Below is the transcription of the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment January to December 1916 covering their time in Egypt. At this time, the 1/9th Manchesters were part of the 126th Infantry Brigade in the 42nd Division.

The PDF version is the transcription is available to download here.

January 1916

Jan 1^st – 13^th, MUDROS
Battalion spent this period in elementary training, a course of instruction for junior Officers and N.C.O.s was started.

Jan 12^th
Orders received to embark on H.M.T. ARCADIAN.

Jan 14^th
HQs and 300 men embark on H.M.T. ARCADIAN.

Jan 15^th
The Battalion sails for Alexandria.

Jan 17^th
The Battalion arrives at Alexandria.

Jan 18^th
The Battalion disembarks and entrains for Cairo. Trams are provided from Cairo Station to MENA CAMP.

Jan 24^th
Orders received to move to TEL-EL-KEBIR, an advance party of 1 Officer and 54 other ranks.

Jan 26^th
The Battalion moves to TEL-EL-KEBIR.

Jan 28^th
Orders received to move to SHALLUFA.

Jan 29^th
The Battalion, less transport and transport personnel, moves to SHALLUFA and on arrival sends a party of 6 Officers and 180 other ranks as outposts for the night.

Jan 30^th
The day is spent in moving baggage across the SUEZ CANAL to camp.

February 1916

Feb 1^st – 7^th
Nothing to record.

Feb 8^th
Lt. Col. D. H. WADE rejoins from England. A draft of 2 Officers, 2/Lt. SIDEBOTHAM and HENTHORNE, and a draft of 98 other ranks arrives from England. 25 other ranks from 42^nd Division Base Details Camp.

Feb 9^th
Nothing to record.

Feb 10^th
Battalion left SHALLUFA for KABRIT less transport, 1 Officer and 50 other ranks to KABRIT SOUTH, the remainder to KABRIT NORTH.

Feb 11^th – 22^nd
Battalion engaged in putting the post into a state of defence.

Feb 23^rd
One Company moves out 3 ½ miles to form a small post called BURNLEY.

Feb 24^th
Information received that Capt. O. J. SUTTON and 2/Lieut. E. COOKE awarded the Military Cross, and L/Cpl. PEARSON and Cpl. PICKFORD the D.C.M.

Feb 24^th – 29^th
Work continued on defences of KABRIT.

March 1916

Mar 1^st – 2^nd
Work continued on defences of KABRIT.

Mar 3^rd
Cards of congratulation received from Major-General Commanding 42^nd Division, for good work done in Gallipoli.

341        Sgt. LEE J.
2146      Cpl. PLATT A.
728        L/Cpl. GREEN A.
2826      Pte. SMITH A.
2231      Pte. SHEEKEY W.
2067      Pte. SWINDELLS J. S.

Capt. F. W. KERSHAW rejoins Battalion from Hospital.

Mar 3^rd – 17^th
Batttalion on outpost duty at KABRIT and engaged in work on defences.

2/Lieut. S RUTTENAU rejoins Battalion from England.

2/Lieut. B. H. BRISTER admitted to Hospital.

Mar 18^th
Draft of undermentioned Officers arrive to the Battalion:

2/Lieut. J. H. CLARKE
2/Lieut. A. M. LECKLER
2/Lieut. L. O. HARD
2/Lieut. B. S. J. BOND-ANDREW
2/Lieut. B. FREEDMAN
2/Lieut. M. J. DUNLOP
2/Lieut. E. K P. FUGE

Mar 19^th – 22^nd
Work on KABRIT defences continued.

Mar 23^rd
Lieut. G. W. HANDFORTH rejoined battalion from England.

Mar 24^th
Draft of 1 Officer (2/Lt. W. G. GREENWOOD) and 56 other ranks arrive to Battalion from England.

Mar 25^th – 29^th
Work on KABRIT defences continued.

Mar 30^th
2 Officers, 1/Lieut. SIDEBOTTOM and 2/Lieut. HENTHORNE also 52 other ranks transferred to “A” and “B” Stoke Gun Batteries.

April 1916

Apr 1^st
Battalion moved from KABRIT to SUEZ having been relieved by 9^th Hants. (T.F.).

Apr 1^st – 8^th
Major A. E. FAWENS [FAWCUS] 1/7^th Manchester Regiment taken on the strength and posted as 2^nd in command.

Apr 9^th – 13^th
Battalion training continued, also Brigade and Divisional Training and Musketry and Grenading Training commenced.

Apr 14^th
Draft from England. 60 other ranks from 3^rd Battalion Border regiment arrive to the Battalion.

Apr 15^th – 20^th
Battalion engages in Brigade Divisional Training.

Apr 21^st
Draft to Battalion from England. 99 W. O., N.C.O.s and men.

Apr 22^nd – 30^th
Battalion, Brigade and Divisional Training continued.

Apr 25^th
Accident through bomb exploding. 2 men killed and 11 wounded, 1 subsequently dying from wounds.

May 1916

May 1^st
2^nd Lieut. BROADBENT rejoined from England. Lieut. J. KNOWLES attached from 11^th battalion Yorks & Lancs Regiment transferred to Base Depot and struck off strength.

May 1^st – 8^th
Training continued.

May 9^th
2^nd Lieut. HARD, L. O. 14^th Manchester Regiment rejoined Battalion.

May 9^th – 20^th
Lieut. Col. D. H. WADE takes over temporary command 126^th Brigade from 18-5-1916.

Capt. F. WOODHOUSE takes over temporary command of Battalion from 18-5-1916. Major A. E. F. FAWENS [FAWCUS] on leave.

1 Officer, Lt. T. G. HYDE and 66 other ranks (Draft arrive to Battalion from England 19^th May).

May 20^th – 31^st
Training continued. Training during month included Battalion, Brigade and Divisional Musketry, Grenading and route marching.

Several Officers, N.C.O. s and men attended courses of instruction at CAIRO.

Draft of 24 other ranks arrived to battalion from England, 22^nd.

June 1916

June 1^st – 5^th
Battalion occupied in training, including Brigade and Divisional Training.

2/Lieut. C. E. COOKE joins Battalion from England on 3/6/16. 2/Lieut. H. E. BUTTERWORTH joins Battalion from England on 4/6/16.

June 6^th
Nothing to record.

June 7^th – 16^th
Lieut. HYDE and 5 other ranks to Courses of Instruction at ZEITOUN. Battalion still occupied in training and men employed on hutting.

June 17^th
Lieut. HYDE and 5 other ranks rejoin from Courses of Instruction at ZEITOUN.

2/Lieut. W. J. ABLITT attached 126^th Infantry Brigade.

2/Lieut. G. R. BERNARD granted leave to England.

June 18^th – 19^th
Battalion still engaged in training. 2/Lieut. FIELDING admitted to Hospital, sick. Lieut. T. G. HYDE appointed Quarter Master.

June 20^th – 21^st
Battalion moved (along with rest of Brigade) to FERDAN and occupied camp on W. bank of SUEZ CANAL. Moved across on evening of 21^st to Camp on E. Bank of Canal (FERDAN BRIDGEHEAD) Colonel and Company Commanders proceeded to FERDAN RAILHEAD.

June 22^nd
Moved from FERDAN BRIDGEHEAD to ABU URUQ and took over defences from 9^th West Yorks. 1 section of 126^th Brigade Machine Gun Company attached.

June 23^rd – 30^th
Battalion engaged in Outpost Duty at ABU URUQ, also digging and wiring on defensive works scheme.

Major and Quarter Master M. H. CONNERY admitted to Hospital, sick 23.6.16.  126^th Brigade Stokes T. M. Battery attached under 2/Lt. T. AINSWORTH. Draft of 110 other ranks arrive to Battalion from England.

July 1916

Jul 1^st – 23^rd
During this period, a considerable amount of work on the defences at ABU URUQ, chiefly wiring and the maintenance and improvement of existing trenches. Range marks were placed in front of all works and reserves of food, water, S.A.A. and Bombs in works completed. Night Outposts and Day Observation Posts were maintained and Night Patrols sent out to meet Patrols from 125^th Brigade at BALLY BUNION. Mounted Officers went out in turn with Patrols of D.L.O.Y. Parties were marched down to Canal daily for bathing. Bombing instruction was continued. Almost all N.C.O.s and men received elementary training and Platoon teams received more advanced instruction. Hon Maj. and Quarter Master CONNERY, M. H. invalided Home 7^th July, 1916.  Major NOWELL, R. B. joined Battalion from England and posted as 2^nd in command 20^th July, 1916.

Jul 24^th – 25^th
Battalion relieved at ABU URUQ by Dismounted squadron of Australian Light Horse and march to FERDAN where Camp was pitched on W. Bank of Canal.

Jul 26^th
Battalion was marched from EL FERDAN at 16:00. Arrived BALLAH 08:00, bivouaced on E. Bank of Canal during day.  March returned at 00:15 on night of 26/27. Reached HILL 40, KANTARA about 06:30 and pitched Camp.

Jul 27^th
Party of 21 W.O.s, N.C.O.s and men rejoined Battalion from Base. Leave to England continued.

Jul 31^st
Battalion engaged in equipping on special establishment for Mobile Column. Also training and Rank Marching.

August 1916

Aug 1^st – 3^rd
Nothing to report.

Aug 4^th
Party of 1 Officer (2/Lt. BOND-ANDREWS) and 75 men to Composite battalion at KANTARA.

Battalion moved to GILBAN by march route. Battalion, less C and D Companies, advance Guard to Brigade.

C and D Companies, under Major NOWELL, Right Flank Guard. A and B Companies Night Outposts at GILBAN on night of 4/5^th August. Transport and men unfit to march left behind at HILL 40.

Aug 5^th – 6^th
Nothing to record.

Aug 7^th
2 Officers and 6 men detailed as Guards to 426 Turkish Prisoners captured near KATIA and arriving at DUEDDAR about 20:00.

Aug 8^th
1 Officer (2/Lt. FREEDMAN) and 30 men proceeded with Turkish Prisoners to KANTARA to rail and rejoined same evening. Battalion proceeded by rail to PELUSIUM and went into Camp N. of railway line.

Aug 9^th
Battalion (along with 1/4^th E. Lancs Regiment) marched to Mt. ROYSTON and searched battlefield. A quantity of Turkish arms equipment, S.A.A. etc. being collected and a few enemy dead buried.

Aug 10^th
Battalion found outposts at PELUSIUM. Outpost Company, D Company.

Aug 11^th – 18^th
Battalion engaged in training and Route Marching. 2/Lieut. G. E. RODNELL (3/4^th E. Kent Regiment) and 2/Lieut. E. E. TOWLER (10^th South Lancs Regiment) posted to Battalion for duty from 13/8/16.

Battalion took over outposts at PELUSIUM for 48 hours from 07:00 on 18^th. Relieved by 1/4^th East Lancs Regiment on the 20^th.

Aug 19^th – 31^st
During this period the Battalion was engaged in training and route marching (including Brigade Training) and Night Operations with occasional Route Marches to seashore for bathing. Camel loading was practiced and tents were covered with scrub to conceal them from hostile aircraft.

Battalion received first dose of inoculation against cholera on the 20^th and second dose on the 29^th.  Part II orders contained the following entries:

Qtr. Mr. & Hon Major CONNERY                – awarded Military Cross
No 1792               L/Cpl. DAVIES A.               – awarded D.C.M.
No 1623               Sgt. GREENHALGH J.     – awarded D.C.M.
No 1083               Pte. LITTLEFORD S.       – awarded D.C.M.

September 1916

Sep 1^st – 8^th
Battalion engaged in training at PELUSIUM.

Sept 9^th
Battalion marched to ROMANI and bivouaced for the night.

Sep 10^th
Battalion marched to ER RABAH. C Company Capt. SUTTON advance guard to Division. Arrived at ER RABAH about 18:00 and bivouaced.

On morning of 11^th march was resumed to OGHRATINA which was reached about 06:00, when Battalion took up No 1 Section of line extending from W. end of OGHRATINA RIDGE through HILL E. and HILL D. covered by outposts line of 1/10^th Manchester Regiment.

Sep 11^th – 13^th
Battalion engaged in entrenchment of defensive line Outposts taken over from 1/10^th Manchester Regiment on the 13^th.

Sep 14^th
Nothing to record.

Sep 15^th
Capt. F. WOODHOUSE proceeded to BASE en route for England. 2/Lieut. A. N. LECKLER and 2/Lieut. R. J. N. DALE attached on probation to R.F.C. ABOUKIR for instruction in aviation.

Sep 16^th
Battalion still engaged in entrenchment of line and providing outposts. 2/Lieut. H. G. SHATWELL takes over command and pay of D Company.

Sep 17^th
1/4^th Battalion East Lancs Regiment took over HILL D. Lieut. D. B. STEPHENSON rejoins Battalion from Hospital.

Sep 18^th – 20^th
Nothing of importance to record.

Sep 21^st
Battalion relieved by 1/8^th Battalion Manchester Regiment and moved into Reserve at NEGILIAT. C and D Companies, under Major NOWELL, sent to dig trenches on position S. of OGHRATINA RIDGE.

Sept 22^nd – 23^rd
Battalion engaged in training.

Sep 24^th
C and D Companies rejoin Battalion.

Sep 25^th – 30^th
During this period Battalion was engaged in training, including Field Firing. Divisional Guards provided every 3 days. Course of Instruction at ZEITOUN. Party of 36 other ranks granted furlough to England. Daily Part II Orders contained the following:
No 2231 Pte. SHEEKEY awarded Silver Medal

Qtr. Mr. Hon. Major M. H. CONNERY      )
No. 1623 Sgt. J. GREENHALGH                ) Mentioned in despatches for
No. 1792 Cpl. A. DAVIES                               ) distinguished & gallant
No. 1083 Pte. S. LITTLEFORD                  ) conduct.

October 1916

Oct 1st
Battalion finding Divisional Duties at NEGILIAT.

Oct 2^nd
Battalion took over No. 4 (Left) Sector of OGHRATINA Defences from 1/7^th Manchester Regiment. C Company Outpost Company. A and B in defence line and D in reserve at Battalion H.Q.

Oct 3^rd
Nothing to record.

Oct 4^th
Party of 6 Officers and 167 other ranks to Change of Air Camp SIDI BISAR ALEXANDRIA. 2/Lt. BEARD F. granted five weeks leave to England left for Base.

Oct 5^th
2/Lt. HAND, L. O. proceeded to Base en route for England for transfer to Royal Flying Corps.

Oct 6^th – 8^th
Nothing to record.

Oct 9^th
Battalion moved to No. 1 (Right) Sector of OGHRATINA Defences. “B” Company on HILL E., “C” Company on OGHRATINA RIDGE, “A” Company in reserve, “D” Company at SIDI BISHR Change of Air Camp.

Oct 10^th
2/Lt. GRAY A. granted 5 weeks leave to England. Left for Base.

Oct 11^th
Nothing to record.

Oct 12^th
Orders received for concentration of 126^th Brigade near KILO 60, NEGILIAT.

Oct 13^th
Battalion moved into Bivouac near KILO 60. “B” Company Outpost Company. No. 1 Section. New Outpost Line. Party of 6 Officers and 162 other ranks rejoined from SIDI BISHR Change of Air Camp.

Oct 14^th
Nothing to report.

Oct 15^th
Battalion (less Outpost Company) engaged in Field Firing on range N. of Railway.

Oct 16^th
Route March from S.E. from NEGILIAT.

Oct 17^th
Companies engaged in training.

Oct 18^th
Battalion practiced in attack.

Oct 19^th
Nothing to report.

Oct 20^th
Battalion Route March. Detachment of D.L.O.Y. accompanied.

Oct 21^st – 22^nd
“D” Company relieved “B” Company (Outpost Company). Three Officers and 68 other ranks to SIDI BISHR. Change of Air Camp. Lt. STEPHENSON and 2/Lt. COOKE C.E., rejoined from ZEITOUN School of Instruction.

Oct 23^rd
“A”, “B” and “C” Companies Field Firing. Major NOWELL took over temporary command of Battalion vice Lt-Col. WADE on leave.

Oct 24^th
Outpost Line taken over at 17:00 by a Company of East Lancs. “D” Company withdrawn to Battalion H.Q.

Oct 25^th
Battalion marched along with 1/10^th Manchester Regiment to BIR-EL-ABD. Battalion on S. side of Railway with two platoons. “A” Company as R. Flank Guard. Halt for an hour, after which march was resumed and BIR-EL-ABD reached without incident, except that column halted and scattered for about 20 minutes owing to enemy aeroplane flying overhead.  Battalion bivouaced N. of Railway at EL ABD for night of 25^th/26^th.

2/Lt. NAYLOR, S.  joined Battalion from England.

Oct 26^th
Orders received from Lt. Col. G. W. ROBINSON to take over R. Sector (S. of Railway) of EL ABD Defensive Line tomorrow. Lt. Col. D. H. WADE rejoined from leave. Major R. B. NOWELL relinquished temporary command of Battalion.

Oct 27^th
Battalion, along with 1 section Brigade Machine Gun Company, took over R. Sector of EL ABD Defence Line, ground being vacated by various Units of 52^nd Division, which had previously occupied it. “D” Company on right (Works 1-2-3). “B” Company centre (Works 4-5). “C” Company Left (Works 6-7). “A” Company in reserve.

Digging on works commenced.

Oct 28^th
Two Officers and 18 other ranks left for School of Instruction ZEITOUN. 2/Lt. NAYLOR, S. admitted to Hospital.

Oct 29^th
Admitted to Hospital.

Oct 30^th

C. in C. visited L. of C. Post at EL ABD but did not go round the lines S. of the Railway.

Oct 31^st, ABD

Turkish aeroplane flew over and dropped 4 bombs. Aeroplane again came over and dropped 4 bombs.

3 Officers and 65 other ranks rejoined from Change of Air Camp, SIDI BISHR. Lt. Col. WADE took over as L. of C. Post Defence Commander, vice Lt.-Col. G. W. ROBINSON 1/10^th Manchester Regiment to hospital.

Guard of 1 N.C.O. and 6 men provided to escort party of 15 men and 48 women and children (captured Bedouins) to KANTARA.

November 1916

Nov 1^st – 2^nd, ABD
Battalion in Right Sector of Defensive Line at ABD. “B”, “C” and “D” Companies relieved by 1/6^th Manchester Regiment. Battalion concentrated at Battalion H.Q.

Nov 3^rd
Battalion engaged in training.

Nov 4^th
1 Officer (2/Lt. CLARKE) and 12 other ranks to Course of Instruction at No. 3 Section Grenade School, KANTARA.

Nov 5^th – 6^th
2/Lt. DEMEL left Battalion for England for transfer to Royal Flying Corps.

Route March S. W. from ABD.

Nov 7^th
2/Lt. AINSWORTH left base for furlough to England.

Nov 8^th
Lieut. (Temp) H. H. KNIGHT and 69 other ranks (draft from England) arrived to Battalion.

Nov 9^th
Battalion marched to KILO 60 (SALMANA) with remainder of Brigade.

“B” Company Advanced Guard (Capt. KERSHAW) arrived SALMANA.  Enemy aeroplane passed over, flying West. Bivouaced for night 9/10^th E. of Railway.

Nov 10^th
Marched resumed for K.100 (ABU TILUL).  2 platoons “D” Company (Lt. ROBINSON) rearguard to Brigade.

Nov 10^th, ABU TILUL
Arrived K.100. Battalion (covered by outpost line of 1/10^th Manchester Regiment), took up line D.E.F. (Ref. 1/123, 0 0 Map, SABKET-EL-BARDAWIL). “A” Company on right, “B” Company in centre (HILL E.) and “C” Company on left (HILL F.). “D” Company in reserve.

Nov 11^th
Battalion took over outposts on its own front from 1/10^th Manchester Regiment.

Nov 12^th’
Entrenchment of position proceeded with. One section 126^th Brigade Machine Gun Company attached to Battalion.

Nov 13^th
Section Commander (Maj. Gen. SIR W. DOUGLAS) visited line occupied by Battalion.

Nov 14th – 16^th
Nothing to record.

Nov 17^th
Rifle and Lewis Gun practice from Trenches. 2/Lt. F. BEARD rejoins from furlough to England. 2/Lt. DALE, R. J. N. reposted to Battalion from Royal Flying Corps, (admitted Hospital from R.F.C.).

Nov 18^th
Nothing to record.

Nov 20^th
36 other ranks rejoined from Composite Battalion.

Nov 21^st
Serge clothing taken into wear. Route march of men rejoining from Composite Battalion.

Nov 22^nd
Major T. E. HOWORTH rejoins from England. By order of 126^th B.O.E. he is detailed for duty with 1/5^th East Lancs Regiment. 2/Lt. O. S. NEEDHAM rejoins from ZEITOUN.

Nov 23^rd
2 Officers (2/Lt. ROBINSON, B. F. and 2/Lt. CLARKE, J. H.) and 8 other ranks to Courses of Instruction at ZEITOUN.

Nov 24^th
Battalion moves to MAZAR and takes up defensive position, its right resting on left of 1/5^th East Lancs Regiment and with 1/10^th Manchester Regiment on its left, Line is covered by Outposts provided by “C” Company. “A” Company is on right of Battalion Sector, “B” Company in centre and “D” Company on left.

Nov 25^th – 27^th
Nothing to record.

Nov 28^th
100 N.C.O.s and men sent for disinfection by steam disinfector at MAZAR station.

Nov 29^th
200 N.C.O.s and men sent for disinfection.

Nov 30^th
200 N.C.O.s and men sent for disinfection. Companies in defence line take over their own outposts. “C” Company withdraws into local reserve at Battalion H.Q.

December 1916

Dec 1^st, MAZAR
Battalion still occupying defensive positions N. of railway.

Dec 2^nd – 3^rd
Nothing to record.

Dec 4^th
2/Lt. W. G. GREENWOOD attached to Canal Transport Corps for Course of Instruction.

Dec 5^th – 6^th
Nothing to record.

Dec7th
2/Lt. W. W. QUINNEY, 10^th Lancs Fusiliers, and 2/Lt. J. CARREY, 15^th King’s Liverpool Regiment, posted to the Battalion.

Dec 8^th – 9^th
Nothing to record.

Dec 10^th
New identity discs (green) received and issued to all ranks.

Dec 11^th
New flashes issued to all ranks, to be worn on shoulders of S.D. Jackets. Major T. E. HOWORTH rejoins from 1/5^th East Lancs Regiment and takes over command of “C” Company vice T. Capt. O. J. SUTTON.

Battalion Route March, direction – bearing of 7 degrees from Battalion H.Q. Firing practice for Reserve Lewis Gunners from a point due N. of FLAG HILL.

Dec 12^th
“C” Company relieved “B” Company in Defense Line. “B” Company moved into local reserve at Battalion H.Q. 2/Lt. R. J. N. DALE rejoined from Royal Flying Corps.

Dec 13^th
Nothing to record.

Dec 14^th
Battalion took part in tactical exercise in which 42^nd and 52^nd Divisions and ANZAC MTD DIVN were engaged. Defensive line taken over by 10^th Manchesters on 13-12-16 and held by that unit until re-occupied by Battalion on 14-12-16 on conclusion of operations.

Dec 15^th
Nothing to record.

Dec 16^th
Brigade order received from Battalion to move into Divisional Reserve at point J.5 – 3.4 on reorganization of MAZAR defences. Battalion concentrated at Battalion H.Q. and moved to pt J.5 – 3.4 move being completed by 17:00.

Dec 17^th

Orders for move effected yesterday, cancelled. Battalion moved back to position vacated on 16.12.16 and reoccupied defensive line. Distribution as before, viz. “A” Company on Right, “C” in Centre and “D” on Left (each Company finding its own outposts). “B” Company in reserve at Battalion H.Q. Move completed by 12:00.

Dec 18^th
2/Lt. ROBINSON, B. F. and 2/Lt. CLARKE, J. H. and 6 other ranks rejoined Battalion from ZEITOUN School of Instruction.

Dec 19^th
Capt. D. HOW 2^nd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, joined Battalion.

Dec 20^th
Battalion concentrated at Battalion H.Q. for move to KILO 128 along with all other units of Division. Bivouac at KILO 128 for night of 20/21^st.

Dec 21^st, KILO 128
Orders received to return to MAZAR. 50 camels handed over to Camel Transport Corps. March to MAZAR. Arrived MAZAR and went into bivouac N. of 126^th Brigade H.Q. Battalion part of Divisional Reserve.

Dec 22^nd – 31^st
Nothing to record.

Below is the transcription of the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment May to July 1917 covering their arrival in France up to the time that Arthur Slater was wounded and evacuated to England. At this time, the 1/9th Manchesters were part of the 126th Infantry Brigade in the 42nd Division.

The PDF version is the transcription is available to download here.  The Ancestry version is available here (requires a subscription to Ancestry.com).

March 1917

Mar 1, MOASCAR
Battalion entrains 22:00 departing for ALEXANDRIA 22:50. Capt. D. HOW leaves to rejoin his unit in EGYPT.

Mar 2, ALEXANDRIA
Arrive ALEXANDRIA 06:00. Embark on H.M.T. ARCADIAN with 1/5^th EAST LANCS REGT and details amounting to 106 Officers, 14 WOs, 2,237 OR. Col. D. H. WADE appointed O.C. troops.

Mar 3, H.M.T. ARCADIAN
Remain alongside Quay at ALEXANDRIA.

Mar 4, H.M.T. ARCADIAN
Sail from ALEXANDRIA with escort.

Mar 5, H.M.T. ARCADIAN
Inspection by commander and O.C. Troops, and Boat Deck parade.

Mar 6, H.M.T. ARCADIAN
Customary inspection by Commander and O.C. Troops. Test alarms 09:30. Medical Inspection.

Mar 7, H.M.T. ARCADIAN
Arrive MALTA and anchor in ST PAUL’S BAY. Depart with escort of one Destroyer & one sloop.

Mar 8, H.M.T. ARCADIAN
Boat deck parade cancelled on account of rough weather.

Mar 9, H.M.T. ARCADIAN
Boat deck parade cancelled on account of rough weather. Anchor off CORSICA (PORTO VECCHIO).

Mar 10, H.M.T. ARCADIAN
14:00 Depart PORTO VECCHIO. 17:00 Practice alarm given by escort. Stand to dismissed 17:45. 21:00 The escort sloop “CYCLAMBEN” moves off to starboard and tackles two submarines. 14 shots fired to starboard about 2 miles distant. Believed one submarine sunk.

Mar 11, H.M.T. ARCADIAN
09:30 H.M.S. CYCLAMEN rejoins. Three cheers given by troops for H.M.S. CYCLAMEN. 14:00 Arrive MARSEILLES. Extra blanket issued to each man. 18:30 1/9^th Manchesters disembark and entrain. 22:00 Depart MARSEILLES.

Mar 12, ORANGE
04:00 Halte Repas 1 hour ORANGE. Rations issued for the day also hot water for tea.
09:30 Halte Repas 1 hour MACON. Hot water issued at each “Halte”
18:30 Halte Repas 1 hour LES LAUMES

Mar 13, MONTEGREAU
04:00 Halte Repas 1 hour MONTEGREAU. Rations issued for the day. Owing to the darkness this was found to be a difficult process. A “Halte” assayed for later, after daybreak, would have been more satisfactory.

11:00 Halte Repas JUVISY, near PARIS. Fresh orders were not issued. See Appendix.
17:06 Halte, 1706-1815 EPLUCHES. Hot water provided.

Mar 14, PONT REMY
10:30 Arrive PONT REMY (Sq K.6, Ref Map 1/100,000 ABBEVILLE 14). Tea provided to the A, B & C Companies by Y.M.C.A. 07:30 Arrive Billeting Area. Roads in muddy condition. March with halt of 15 minutes at the hour, as different from short halts at the hour and the half hour, customary with the Division when in EGYPT. Guides meet the Battalion. At station to take Companies to their areas.

A, B, C & HQ billet in DOUDELAINVILLE (Sq J.6). D Company billet in WARCHEVILLE (Sq J.6). Transport at POULTERE (Sq J.6). Brigade. HQ at LIMERCOURT VALMA (Sq J.6). Men billeted in barns & outhouses. Warned that inhabitant not “over friendly” but find them obliging. 2/Lieut. G. E. HAYWARD from 3^rd reserve unit & 2/Lieut. E. JAMES posted to battalion.

Mar 15, DOUDELAINVILLE
Battalion. Marches to PONT REMY by companies to draw rifles. Many men done up after this march of 18 miles. 2/Lieut. M. J. DUNLOP & 5 NCOs proceed for course of instruction in rifle grenades.

Mar 16, DOUDELAINVILLE
Training commences. Preparation of dummy & live training pits for bombing commences on Battalion. Training Ground (Sq J.6 ¼ mile S. E. of “S” in POULTIERES). Lectures to Officers and NCOs. Steel helmets issued to Officers & OR. 10 O. R. proceed on leave to ENGLAND.

Mar 17, DOUDELAINVILLE
Training continued. C Company commence digging a “Cruciform” trench. Rolls of specialists for training prepared for 100% over establishment.

2/Lieut. J. CARREY appointed 126 Brigade. Salvage Officer.

2/Lieut. J. R. TOMMIS attached to 42 Division Sig. Company for instruction.

COL. D. H. WADE, Capt. F. W. KERSHAW, C.S.M. NEWTON & 2 ORs attached 1^st Div. for instruction in Trench Warfare.

MAJOR R. B. NOWELL and remainder of Advance Party who left Battalion at EL ARISH 31.1.17 rejoin Battalion from 1^st Division.

Mar 18, DOUDELAINVILLE
Divine Service volountary. Conference of Company Commanders on New Formation (W.O. pamphlet SS 144)

Mar 19, DOUDELAINVILLE
Route march by Companies. Dress fighting order. Training under Company arrangements.

Mar 20, DOUDELAINVILLE
Companies and specialists engaged in Training. Message from MAJOR GEN DOUGLAS received.

Mar 21, DOUDELAINVILLE
Lecture to Battalion on Bayonet Fighting by Capt. BROWN superintendent of gymnasia, III Corps followed by demonstration of Bayonet Fighting. C & D Companies. Proceed to hot water baths at HUPPY. Lt J. CARREY admitted Hospital. Salvage Officer vice 2nd Lt. J. G. E. HAYWARD appointed acting 126 Brigade. Salvage Officer vice 2nd Lt. J. CARREY.

Mar 22, DOUDELAINVILLE
COL. D. H. WADE, Capt. F. W. KERSHAW, C.S.M. NEWTON & 2 ORs due to return from 1^st Division and another party to proceed but these arrangements cancelled owing to advance made on III Corps front. A & B Companies. proceed to baths at HUPPY. Lectures on gas to Companies. during morning. Practice bomb throwing for C & D Companies. Visit of MAJOR GENERAL MITFORD to Battalion. Orders received for reorganization of Battalion in New Formation.

Mar 23, DOUDELAINVILLE
Battalion engaged in training and in reorganizing platoons. To be Temp Cpts., Lt. T.G. HYDE 22 Aug, 1916, LT W. H. LILLIE Dec 4^th, Lt. O. J. SUTTON, Dec 4^th (London Gazette March 1, 1917). Lt. Col. WADE & Capt. KERSHAW arrive from 1^st Division.

Mar 24, DOUDELAINVILLE
Route march through OISEMENT. Inspection by Brigade. GEN TUFFNELL of Battalion in New Formation. 11pm Summer Time adopted throughout France.

Mar 25, DOUDELAINVILLE
10am Parade Divine Service.

Mar 26, DOUDELAINVILLE
Training in Billet Area.

Mar 27, DOUDELAINVILLE
Battalion proceeds by Companies. to HUPPY for bathing. A & D Company practice attack in New Formation. Squads of 10 practice rapid wiring.

Mar 28, DOUDELAINVILLE
2/Lt. QUINNEY and 104 O.R. proceed to Musketry School PONT REMY (Sq K.6). B Company fill in bombing pits and trenches near ST. MAXENT. Other Companies. engaged in training. Billeting parties proceed to BELLEFONTAINE (Sq K.6) and BAILLEUL (Sq K.6) to arrange billets for Battalion for 30^th inst.

Mar 29, DOUDELAINVILLE
9am Lecture to Battalion on Gas by Divisional Gas Officer. 10am Fitting of Box Respirators. 10am to 3pm Bombing Pit and Trenches.

Mar 30, DOUDELAINVILLE
Move to new billeting area. A Company BELLEFONTAINE (Sq K.6). C, D & HQ at BAILLEUL (Sq K.6). B Company and Transport at Chateau, 1 kilo S of BAILLEUL. OR billeted in barns and outhouses. Capt. D. B. STEPHENSON, Lt. ROBINSON, 2 Lt. B. FREEDMAN rejoin from leave.

Mar 31, BAILLEUL
9:15 am Battalion route march through HUPPY (J.6). Specialists train under Specialist Officers. Capt. D. B. STEPHENSON takes over command of D Company, vice Capt. W.H. LILLIE reported to A Company (see entry 19.2.17).

April 1917

April 1, BAILLEUL
Divine Service, voluntary. Major T. E. HOWORTH proceed to Course of Instruction for Company Commanders at MONTIGNY.

April 2
C & D Companies proceed to musketry range at PONT REMY (Sq K6) for musketry practice.  A Company proceed for musketry training afternoon but turned back on account of heavy rains. A & B Companies engaged in training & lectures.

April 3
All Companies proceed to Range for musketry practice. S.A.A. drawn on Range. Lieut. Col. WADE & 7 O.R.s proceed on leave to UK Major R.B. NOWELL takes over command of Battalion in absence of Lt. Col. WADE.

April 4
All Companies proceed to Range for musketry practice. Orders received to proceed to mess area by march route, 42 to 45 miles. These orders cancelled & orders received for Battalion to proceed by rail on the 7^th inst. Transport to proceed by road.

April 5
Companies engaged in training. 5 O.R.s proceed on leave to UK. 2/Lt. QUINNEY & 102 O.R. return from Musketry Camp PONT REMY.

April 6
Battalion engaged in training. Capt. F. W. KERSHAW proceed to Course of Instruction for Company Commanders at MONTIGNY. Major T.E. HOWORTH returns from course & is ordered to remain in PONT REMY & rejoin Battalion at station on the 7^th inst. Lt. R. J. N. DALE & 2 NCOs proceed in advance of Battalion as billeting party. 5 ORs proceed on leave to UK.

6:30am. Transports proceed by road to MORCOURT (Sq H2) by following route. Depart BAILLEUL 6:30am. Rendezvous LONGPRE proceed first day to SAINT SUAVIER (Sq C1), 7^th inst. to HAMEL (Sq G2) via AMIENS (Sq D2), 8^th inst. to MORCOURT (Sq H2).

April 7
6:30am. 2/Lieut. W. G. GREENWOOD departs in charge of 126 Brigade Motor Convoy to MORCOURT. Major T.E. HOWORTH rejoined Battalion.

10:00am. Battalion entrains at PONT REMY station & proceeds to LA FLAQUET (Sq I2) for MORCOURT.

5:30pm. Battalion billeted in “French” huts. Orderly room in house at MORCOURT. Allotment of leave to UK 7^th inst. to 12^th inst. 2 Officers & 42 OR (7 per diem).

April 8, MORCOURT
2/Lieut. R.J.N. DALE and Sgt. CHORLTON (Sgt. in charge of scouts & snipers) proceed to Course of Instruction at ARMY TELESCOPIC SIGHTS SCHOOL.

3pm Divine Service (EASTER Sunday). Orderly room moved from village to small wooden hut near the Battalion billets. 11am Transport arrives.

April 9
10:00am. All Officers & NCOs & 1 platoon per Company witness demonstration by a platoon from the 4^th East Lancs Regiment of the Normal Formation. Remainder of Battalion route march during morning & proceed to Baths at MORCOURT during afternoon. S.A.A. rifle issued 120 rounds per man.

April 10
2/Lt. E. K. P. FUGE proceeds on leave to UK. 9:30am. Battalion practice attack in Normal Formation by Companies and Half Battalion. Orders received to move on 11^th inst. Party proceeds to draw establishment of MILLS grenades for Battalion & to wait at ECLUSIER (Sq J1) till Brigade arrives.

April 11, MORCOURT
Move to FEUILLERES (Sq H1) by march route in open formation – 100 yards between platoons – via CAPPY and ECLUSIER (Sq J1).

2/Lieut. L.W. PICKFORD joins Battalion at CAPPY from 3^rd/8^th Reserve Battalion Manchester Regiment. Battalion billeted in village in cellars and dugouts. Billets poor owing to battered condition of village. Many billets wet first night on account of heavy fall of snow and rain. Blankets arrive by Motor Transport2am 12^th inst. owing to bad roads.

April 12, FEUILLERES
Battalion engaged in training. Capt. F.W. KERSHAW rejoins. Lt. B. F. ROBINSON rejoins from Dive School which is broken up & where he had been appointed instructor (March 31^st). 2/Lt. T. AINSWORTH proceeds to Trench Mortar School. Capt. G.W. HANDFORTH proceeds to Course of Instruction for Company Commanders at MONTIGNY. Fall of snow during afternoon: many dugouts unfit to use on account of water leaking in.

April 13
Companies engaged in training rapid loading attack by platoon from trenches. Specialist training including live throwing for bombers. Orders received to be ready to move forward to CARTIGNY (Sheet 18 Sq A2) 17^th inst. in trenches 18^th inst.

2/Lt. J.H. CLARKE proceeds on leave to UK.

April 14, FEUILLERES
Companies engaged in training practice in Normal Formation. Bombers practice live throwing. Stores overhauled in order to reduce amount of baggage. 11am Transport inspected by Divisional Train at HERBECOURT (Sq K1).

April 15
9:30am. Lieut. Col. WADE rejoins from leave to UK. Companies engaged in training during morning. Divine Service cancelled on account of inclement weather.

April 16
Training during morning. Preparations made for early move following morning. Baggage to be sent by Motor Transport dumped at HERBECOURT (Sq K1).

April 17
Battalion moves to CARTIGNY (Sheet 18 Sq A2). Rendezvous 7:30am Cross Roads HERBECOURT. Order of March 9^th Manchester Regiment, Brigade HQ, Machine Gun Company, Trench Mortar Battery, 5^th E. Lancs. Col. WADE commanded column on the march owing to absence of Brigadier in the line. Route HERBECOURT, BIACHES, crossing the SOMME by the FAUBERG de PARIS bridge to PERONNE. After leaving PERONNE the Battalion marched independently to CARTIGNY via DOINGT. Every village devastated accommodation very poor accordingly. Billets at CARTIGNY where Battalion stayed the night fairly good compared with billets of previous nights.

2/Lt. RUTTENAU proceed on leave to UK. 2/Lt. DALE returns from Courses. Capt. STEPHENSON proceeds to Course of Instruction for Company Commanders at MARTIENY. D Company supply working party of 100 OR to work at CATELET (sq A2).

April 18. CARTIGNY
9:30am. Battalion, less D Company, move to MARQUAIX (Sq A1) & go into billets. Accommodation very poor. All ranks again warned of danger from traps laid in billets, serious accidents having occurred with the last few days in neighbouring villages with bombs and timed explosions.

D Company remains in billets at CARTIGNY to provide working parties for CATELET.  Owing to there being only 2 Officers in D Company, 2/Lt. QUINNEY and 2/Lt. KNIGHT are attached.

April 19, MARQUAIX
A & B Companies provide 110 ORs each to work under 5^th Royal Sussex Regiment at VILLERS FAUCON (Sq B1) reporting 8am. C Company provide 130 OR for work on roads under 5^th Royal Sussex Regiment at ROISEL (Sq B1). Orders received for working parties on roads for 20^th inst.

April 20, MARQUAIX
Orders for working parties cancelled & orders for move received.

10:30am. A & B Companies (Major HOWORTH & Capt. KERSHAW) proceed to EPEHY (Sheet 62 C F 1)

11:00am. C Company (Capt. HANDFORTH) & HQ proceed to VILLIERS-FAUCON (E22 28)

A Company occupy BROWN reserve line along railway embankment (F1 d). B Company n billets & huts in village (F1 c) under 143^rd Brigade.

Capt. STEPEHENSON rejoins at CARTIENY.

April 21, VILLERS-FAUCON
D Company proceeds from CARTIGNY to VILLERS-FAUCON. A Company manned reserve line at dawn. B Company in Support to them. Working parties provided from all Companies. C Company in afternoon repairing Coon Road (F 8 a). This party shelled at 3pm. D Company at night repairing level crossing (F 1 b). Party under Major NOWELL marking out tasks at (F 1 b) shelled 3pm.

All Officers ordered not to occupy houses or cellars on account of danger from mines. Search made for traces of mines or traps.

Battalion remains under orders of G.O.C. 143^rd Brigade until relief completed on 22^nd inst. C.O. ordered to prepare scheme for capture of Spur at (X29 d) & (X30 c) by one Battalion at dawn in near future.

April 22, EPEHY
Battalion takes over the line from 4th East Lancs Regiment during night 22/23.

Battalion Boundaries, Right: E 23 d 57 to F8 c 83 – MAYE COPSE (incl. to Brigade on right) – about 200 NW of TOMBOIS FARM – canal at A3 a 08.

Left: Level Crossing at F1 b 53 along the track to X 27 b 99 thence in a straight line through X 24 central. Boundary adjusted 25^th inst. 10pm.

Piquet Line runs from TOMBOIS FARM (F11) – junction of dotted lines at F4 d 99 – LITTLE PRIEL FARM. CATELET COPSE – thence along the old German wire following approximately the dotted line through “O” of TANGELLO RAVINE (X 15 d). This line to be held as a line of resistance.

Support Line. Through SART FARM (F 17 a) – No 13 COPSE (at F4 a 26) – X 27 Central. The second line of resistance, known as BROWN LINE, runs through LEMPIRE (F 15 b) – MAY COPSE (F q c) in front of MALASSES FARM (F 8 b) continuing just in front of railway line to X 25 Central.

Posts taken over from 4^th East Lancs as follows:
F4 b 8.7  LITTLE PRIEL FARM       No 2  A Coy  HQ & 2 platoons. Major HOWORTH
F5 c 36  SUNKEN ROAD TRNCH No 1  A Coy  3 Sections. Lt. K KNIGHT
F5 c 91                                                                   A Coy  1 section
X29 d 24  QUARRY                             No 3  A Coy   1 platoon. Lt. COOKE

X28 c 96  CATELET COPSE                       B Coy      HQ.  Capt. KERSHAW
X28 a 74                                                   No 5  B Coy     1 platoon. Capt. MAKIN
X29 b 33  OSSUS WOOD POST   No 4  B Coy     1 platoon. Lt. QUINNEY
X22 d 75                                                   No 7  B Coy     1 platoon.
X23 c 97  GRAYS POST                    No 6  B Coy    1 platoon. Lt. GRAY

Support Line
F3 b 72        12 COPSE       S2      C Company       1 platoon. 2/Lt. BURY
F4 a 28        13 COPSE       S3      C Company       1 platoon. 2/Lt. BUTTERWORTH
X27 c 66      14 COPSE      S5     C Company        1 platoon
X27 a 28     REDRUIN                    C Company       1 platoon. 2/Lt. RODMELL

BROWN LINE. HQ (F7 b 79). Posts at (F8 d 18), (F8 a 86), (F2 c 45). D Company Capt. STEPHENSON. 1 platoon billets at MALASSLES FARM (F8 b 19). 3 platoons in Railway Embankment. Battalion HQ at EPEHY (F1 c 55). Major R.B. NOWELL’S HQ at 13 COPSE (F3 a 99).

All reliefs carried out during early part of night without incident except relief of GRAYS POST (X23 c 97) which was not found until 3:30am. 23^rd inst. while searching for trench, party was observed by enemy, machine guns fired on it causing 3 casualties & the loss of a Lewis Gun.

1/10^th Manchesters on Left. Gloucester Regiment on Right. Patrols enter OSSOS WOOD. Wiring done in BROWN LINE.

Night 23/24, EPEHY
At dawn the 4^th East Lancs Regiment attacked the Spur at X 2 d & X 30 c and gained their objectives, capturing trenches at both positions. Operations were assisted by attacks on the KNOLL (A 1 d) & GILLEMONT FARM by troops on our right. Divisional Cavalry cooperated with our troops, advancing between LITTLE PRIEL FARM & CATELET COPSE.

April 24
9:30am. HOSPICE CAMUS, EPEHY (F1 a b5) blown up probably by enemy delayed mine.

Lt E.K.P. FUGE returns from leave to UK.

Night 24/25
Operations of the morning to be continued, the 1/5^th East Lancs to attack he KNOLL from the NW and W.

8:45pm. 4^th East Lancs driven out of trench (F 6 a) by German counter attack& retire on LITTLE PRIEL FARM. The 4^th East Lancs ordered to withdraw to No 13 COPSE. The attack of the 5^th East Lancs timed for 11pm delayed till situation cleared up. 5^th East Lancs attack about 2am but are not successful. Reported that KNOLL was taken by Brigade on Right. C Company provide artillery scout of 2 sections at F 3 d 88. Patrols penetrated OSSUS WOOD to about 300 yards & were digging in but were forced to retire. Sniping post established 50 yards from West end of WOOD & on Southern edge of WOOD. Enemy Machine Guns known to be in OSSUS WOOD but not located.

April 25/26, EPEHY
126 Brigade Operation Order No 8 received. Inter Brigade Boundary adjusted & posts at X 28 a 74 2 & 75 taken over by 1/10^th Manchester Regiment. Attempt to relieve 2/Lt. GRAY at GRAYS POST (X 23 c 97) unsuccessful owing to difficulty in finding post. REDRUIN and 14 COPSE.

Capt. STEPEHENSON & 2 platoons, D Company relieve 4^th East Lancs in SPUR POST dug by 4^th East Lancs on morning of 24^th inst. and held by 3 Officers & 60 O.R. when 4^th East Lancs fell back on evening of 24^th. Relief takes place without incident.

Lt. SHATWELL & 2 platoons, D Company, attack Old GERMAN TRENCH about (F 6 a 56) find trench strongly manned by enemy & are forced to withdraw. Heavy barrage shell fire causes casualties including 2/Lt. E.K.P. FUGE wounded.

R.E.s assist in wiring and consolidating trenches.

Hostile shelling continues intermittently during night & following day on LITTLE PRIEL FARM and CATALET COPSE and No 12 COPSE.

Capt. KERSHAW moves B Company HQ to sunken road just N. of CATALET COPSE because of heavy shelling. SUPPORT Trench S1 established at (F 4 a 88) on sunken road. New Battalion boundary to the N. is as follows. Level Crossing in F 1 b b3 – through X 28 Central – and X 24 c Central.

April 26
2/Lt. B.F. ROBINSON proceeds to CORPS SCHOOL as Instructor.

3pm. QUINNEY’S POST (OSSUS WOOD POST X 29 b 33) shelled.

4pm. House in EPEHY (F 1 a 65) near site of explosion of 24^th inst. blown up probably by enemy delayed mine. This house was suspected & men had been warned to keep away from it.

2/Lt. GREENWOOD proceeds on leave to UK.

April 26/27 Night, EPEHY
Battalion relived in Front Line and Supports by 1/4^th East Lancs Regiment; completed about midnight. GRAY’S POST (x 23 c 97) relived at 2am by 1/5^th East Lancs Regiment. After preparations for relief had been made by Capt. KERSHAW, a tape being laid from the trench to sunken road at X 22 c Central.

A & D Companies occupy BROWN LINE under Major HOWORTH.
B & C Companies occupy billets in EPEHY.

April 27
Lt. Col. D. H. WADE to hospital sick. Major R. B. NOWELL takes over command of Battalion.

April 28
Battalion relieved by 1/5^th Manchester Regiment and proceeds to camp at BUIRE (62 c J 27)

April 29
Battalion moves to MARQUAIX & occupies billets vacated on April 20^th. As cellars are not to be occupied many fresh billets have to be improvised.

April 30
10pm. Village shelled, one shell falling in billet near HQ & killing three police. Billets inspected by Brigade Gen TUFNELL. Battalion resting & constructing billets.

May 1917

May 1, MARQUAIX
A Company work on roads near TINCOURT (J24). Remaining Companies training during morning and afternoon. Lt. Col. D. H. WADE invalided home.

May 2, MARQUAIX
Companies engaged in fatigues and Training. 2/Lt. H. H. KNIGHT proceeded to hospital sick.

May 3, MARQUAIX
8am – 4pm. B Company works on roads near TINCOURT. Other Companies proceed with training under programmes compiled by O.C. Companies. Rifle grenadiers practice “live” firing under 2/Lt. RODMELL. Lieut. J. H. RAWLINGS, Adjutant, proceed to hospital sick. Capt. O. J. SUTTON appointed Adjutant.

9am. Major R. B. NOWELL and party of Officers inspect front line held by 1/5 Lancs Fusiliers to be taken over by 1/9^th Manchester Regiment (F18 center). Orders received that 1/9^th Manchester Regiment will relieve 1/5 Lancs Fusiliers in right sector of Brigade Front on night of 5^th / 6^th.

5pm. Capt. D. B. STEPHENSON and party of Officers & signalers proceed to 1/5 Lancs Fusiliers for attachment in Front Line for night of 3^rd / 4^th.

May 4, MARQUAIX
9am – 4:30pm. A Company working party under orders of ? MAJOR VILLERS FAULON (E23).
8am – 4pm. B Company provide small fatigues & guards & remainder continue training.
8am – 4pm. C Company working party on roads – RONSSOY – EMILIE
8am – 4pm. D Company working party on roads – LONGAVESNES – EMILIE

May 5/6, MARQUAIX
Battalion relieves 1/5 Lancs Fusiliers in front line in the Right Sub Sector of the Right Sector commencing at dusk. C Company ordered to sit at MARQUAIX till next day.

Boundaries:
Right      North of MALAKOFF FARM
Left        Southern Point of CONSSOY WOOD to the BROWN LINE at F22 b 3.

Thence in a straight line through figure 13 of A13.

May 5, MARQUAIX
Battalion on right 6^th North Staffs. Battalion on Left 1/10^th Manchester Regiment.

Capt. HANDFORTH returns from leave UK.  2/Lt. FREEDMAN returns from Course of Bombing.

May 6/7, (F23 c 0.7)
10pm. C Company (Capt. HANDFORTH) relieves right Company of 1/5 Lancs Fusiliers in Front Line. 2/Lt. W.N.B. BURY proceeds to Course of Instruction at FOUCAUCOURT.

Boundaries adjusted as follows. Left through (F17 c 1.0) in a straight line through A13 central. GILLEMONT FARM and trenches handed over to 1/10^th Manchester Regiment.

Tasks mentioned in Special Instructions (Appendix 2) carried out.

Para 1 by “C” Company (Capt. HANDFORTH) with 3 platoons “D” Company. This RIFLE PIT TRENCH consolidated as far as (F29 b 8.5) without hostile interference.

Para 2 by Lieut. R.J.N. DALE. No snipers or machine guns seen.

Para 3 by B Company (MAJOR HOWORTH). This task met with opposition from hostile machine guns & a number of casualties occurred including Lt. C.E. COOKE wounded. Small posts for 3 men each established on each side of QUENNEMONT FARM ROAD about 80 yards out. Many acts of gallantry performed during the night in bringing in wounded notably by Pte. H. HOLDEN 350077 and 350149 Pte. KINSELLA and others. Lt. C. E. COOKE to hospital wounded.

Para 6 by A Company party under Lt. CLARKE & almost completed.

May 8/9, (F23 c 0.7)
Battalion on right (6th N. Staffs) to attack trenches on our direct right. 1/9^th Manchester Regiment to cooperate by advancing along RIFLE PIT TRENCH & linking up. The Battalion on right fails to reach its objective and patrols sent out by us fail to obtain information for that reason. Lt. T. AINSWORTH in charge of patrol along RIFLE PIT TRENCH discovers it occupied by the enemy decides to withdraw. Lt. H.G. SHATWELL as Liaison Officer with the 6^th North Staffs finds difficulty in obtaining information, (see Appendix H).

May 9/10, (F23 c 0.7)
Battalion relieved by 1/4 East Lancs Regiment & takes over from 1/4 East Lancs in reserve at TEMPLEUX QUARRY (62c F27c). B Company tactical reserve Company.

May 10, TEMPLEUX QUARRY
Battalion in Support. Night working parties amounting to 300 O.R. found by Battalion.

May 11, TEMPLEUX QUARRY
Battalion in Support. Night working parties amounting to 300 O.R. found by Battalion.

May 12, TEMPLEUX QUARRY
Battalion in Support. Night working parties amounting to 300 provided. B Company sent to reinforce 1/4 East Lancs 10:30pm. Ordered to return 1:30 am not having been required.  Lt. P. S. MARSDEN returns from hospital. Lt. GREENWOOD returns from leave UK.

May 13, TEMPLEUX QUARRY
Battalion in Support. Lt. SHATWELL proceeds to Course at Divisional Gas School. 2/Lt. CLARKE to course of Bombing. 2/Lt. KNIGHT returns from hospital. Capt. LILLIE proceeds on leave to UK. 2/Lt. K. FUGL invalided home.

May 13/14, TEMPLEUX QUARRY
Battalion relieves 1/4 East Lancs Regiment in Right Sub Sector of the Right Sector commencing at dusk. Situation unchanged on this front since the Battalion was relieved there by the 1/4 East Lancs Regiment on night of 9/10^th.

Heavy downpour of rain about 3:30am making communication very difficult along roads and trenches. Much work done in clearing trenches of mud & in draining.

Disposition of Companies as in Appendix 5. 4 platoons on outpost line. 3 platoons in each strong post. 3 platoons in intermediate posts.

May 14/15, (F23 c 0.7)
Patrols sent out by all Companies. Work carried on with communication trench to RIFLE PIT TRENCH, improving RIFLE PIT TRENCH & strong points A, B & C also sap head from C Strong Point.

May 15/16, (F23 c 0.7)
Patrols sent out. 2 dead Germans buried, identification of one reported. Work of previous night continued.

May 16/17, (F23 c 0.7)
Large hostile working party strength about one company discovered by patrol in dead ground in front of B Strong Point. Other attempts to disburse this party not being successful artillery was brought to bear on it about 3am.

May 17/18, (F23 c 0.7)
Battalion relieved by 1/6^th D.G. (Carbineers) & marches to billets in VILLERS FAUCON after a hot meal at TEMPLEUX QUARRY. Relief completed about 11:30pm on return of patrols which had been sent out by each Company.

May 18, VILLERS FAUCON
Billets inspected by Brigade. GEN TUFNELL.

May 19, VILLERS FAUCON
4:50pm Depart VILLERS FAUCON. Arrive EQUANCOURT (57C SE V 10a 3-8). 21 tents and 85 tarpaulins put up by 1/4 East Lancs for the use of 1/9 Manchester Regiment.

May 20, EQUANCOURT
4pm Depart EQUANCOURT. Arrive BERTINCOURT (57c SE P.7) and go into billets chiefly ruined buildings made habitable with tarpaulins & repairs done by troops previous to our arrival.

May 21, BERTINCOURT
Lt. H. SHATWELL returns from Divisional Gas course.

May 21/22, BERTINCOURT
7pm Depart BERTINCOURT. Billets to be taken over by 11^th Rifle Brigade. Battalion Relieves 11^th Rifle Brigade. in Reserve S. end of HAVRINCOURT WOOD. Battalion HQ at (57c SE P18 d q.6).  B & C Company HQ in METZ (57c SE Q20). A & D Company HQ (57c SE P19 c).

May 23, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P 18 d q.6)
Lt. QUINNEY returns from leave U.K.

May 23/24, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P 18 d q.6)
Companies. working from dusk to dawn on new Reserve Trenches between BEAUCAMP (q 12 c) and TRESCAULT (Sq Q 4) and at A Companies new position in Q 17 a & c.

A Company’s trenches are now at Q 17 a & c
B Company’s trenches are now at Q 21 c & Q 20 c to METZ – TRESCAULT Rd
C Company’s trenches are now at Q 20 c from METZ – TRESCAULT Rd to Q 14c 3.4
D Company’s trenches are temporarily at Q 13 d, c & a

9:30pm – 10:15pm Gas alarm

Q 20 c to METZ – TRESCAULT Rd

May 24, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P 18 d q.6)
Lt. T. G. HYDE proceeds on leave to UK. Lt. H. SHATWELL takes over duties of A/Quartermaster during his absence. Lt. C. E. COOKE dies of wounds. 2/Lt. RUTTENAU to Lewis Gin Course, ETAPLES.

May 24/25, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P 18 d q.6)
Night. Companies. working on trenches between BEAUCAMP and TRESCAULT and in Q 11 c and d. Trenches dug in sections of 20 yards.

May 25/26, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P 18 d q.6)
Work continued from previous night. 350077 Pte. A. HOLDEN awarded Military Medal for gallantry on night of April 25/26 in bringing in wounded (D.R.O. 24/5/17).

May 26/27, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P 18 d q.6)
Battalion relieves 1/5 east Lancs Regt. In left Sub Sector.

Boundaries Right: TRESCAULT – RIBECOURT Road Q 4 & Q 5
Boundaries Left: Stream Q 4 a 49 to Q4 a 40 thence to Q4 b 0.0 – Q4 central

HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q 14 d 1.9)
B Company (Capt. KERSHAW) & D Company (LT MARSDEN) In front line. Work to be concentrated on front line & support line, both of which require much deepening.

May 27, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q 14 d 1.9)
Lt. Col. E. C. LLOYD 1^st R.I.R. reports to take over command of Battalion.

May 27/28, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q 14 d 1.9)
Situation quiet. Work concentrated in front line. A Company & B Company primarily working parties from Reserve.

7am. HAVRINCOURT CHATEAU (K 27 d) blown up by enemy. This has been used as a German O.P.

May 28/29, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q 14 d 1.9)
Work continued on front line & Supports & good progress made. Patrols sent out. One with orders to reach German wire. This patrol is stopped by M.G. fire 600 or 700 yards from our line.

May 28, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q 14 d 1.9)
Capt. W.H. LILLIE returns from leave UK. & takes over command of right Company subsector.

May 29/30, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q 14 d 1.9)
Work on front line & Supports.

1:00am. Patrol composed of Lt. P.S. MARSDEN and 3 privates is fired on & Lt. P. S. MARSDEN and one of the men hit, both in the abdomen. The two remaining privates drag back the wounded Officer & man some distance & then obtain a stretcher & some assistance. Lt. P.S. MARSDSEN dies an hour after he is brought in and the private some hours later.

May 30, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q 14 d 1.9)
Lt. RODMELL proceeds on leave to UK. Construction of new Battalion. HQ proceeds with at Q14 5.9. 2/Lt. A. S. NEEDHAM to course of instruction in bombing.

May 30/31, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q 14 d 1.9)
New work commenced in front by 1/9 Manchester Regiment & 1/5 E Lancs Regiment with the final instruction of making a front line moving forward from the right of the Left Battalion sector through FEMY WOOD (57 c NE K34 central).

1. Firing Trench facing East q5 a 4.0 to Q5 a 4.2 with T. head & wired. A Company under Major HOWORTH.
2. head about 150 yards out with communication Trench Q 4 b 5.1 Dug by 1/5 East Lancs Regt.
3. head at Q4 a 6.4 about 200 x out with ammunition trench. Dug by 1/5 East Lancs Regt.

The three “T” heads were garrisoned & held during the day 31^st No 1 under O.C. D Company, Nos 2 & 3 under O.C. B Company.

One platoon of C Company under 2/Lt. GREENWOOD relieves platoon of 1/10 Manchester Regiment in small trench in Reserve Line, Q 10 a 5.4 to Q10 a 7.3.

May 31/1 June, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q 14 d 1.9)

Work continues on the three T. heads commenced previous evening. Artillery & MG fire brought to bear to prevent enemy digging in FEMY WOOD. Officers patrol sent out to establish control of ground in FEMY WOOD believed to be in occupation by enemy & to keep his patrols back. 2/Lt. FREEDMAN and 12 OR with Lewis Gun go out along line running North from Q4 central, they enter FEMY WOOD & discover large working party about Q4 b 0.9 to Q4 b 5.9. 2Lt. FREEDMAN extended his patrol & fired on the party, returning when all ammunition expended.

TRESCAULT heavily shelled, 7.7s from 1:30am to 2:30am.

June 1917

June 1/2, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q 14 d 1.9)
Work continued on three trenches in front of our line. In the outer trench a new T head dug & garrisoned about 70 yards further out. 2/Lt. CLARKE goes out to Eastern edge of FEMY WOOD & attempts to dig in but was prevented by enemy fire.

June 2, (Q 15 a 0.7)
10:00am. Battalion. HQ transferred to new position about Q15 a 0.7

June 2/3, (Q 15 a 0.7)
6:00pm. Scouts attempt to reach FEMY WOOD from left but are seen & fired on. They succeed by crawling from old German Sap about 200 yards. Scout Cpl. Returns and reports scouts in position. Platoon ?, B Company under 2/Lt. GRAY, goes out at about 9:30 & occupy pit 80 yards from FEMY WOOD. They remain (2Lt. GRAY & 16 O.R.) during the day.

Work continued on left Sap.

June 3, (Q 15 a 0.7)
2/Lt. H. E. BUTTERWORTH returns from leave in the UK.

June 4, (Q 15 a 0.7)
Work continues on Saps. 2/Lt. WILLIS reports for duty from 8^th Reserve Battalion.

June 5, (Q 15 a 0.7)
Battalion relieved by 1/7 Lancs Fusiliers and go into billets at RUYAULCOURT. Capt. O.J. SUTTON goes on leave to UK.

June 6, RUYAULCOURT
Arrive RUYAULCOURT at 2:00am. Go into tents & billets. Battalion resting.

June 7, RUYAULCOURT (P15 b 9.8)
Whole Battalion on working parties.

June 8, RUYAULCOURT (P15 b 9.8)
B, C & D on working parties. A Company dig in second line HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P11 b).

June 9, RUYAULCOURT (P15 b 9.8)
A Company dig in second line HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P11 b). Father BULLOCK reports as R.C. Chaplain.

June 10, RUYAULCOURT (P15 b 9.8)
B, C & D on working parties. A Company move into second line, left sector. Capt. F. W. KERSHAW proceeds on Lewis Gun Course to LE TOUQUET. 2/Lt. PICKFORD proceeds on Lewis Gun Course to LE TOUQUET.

June 11, RUYAULCOURT (P15 b 9.8)
B, C & D on working parties. Capt. LILLIE attached to 126 Brigade Head Quarters.

June 12, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P18 d 7.3)
B, C & D move into intermediate line, right sector A move into second line, right sector.

Battalion HQ at Q18 d 7.3
A Company HQ at Q18 d 4.5
B Company HQ at Q15 a 4.5
C Company HQ at Q14 a 9.5
D Company HQ at Q8 d 6.2

June 12/13, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P18 d 7.3)
Lt. SHATWELL proceeded to 42 Divisional Gas School as Instructor.

80 men permanent working party.

100 men digging ammunition trench METZ – TRESCAULT road Q9 d – Q10a

2/Lt. A. GRAY proceeds on 3 days leave to PARIS.

June 13/14, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P18 d 7.3)
Working parties on communication trench METZ – TRESCAULT Road.

June 14, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P18 d 7.3)
2/Lt. W.N.B. BURY rejoins from course. 2/Lt. G.E. RODMELL rejoins from course.

June 15, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P18 d 7.3)
Capt. REDMOND proceeds UK on 10 days leave.

June 16, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (P18 d 7.3)
Relieved by 1/4 E.L. Regt. Into billets at YTRES

June 17, YTRES (P26 a)
Church parade. Presentation of Military Medal to Cpl. EASTWOOD by MAJOR GENERAL MITFORD. 2/Lt. GREENWOOD proceeds 42^nd Division Bombing school BVS. 2/Lt. D. NEEDHAM rejoins from course.

June 18, YTRES (P26 a)
Battalion in training. 2/Lt. CAREY rejoins from hospital.

June 19, YTRES (P26 a)
Capt. O.J. SUTTON rejoins from leave to UK. 2/Lt. A. GRAY rejoins from leave to PARIS. A & B on rifle range YTRES (P19 b). C & D training.

June 20, YTRES (P26 a)
Battalion training area billets.

June 21, YTRES (P26 a)
2/Lt. E. TOWLER proceeds on short leave to UK.

June 21/22, YTRES (P26 a)
Battalion relieves 1 / 4 E. Lancs Regt. As Right Reserve Battalion in HAVRINCOURT WOOD.

Battalion Headquarters Q18 d 7.3. A Company & C Company Q14 a 9.5 in camp. B & D Companies in INTERMEDIATE LINE, Q6 d. All Companies on working parties at night. B & D Companies constructing trench for burying cable. C Company digging on FRITH ALLEY, Q4 d 4.3.  A Company digging communication trench Q2 d.

June 22, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q18 d 7.3)
Capt. F. W. KERSHAW and 2/Lt. PICKFORD return from courses of instruction. Lt. H. BUTTERWORTH reports for course of instruction.

June 22/23, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q18 d 7.3)
3 Companies working on construction of BAZOOZA AVENUE, Q4 c 4.7 to Q3 d 4.3 from 9:30pm to 3am.

June 23/24, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q18 d 7.3)
Working parties comprising the whole Battalion less 2 platoons garrison INTERMEDIATE line work on FRITH ALLEY and communication trench Q2 d.

June 24/25, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q18 d 7.3)
Same working parties as previous night. Advance party sent to line.

June 25/26, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q18 d 7.3)
Battalion relieves 1/5 East Lancs Regiment on Right Battalion sector (TRESAULT) in position of line taken over by Battalion May 26/27.

Disposition of Companies. C, A & D in front line, B Company in support. Battalion on Left, 1/10^th Manchester Regiment.

Major T. E. HOWORTH wounded slightly remains on duty. 2/Lt. W.N.B. BURY sick to hospital (June 25).

June 26, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q18 d 7.3)
Capt. HANDFORTH proceeds to Course of Instruction III Army School.

June 26/27, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q18 d 7.3)
Work concentrated on deepening new line (see sketch map Appendix 5) on joining up rifle pits between parts A & B, B & C, & deepening Saps B & C. Front patrolled; Enemy reported in Southern part of FEMY WOOD.  Battle HQ situated Q10 d 4.4 in dugout.

June 27/28, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q18 d 7.3)
Work continued on same trenches, & front patrolled. Lt. H. BUTTERWORTH rejoins from Course of Instruction.

June 28/29, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q18 d 7.3)
Work of deepening trenches joining rifle pits, wiring & draining continued. Front patrolled. Draining & Clearing of Trenches employs large proportion of garrison.

June 30/1, HAVRINCOURT WOOD (Q18 d 7.3)
Clearing trenches, widening & deepening of Saps and front line & joining up rifle pits in front line carried on. 2/Lt. RUTTENAU and patrol proceed to FEMY WOOD with orders to assist raiding party of 1/10^th Manchester Regiment raiding chalk pits (K34 c 5.3). Night passed quietly all parties returning without casualties.

Note on Map Coordinates:

Upon a close examination of map reference points it is obvious that some of the coordinates listed in the Battalion war diary for June 1917 are incorrect. The 42^nd Division war diary includes a map (Sheet 57C SW) with brigade and divisional boundaries drawn for early June 1917. The 1/9^th Manchesters were part of the 126^th Bde. which occupied the right (Trescault) sector of the division (along with the 125^th Bde.), while the 127^th Bde. occupied the Left sector.

On June 12, 1917 the Battalion occupied a position in Brigade reserve with Battalion HQ located at “P 18 d 7.3” according to the note in the LH margin. But in the body of the war diary it notes that Battalion HQ was located at “Q 18 d 7.3” and A Company was located at “Q 18 d 4.5”. In the RH margin, the entry that day refers to Divisional Order 14, Appendix IV. Plotting the position of “P 18 d 7.3” puts Battalion HQ in the reserve area of the 126^th Brigade Sector whereas plotting a position of “Q 18 d 7.3” puts the Battalion HQ several kilometers outside and to the west of the Divisional boundary; a location that makes no operational sense. A review of Divisional Order 14 clearly shows that Battalion HQ would be located at “P 18 d 7.3”.

The Battalion moved to billets in Ytres  on June 16 , being relieved by the 1/4^th East Lancs, and subsequently moved back to the line on the evening of June 21^st relieving the 1/4^th East Lancs but the war diary now references Battalion HQ at “Q 18 d 7.3” once again. There is nothing to indicate that the 1/4^th East Lancs  moved during these 5 days. The war diary entry also references Order Number 15A. These orders do not provide any map references but they do indicate that the Battalion would be located close to Metz and provides a schedule for bathing. “P 18 d 7.3” is ¼ mile from Metz, whereas “Q 18 d 7.3” is around 3 miles away.

Below is the transcription of the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment War Diary, May to December 1915 covering their time in Gallipoli. At this time, the 1/9th Manchesters were part of the 126th Infantry Brigade in the 42nd Division.

The PDF version of the transcription is available to download  here.  The Ancestry version is available here (requires a subscription to Ancestry.com).

MAY 1915

May 1^st
KANTARA. SUEZ CANAL. Preparatory measures taken for a move.

May 2^nd
Order received for Brigade to concentrate at PORT SAID on Tuesday evening 4/5/15.

May 3^rd
Recalled Capt. Hamer from PO War Camp MEADI. Joined 11:30pm.

May 4^th
Battn. left KANTARA for PORT SAID. Bivouacked close to Railway Station.

May 5^th
Embarked on H.M.T. AUSONIA.

2 Officers (Maj. NOWELL O.C. Troops and 2nd Lt. BROADBENT, Transport Officer) with 26 Other Ranks embarked on H.M.T.  COMMODORE along with Horses, Mules and 1 Cart M.G. Carriages.

May 6^th
All quiet at sea. Iron ration issued.

May 7^th
2 platoons 13 & 14 told off to double up on deck with Rifles & ammunition to help repel attack by torpedo boats. Ammunition up to 200 rounds per man served out.

May 8^th
Arrived off CAPE HELLES and witnessed general advance by own troops.

May 9th
Battalion landed at SEDD-EL-BAHR and was first under shell fire. HMHT COMMODORE arrived. Battalion moved from beach to bivouac.

May 10^th
Another change of bivouac.

May 18^th
Bn moved to a fresh bivouac, which afterwards came to be regarded as its permanent bivouac.

May 21^st
Battalion moved into Redoubt Trenches.

May 22^nd
Lt. Col. D. H. WADE wounded. Major NOWELL assumes command.

May 23^rd
A digging party establishes a line of rifle pits 100 yards in front of the fire trench. Lance Cpl. SILVESTER “C” Coy brings in Pte. PENNY wounded, on his back, and returns to his duty.

May 24^th
Congratulatory telegram received from Major-General DOUGLAS commanding the Division on good work done by battalion. Lt. Col. EGERTON D.S.O. from G.H.Q. takes over command. “C” Company advances & consolidates advanced position. 2^nd Lieut. F. JONES killed. Weather very wet.

May 25^th
“C” Company continues consolidation. Battalion relieved & returns to Bivouac. Lt. R. G. WOOD wounded in attempt to rescue wounded man of 1/10 Manchester Regt. from their advanced trench. Weather very wet.

May 26^th
Battalion in bivouac. Orders received for batt. to be attached – 2 Companies Indian Bde. 2 Companies 87^th Bde.

May 27^th
Batt. attached to Bdes. Of 29^th Division, left bivouac 7am HQGS remain in Bivouac.

May 29^th
C & D Companies returned to HQGS in the evening.

JUNE 1915

June 1^st
A & B Companies rejoined from Indian Bde. at 1pm.

June 3^rd
Battalion advanced to 3^rd line trenches.

June 4^th
Heavy bombardment of enemy position by Army & Naval guns commences 11am. Advance of the whole Army Corps continues until nightfall 8pm. Batt. in divisional reserve.

June 5^th
Fighting still continues. Batt. constructing redoubts.

June 7^th
C Company charges Turkish trench, relinquished after general attack at 7pm. Capt. F. HAMER, 2/Lt. A. E. STRINGER killed; 13 other ranks reported missing, 3 killed and 25 wounded.

June 9^th
Major NOWELL assumes command and battalion goes to the firing line.

June 12^th
Batt. returns to Redoubt Line.

June 13^th
2/Lt. A. H. HUDSON killed.

June 15^th
Batt. returns to the fire trenches.

June 18^th
Attack made on Turkish trenches in KRITHIA NULLAH by B Company and portion of C Company under Capt. SUGDEN, directed by Lt. Col. J. RYE 1/10^th Manch. R. Strong enemy attack met with and attack fails to take Turkish trench.

Capt. H SUGDEN mortally wounded. Lt. J. M. WADE wounded and missing; 17 other ranks reported missing, and 33 wounded, 9 killed.

June 20^th
Capt. SUGDEN dies in hospital.

June 22^nd
Batt. relieved in trenches & returns to Bivouac.

June 29^th
Bivouac heavily shelled with H. E. from Asiatic side.

JULY 1915

July 2^nd
Batt. moves to trenches in Australian Line.

July 7^th
Batt. moves to ESKI LINE. (Major R. P. LEWIS attached E. A. left on 6^th).

July 10^th
Batt. returns to the firing line.

July 12^th
Lt. SUTTON & Sgt. GRANTHAM congratulated by Maj-Gen. for reconnaissance work.

July 13^th
2/Lt. H. Y. DIXON attached, 11^th York & Lancaster Regt. killed by shrapnel during advance by 52^nd Division. 2/Lt. E. BALMFORD, wounded.

July 14^th
Batt. moves back to Redoubt Line.

July 16^th
Lt. Col. R. W. FALCON assumes command.

July 18^th
Batt. relieved by 38^th Bde & returns to Bivouac.

July 23^rd
5 Officers and 222 other ranks from 2/9^th Bn. Manch. R. Capt. D. B. STEPHENSON, 2/Lt. W. M. BARRATT, Lt. S. W. RUTTENAU, 2/Lt. H. INGHAM, 2/Lt. W. G. GREENWOOD.

AUGUST 1915

Aug 7^th
Battalion divided.

Right Half Battalion.

Headquarters arrived in Redoubt Line at 7am and were attached to 125^th Brigade. Two platoons under Lt. SUTTON proceeded to reinforce firing line on the right at 14:30 o’ clock. Shortly after arrival, Lt. SUTTON was wounded by shrapnel and eventually had to go back to Clearing Station. At 15:18 two platoons under Lt. FORSHAW and with 2/Lt. COOKE proceeded to reinforce advanced line near the vineyard.

Aug 8^th
Early this morning (8^th) an advanced party of 12 men, 7 killed and 5 wounded, were reinforced by Lt. FORSHAW and the trench held. The above are all A Company.

The remaining Company under Capt. KERSHAW with Lt. VYVYAN-ROBINSON went up to the old firing line about 17:30 and took up position with old ACHI BABA NULLAH on right and point where F12 joins firing line on left. Capt. KERSHAW assumed command of the two platoons of A in addition to his three platoons. Lt. ROBINSON and one platoon having been sent off to W of No7 SAP.

Lt. FORSHAW reports about 07:30 that 1 and 2 platoons A Coy had had about 25 casualties (one man killed).

Aug 7^th
Left Half Battalion.

A reinforcement of 100 rifles of C Company under Lt. PORTER with 2/Lt. RUTTENAU sent up to the firing line on the extreme left of the 127^th Brigade. Lt. PORTER was shortly after hit in the fire trench and died of his wounds. Shortly after an attack was arranged on a Turkish Redoubt to the left of H 11 b. The attack was not carried out but about 16 men of C Company led by 2/Lt. RUTTENAU advanced but being unsupported had to fall back again – all these men were hit, 2/Lt. RUTTENAU having 2 grazes, which hit his clothes without wounding him. Later in the afternoon Major R. B. NOWELL commanding left half battalion was wounded in the arm by a bullet, when in the Redoubt Line and was compelled to withdraw to Clearing Station, leaving Capt. WOODHOUSE in command. 50 more men were sent later from C Coy. to join the rest of C Coy. in the fire trench in the left and 100 men of C and D under  Lt. HANDFORTH were sent across KRITHIA NULLAH into the Redoubt Line, under the orders of O.C. 1/6^th Manchester R. leaving Capt. WOODHOUSE and about 2 men in the Redoubt Line W of KRITHIA NULLAH.

Aug 7^th & 8^th
Machine Guns.

The three regimental machine guns under Lt. KNOWLES were posted in the HORSESHOE line. At mid-day on the 7^th Lt. STOTT acting B.M.G.O. reported that Corporal HOWARD had been doing very good work. At night 2 guns were moved up OXFORD ST to trench near the French, 1 gun remaining in the HORSESHOE Redoubt. 3 casualties reported on the morning of the 8^th.

Aug 8^th
Orders were received at mid-day that the battalion was to be redistributed under the orders of the G. O. C. 127^th Brigade – C and D Companies up to a strength of 250 rifles took over the firing line W of the KRITHIA NULLAH, A Company and the balance of the men returned into the Redoubt line with Headquarters.

August 9^th
At 9am Lt. FORSHAW returned to Headquarters and was relieved temporarily by 2/Lt. COOKE. Lt. FORSHAW was quite done up and covered with bomb-fumes – he had been hit by a shrapnel-case and had been fighting practically for 2 days and nights without ceasing. He had shown extraordinary bravery and had by his personal example been the cause of the Vineyard trenches G.12 being retained by us – he had been assisted by 2/Lt. COOKE, who had also done extremely good work together with 2 platoons of A Company who had all behaved extremely gallantly. The B.G. of the 126^th Brigade personally congratulated the commanding officer on the gallant behavior of Lt. FORSHAW, 2/Lt. COOKE and the 2 platoons under them. The following congratulatory messages were received from the 8^th Army Corps commander and from the Brigadier-General 126^th Brigade:

To G.O.C.

126 Bde. D20 9th

Tell O.C. 9^th Machs to let his officers and men know that I have only just heard the part they took in action 7^th and 8^th. I congratulate you and them including the 4^th E. L. on the splendid gallantry, initiative and endurance they have shown and I shall have the greatest pleasure in bringing to notice their gallant conduct.

From (sig) Maj. Gen. DOUGLAS

O.C. 9^th Manchesters

16:30 I should like to add my appreciation of the fine fighting qualities shown by your officers and men in the vineyard. They did splendidly.

Sig HAMPDEN. Brig. Gnl.

Cmdg 126 Inf Bde

Also from 125^th Bde for Lt. FORSHAW attached here.

Further casualties make the total 1 officer and 10 men killed, 1 man missing, and 2 officers and 80 other ranks wounded.

A party of 41 men of B Company originally intended to garrison duplicate firing line E. of NULLAH were diverted and sent off to the vineyard trench on the evening of the 8^th and remained there holding the trench until the evening of the 9^th until they were relieved having sustained 14 casualties.

Aug 10^th
Redistribution of 250 rifles on the W. of the NULLAH took place, leaving 50 rifles in the firing line, 95 in the duplicate firing line, 70 in the support line, and remaining 35 rejoined Headquarters in the Redoubt line.

Aug 12^th
Headquarters and 160 rifles went into the firing line on the left sub-section on E. of KRITHIA NULLAH. At 7pm the Turks made a strong demonstration by rifle fire and shelling but did not attack. The actual attack was made on the vineyard. Pte. POTTS (No 1347) volunteered to join the bombing party of the 1/4^th East Lancashire Regt. up the W. sap of the vineyard.

Aug 13^th
2/Lt. COOKE and a bombing party went up the W. sap of the vineyard and rejoined the battalion at 10 o’ clock. At 10:30 Headquarters and A & B Companies were relieved and returned to bivouac: the rest of the battalion following during the day.

Total casualties from the 7^th to the 13^th were killed 17, missing 1, wounded 69, slightly wounded 17, making a Total 104.

Aug 19^th
The battalion moved to a new bivouac on GULLY BEACH.

Aug 25^th
The battalion moved up into the trenches.

August 18^th
G.H.Q. wires Inform No 180 Cpl. S BAYLEY 9^th Manchester Regt. that the General Commanding has awarded him the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of his gallantry on night Aug 8/9^th.

RICHARDSON Capt.

For Staff Capt. 126 Inf. Bde.

Aug 26^th
Congratulatory card for gallantry issued to No 1347 Pte. R. POTTS.

SEPTEMBER 1915

Sept 10^th
Batt returns to bivouac. Following telegram received:-

It is with much pride and gratification that I repeat the following message from G. O. C. in Chief & G.O.C. 8^th Army Corps. Lieut. FORSHAW really deserved the coveted prize that he has won for gallantry and I feel sure it will be followed by heroism of other Officers, N.C.O.s and men resulting in similar recognition. Message begins.

Following received from G.H.Q. please convey to Lieut. WILLIAM T FORSHAW 1/9^th Manchester Regt. 126^th Inf. Bde. 42^nd Div. congratulations of Commander in Chief on the well deserved award of the Victoria Cross gazette Sept 9^th. The Lieut. General commanding 8^th Army Corps also desires to add his hearty congratulations both to Lieut. FORSHAW & to 1/9^th Manch. Regt.

Signed Major General DOUGLAS

Sept 11^th
Lt. Colonel R. W. FALCON invalided. Major R. L. LEES assumes command. Following telegram received:

On behalf of 125^th Bde. I desire to express to Lieut. W. T. FORSHAW my hearty congratulations on the grant to him of the Victoria Cross. The Brigade will ever remember with gratitude the invaluable assistance he gave us in the Vineyard.

O. C. 125^th Bde.

Sept 12^th
102 men under Capt. F. WOODHOUSE left for training camp at IMBROS. W. J. ABLITT 2/Lieut. and Acting Adjutant admitted to hospital.

Sept 18^th
Batt moved up into the trenches. The G.O.C. in Chief visited the trenches.

Sept 9^th
102 men under Capt. G. W. HANDFORTH proceeded to the Light Training Camp, IMBROS.

Sept 19^th
Capt. G. W. HANDFORTH admitted to hospital sick.

Sept 30^th
Major R. L. LEES, D.S.O. relinquished command of the batt. Major W. J. V. ANDERSON assumed command.

OCTOBER 1915

Oct 1^st
The batt. moved into Divisional Reserve at GEOGHEGAN’S BLUFF.

Oct 2^nd to 6^th
Nothing to record. Every available man was on fatigue for 6 hours a day during the week.

Oct 7^th
Five new Officers join the batt. from England and are posted to companies as follows:

2 Lieut. G R. BERNARD                 12^th Essex Regt.
2 Lieut. G. F. BARKER                     12^th Essex Regt.
2 Lieut. A. J. SOUTHCOTT            12^th Essex Regt.
2 Lieut. L. KIRWAN                          10^th South Lancs Regt.
2 Lieut. G GREEN KELLY              10^th South Lancs Regt.

Oct 8^th
The batt changes with 1/10^th Bn. Manch. R. and goes into bivouac on GULLY BEACH south of GULLY RAVINE. A sharp rainstorm with heavy wind from the sea came on about 7pm and owing to no preparation against bad weather having been made for infantry, all troops got wet.

Oct 9^th
Temp Capt. D. B. STEPHENSON goes to hospital sick.

Oct 11^th
Weather broke again about 1-30pm when a sharp shower came down. Troops did not get very wet and the sun which came out very strongly dried clothes and blankets.

Oct 14^th
Orders received that two companies to be attached to 1/5^th E. Lancs Regt. and Batt HQ and two companies to 1/10^th Bn Manch R. for tactical purposes. The object being to economise in Senior Officers and senior N.C.O.s. A & C Companies under Capt. WOODHOUSE proceed to 1/5^th E. Lancs Regt.: B & D Companies under the command of Capt. KERSHAW to 1/10^th Bn Manch R.  The Transport, orderly room staff and quartermaster dept are kept intact. The batt moves up to the trenches attached as above.

Oct 16^th
Capt. KERSHAW with 95 men return from Light Training Camp at IMBROS.

Oct 18^th
Weather conditions wet.

Oct 19^th
Major W. J. ANDERSON killed in action by a bomb whilst visiting the trenches. Lt. Col. G. W. ROBINSON 1/10^th Bn Manch R. is placed temporarily in command by Brigadier General.

Oct 22^nd
Weather very bad. Draft arrived from England 3 Officers and 134 O.R. 2 Lieut. ROBINSON. 2 Lieut. DEMEL & Lieut. AINSWORTH. No senior N.C.O.s sent with the draft.

Oct 23^rd
9-30pm message received from Brigade Major 126^th Inf. Bde. that the artillery had seen Turks massing for an attack in GULLEY RAVINE. All troops stood to arms. About 10-30pm information arrived that these men were two large working parties which were endeavouring to mend parapet of enemy trenches knocked down by artillery during the day.

Oct 24^th & 25^th
Nothing to report.

Oct 26^th
11 Officers arrive from England from 2/9^th Bn. Manch R. Owing to the fact that they are junior to two officers of the 1/9^th Batt who are still here and are still 2^nd Lieuts. Some of these new officers have to relinquish temporary rank and become 2^nd Lieuts.

2^nd Lieuts. BURY, W. B., NAYLOR S., DEARNALEY I., BRISTER J. F., NEIDHAM O.S., FIELDING P. P., HAMPSON F. C., BEARD F., DALE R. J. N., TOMMIS, J. R. GRAY A.

Oct 27^th & 28^th
Nothing to record.

Oct 29^th
Batt was relieved in the trenches by 1/8^th Bn Manch R. & 1/6^th & 1/5^th Bns. Manch. R. All the draft proceeded to GULLY RAVINE where a training camp for the drafts of the Brigade has been formed the men not being properly disciplined nor having been sufficiently trained in musketry for active service.

Oct 30^th & 31^st
Nothing to record.

Appendix 1 CASUALTY REPORT FOR THE MONTH

Summary of Killed, Wounded, Missing and Sick to Hospital for Month Ending Oct 31^st 1915.

Officers                                                 Other Ranks
Total      Killed        1                           Total      Killed           3
Wounded            Nil                            Wounded                10
Missing                Nil                             Missing                   Nil
Sick to Hospital  2                            Sick to Hospital  114
Total                         3                            Total                         127

 

NOVEMBER 1915

Nov 1^st to 8^th
Weather conditions good. Very large fatigue parties. Nothing to record.

Nov 9^th
Captain KERSHAW and 2^nd Lieut. BURY to Hospital. Lieut. NASH, RAMC.

Nov 10^th
Training camp finished. Weather broke in night and heavy rain fell.

Nov 11^th
Nothing to record.

Nov 12^th
Battalion moved to the trenches to the left subsection and took over from S. E. Mounted Brigade.

Nov 13^th
Enemy bombed persistently but were stopped by our bombers.

Nov 14^th
Nothing to record.

Nov 15^th
Very heavy thunderstorm accompanied by hurricane from sea. Came on about 7pm. There being no shelters, troops in sub section reserve got wet through. The men in the fire trenches kept fairly dry owing to the parados protecting them. As the trenches are entirely undrained they were in a very bad condition underfoot.  52^nd Division attacked and took trenches in the centre.

Nov 16^th
Turks counter attacked 52^nd Division in the centre, all quiet on our front.

Nov 17^th
Another heavy rainstorm. Conditions similar to the 15^th.

Nov 18^th
German aeroplane flying low over our lines. Small gun of the enemies close up to trenches damaged parapet of firing line by direct fire. No casualties. Two yeomanry hit in MULE TRENCH by shell case.

Nov 19^th & 20^th
Nothing to record.

Nov 21^st
Great number of large grenades sent over, some 70 in the night.

Nov 22^nd
Nothing to record.

Nov 23^rd
2^nd Lieut. I. DEARNALEY killed near BOYES PT.

Nov 24^th & 25^th
Considerable shelling and large grenades by evening.

Nov 26^th
Battn. relieved by South East Mounted Brigade and went into bivouac in GULLY RAVINE. Most of the men put under cover in winter quarters but very crowded.

Nov 27^th to 30^th
Very heavy fatigues. Very few men available for making winter quarters, owing to extremely large fatigues. Weather very cold, several degrees of frost being registered.

DECEMBER 1915

Dec 1^st
Fatigues heavy. Draft of 7 N.C.O.s & men arrived from England. Machine Gunners.

Dec 2^nd to 6^th
Fatigues very heavy. All men who were not out on fatigue were engaged in making winter quarters.

Dec 7^th
6 men arrived from Hospital. Nothing of importance to record.

Dec 8^th & 9^th
Fatigues very heavy. Work on winter dug-outs continued.

Dec 10^th
Battalion relieved S. E. Mounted Brigade in the left sub-section. Enemy shelled the MULE TRENCH during the move and several casualties ensued.

Dec 11^th
Nothing to record.

Dec 12^th
Enemy quiet, weather conditions good.

Dec 13^th
Patrols out from beach and also from NE corner of FUSILIER BLUFF report no movement of the enemy and that the front line trench is very thinly held.

Dec 14^th
Nothing to record.

Dec 15^th
Work on trenches continued and good progress made.

Dec 16^th
Nothing to record.

Dec 17^th
Two forward saps started from the N.E. corner of FUSILIER BLUFF towards a crater made by a mine explosion. The idea being to seize the crater in two days time and hold as a bombing station.

Dec 18^th
Saps towards crater going on well but do not look as if they will reach by the crater 14:00 tomorrow. Three congratulatory cards from the Major General Commanding, received for:-

No 5 QMS G BOOCOCK
400 Sgt Mr Cook JOHN CHAPMAN
1659 Pte. P. WOODRUFF

Dec 19^th
Morning quiet. In the afternoon a small action took place at 14:15, a large mine was exploded about 30 yards from the N.E. corner of FUSILIER BLUFF and immediately after 5 smaller mines. It was expected that this mine would form a large crater and a party was told off to occupy this. The party consisted of 16 bombers, a working party under 2^nd Lieut. GRAY and 26 men of ‘B’ Coy. All went exactly as ordered and the men went over the parapet in a splendid manner, but unfortunately the mine failed to form a crater and when the men got out there was no cover at all and the Turkish trench being intact the enemy fired deliberately from loop holes at the party. 2^nd Lieut. GRAY stayed out until it became evident that nothing could be done when he gave the order to retire. The enemy shelled the MULE TRENCH and our Support Line very heavily whilst the action was in progress but did little damage. Our casualties amounted to 3 killed, 1 missing, 11 wounded. The night passed quickly.

Dec 20^th
Appended messages marked A, B, C & D received. Nothing of importance to record.

Dec 21^st
Weather broke about 12:00 and heavy rain fell.

Dec 22^nd & 23^rd
Nothing to record.

Dec 24^th
Battalion relieved and went into Divisional Reserve at GEOGHEGAN’S BLUFF.

Dec 26^th
Orders received to leave the Peninsula on the 27^th.

Dec 28^th
Battalion left the Peninsula embarking on H.M.T. REDBREAST at 23:00.

Dec 29^th
Battalion arrived at MUDROS WEST and went into camp.

Dec 30^th & 31^st
Battalion spend these two days in cleaning up and transferring baggage.

Appendix 1 – CASUALTY REPORT FOR THE MONTH

Summary of Killed, Wounded, Missing and Sick to Hospital for Month Ending Dec 31^st 1915.

Officers                                              Other Ranks
Total      Killed    Nil          Total      Killed                          15
Wounded            Nil                           Wounded                31
Missing                Nil                            Missing                   Nil
Sick to Hospital  2                            Sick to Hospital  63
Total                         2                            Total                       109

 

Appendix 2 – MESSAGES

Copy Messages

A

To 126 Bde

B. 409 20^th

8^th Corps have received following wire from GENERAL BIRDWOOD commanding Dardanelles Army last night begins: –

Many congratulations on your success today which has been of greatest assistance. Please thank 52^nd and 42^nd Divisions from me for their good work. I hope their casualties were only small and am anxious for early details. All goes well elsewhere. Ends. Inform troops.

From 42^nd Division

To 126 Bde

B. 410 20^th

8^th Corps have received following wire from General BIRDWOOD commanding the Dardanelles Army after hearing of repulse of counter attack, begins: –

Well done 42^nd & 52^nd Divisions. Ends.

B

To 9^th Man          20th

I am sorry you had bad luck yesterday. I know that the men did very well and I wish them better luck next time.

General DAVIS

C

From: Major General HUGHES

To 126^th Inf. Bde.

19^th Dec

I congratulate the Brigade on the way in which the attacking party went out. Had the mine formed a crater across Turkish trenches as intended, I feel sure our men would be holding it now. I am also very pleased with the steadiness of all ranks in the trenches under shell fire. I shall be glad to hear if any wounded men still out, are got in tonight.

D

Brigadier General G.S. McD ELLIOT, Commanding 126^th Inf. Bde.

19-12-1915

The Brigadier is very pleased with the behavior of all ranks today. Everything went off exactly as arranged, except that after the explosion there was no crater to occupy, and the operations fell through. This was no fault of the Brigade. The Brigadier feels sure that all ranks will not be disheartened by lack of success today, and will always respond cheerfully and bravely to the call of duty, as they did today.