 6th Dorsets. Casualties: one other rank killed. Battalion marched to camp at TRÔNES WOOD, & thence to camp at MANSELL CAMP. Capt M MALLACE to hospital.
30 October 1916, MÉAULTE
Battalion marched to billets at MÉAULTE.
31 October 1916
Lt DF CAMPBELL rejoined for duty.
Signed: M Sandilands, Lt Colonel, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
November 1916
1 November 1916
Draft of 339 other ranks arrived from ÉTAPLES. It was mainly comprised of men transferred from the Royal Scots Fusiliers & Kings Own Scottish Borderers. The quality was good, four being unfit. Many of the men had been in the DARDANELLES campaign.
2 November 1916
Nothing to report. Lt T THORNTON rejoined from hospital.
3 November 1916, CITADEL CAMP
The Battalion moved from MÉAULTE to CITADEL CAMP near FRICOURT. 2/Lt JL HOUSTON was admitted to hospital. 2/Lt JL HOUSTON was admitted to hospital. From midnight the 23rd Infantry Brigade was placed at the disposal of the GOC 33rd Division for tactical purposes, & was warned to hold itself in readiness to move at very short notice.
4 November 1916
Normal conditions were resumed. Drafts which had joined the Battalion recently were inspected by the GOC Brigade. Draft of ten other ranks joined from Base.
5 November 1916
Lt W Imrie was admitted to hospital. Four other ranks joined from Base. The Battalion paraded at 2.30pm & the Divisional Commander presented the Military Medal ribbon to Company Sergeant Major TC TAYLOR. Second Anniversary of arrival of the Battalion in FRANCE.
6 November 1916
Lt Col SANDILANDS went to hospital. 2/Lt WF FERGUSON took over duties of Town Major of GUILLEMONT.
7 November 1916, FLERS
Marched from Camp to FLERS line where the Battalion relieved The Cameronians, first line. 2/Lts HT GRICE, A DUNLOP & MK McGREGOR joined for duty from GHQ Cadet School. Draft of four other ranks joined from Base. 2/Lt JAMIESON went to hospital.
8 November 1916
Nothing to report.
9 November 1916
A detachment of 150 men consisting of 50 men from A, B & D Companies each & 30 men from C Company under 2/Lt HT GRICE went into bivouacs in TRÔNES WOOD. 2/Lt CLAY went to hospital. Lt RN PAISLEY took over command of D Company. Three other ranks wounded.
10 November 1916, LES BOEUFS
The Battalion relieved the 2nd Middlesex Regiment in the front line North of LES BOEUFS & opposite LE TRANSLOY. Companies were disposed as follows: Front line SUMMER Trench held by two platoons of D Company. Support line DEWDROP Trench held by two platoons of D Company & two of B Company. Support line THISTLE Trench held by A Company with one platoon of D Company in WINDY Trench on its immediate right. Reserve line COW Trench held by C Company & remaining platoon of B Company. The detachment at TRÔNES WOOD moved up to the FLERS line. On our right the line was held by the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment & on our left by the 7th East Yorkshire Regiment (17th Division ). Three other ranks wounded.
11 November 1916
Our heavies commenced to bombard ORION Trench opposite Battalion on our left but they were short & fell close to SUMMER Trench. They fell still shorter & bombarded DEWDROP so accurately that the officer in charge of B & D Companies decided to vacate it until the shelling ceased. Battalion Headquarters, THISTLE & COW Trenches were shelled by 5.9 guns, one direct hit being obtained on Headquarters dug-out, the ‘doorway’ being blown in. One man was killed & five wounded. A trench was dug from the left of SUMMER Trench to meet a similar one dug from right of ZENITH Trench on our right to connect up the front line. Draft of three other ranks joined from Base.
12 November 1916
At 5.45am in conjunction with offensive operations & carried out by the 5th Army the whole of the Corps artillery bombarded the hostile opposite the Divisional front & carried out a creeping barrage as far as LE TRANSLOY. C Company in COW Trench were again shelled but on the whole the day was quiet. Two men were killed & six other ranks wounded.
13 November 1916, CARNOY CAMP
There was a considerable amount of shelling between support & FLERS lines & between 6.30pm & 8pm three barrages lasting 20 minutes each were carried out but very few casualties resulted. The 1st Sherwood Foresters relieved the Battalion. During the relief we suffered three casualties. One man was killed & four wounded throughout the day. After relief the Battalion marched to CARNOY Camp. The GOC 8th Division congratulated the Brigade on the expeditious relief. Major MURPHY & 2/Lt WHITE joined from 4th Battalion; 2/Lts NICOLSON, RICHIE & GARDINER joined from GHQ Cadet School. Draft of four other ranks joined.
14 November 1916
Nothing to report.
15 November 1916, CITADEL CAMP
The Battalion moved to CIATDEL Camp. 2/Lt WG REID joined from 3rd Battalion. Lt IMRIE & 2/Lt CLAY rejoined from hospital.
16 November 1916
Nothing to report.
17 November 1916
The Commanding Officer presented ribbons to the following NCOs & men who have been awarded the Military Medal: 9832 Sergeant T BARNES, 8867 Sergeant G McCALL, 9171 Sergeant W ROBERTSON, 16983 Lance Corporal JARVIS, 7672 Lance Corporal CURRIE, 10491 Private GILLON, 10508 Private CLARKE, 10626 Private LAUGHTON, 10315 Private SMITH, 9524 Private ABERNETHY, 10638 Lance SergeantWILLIAMS, 10283 Bugler HOOTON, 10318 Corporal C DUFFY. The following were awarded the Military Medal: 10435 Lance Corporal O’BRIEN (Died of Wounds), 10460 Corporal KANE (Killed in Action), 8855 Sergeant SMITH, 10005 Sergeant JARDINE, 9677 Corporal HAYMAN.
18 November 1916
Nothing to report.
19 November 1916, OISEMONT
The Battalion left CITADEL Camp at 7.30am. Marched to GROVETOWN where it entrained for OISEMONT. Arrived there about 12 midnight. Remainder of transport followed in a later train accompanied by 40 men under 2/Lt HT GRICE as loading party.
20 November 1916, AUMÂTRE
Marched from OISEMONT to AUMÂTRE & went into billets. Capt DA PONTIFEX joined for duty from the 3rd Battalion & took over command of D Company.
21 November 1916
Training commenced.
22 November 1916
Draft of three other ranks joined from Base.
23 November 1916
Nothing to report.
24 November 1916
Capt M MALLACE rejoined for duty from hospital & took over C Company. No9832 Sergeant BARNES & 10538 Private J CLARKE were awarded a bar for their Military Medals. Draft of three other ranks joined.
25 November 1916
The following awards for gallantry were made. The Military Cross: Capt M MALLACE, 2/Lt VB GRAY & Capt TB DUNCAN (attached 23rd Trench Mortar Battery). The Distinguished Conduct Medal: Sergeant McCALL B Company 9032, Sergeant HAWKINS C Company 11054, Private McKIE B Company 8203, Capt J GALL (Killed in Action) A Company. Draft of three other ranks joined from Base.
26 November 1916
Nothing to report.
27 November 1916
Nothing to report.
28 November 1916
Nothing to report.
29 November 1916
Nothing to report.
30 November 1916
The 2nd Battalion played a football match with The Cameronians. Result 2nd Battalion 5 goals 1st Battalion Nil. St Andrews night was celebrated in the usual manner.
Signed: RB Murphy, Major, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
December 1916
1 December 1916
Company Sergeant Major McNULTY died.
2 December 1916
The Battalion & Transport paraded for inspection by the Brigadier.
3 December 1916
Company training was carried out throughout the week. A draft of eight other ranks joined from Base.
4 December 1916
The GOC 8th Division presented medal ribbons to 18 recipients amongst whom were Capts M MALLACE, B GRAY & TB DUNCAN (Commanding 23rd Trench Mortar Battery). The Battalion marched past them.
[NB. 18 Military Medals were listed in the War Diary on 17 November 1916, 2 killed in action; 3 Military Crosses were listed on 25 November 1916; and 4 Distinguished Conduct Medals were listed on 25 November 1916, 1 killed in action]
5 December 1916
2/Lt AH RONAN rejoined for duty.
6 December 1916
Capt M MALLACE was appointed Instructor at the Divisional School. Lt Imrie took over command of C Company.
7 December 1916
Draft of four other ranks joined.
8 December 1916
Nothing to report.
9 December 1916
Major General Heneker DSO ADC took over command of the Division.
10 December 1916
Battalion & Company training was carried out throughout the week.
11 December 1916
Nothing to report.
12 December 1916
Lt JB BULLEN went to Divisional School to carry out duties of Adjutant.
13 December 1916
The Brigade Pioneer Company was formed. Lt IMRIE took command. 2/Lt CA McGUIRE was also sent & the Battalion found 40 men for it. Lt RN PAISLEY took over command of C Company. 2/Lt WF CHARTER took over duties of Lewis Gun officer. Draft of six other ranks joined. 2/Lt RONAN took over duties of Battalion BO.
14 December 1916
Nothing to report.
15 December 1916
Lt GP THORNTON went to 4th Army Musketry School as an Instructor.
16 December 1916
Draft of three other ranks joined for duty. A Brigade Point to Point was held for a cup presented by Brigadier General EA FAGAN.The ASC won it. Seven officers in the Battalion rode. A Brigade cross country run was also held. The Battalion team won easily. Battalion & Company training was carried out throughout the week.
17 December 1916
Nothing to report.
18 December 1916
Nothing to report.
19 December 1916
2/Lt CH NAPIER took over command of the Division Convalescent Company.
20 December 1916
2/Lt JL HOUSTON rejoined from hospital. 2/Lts CR RUDDLE & AJ McKENZIE joined for duty also a draft of 87 other ranks from 1st Reserve Regiment of cavalry Aldershot.
21 December 1916
2/Lt WF FERGUSON was admitted to hospital. 2/Lt JA NICOLSON & 50 other ranks proceeded to join the 23rd Brigade Works Company of the Works Battalion.
22 December 1916
Draft of three other ranks joined.
23 December 1916
Xmas dinners were issued to the Battalion.
24 December 1916
Divisional Cross Country Run was held. The 2nd West York Regiment won. Hon. Capt & QM J GRAHAM was admitted to hospital also Lt RN PAISLEY.
25 December 1916
Transport left AUMÂTRE & commenced their march to the forward area. A football match was played, Officers versus Sergeants. Result Sergeants 2 goals Officers 1 goal.
26 December 1916
The GOC 8th Division inspected the Brigade at ST MAULVIS; he also presented medal ribbons to Sergeant McCOLL (DCM& MM). Lance Corporal DREW (MM) & Bugler HOOTON (MM) & delivered a short address.
27 December 1916, №13 CAMP MORLANCOURT
The Battalion left AUMÂTRE, marched to OISEMONT where we entrained for the forward area. We detrained at EDGEHILL & marched to №13 Camp two miles South East of MORLANCOURT where we spent the night in huts.
28 December 1916, №107 CAMP CARNOY
We marched to №107 Camp two miles South East of CARNOY, through BRAY. This village was being shelled & A Company suffered five casualties all wounded. 2/Lt JG CLAY went to Brigade Headquarters as Brigade Bombing Officer. Draft of six other ranks joined the Battalion.
29 December 1916, MAUREPAS CAMP
The Brigade relieved the 11th Brigade (4th Division) in the right sector of the Divisional front. The Battalion were in Reserve & moved into tents in MAUREPAS Camp, where we relieved the 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regiment. 2/Lt EG WIGHTWICK was admitted to hospital.
30 December 1916
Nothing to report.
31 December 1916
2/Lt CR RUDDLE was admitted to hospital.
Signed: RB Murphy, Major, Commanding 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles
January 1917
1 January 1917
2/Lt EG WIGHTWICK rejoined from hospital. A draft of 64 other ranks joined from the Base. Draft was composed of men who had been called up & who had had three months training.
2 January 1917, ST PIERRE VAAST WOOD
Relieved the 2nd Middlesex Regiment in the right subsector of the PRIEZ sector. These trenches were in front of ST PIERRE VAAST WOOD. Relief was very quiet. C Company held the front line which consisted of eleven disconnected Posts garrisoned by a section & in some posts one Lewis gun. A Company was in immediate support in BLAMONT Trench. B & D Companies under Major Stirling were in reserve at PRIEZ Farm. Headquarters were in a sunken road just west of RANCOURT C.1.b.1.9. The 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment were on our left & a Battalion of the South Wales Borderers (40th Division) were on the right.
3 January 1917
Two extra posts on the left were taken over from the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment. Garrisons of one officer & 20 men was formed by B Company. All posts were placed under the orders of OC Front Line Company. Two other ranks were admitted to hospital suffering from shell shock. Draft of three other ranks joined from Base.
4 January 1917
A Company relieved C Company in the front line & the latter withdrew into support in BLAMONT Trench. Front line Company Headquarters were shelled.
5 January 1917
Two posts held by B Company were relieved by B Company. Front line Company Headquarters were shelled.
6 January 1917, PRIEZ FARM
Relieved in Front Line by 2nd Middlesex Regiment & withdrew into support at PRIEZ FARM. During this tour the enemy were inactive as regards sniping.
7 January 1917
Nothing to report.
8 January 1917
Nothing to report.
9 January 1917
Nothing to report.
10 January 1917
Nothing to report.
11 January 1917
Nothing to report.
12 January 1917
Temp Lt Col VC SANDILANDS was made a Companion of the DSO. Capt CTH STIRLING was awarded the Military Cross (Dates unknown). Mentioned in Despatches: Temp Lt Col VC SANDILANDS, 8296 a/RSM A SMART & 8674 a/CSM D McNULTY (deceased), dates unknown.
13 January 1917
Nothing to report.
14 January 1917
Nothing to report.
15 January 1917
Nothing to report.
16 January 1917
Nothing to report.
17 January 1917
Nothing to report.
18 January 1917
Nothing to report.
19 January 1917
Nothing to report.
20 January 1917
Nothing to report.
21 January 1917
Nothing to report.
22 January 1917
Nothing to report.
23 January 1917
Nothing to report.
24 January 1917
Nothing to report.
25 January 1917
Nothing to report.
26 January 1917
Nothing to report.
27 January 1917
Nothing to report.
28 January 1917
Nothing to report.
29 January 1917
Nothing to report.
30 January 1917
Nothing to report.
31 January 1917
Nothing to report.
Signed:
10 April 1917
he presented the ribbon of the Military Medal to 9171 Sergeant W ROBERTSON.
15 July 1917
..both Brigades paraded for the presentation of medal ribbons by him. The following officers & other ranks were decorated: Lt GC PERCY & 2/Lt GR RUDDLE — The Military Cross; Sergeant E WILLIAMS, Corporal DUFFY & Corporal BRUNTON — The Military Medal.
3 October 1917
2/Lt TE GRAHAM was awarded the Military Cross for those patrols by authority from 8th Corps on 14th October. No 33113 Private D RENNIE was awarded the Military Medal on 7th October for devotion to duty whilst on same patrols.
18 October 1917
Major General WCC HENNECKER, GOC 8th Division, presented medal ribbons to officers & other ranks for gallantry on 31st July & 16th August.
2–26 December 1917
2/Lt DM GALL, D Company, awarded the MILITARY CROSS for gallantry on a working party at PASSCHENDAELE about 26th November.
8–11 January 1918
CSM Beaton No 10021 awarded the DCM for good work in the line at PASSCHENDAELE. No 10666 Private W BARBOUR B Company awarded Bar to Military Medal. No 6042 Corporal C FORD (Medical officer’s assistant) awarded the DCM for continuous good work (New Years Honour).
