War Diary Entries

Dernacourt – 24.8.1916: The Battalion, 19 Officers and 768 other ranks leave Etretust at 5.30am marching to Airaines, there entrained for Edge Hill siding at Dernacourt. Goes into Bivouac in same position as before. NW of town.

2 Officers reported for duty.

The Battalion has thoroughly enjoyed, and has much benefitted by the 3 weeks rest. The surroundings at Etretust are delightful & the weather conditions perfect. The privilege of 48 hours leave to Le Treport was much appreciated by all ranks.

Dernacourt – 25.8.1916: Came under orders of VIX Corps – Commander Lt. Gen Morland. Battalion marches to Happy Valley near Bray and goes into Bivouac. We have therefore returned to the same area in which we gained our first experience of trench warfare, under the worst possible conditions.

Maricourt – 26.8.1916: The 5^th Division relieves 35^th Division – Bantams, the 13^th Brigade relieving 104^th Brigade in trenches facing Falfemont Farm on the right to Wedge Wood on the left. 15/RW Rgt hold right of front line with 1/R W Kents on left. 2/KOSB’s and 14/R W Rgt in support.

A draft of 60 other ranks arrive.

Maricourt - 27.8.1916: No diary entry

Maricourt - 28.8.1916: No diary entry

Maricourt – 29.8.1916: Battalion relieves 1/R W Kents. Battn has orders to dig a forward assembly trench as a “kicking off” trench in view of an impending attack on enemy’s position between Falfemont Farm & Wedge Wood. B Coy – Capt. Neal – holds front line on left of 2/KOSB’s – D & C Coy in close support, A Coy in reserve.