War Diary Addendum 4 Sep 1918

Addendum – Ref Sheet 28.S.W.2

The preliminary arrangements & assembling were carried out in accordance with orders, but as these were given at very short notice, Coy Commanders were handicapped & were unable to arrange all they wished to do. The attacking Coys were in position  behind Chinese Trench at the appointed time 4.30am.

Artillery arrangements were not quite satisfactory as the barrage came down E of the railway running through N.18.a & N.18.d and so left a number of enemy M.G. posts on the W of the railway & able to fire unmolested on our advancing troops.

The Battalion, despite being much disorganized by very heavy casualties by M.G. fire and enemy snipers, succeeded in reaching the line of the light railway but were unable to hold it owing to the accuracy & strength of the enemy’s M.G. fire & shortage of men.

About dusk 2^nd Lieut J.J. Potter MC collected and reorganized all the men that remained of the Battalion and established a line from N.23.b.55.30 to N.17.d.40.40 & during the night got in touch with the 18^th K.R.R.C on his left who had taken over from the 12^th E. Surreys.

Casualties on this day were very heavy & included the C.O. and Acting Adjutant.

Officer Casualties                         Other Ranks                      Total casualties
        16                                             307                                     323