15th to 18th July
On the 15th inst at 12 midnight the battalion moved from Bois Grenier Line of defences (map reference H 29 B 22 to I 19 C 52) reserves being relieved by New Zealand troops.
The Battalion arrived at billets in Fleurbaix early on Sunday morning the 16th instant, and rested for that day. Prior to this our Intelligence Officer Lieut. Wilson with Corporal Day and 4 other observers also Lieut. Wilson of "C" Company with 1 N.C.O & 4 men to assist in getting information were in first line of our defences and received losses by enemy shells. Corporal Day showed great courage being wounded. Lieut. Wilson and his party did excellent work and I wish to bring to your special notice Corporal Day. This N.C.O has on several occasions shown merit of high order as a scout, and lately as an assistant to my Intelligence Officer. The men of this party deserve praise for their untiring efforts and constant vigilance throughout the period 6th to 19th July.
On Sunday night 16th instant one Company "D" less one platoon took over the right section of Brigade Area of front line defences, as per marginal note.
One Platoon of "D" Company and one platoon of "B" Company remained in reserve 500 yard line. This line (reserve) was constantly shelled by enemy's guns causing casualties as per appendid list. On the 17th instant two Companies "A" & "C" were taken from reserve and billeted in Fleurbaix owing to congested state of reserve line. "B" Company remaining in support to "D" Company.
On Tuesday 18th I changed the front line Company "D" for "C" going into billets. "D" or Company taking over from "C" in support line.
On the 15th July received verbal instructions re contemplated operations as outlined in Battalion Order No. 1 Operational Appendix A, Brigade Order No. 23 dated 16.7.1916, and continuation order No. 23 "Appendix B" see also Brig. Order No. 24.
On the 18th instant the following dispositions were made:
First Wave. 2 Platoons "A" Coy
2 Platoons "C" Coy
Second Wave. 2 Platoons "A" Coy
2 Platoons "C" Coy
Third Wave 2 Platoons "B" Coy
2 Platoon "D" Coy
Fourth Wave 2 Platoons "B" Coy
2 Platoons "D" Coy
"B" Company Supported "A", and "D" Company Supported "C" Company. Grenadiers were allotted to flanks of leading Companies, one team to each Platoon of first and second waves, with two teams in reserve. Also the six Lewis Guns and personnel. The Signallers and Stretcher Bearers were organised, the latter to follow fourth wave, but owing to terrible losses before the assault was delivered the formations above were broken. Of the 8 signallers who were organised as runners in event of broken communications 6 were killed or wounded before we left the support trenches and Company Signallers had to be requisitioned.
19th and 20th July
At 4pm on the 19th the Battalion was reported in position. The Battalion HQ moved from support trenches to front line at 5.30pm. At 2 minutes to 6 o’clock, the first wave or what was left of it charged over our parapets and crossed the zone known as No man's land. The second wave followed at 6 p.m. but I found it necessary to join the third and fourth waves and with this I moved towards the enemy's position. As arrival we found that great devastation had taken place by our gun fire and many of the enemy were dead or dying in their dug outs and emplacements. It was found that underground works contained many Germans who were at once bombed and killed.
Owing to heavy losses up to this juncture, particularly amongst the Officers, I with my Staff Adjutant Lt Bernard and Intelligence Officer Lieut. Still (with 1 signaller Corporal Carew) and 1 runner (Private Eddy) proceeded with remnants of Battalion, leaving as few as possible to assist Machine & Lewis Gunners to get established. We proceeded to find enemy's second line of defences. There were none in the area shown on map except open ditches containing water which somewhat confused me, and I determined to advance and clear my front for 200 yards.
We found straggling enemy hiding in underwoods about trees and ditches, many of whom we killed and many surrendered. I then found we were under a heavy fire from Artillery both in front and flanks, especially my left flank. Leaving Major Eckersley (whom I found on the right flank at this time) in command I gave him instructions to dig in his right, and hold a position on which an enemy's machine gun was found. This we destroyed and captured another which one man carried back to German's first lines.
During the night of the 19th & 20th every effort was made to reorganise the scattered troops. Men from all Units were placed in such positions as were available to make a resistance in small posts, the centre being established as my headquarters. Communications and reports will be detailed on another document by my Intelligence Officer and attached hereto.
Summary & Conclusions
Of the General action it is almost impossible to say exactly the effect, but considerable number of enemy were destroyed and large quantities of bombs etc. thrown into ditches as we could not carry away or otherwise destroy.
As a first report and time not allowing for enlarging of same I take this opportunity of bringing to your notice for special notice and reward, the following Officers N.C.O's and men, but the superhuman efforts made by all ranks makes it extremely hard to differentiate.
I wish to mention Major Eckersley (wounded) for his assistance in holding our advanced line which eventually had to retire to within 100 yards of our Main positions. Major Eckersley did not get back to us, being wounded in the head but was picked up by the 54th as reported. (This is not certain).
For special reward I mention Lieut. Wilson G.H. of "C" Company who left alone of his Company Officers in the advance showed great coolness and pluck and materially assisted in holding in check the troops on my left flank.
C.SM. McLean deserves great recognition for his work in the same quarter.
Lieut. Morisset, McLennan, Aland & Sergeant Law who held on to first line and came through unwounded deserve mention.
Capt. Mills and Lieut Macleod did excellent work in their position 100 yards in front of Main line and by their behaviour and cool judgement were enabled to dig in and hold till daylight. Capt. Mills is reported missing and wounded.
I wish to mention for special consideration Lieut. G. Still who accompanied me throughout and kept communication as best he could both by pigeons and runners. Lieut. Wilson as mentioned above, Lieut. Bernard who is reported wounded in advanced position. As Adjutant he assisted greatly in organising the advance. Corporal Carew, Signaller, although wounded in thigh in early stages was with Private Eddy the only remaining men of my Staff. The N.C.O's work was splendid particularly in the early morning when men were beginning to break. He with a revolver kept many at their post, who seeing so many retiring on both flanks were almost in a panic.
