Drafts
reaching the unit
The
4th Bedfordshire Regt. War Diary records in great detail casualties, drafts,
and officers and men leaving or re-joining the battalion due to diverse
circumstances. Unfortunately for our cause, it doesn't mention the unit of
origin of the drafts (but then this is usually the case with most War Diaries),
so we are not able to know with exactitude when (or if) the draft of men from
the 2/1st Huntingdonshire Cyclists joined the Battalion. We know that men
of this draft eventually ended in the 7th Bn. Northamptonshire Rgt., so
the chances are that they had been or had originally intended to reinforce in
the 4th Bedfordshire Bn., but due to the course of events, were finally
drafted to the 7th Northamptonshire Bn. The other probability is that
they were indeed in the 4th Bedfordshire Bn. and then were transferred to
the 7th Northamptonshire Bn. it is interesting to know that the 190th
and 73rd Brigades (to which these battalions belonged), were in close
touch at the beginning of October 1918 (not something to reach definitive
conclusions, but interesting to bear in mind). It must be also considered that,
at this stage of the war, men from the Huntingdonshire Cyclists were
given Bedfordshire Regimental numbers. G. Porta |
Manpower
fluctuations in the 4th Bn. Bedfordshire Rgt.: January-July 1918
January:
2 Officers died of wounds, and 2 were gassed.
16 OR were killed, 39 were wounded and 29 were gassed.
The battalion was reinforced by 111 OR and an officer rejoined the battalion.
February:
1 Officer was killed and 2 were struck off strength due to
sickness.
1
OR
was Killed and 4 gassed.
The battalion was reinforced by 13 officers and 299 OR from the disbanded 8th
battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, and 1 officer rejoined.
March:
7 Officers were killed, 7 were wounded, 5 were
gassed (mustard gas), 6 were missing, 3 were struck off strength due to
sickness.
21 OR were killed, 88 were wounded, 264 were gassed (mustard gas), 124 were
missing.
3 Officers joined the battalion.
April:
2 Officers were killed, 2 wounded, 5 were struck
off strength due to sickness, 1 was struck off strength to be transferred, 13
were sent to Divisional Wing.
16 OR were killed, 82 were wounded, 72 sent to Divisional Wing.
41 Officers joined and 1 rejoined.
666 O R joined the battalion (of these, 17 were from 26th Bn. Northumberland
Fusiliers, and 188 from the 12th Bn. South Wales Borderers).
May:
1 Officer was killed, 2 officers were missing, 5
were wounded, 2 were gassed, 1 was struck off strength to be transferred and 2
struck off strength due to sickness.
10 OR were killed, 11 were missing, 53 were wounded and 93 gassed
4 Officers and 184 OR Joined.
June:
1 Officer was transferred to England due to
sickness, 3 officers went on leave to England and 1 was struck off strength to
attend a course.
5 OR were killed and 17 were wounded.
3 Officers and 124 OR joined.
July:
1 Chaplain was struck off strength to England, 1
Officer was truck off strength for 6 months exchange, 2 were struck off
strength unfit and/or sick, 1 ceased to be attached and 2 proceeded on leave.
2 OR were killed, 2 were wounded, 1 was gassed.
7 Officers, 1 chaplain and 217 OR joined.
|
4th (Extra
Reserve) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment
War Diary for the month of August 1918. |
1 August
1918 - Henu |
Battn. Training - 1 O.R. joined. |
2 August 1918 |
1 O.R. joined. |
3 August 1918 |
2/Lt. T. D. TURNER struck off strength sick to
England. |
4 August 1918 - Arqueves |
4th Anniversary of Declaration of War.
Church Parade - Battn. marched to
ARQUEVES. |
5 August 1918 |
Battn. Training. |
6 August 1918 |
6 O. R's. joined - Capt. D. M. Saunders, Capt. A W
Elliott, M. C. - 2/Lieut E E Ashby M. C Joined. |
7 August 1918 |
11 O R's joined. Capt O E Hobson joined. |
8 August 1918 - Beaucourt |
Battn left ARQUEVES at 7 p.m. and marched to BEAUCOURT. |
9 August 1918 |
17 O. R's. joined. |
10 August 1918 |
Bn. Training. |
11 August 1918 |
Bn. Training. |
12 August 1918 |
2/Lt. H. W. Dainty - 2/Lt J. Jenkins M. C. granted
leave to U.K. |
13 August 1918 |
Bn Training. |
14 August 1918 - Pas-en-Artois |
2 O. R's joined. Bed Swimming Sports. Battn marched to PAS. |
15 August 1918 |
Bn Training |
16 August 1918 |
Bn Training |
17 August 1918 |
8 O. R's joined - 2/Lt E. S. Ashby M. C. attd 7th
R. Fusiliers
(190th Brigade-63rd Division) |
18 August 1918 |
2/Lt. J. T. DICKINSON attd to 190th Inf Bed. 2/Lt.
L. Humphreys granted leave to England. |
19 August 1918 - Souastre |
Battn left PAS. 11.30 p m and marched to SOUASTRE - 2/Lt D. G.
Greig granted leave to England. |
20 August 1918 - Leeds Trench |
Battn marched from SOUASTRE to a position in Leeds Trench
L.20 c and d |
21 August 1918 |
As per report attached. |
22 August 1918 |
As per report attached. |
23 August 1918 |
As per report attached. |
24 August 1918 |
As per report attached. |
25 August 1918 |
As per report attached. |
26 August 1918 |
As per report attached. |
27 August 1918 |
As per report attached. 2/Lt A. N. Oakmoor. 2/Lt
H. A. Garton Sprenger joined. |
28 August 1918 - Miraumont |
Battn. moved back to a position in MIRAUMONT. |
29 August 1918 |
As per report attached. |
30 August 1918 |
Battn. left MIRAUMONT and marched to a position about S.9
a.5.5. (Map Sheet Map Sheet 51 b. SW.) |
31 August 1918 |
Lt W B Stimson granted leave to England. 2 O R's
joined. |
4TH BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE
REGIMENT -
REPORT ON OPERATIONS AUGUST
20th. - 28th, 1918 inclusive.
Reference Sheets 57 D. and 57 C. |
1. On the night 20/21 Aug. 1918 the Battalion marched from billets in
SOUASTRE to LEEDS TRENCH in L.20 c. and d. Considerable difficulty
was experienced in reaching this position in the FONQUEVILLERS [sic] -
LA BRAYELLE FARM road was blocked by lorries and a tank. All the Companies
were in LEEDS TRENCH by about 4.15 a.m.
2. The Battalion formed up on the East side of LEEDS TRENCH in
artillery formations A Coy. on the right, C Coy. on the left. "B" Coy. in the
centre, "D" Coy. in support in rear of "B" Coy. The 7th. Bn. Royal Fusiliers
were on the left.
3. At 5.25 a.m. the Battalion commenced to move forward behind the 189th
Inf. Brigade.
(63rd Division) A thick fog hung over the ground making it difficult to keep
direction. The Battalion marched in artillery formation North of BUCQUOY
and South of ABLAINZEVILLE [sic], passed over the enemy front line, and
proceeded in S.E. direction to leave LOGEAST WOOD on the North.
4. When the Battalion reached L.g.a., the enemy put down a smoke screen
which mingled with the fog and made it impossible to see more than two or three
yards ahead. The Battalion became somewhat disorganised in consequence and touch
was lost for a time with the leading Brigade. Five tanks came to their
assistance and it was arranged that 2 tanks should proceed on the south of the
trench running through L.6.c., G.2.e., G.9 and 15, and 3 tanks on the north of
the trench. two companies of the Battalion followed the tanks in artillery
formation on the north side of the trench and two companies on the south side,
in each case one company being in front and one company in support in rear.
In this manner it was hoped to keep direction as the trench led to about the
centre of that part of the ACHIET-LE-GRAND - MIRAUMONT railway, which
formed the objective of the 189th Brigade and from which the 4th Bedfords were to attack their objective.
5. The Battalion proceeded in this manner dealing with any small parties
of the enemy who had been left by the leading Brigade, and reached a line about
G.2.d.2.3. to G.8.b.0.5. Here it was found that the leading Brigades had not
been able owing to the fog to make good the ACHIET-LE-GRAND - MIRAUMONT
railway.
6. Orders were received that the 190th Brigade would consolidate a
line G.14.a.9.9., G.9.c.0.8., G.3.d.2.2., A.27.d.5.1.
The 4th Bedfords consolidated a line from G.9.c.0.8 to G.3.d.2.2. - "A" Coy. on
the right front, "C" Coy. on the left front, "D" Coy. in support and "B" Coy. in
reserve.
The Battalion passed the night in these positions.
7. At about 5.30 a.m. 22/8/18 about 100 enemy were seen leaving huts at
about G.9.b.0.8. advancing in a S.W. direction to attack post at about
G.9.a.6.2. They were observed by "C" Coy. on the left, fired on and dispersed -
9 dead were counted.
At 6.5. a.m. a party of the enemy approached a post at G.9.a.8.1. held by the
right company ("A"). They also were driven back. 2/Lieut. FLORY who was in
charge of the post was killed.
Later in the day strong counter-attacks were made by the enemy on the 7th R.
Fus.
(190th Brigade-63rd Division)
but were repulsed.
8. On 23/8/18, the 37th Division passed through the line we held
to attack the ACHIET-LE-GRAND railway and to take up a position East of
BIHUCOURT.
The 4th Bedfords were then withdrawn in artillery formation to LEEDS
TRENCH, which was reached in the evening.
9. On 24/8/18, the Battalion marched in artillery formation to assembly
positions about G.21.b.
Here the night was spent.
At 5 a.m. 25/8/18 the Battalion proceeded in artillery formation: "D" Coy. on
the right with "B" Coy. in support: "C" Coy. on the left with "A" Coy. in
support, behind the 1st. Artists who followed the 189th Brigade. The 188th
and 189th Brigades
(both in 63rd
Division) were to take LA BARQUE and THILLOY and the 190th Brigade
were to pass through them to RIENCOURT. the companies were echeloned in order to
protect the right flank.
10. The Battalion proceeded round the South side of LOUPART WOOD
and reached the main BAPAUME-ALBERT Road at about M.12.a. The 188th
and 189th Brigades
(both in 63rd
Division) had penetrated into LA BARQUE but were held up by M.G.
fire.
Meanwhile the right flank was exposed and as M.G. fire was coming from that
direction, it was decided to form a defensive flank facing S.W. along the line
roughly M.12.d.7.7. to M.5.d.7.5. The 1st Artists Rifles
(190th Brigade-63rd
Division)
held the line from M.12. central to the main road, and the 7th R. Fus.
(190th
Brigade-63rd Division)
prolonged the line in a North Westerly direction.
In the evening attacks were made on the 188th and 189th Brigades
(both in 63rd
Division),
but were repulsed, and the dispositions of the 4th Bedfords remained unchanged.
The night was spent in this position.
11. On 26/8/18 the 188th and 189th Brigades
(both from 63rd
Division) attacked THILLOY and LIGNY THILLOY from the sunken road called
RED CUT running north and south through N.1.a. and c. and N.7.a.
The 4th Bedfords formed up in artillery formation 700 yards behind them
ready to follow them. The attacking troops were unable to get forward and the
night was spent in these positions.
12. At 11 a.m. on 27/8/18, 4th Bedfords assembled in RED CUT
to attack THILLOY and LIGNY THILLOY. The 7th R. Fus. were on the
left, the boundary running along line from N.1.c.2.3. parallel to grid to
N.2.c.3.3. Boundary on south was grid running through N.7.8. and 9.
D.Coy. was on the right, "B" Coy. in centre, and "C" Coy. on left each with 3
platoons in front line and 1 in reserve. "A" Coy. in reserve behind "B" Coy.
13. The barrage started at 11 a.m. and lifted forward at 11.3 moving back
at the rate of 100 yards every 3 mins. Shells fell into the assembly positions
which were thought to come from our own guns firing short.
On leaving the sunken road heavy M.G. fire was encountered from the front and
the left and especially from the right flank.
It had been arranged that 21st. Division would attack on our right, but
their attack was cancelled at the last moment and our right flank was thus
exposed to extremely heavy M.G. fire from the high ground in M.7.d., M.8.c. and
further south.
14. The line was held up and the positions occupied were then roughly a
line from about N.1.e.8.2. - N.7.a.9.4. - N.7.a.4.0. No further advance was
possible as M.G. fire from THILLOY and the ridges on the right was so
heavy. Snipers were very active and claimed many victims.
15. At 6 p.m. after 1 hours bombardment by heavy artillery and preceded
by an 18 pounder [sic] barrage the advance was continued again.
Just previous to zero one of our heavy shells fell in the midst of the centre
Coy. and did much damage. Some of "C" Coy. on the left entered THILLOY
and went right through, with their right on the cross roads at about N.2.e.8.0.
The left of the centre company was met again by very heavy M. G. fire from the
right and was unable to make much progress and the right company was unable to
advance at all owing to the same reason. The enemy had a perfect defensive
position which commanded the approach from in front and on the right flank.
16. As regards those elements of the left company which passed through
THILLOY, the situation is difficult to ascertain. No Officer by this time
appears to have been left with the company. The enemy appear to have been
surrounding them on the right flank and eventually they withdrew through the
village, and back to the sunken road from which the attack had started.
17. Owing to the formation of the ground the only possible defensive line
was then the sunken road RED CUT, with posts pushed out to the edge of
LA BARQUE. The line joined up with the 7th R. Fus.
(190th Brigade-63rd
Division) on
the left.
The Battalion was in this position when it was relieved during the night by the
8th Manchester Regt. and withdrew to MIRAUMONT.
18. I attribute the failure of the attack to the fact that the right
flank was exposed as the Division on our right did not advance. It is possible
that the first attack would have been held up in any case from M. G. fire from
THILLOY, but I feel certain that if other troops had been pressing on our
right and so engaging the M. G's. on the ridges in M.7.d. and neighbourhood, my
right company would have been able to get forward at the second attempt. If the
request for tanks to co-operate had been granted the task would have been easy
and could have been accomplished by one Battn. instead of two. 1-31 Aug 1918. |
4th (Extra
Reserve) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment -
War Diary for the month of September 1918. |
1 September
1918 - Hindenburg Support Line near Henin-sur-Cojeul |
Battn marched from BOIRY to N.34 central near HENIN in the
Hindenburg Support Line. Hostile aircraft raid, Lieut M. Brawn killed 3 Other
Ranks killed 11 Other Ranks wounded and 26 horses & mules killed. 2/Lt W. Johnson
2/Lt A. E. Iliffe and 119 Other Ranks joined. |
2 September 1918 - Fontaine-les-Croisilles |
Battn moved to FONTAINE and then to V 18.a. 3 Other Ranks joined. |
3 September 1918 - Cagnicourtt. |
Battn moved to position near CAGNICOUR |
4 September 1918 - Inchy-en-Artois |
Battn moved forward into front line position south of INCHY. 3
Other Ranks wounded. |
5 September 1918 |
Battn in the line 42 Other Ranks joined 2 Other
Ranks wounded.
|
6 September 1918 |
Battn in the line 13 Other Ranks wounded. |
7 September 1918 |
Battn in the line 3 Other Ranks killed.
2/Lt. W. W. Dainty and 9 Other Ranks wounded. |
8 September 1918 - Boyelles |
Battn relieved by a Battn of the 57th Division and marched to a
position near HENDICOURT [sic]. Battn left position near HENDICOURT
and marched to BOYELLES. 2 Other Ranks joined. |
9 September 1918 - Bailleulmont |
Battn entrained at BOYELLES at 7.0 am and detrained at
LAHERLIERE [sic] and marched to BAILLEULMONT. 2/Lt.W.Bellamy granted
leave to England. 1 Other Rank wounded. |
10 September 1918 |
Battalion Training. |
11 September 1918 |
Battalion Training 2/Lt W. H. Richardson and
2/Lt. T. W. Willams joined. |
12 September 1918 |
Battalion Training. |
13 September 1918 |
Battalion Training. |
14 September 1918 |
Battalion Training. Divl. Race Meeting
Lt. A. L. Gordon struck off strength. Major J. H. Blackwell M. C. granted leave to
England. |
15 September 1918 |
Battalion Training. Battalion marched to St. LEGER.
Capt. D. M. Saunders proceeded to England. |
16 September 1918 - St. Leger |
Battalion Training. 2/Lt. A. E. Iliffe granted leave
to England. 37 Other Ranks joined. |
17 September 1918 |
Battalion Training. |
18-21 September 1918 |
Battalion Training. Regimental Sports.
2/Lt. J. T. Nuttall granted leave to England. Lieut. Col. C. C. Harman |
22 September 1918 |
D. S. O. and
Capt. and Qr. Mr. J. A. Hislop joined. |
23-25 September 1918 |
Battalion Training. |
26 September 1918 - Moeuvres |
Battalion marched to position near QUEANT and moved forward to
assembly position near MOEUVRES. |
27 September 1918 |
Battn commenced operations at 5.20 a.m. and
crossed Canal du Nord capturing their objective in the Hindenburg
Support Line from K 4.d.5.8. to Sunken road at Z.28.d.8.3. |
28 September 1918 -
Cantaing-sur - Escaut |
Battn still in position in the Hindenburg
Support Line and moved forward to position near CANTAING L 2.a.
2/Lt. T. J. Waller killed. (Capt. O. E. Hobson, Capt. J. K. Batten, Lieut. E. Ellis and
Lieut.W.B.Steinson, 2/Lt. H. A. Garton-Sprenger, 2/Lt. W. Johnson, and
2/Lt. H. Mockford wounded. 12 Other Ranks killed. 61 Other Ranks wounded. date of
casualties Sept.27.1918). |
29 September 1918 |
Battn moved forward to position in front of
CANTAING. Lieut. S. Norrish M. C.
and 2/Lt. H. F. Snelling granted leave to England. |
30 September 1918 - South of Cambrai |
Battn moved forward to attack high ground south of CAMBRAI about
A 26 and 27 [Map Sheet 51.b.]
|
4th (Extra
Reserve) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment -
War Diary for the month of October 1918. |
1 October
1918 - Cantaing-sur-Escaut |
Battn. in Strong Point South of Faubourg de Paris which we consolidated.
Relieved by 52nd Divn. and moved to CANTAING and became Divn. in
Reserve. 2/Lieuts. A. Levy & W. H. Richardson wounded. 13 O.R's. Killed. 73 O.R's.
wounded. |
2 October 1918 |
Reorganisation. Lieut. G. Desborough,
Lieut. R.E. Moyse, 2/Lt. S. H. Glossop 2/Lt. W. Holmes joined. |
3 October 1918 |
Reorganisation. 2/Lieuts. J. G. Daniell,
C. C. Beardon, E. James, F. D. Simmonds, W. Stubbing joined. |
4 October 1918 |
Reorganisation. |
5 October 1918 |
Reorganisation. |
6 October 1918 - near Niergnies
|
Reconnoited line for attack on village of NIERGNIES from a
Northern direction. Capt.L.G.Plumbly M.C. joined from Senior Officer Course. |
7 October 1918 - Rumilly-en-Cambresis |
Moved to concentration area NOYELLES, just before midnight moved
to assembly positions in front of RUMILLY. |
8 October 1918 - Cantaing-sur-Escaut |
In Support to 188th Brigade
(63rd Division) who attacked and took the village of
NIERGNIES, causing the fall of CAMBRAI. Divn. was counter-attacked
twice with Tanks. 2/Lieut. F. W. Bellamy Died of Wounds. 2/Lieut. S. A. Glossop
wounded. Relieved by 24th Divn. in Evening and moved to CANTAING
area. 2 O. R's. Killed 13 O. R's. wounded. |
9 October 1918 |
Reorganisation. |
10 October 1918 |
Reorganisation. Capt. D. M. Saunders rejoined.
2/Lieuts. S. T. Patrick, K. E. Eyles, R. C. Barnes & T. P. F. Ibbett joined. |
11-12 October 1918 - Ostreville
|
Entrained at VAULK-VRAUCOURT [sic] detrained St. POL and
marched to OSTREVILLE.
Lieut. Col. C. C. Harman D. S. O. assumed temporary command of 188th Infy. Bde.
(63rd
Division) |
13 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. 8 Reinforcements joined. |
14 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. Lieut. Col. A. G. Hayward transferred
to England. 11 O. R's. joined. Lieut. C. C. Clifford to England (sick). |
15 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. |
16 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. Lieut. H. Ablett,
2/Lieut. N. R. Firstbrook, 2/Lieut C. H. Pierce joined. |
17 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. |
18 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. 2/Lieut. G. H. Capstick joined. 6
O. R's. joined. |
19 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. 3 O. R's. joined. |
20 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. 2/Lieut. H. S. Smith. joined. |
21 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. 9
- O. R's. joined. |
22 October 1918 - Izel-le-Hameau
|
Battn. moved to IZEL-le-HAMEAU by march route. |
23 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. |
24 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. Capt. A. C. Croskell joined. |
25 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. |
26 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. |
27 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. 11 O. R's. joined |
28 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. 3 O. R's. joined. |
29 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. 5 O. R's. joined. |
30 October 1918 |
Battn. Training. |
31 October 1918 |
Orders received for Battn to move to Le FOREST
on 1st. Transport left at 1600 hrs. |
4th (Extra
Reserve) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment --
War Diary for the month of November 1918. |
1 November
1918 - Le Forest |
Battn. Training. 3 Other Ranks joined. |
2-3 November 1918 |
Battn. Training. |
4 November 1918 |
Battn. Training. 2 Other Ranks joined. |
5 November 1918 - Thiant |
Battn. moved to THIANT. 2 Other Ranks joined. |
6 November 1918 - Saultain |
Battn. moved to SAULTAIN. 2 Other Ranks joined. |
7 November 1918 - Angre |
Battn. moved to SEBOURQUIAUX, thence to ANCRE [sic]. Capt. D. M.
Saunders granted leave to U.K. |
8 November 1918 - Blaugies |
Battn. marched from ANCRE [sic] to AUDREGNIES, moved forward in
afternoon through WITHERIES [sic] passing through 189th Brigade
(63rd Division) and
taking over front line.
Battn. attacked BLAUGIES at 16.00 hours. The enemy was driven into the village. |
9 November 1918 - Quevy-le-Petit
|
Battn. attacked and captured BLAUGIES at 07.00 hours and moved
forward to SARS LA BROYERE [sic] and then attacked QUEVY LE PETIT. 4 Other Ranks
killed. 13 Other Ranks wounded. 1 Other Rank gassed. |
10 November 1918 - Harmignies |
Battn. moved to BOUGNIES and commenced an attack on ASQUILLIES
[sic] which was captured at 09.00 hours. Afterwards moved forward to
NOUVELLES and consolidated east of village. At 17.00 hours Battn. moved
slightly south to HARVENG and started an attack on HARMIGNIES.
2/Lt. S. T. Patrick wounded. 3 Other Ranks wounded. 2 Other Ranks gassed. |
11 November 1918 |
HARMIGNIES was captured and entered at 0100 hours.
Armistice was declared at 1100 hours. Battn. went into billets. 188th and
189th Infantry Beds
(Both in 63rd Division)
passed
through and took up a defensive line. |
12 November 1918 |
Battn. commenced training. |
13 November 1918 |
Battn. Training. 1 Other Rank joined. |
14 November 1918 |
Battn. Training. 5 Other Ranks joined. |
15 November 1918 |
5 Officers and 180 Other Ranks represented the
Battn. for the official entry of General Sir H. S. Horne, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., First
Army Commander into MONS. |
16-19 November 1918 |
Battn. Training. |
20 November 1918 |
Ditto. 54 Other Ranks rejoined. |
21-25 November 1918 |
Battn. Training. |
26 November 1918 - Erquennes |
Battn. left HARMIGNIES at 08.00 hours for
ERQUENNES. |
27-30 November 1918 |
Battn.
Training.
|
4th
(Extra Reserve) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. -
Résumé of the War Diary December 1918 to April 1919.
In
December 1918, we find the Battalion billeted at Erquennes. The
diary records no activities apart from a ceremonial parade to receive the
Colours on the 22nd. Five officers go on leave and one is struck off the
strength of the Battalion to England. 319 OR's join the battalion and 3 rankers
re-join.
At the start of January 1919, we find the Battalion still at Erquennes
engaged in training. On January 7th, the Battalion moves to Boussu and
Major L. G. Plumby becomes the new second in command. Three officers proceed to
the UK on leave, one is struck off the strength of the Battalion for
repatriation, two go to the UK to attend a Senior Officers course, and one is
demobilized. 39 rankers re-join the battalion.
On February 1919 no activities are reported, apart from the four
subalterns being awarded. Five officers are struck off the strength of the
battalion for demobilization and four officers are granted leave to the UK. 90
OR's join the battalion.
On March 1919 no activities are reported. One chaplain and seven officers
are granted leave to the UK, and one officer is struck off the strength of the
battalion for demobilization.
On April 1919 no activities are reported. 4 officers go to serve with the
2/4th Bn. Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire L. I. and 4 to the 11th Bn,
Suffolk Regt., 3 officers are transferred to the 53rd Bn. Bedfordshire
Regt., 2 officers re-join the Battalion, 3 are demobilized, one proceeds on
leave to the UK, and one goes to the UK as a regular officer. 142 rankers leave
to join the 2/4th Bn. Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire L. I., and 143 to
11th Bn, Suffolk Regt.
There are no further entries on the war diary.
|
Some
Bibliography:
"The 16th foot - the history of the Beds and Herts. Regt." By Major Gen.
Sir F. Maurice. Constable and Co. Ltd. London, 1931
"The Royal Naval Division" By Douglas Jerrold. Hutchinson & Co. London,
1923. Currently reprinted by Naval & Military Press Ltd.
"The Wasp" regimental magazine of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Regiment. Issues from September 1927 to December 1928 have a series of articles
on the story of the 4th battalion during the Great War. Copies are available at
Bedford Central Library.
Some
Interesting Links
Bedfordshire County Record Office
Steve Fuller's site on the
Bedfordshire Regiment during the Great War. |