Military History

Reginald is listed as being killed in action whilst leading No 1 Company in the attack at Maltz Horn Ridge on 30th July 1918. The 20th Battalion war diary entries for the period 29th to 31st July are transcribed below.

Maurepas - 29 Jul 1916: Drill was carried out in the morning. In the afternoon the Battalion made all preparations for a move. At 8.30pm in accordance with Brigade Orders the Battalion moved off to the assembly trenches Maltz Horn trench. Despite heavy shelling with gas shells the Battalion got into them without loss & in most orderly manner.

Maurepas - 30 Jul 1916: At 4.45am prompt the attack was launched. Unfortunately, a thick mist prevailed and it was impossible to see more than 10 yards ahead. This continued until about 6 o’clock when it lifted slightly, but it was still too hazy and impossible to see what was happening 100 yards away. This being so, it was not surprising to find that the attacking waves were experiencing great difficulty in maintaining connection. The first message received was from OC No 1 Coy, Lt R E Melly shortly after 6am stating that his Coy had taken the German Maltz Horn trench, that there were some four Frenchmen with him, thought to be a party of bombers

The next information timed at 6.30am from 2/Lt. CP Moore stating that he had 150 men, 4 Stokes Mortars and 2 Lewis Guns & no officers but himself, he had lost communication in the fog and both of his flanks were in the air. His position was 200 yards E of the first Sunken Road.

A later message from 2/Lt Moore timed at 9.10am stated that he had 75 men, 4 Stokes Mortars and 2 Lewis Guns. Two patrols were sent out in front but had not returned. Both of his flanks were still in the air. Later, however, he established communication with the French on his right.

The only other report received were from 2/Lt Musker. He stated in his first message that he had just over a Coy under his command, both of his flanks were in the air and that the Germans were enfilading his left flank with machine gun fire.This message was untimed and received shortly after 10am. The second message received at 11.30am and was to the same effect. The machine gun on his left flank had caused about 30 casualties. All efforts to get in touch with this party proved futile. All runners sent from Battalion HQ were killed or missing and no further messages were received until 2/Lt Worsley brought back what was left of it to Battalion HQ at 9.30pm. They had held the ground won all day and this had permitted of the consolidation of the ground on the Maltz Horn Ridge with little interference from the enemy.

HQ & 2 Coys of the 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment arrived at 11am & the captured German trench running N & S cutting Maltz Horn Ridge was occupied as follows: D Coy 2nd Beds occupied the trench  S of the farm. Lt Sutton with a party of HQ personnel 20th K.L.R the trench N of the farm. 

During the afternoon C Coy of the 2nd Beds dug a trench from Lt. Sutton's left to Arrow Head Copse. 2/Lt Moore & his party were withdrawn to reinforce Lt Sutton A little later A Coy 2nd Beds connected up to their D Coy with the French and the position gained on the ridge was well held and consolidated

Communication with 153rd French Regt was well mainatained throughtout the day

Relief was ordered to arrive at 11.00pm but had not arrived by 11pm but had not arrived at midnight

Casualties during Operations on Jul 30th & front lines on relief at 5.20am July 31.
Officers: Killed 7 (listed including Lt. R.E. Melly) Wounded 4 (listed) & Missing 5 (listed)
Other Ranks: Killed 59, Wounded 179 & Missing 119

Meaulte - 31 Jul 1916: The 4th Bn Royal Lancaster Regiment started relieving the 89th Brigade at about 4am. Relief was complete by 5.20am & in accordance with Brigade orders issued & verbal Battalion Operation Orders the Battalion moved to its former Bivouacs at F.15 Central N of the Citadel and arrived in bivouacs up to 9am.

Parties of men in small numbers arrived during the day. The men soon got settled down and after roll-call were addressed by Major General J.M. Shea CB DSO who spoke very highly of the behaviour of the Battalion.