Monday 18th September 1916 From our Correspondent in the Field
In the poor
weather conditions of last evening few of us were surprised to hear this
morning that the attack by 20th (Light) Division towards Lesboeufs was
unsuccessful. 1st Bedfords had been attached to this division but did not take
part in the attack and this morning moved back from Waterlot Farm to the old
German Front Line between Guillemont and Wedge Wood, a place all too familiar
to them from their action around Falfemont Farm earlier this month. They have
now, once more, come under the orders of 5th Division.
The battered
8th Battalion has moved into trenches nearby, south-east of Guillemont. They
acted as reserve for another attack on the Quadrilateral, this time by 1st
Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry supported by 2nd Battalion, York
& Lancaster Regiment and 1st Battalion, The Buffs. The Salopians succeeded
where the Bedfords had failed and took the place. The main reason for this is
that someone in the supporting artillery had obviously issued a “rocket” to the
gunners who this time laid down an impeccable barrage ahead of the attacking
troops. As I write this 5th Division, with the 1st Bedfords, is beginning to
relieve 6th Division. 56th (London) Division attacked this morning towards
Combles and the south-eastern face of Bouleaux Wood but could not make much
headway.
Away on the
left 47th (1st/2nd London) Division manage to reinforce men in the Starfish
Line north of High Wood but could make no further progress. This afternoon 50th
(Northumbrian) Division has made some progress in the same locality.
No comments:
Post a Comment