13th July - Citadel Line: The whole Division moved forward. The Battalion bivouacked in Mametz Wood at 3am on the morning of the 14^th, the 20^th Brigade attacked the German second line trenches. The 22^nd Brigade followed up 2^nd Bn R War R leading. The Battalion left the eastern corner of Mametz Wood at 4.30am passed over the German front line trench & reformed south of Bazentin-le-Grand wood. From this point the objective was Circus trench. C Coy went forward & took Circus Trench under very heavy fire.

 

D Coy followed up in support & started consolidating, then went on to assist Royal Irish Regt in Bazentin-le-Petit Wood who had severe fighting at close quarters driving the Germans out of the northern portion of the wood & village. The Company did splendidly being about 80 men. At 2.30pm the company reformed in Circus Trench with C Coy.

 

½ Coy of B Coy pushed in to the Bazentin-le-Petit + Bazentin-le-Grand Road, several casualties occurred from Machine Guns, then pushed on to Bazentin-le-Grand village the Coy kept up a running fight but not strong enough to dislodge the enemy. The Germans counter attacked but were driven back by B assisted by a few of A Coy. D Coy then went on & helped to consolidate the same line as A.

 

At about 8pm the whole Bn took up positions covering the south east of the village Bazentin-le-Petit, A & D Coys in the vicinity of the cemetery. B&C Coys NE of the village with patrols on the west of the village. All 4 Coys had a bad time shelled constantly but dug in & saved a great many by this prompt action in consolidating.

Kept this position all through 15^th July. The battalion was relieved at 2am on 16^th & bivouacked in Fritz Trench & remained there till the 19^th inst when 2 Coys occupied the trench to the east of Bazentin-le-Petit & 2 Coys remained in support. Headquarters staying in Marlboro Wood.

The whole Division moved out on the evening of the 20^th & the Battalion proceeded to Bivouacks at Dernacourt.

Casualties during these operations:
Officers- Killed Lt A.J. Purcell.
Wounded Lts R Corywright, G.V. Biden
2/Lieuts A.C. Coldicott, F Devis, P.H. Hollick.

Other Ranks:     Killed 21
                        Wounded 142
                        Missing 62

The following officers joined during this period for duty [List of Names]

21st July - Dernacourt: In bivouacs.

---