War Diary

Gomiecourt - 2^nd May – 5.30pm: The Battalion moved to St. Leger as rendezvous preparatory to attack on the Hindenburg Line.

10.55pm – The battalion passed the starting point – crossroads St Leger, en route to forming up line.

Bullecourt – 3^rd May – 3.45am: - Attack – The battalion attacked the Hindenburg Line from U.20.b.5.2 to U.20.a.9.6 and Hindenburg Support line from U.20.b.8.7 to U.14.d.3.0, the 2/4 (H) Y & L on the right, the 2/5 K.O.Y.L.I attacking as second and third objectives from V.16+.c.0.5 to U16.a.0.6 and from U.10.d.50.98 to V.9.d.4.7 respectively.

4 Vickers Machine Guns of 208 M.G. Coy were attached to the battalion and were allocated points as follows: U.20.b.0.6 C Coy  |  U.20.b.45.85 A Coy  |  U.20.b.7.8 D Coy  |  U.20.a.2.1 (in reserve).

Two trench mortars from 187 Inf Bde T.M. battery were allocated as follows: U.20.b.1.5 C Coy  | U.20.b.4.8 A Coy.

Company objectives:
B Coy - Hindenburg Line from U.20.b.5.2 to U.20.b.15.45
C Coy - Hindenburg Line from U.20.b.15.45 to U.20.9.6
D Coy - Hindenburg Support Line from U.20.b.8.7 to U.20.b.41.75
A Coy - Hindenburg Support Line from U.20.b.41.75 to U.14.d.3.0

[All of these map references can be plotted here by inserting 51B. in front of the U or V. https://www.tmapper.com]

The attack was not successful although the greater part of the Battalion got into the Hindenburg Line and many into the Support Line. Those who did reach their objectives put up a gallant fight all day and were either killed or wounded, a few withdrawing at night fall. It is assumed the attack failed through the following causes:

1. Darkness
2. Enemy shelling of our troops on forming up line causing advance to start late, pace therefore rather hurried and direction lost.
3. Smoke and dust from our own barrage made control and intercommunications difficult
4. Enemy first line was passed unrecognized
5. Missing of units during the advance caused delay in reorganising for advance on enemy support line, time was lost and barrage lifted off support trench before our men were close to it, this enabled enemy machine guns to hold up advance, there was also some uncut wire between enemy first and support trenches.

11.30am: Battalion re-organised, railway cutting occupied as first line of resistance. Outpost groups 400x in front. NCO’s and men rejoined in groups of small numbers up to midnight. Estimated casualties:
Killed: Officers 4 [Listed by Name]             Other ranks 26

Wounded: Officers 3 [Listed by name]                     Other Ranks 84

Wounded and Missing: Other Ranks 39

Missing: 2Lt G.C. Jenkins
                Other ranks 102

Total Officers 8; OR 251

List of names of officers and men noting their distinguished & gallant conduct. END