War Diary 2nd to 4th Oct 1918
Bellenglise – 1 Oct 1918: Battalion resting on ground wrested from the enemy. Companies in the vicinity of the Hindenburg Line. Battalion HQ’s near the Riqueval Bridge. Weather wet.
Bellenglise – 2 Oct 1918: Ditto - Battalion resting on ground wrested from the enemy. Companies in the vicinity of the Hindenburg Line. Battalion HQ’s near the Riqueval Bridge. Weather wet.
Bellenglise – 3 Oct 1918: 1am - Battalion moved to assembly positions east of Levergies.
6.30am – Heavy barrage opened on enemy positions & the Battalion in conjunction with other units of Division attacked enemy positions on a wide front.
Tanks took part in this operation passing through the enemy last trench system (the Fonsomme Line) the Battalion then pressed forward (see Appendix V Report on Operations). 2000 prisoner, many machine guns were captured by the Division during these operations.
Lieut-Colonel T.R. Evans was killed during the afternoon. Major G.C. Dowding DSO (Kings Own Lancaster Regt) and attached 5th South Staffs took over command of the Battalion.
Levergies – 4 Oct 1918: Battalion still in line in positions gained from the previous day. Major Dowding wounded during the morning but remained at duty.
7pm: Battalion relieved by Corps (IX) Cyclists and afterwards proceeded to Magny-la-Fosse and rested the night.
Weather fine.
Report on Operations - 3rd Oct 1918
Report on The Attack on the Beaurevour-Fonsomme Line & Mannequin Hill – 3rd October
On the night of the 2nd October 1918, the Battalion moved forward to assembly positions North West of Secuehart.
At 6.5am on the 3rd instant, a heavy artillery barrage was put down on the enemy positions, which included his last trench system (the BEAUREVOIR–FONSOMME Line) and the Battalion started off to the attack. The 6th South Staffs. Regiment were on our right and the 6th Notts and Derby on our left. Several Tanks took part in the operation, and practically little opposition was met with until the BEAUREVOIR–FONSOMME Line was reached. Here brisk fighting took place but in the end enemy resistance is overcome. Many Germans were killed and a large number of prisoners were sent back.
The Battalion then headed towards MANNEQUIN HILL, on approaching these positions the enemy offered desperate resistance, Machine Gun nests were numerous and many of the guns were enfilading our men as they were going forward.
The Battalion, however, reached and captured its final objective.
Towards the afternoon, large numbers of the enemy were observed massing east of ? and it was not long before the enemy launched his counter attack. Our left Battalion soon became heavily engaged and in the end they were forced to withdraw slightly. On account of the left flank of the Battalion being left exposed a slight withdrawal was ordered. It was during this operation that Colonel Evans was killed.
Major G.C. Dowding DSO (Royal Lancaster Regt) and attached 5th South Staffs then assumed command of the Battalion. In the evacuation of the wounded the stretcher bearers had a busy time, one of whom, L/Cpl W.H. Coltman DCM & MM) greatly distinguished himself, carrying in wounded from very exposed positions.
in the open, and the Lewis Guns of the enemy harassed this movement. Our 1st Battalion soon became established in its position and only the left company was driven slightly. On account of the left flank of the Battalion being exposed, a counter–attack was expected, but on our artillery putting down a heavy barrage, the attack was frustrated.
The Divisions bag for the day was 2,000 prisoners, several guns, and many machine guns.
CASUALTIES
Officers:
Lieut.-Colonel P. J. EVANS – Killed.
Lieut. F.E BURT – Killed.
2/Lieut. W. J. ENSOR – Killed.
2/Lieut. T. A. MADDISON – Wounded (Died of wounds later).
2/Lieut. W. J. HAYES – Wounded.
2/Lieut. W. H. ARNUS – Wounded.
2/Lieut R.H. SENNETT – wounded
2/Lieut R. BARRON – wounded at duty
As on the attack on the Canal many acts of gallantry were performed and recommendations have according been forwarded.
The casualties to other ranks were Killed: 21; Wounded: 145 & Missing: 15
