Embedded Files
WAR DIARY FOR JANUARY 1918 (Beds 4th Battalion)
1 Jan 1918 - trenches near Villers-Plouich Battalion in line. Bn. H.Q. R.4.a.3.3. [Map References Sheet 5/c.S.E.& N.E.]
2 Jan 1918 Lieut. C.Keith-Johnson M.C. & 2/Lieut W.D.F.Smith [William Dent Frank SMITH], Gassed. 2/Lieut. A.V.Clark [Albert Victor CLARK, MC] wounded (since died of wounds).
3 Jan 1918 - Havrincourt Relieved by 7th South Lancashire. & 7th Kings Own Regt (56th Inf. Bde.) Battalion came into Div. reserve in HAVRINCOURT WOOD.
10 Jan 1918 - trenches near Villers-Plouich Relieved NELSON BATT. (189 Bde) Bn. H.Q. R.8.c.8.2.
13 Jan 1918 - counter attack area near Villers-Plouich Relieved in front line by 1st Artists & withdrawn to counter attack area. Bn. H.Q. R.7.d.7.4.
16 Jan 1918 - front line near Villers-Plouich Relieved 1/4th K.S.L.I. in front line. Bn. H.Q. R.8.d.75.85.
18 Jan 1918 - Metz-en-Couture Relieved by NELSON Bn & withdrawn to METZ. 2/Lieut G.W.Childs [George Wilmot CHILDS] wounded (since died of wounds).
22 Jan 1918 - Beaulencourt Moved by light railway to BEAULENCOURT (V.Corps Reserve Area). 2/Lieut G.W.Childs [George Wilmot CHILDS] died of wounds.
23 Jan 1918 Training commenced.
26 Jan 1918 G.O.C. 190th Bde. inspected batt. & transport.
30 Jan 1918 2nd Lieut W.D.F. Smith [William Dent Frank SMITH] rejoined.
Casualties Jan.1918 Killed 16 O.R. Died of wounds 2 off. Wounded 39 O.R. Gassed 2 off. 26 O.R. Reinforcements Jan. 111 O.R.
War Diary for January 1918. [Herts 1st Battalion]
The following were mentioned in despatches of the Commander in Chief dated 7th Nov. 1917: 2/Lieut. Drury F.M. [Follett McNeill DRURY], 2/Lieut. Ritchie K.J. [Kenneth James RITCHIE], Lieut. Gudgeon G.F.C. [George Finlay Charles GUDGEON], 266236 Pte DAY S.G. [Stanley George DAY], 265001 RQMS COCKS J.F. [John Frederick COCKS], 265011 O.R. Sgt HALL E.A. [Ernest Alfred HALL], 265063 CSM NORTHROPE G. [George W. NORTHROPE], 266539 L/Cpl RANDALL A.H. [Alfred Herbert RANDALL] att. 118 Inf Bde., 265821 QMS Smithson M.J. [Matthew Joseph SMITHSON] att. 170 Inf. Bde., 266296 L/Cpl Whitley C. [formerly 4351 Charles WHITLEY] (now Lab. Corps), Captain L.G. Gold [Leslie G. GOLD, MC & Bar] awarded the MILITARY CROSS
1-1-18. Bn marched at 5.30AM to WIZERNES and entrained for Bde in support area. ½ Bn & HQ at HILL TOP FARM in huts, Nos 1&2 Coys at IRISH FARM in tents near St. JEAN
2-1-18. Working parties.
3-1-18. Working parties.
4-1-18. Working parties.
5-1-18. Working parties.
6-1-18. Working parties. 2/Lieut. K.A. SMITH wounded
7-1-18. Relieved 17th Sherwood Foresters, No.3 Co. & HQ on STEENBEEK, 3 Coys in Corps line. Lieut. F.M. Drury [Follett McNeill DRURY] killed at about 11pm by a shell on Coy H.Q. Wounded 2/Lieut. E.F.M. Brown [Edward Frederick Montague BROWN] & H.M. SMITH, 2/4th Royal Sussex Regt, att. 1st Herts.
8-1-18. Working parties.
9-1-18. Lieut. F.M. Drury [Follett McNeill DRURY] & E.F.M. Brown [Edward Frederick Montague BROWN] buried at DUHALLOW Cemetery at 12 noon.
10-1-18. Working parties.
11-1-18. Relieved 1/1 Cambs. Regt in left sub sector front line. Shelling of Corps line. CO slightly wounded.
15-1-18. Relieved by 11th Royal Sussex Regt. Relief complete 7.30Am on 16th. Marched and trained to SEIGE CAMP No.4.
16-1-18. Lt Col E.C.M. Phillips [Eric Charles Malcolm PHILLIPS, CB, DSO, TD, DL, JP] proceeded on Paris leave.
17-1-18. Working parties in the line.
18-1-18. Ditto.
19-1-18. Ditto.
20-1-18. Ditto. Capt. E.H.H. Carlile [Edward Hildred Hanbury CARLILE] 1/1 Herts Yeomanry joined Bn.
21-1-18. Bn moved to HERZEELE area by march route.
22-1-18. Cleaning up.
23-1-18. Cleaning up. Lt Col E.C.M. Phillips [Eric Charles Malcolm PHILLIPS, CB, DSO, TD, DL, JP] returned. Major A.G. Clarke D.S.O., M.C. [Aylmer G. CLARK, DSO, MC] proceeded on leave to England.
24-1-18. Short parade.
26-1-18. Left area at 2.30AM, entrained at PROVEN at 7AM and proceeded to 5th Army area. Detrained at MERICOURT L'ABBE at 6PM and marched to billets at BRAY-SUR-SOMME.
28-1-18. 75 O.R.'s joined the Bn from England.
29-1-18. Left BRAY at 11.45Am & entrained at PLATEAU station near CARNOY and detrained at PERONNE and marched to HAUT ALLAINES to camp (tents).
30-1-18. Moved to SOREL-LE-GRAND - a few bombs dropped during the night but the Bn suffered no casualties.
31-1-18. Moved into reserve at Camp S.E. of DESSANT WOOD near FIMS. 50 OR's under 1 Officer proceeded to be attached to 178 Tunnelling Coy, RE.
Beds Regiment Reorganisation Feb 1918
As the war went on, the navy content of the Royal Naval Division (RND) decreased. Casualties, for lack of navy recruits, had to be replaced by infantry men. The victims had to be replaced by infantry by a lack of marine shelters. Instead of twelve battalions, a division in 1918 consisted of nine battalions. The RND in 1918 was more severely impacted, two naval battalions and a mariners battalion were lifted, leaving only five of the original twelve battalions, in which the division was in existence in 1914, at the end of the war.
In 1918, the Royal Naval Division would often be involved in fighting, but they would no longer be as the battle in Beaucourt, Gavrelle or Passchendaele. The trench war at the Western Front was over.
Nelson battalion was abolished in March 1918, and in May the second battalion of marines. 189th Brigade remained the sole brigade with exclusively naval battalions, namely Drake, Hawke and Hood.
In March 1918 the Nelson battalion was lifted and in May the second battalion marines. The 189th Brigade remained the only brigade with only navy battalions namely Drake, Hawke and Hood. Reducing the strength of the divisions also happened throughout the British army due to a lack of additional new recruits.
Herts Regiment Reorganisation
On the 8th February 1918, in line with a major shake up of the British Army as it (Herts Regiment, 1st battalion) reorganised itself into a smaller force as a result of the growing manpower shortage, the battalion were moved to the 116th Brigade, still within the 39th Division, which was then in reserve near Amiens.:
The 1st/1st battalion of the Hertfordshire Regiment.
The 11th (Service) battalion of the Royal Sussex regiment - called the "1st South Down's".
The 12th (Service) battalion of the Royal Sussex regiment - called the "2nd South Down's".
The 13th (Service) battalion of the Royal Sussex regiment - called the "3rd South Down's".
At this point, based on the evidence (and discussed CWGC) Frank was in the 4th Bedfords, was invalided home and then was sent back into the 1st Battalion Regiment, Hertforshire. I have no evidence of the date when he switched regiment but this is my best guess. The likely dates are February 2018- possibly 4th Feb 2018 (as part of the wider reorganisation) or in May as a result of the catastrophic losses during the German Sprin Offensive. There is conflicting documentary evidence, but CWGC has advised us based on the evidence we have and that he died with others from the Herts Regiment, then that is the most likely.
WAR DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 1918 [Beds 4th]
1-5 Feb 1918 - Beaulencourt Training and Camp improvements.
6 Feb 1918 Lt.E.Ellis struck off strength on proceeding to England for 6 months tour of duty. Joined 2nd Lt.W.Holmes, 2nd Lt.C.R.Tranter [Cecil Randall TRANTER], 2nd Lt.E.M.L.Green [Edgar Methven Lingard GREEN].
7 Feb 1918 The following officers and 299 Other Ranks posted to Batt from 8th Batt on disbanding - Capt. R.B.Knight [Richard Brodnax KNIGHT], 2nd Lt.Oakley [William George OAKLEY], Capt N.C.F. Nixon [Noel Charles Frederick NIXON], 2nd Lt. Mallinson [Cecil W. MALLINSON], 2nd Lt.E.C.Webb [Ernest Charles WEBB], 2nd Lt.P.W.Everett D.C.M. [Percy W. EVERETT, DCM], 2nd Lt.A.Hawkes, MC [Albert HAWKES M.C.], 2nd Lt.H.L.Gudgeon [Henry Lester GUDGEON], 2nd Lt. R.C.Cowell [Ronald George COWELL], 2nd Lt. E.Kinkead M.C. [Edward KINKEAD, MC], 2nd Lt. J.W.Bradfield [James W. BRADFIELD], 2nd Lt. R.Bland [Robert BLAND], 2nd Lt. W.H.T.Cothill [William Henry Thomas COTHILL].
8-12 Feb 1918 Training. Batt beaten in Final of Div Football Cup by HAWKE. Batt. 2nd Lt.F.H.Shaw [Francis Herbert SHAW], 2nd Lt.G.THEED struck off strength sick
13 Feb 1918 - counter attack area near Ribecourt-la-Tour. Batt moved into line near RIBECOURT relieving 6th Wiltshire (19th Div.) in counter attack area.
16 Feb 1918 2nd Lt.Hinchliffe [Elliot John HINCHLIFFE] joined. 4 O.R. gassed.
17 Feb 1918 2nd Lt E.C.Webb [Ernest Charles WEBB] Killed.
19 Feb 1918 Lt.C.KEITH-JOHNSON rejoined from Hospl. 1 O.R. Killed.
20 Feb 1918 - West Wood Camp, Havrincourt Batt relieved by 1st Artists Rifles in front line and proceeded to West Wood Camp.
21-23 Feb 1918 Camp Improvements commenced.
24 Feb 1918 - support line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Battn relieved the 7th R.F. in Support line.
28 Feb 1918 - front line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Battn relieved the 7th R.F. in Front line.
War Diary for February 1918 [Herts Regiment, 1st Battalion]
1-2-18. Bn resting in L.I. Camp DESSART WOOD near FIMS.
4-2-18. A draft of 21 OR's joined the Bn.
6-2-18. Bn relieved 1/1 Cambs Regt in left sub sector of the GOUZEAUCOURT LEFT SECTOR.
7-2-18. Bn was relieved by 1/6 Cheshire Regt and 4/5 Black Watch and, with the exception of No.3 Coy, marched to hits in SOREL.No.3 Coy in huts at L.I. Camb. Div. routine orders dated Feb 6th announced that the following had been awarded: The Belgian Croix de Guerre; No. 265055 Sgt Couldrey G. [George COULDREY] and No. 265792 Pte Stratford A.P. [Alfred Percival STRATFORD]
8-2-18. Bn was transferred from 118 to 116 Bde. Bn moved to CHURCH CAMP, HEUDICOURT.
9-2-18. Bn relieved 11th and 13th Bns Royal Sussex Regt in the GOUZEAUCOURT centre sector. All 4 companies in the front line in the order from right to left - No. 1,3,2,4.
11-2-18. Lieut. E.A. Taylor [Edward Algernon TAYLOR] and No. 266242 L/Cpl Overton W.G. [William George OVERTON] No.3 Coy killed in afternoon by an enemy sniper whilst out on patrol.
13-2-18. Nos 1&3 Coys were relieved by 2 Coys of the 13th Bn Royal Sussex Regt and moved to the main line of resistance.
14-2-18. Bn relieved by the 11th Bn Royal Sussex Regt. Nos 3&4 Coys, half of No.1 Coy and HQ accommodated at REVELON FARM. Half of No.1 Coy in dugouts near REVELON FARM. No.2 Coy at HEUDICOURT.
14/18-2-18. Employed on sundry working parties.
18-2-18. Lieut. Col. E.C.M. Phillips [Eric Charles Malcolm PHILLIPS, CB, DSO, TD, DL, JP] proceeded on leave. Bn relieved 13th Bn Royal Sussex Regt. in right sub sector of GOUZEAUCOURT centre sector. Nos 1&3 Coys in front line with Nos 2&4 in support.
22-2-18. Bn relieved by 13th Bn Royal Sussex Regt & took over the left sub sector from the 11th Bn Royal Sussex Regt. Nos 2&4 Coys in front line, Nos 1&3 in support.
26-2-18. Bn relieved by 11th Bn Royal Sussex Regt. Nos 3&4 Coys, half of No1 Coy & HQ at REVELON FARM. Half of No1 Coy in dugouts near REVELON FARM. No. 2 Coy at HEUDICOURT.
27/28-12-18. Employed in working parties.
28-2-18. No. 2 Coy moved up from HEUDICOURT to REVELON FARM.
1/28-2-18 Casualties; Killed 1 Officer, 3 OR. Wounded 6 OR. Wounded (Gas Shell) 1 OR.
German Spring Offensives / Operation Michael / Kaiserschlacht Mar 1918
During the First Battles of the Somme 1918 (also called the German Spring Offensives, Operation Michael and Kaiserschlacht), they were heavily involved in the Battle of St Quentin, the actions on the Somme crossings and the Battle of Rosieres in March. In April they were also engaged in the Battle of the Lys, namely the First and Second Battles of Kemmel as well as the Battle of Scherpenberg, during which time their already exhausted Division fought as Composite Battalions. After being rebuilt, they were engaged in the Second Battles of the Somme 1918 (also referred to as the opening phase of "The 100 Days"), namely during the Battle of Albert in August and the Second Battle of Bapaume in September. In September they were involved in the Battles of the Hindenburg Line, specifically at the Battle of Havrincourt and the Battle of the Canal du Nord, as well as the Battle of Cambrai and the subsequent pursuit to the Selle in October. In the Final Advance in Picardy, they were engaged in their last series of actions, specifically in the Battle of the Selle in October and the Battle of the Sambre in November.
Following the start of the German Army's Spring Offensive with Operation Michael on the 21 March, the brigade was rushed into the line to support the 16th (Irish) Division. Thereafter followed a series of rearguard actions as Fifth Army retreated and during one of these the commanding officer was captured. The 39th Division was so depleted that it was reduced to a composite brigade, the Hertfordshires being amalgamated with 11th Royal Sussex Regiment to form a single battalion. In this guise they were involved in repelling the German offensive during the Battle of Lys. Having joined the 112th Brigade of the 37th Division in May the 1/1st Hertfordshire Regiment was reconstituted by absorbing thirty officers and 650 men from 6th Bedfordshire Regiment and placed under Lieutenant Colonel Carthew MC. On 23 August it took part in the assault on Achiet-le-Grand and on 5 September Lieutenant Colonel Heselton DSO, MC took command. Thirteen days later the battalion was employed in the fighting for the Hindenburg Line. On 8 October it was involved in the Second Battle of Cambrai, and took part in the subsequent pursuit of German forces to the River Selle. On 4 November 1918, in its final action of the war, the 1/1st Hertfordshire Regiment took part in forcing the enemy’s positions to advance into the Forêt de Mormal.[14]
Map Frank in the Third Army Q1 1918 Kaiserschlacht - the German Advance
anzac-22nd-battalion.com
21st March 1918
The Kaiserschlacht, the German offensive was launched on 21 March 1918. The RND division was to the north of the attack front south of Cambrai. In the week leading up to the major offensive, an artillery barrage was launched, in which many mustard gas grenades were fired. The Royal Naval Division was also gassed, but remained on the frontline in spite of 2,500 casualties.
Like the other divisions of the British Third and Fifth Army, the Royal Naval Division had to fight its retreat when the real German offensive started on 21 March. The Germans now did take the Flesquières salient. Withdrawing further, the division fought at Bapaume on March 24th and 25th, and on April 5th at the Ancre, well known territory for the old stagers of the division left alive. The British armies had to yield a lot of terrain in March and April, but were able to hold at Amiens. Gough's Fifth Army was practically annihilated. Frank was lucky to survive this period if he was still in the Third Army.
The Division suffered huge losses during the German Spring Offensives of 1918 and was so badly depleted that it was reduced to a cadre. In what would be their final move of the war, the 11th May 1918 saw the battalion transferred again, this time moving into the 112th Brigade of the 37th Division. Essentially they replaced the disbanded 6th battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment who's rank and file made up the 1st/1st Battalion Hertfordshire's for the first weeks of it's existence after the entire battalion were affected by Gas Shelling at Fonquevillers on the 11th May 1918.
Kaiserschlacht - the German Advance
kinnethmont.co.uk
WAR DIARY FOR MARCH 1918 [Beds 4th]
1-4 Mar 1918 - front line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Batt. in the Front Line. 2.Lt.Hinchliffe [Elliot John HINCHLIFFE] wounded on the 3rd inst. 1 prisoner captured by 2.Lt. D.H.Macklin [David Harold MACKLIN].
5-8 Mar 1918 - West Wood Camp, Havrincourt Camp improvements. A/Capt. P.F.Watts M.C. [Percy Frederick WATTS, MC] struck off strength sick to England.
9-12 Mar 1918 - support line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Support line. 2/Lt. C.W.Mallinson [Cecil W. MALLINSON] struck off strength sick to England. Capt. Ogilvie [Frederick Wolff OGILVIE] joined.
13 Mar 1918 - front line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Batt. heavily shelled with mustard gas. Capt. Moyse [Robert Edwin MOYSE], 2.Lts.Smith [possibly William Dent Frank SMITH], Shott [Percival SHOTT], Kinkead [Edward KINKEAD, MC], Bradfield [James W. BRADFIELD] and 264 O.Rs. were evacuated from effects of same.
14 Mar 1918 2.Lt. Cothill [William Henry Thomas COTHILL] joined.
16 Mar 1918 Shell in front line, improvements carried out.
17 Mar 1918 - West Wood Camp, Havrincourt Big wiring parties.
19 Mar 1918 Capt. Edwards struck off strength sick to England. Capt. Nixon [Noel Charles Frederick NIXON] & 2.Lt.Bland [Robert BLAND] joined.
20 Mar 1918 - support line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Took over support line at night.
21 Mar 1918 [Comment; The First Battles of the Somme 1918 - the Battle of St Quentin] - 2nd line defences near Ribecourt-la-Tour Enemy attacked and captured front line posts. Brigade were withdrawn to 2nd line defence.
22 Mar 1918 - Havrincourt Wood Withdrawal to Havrincourt Wood.
23 Mar 1918 - Ytres At noon, the Batt. retired again through NEUVILLE to YTRES. Lieut. W.S. Davis [William Stanley DAVIS] killed. 2.Lt. M.A.Kruger [Max August KRUGER] came up with rations, since been missing; probably prisoner.
24 Mar 1918 [The First Battle of Bapaume] - Courcelette Overnight the Batt. having withdrawn to R.E. dump N. of YTRES, retired under heavy M.G. Fire through BARAST [sic] - to BOULENCOURT [sic] where they remained for 2 hrs. and after firing all but withdrew as a rearguard, provided by A Coy. to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT and then to COURCELETTE, where the Batt. stopped overnight. Lt. Girling [Frederick Alick GIRLING] wounded. 2/Lt. Cowell [Ronald George COWELL] missing, Capt.Nixon [Noel Charles Frederick NIXON], 2/Lts.Vincent [Leslie Arthur Walter VINCENT], Green [Edgar Methven Lingard GREEN], missing.
25 Mar 1918 - Thiepval Batt. advanced on HIGH WOOD and formed a defensive flank, when all ammunition had been expended and fighting to the last, they retired to THIEPVAL and took up a position on the ridge. 2/Lts.R.C.Fynn [Robert Charles FYNN], A.Hayes [Arthur HAYES] were killed. 2/Lt.R.Bland [Robert BLAND] wounded.
26 Mar 1918 - Bouzincourt Batt. marched to AVELUY WOOD where they were informed they were relieved by 12 Division and were marched to and billeted in a wood W of ENGLEBELMER. At 6.30 p.m. orders were received to move as an advance guard to BOUZINCOURT.
27 Mar 1918 - west of Albert. Batt. was moved south to a position W of ALBERT where they attacked the Railway at 7.30 a.m. Lt.Col. J.S.Collings-Wells, D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO], Major G.P.Nunneley [George Paterson NUNNELEY, MC], 2/Lt. D.H.Macklin [David Harold MACKLIN], 2.Lt. O.J.Soames [Oliver Jack SOAMES] killed, Lts.C.KEITH-JOHNSTON M.C., J.B. Primrose-Wells [James Bowen PRIMROSE-WELLS]. 2.Lts. L.Hambling [Lionel HAMBLING, MC] & W.Broughton [Walter Isaac BROUGHTON] wounded. Capt.L.G.Plumbly [Leslie Graham PLUMBLY M.C.] took over command of the Batt. temporarily from this date.
28 Mar 1918 - Forceville Batt. was relieved at 3.30 a.m. and marched to SENLIS, billetted there until 11 a.m. and then marched to MAILLY-MAILLET wood, then on to billets in FORCEVILLE. Casualties from 20th inst. killed 21, wounded 88, 124 missing.
29 Mar 1918 23008 Pte. [J.] SLOUGH awarded M.M.
30 Mar 1918 Billets at FORCEVILLE reorganising.
War Diary for March 1918 [Herts 1st]
2-3-18. Bn relieved 13th Bn Royal Sussex Regt in the right GOUZEAUCOURT sub sector, Nos 1&3 Coys in front line with Nos 2&4 Coys in support.
6-2-18. Bn relieved by 13th Bn Royal Sussex Regt & took over the left sub sector of the GOUZEAUCOURT right sub sector. Nos 2&4 Coys in the front line, Nos 1&3 in support.
10-3-18. Bn relieved by the 11th Bn Royal Sussex Regt and took over billets at REVELON FARM.
13-2-18. Bn relieved by the 1st South African Infantry and marched to HEUDICOURT. Bn entrained on light railway to GURLU WOOD area. Bn billeted in a camp at TEMPLE LA FOSSE.
14/20-2-18. Bn in fatigues at aerodrome near MOSLAINE.
21-3-18 [The First Battles of the Somme 1918 - the Battle of St Quentin] . Violent enemy bombardment on the whole of our Corps front. Bn stood to at 6.30AM but did not move off until 4PM when it took up dispositions in the BROWN LINE at St. EMILIE.
22-3-18. Enemy violently bombarded and assaulted our positions forcing our Bn to retire to the GREEN LINE. Bn spent the night at HAMEL.
23-3-18. Before dawn the Bn marched to BUSSU & dug in hastily on the east side of the village. When both flanks became exposed the Bn retired to a line of trenches covering the PERONNE-NURLU road. After covering the 4/5th Black Watch Regt on the left the Bn withdrew to the ST. DENNIS line which was very stubbornly defended. The Bn then retired with difficulty to the line protecting the PERONNE-CLERY road with the remainder of the 116th Inf. Bde. to cover the retreat of the 117th and 118th Inf. Bdes. When this had been successfully accomplished under very harassing machine gun fire from the enemy, the Bn conformed to the general retirement on CLERY village where it concentrated. The remnants of the Bn then defended a line of trenches between the village and running down to the River SOMME.
24-3-18 [The First Battles of the Somme 1918 -the actions on the Somme crossings]. After an intense bombardment of our trenches the enemy attacked with large numbers. The Bn, after heavy fighting, retired to a crest in front of the FEVILLERS-HEM WOOD ROAD. Here the Bn lost its Commanding Officer, Lieut. Colonel E.C.M. Phillips [Eric Charles Malcolm PHILLIPS, CB, DSO, TD, DL, JP], about whom, up to the time of writing, nothing is known. In the evening the Bn got orders to withdraw through the 35th Division to MARICOURT where the Bn spent the night. [Comment; Lt.Col. PHILLIPS was taken prisoner and survived the war]
25-3-18. Bn marched from MARICOURT to INSAUNE. The march was continued after breakfast across the River SOMME at CAPPY to CHUIGNOLLES, where the Bn reorganised and spent the night.
26-3-18 [The First Battles of the Somme 1918 -The Battle of Rosieres]. Bn moved forward through CHUIGNES to a line in front of the CHUIGNES-FOUCACOURT road I support to the 117th and 118th Bdes. After covering their retirement the Bn fought a series of rearguard actions on the many ridges in front of the village of CHUIGNOLLES. In the afternoon the Bn occupied the PROYART-FROISSY road. Orders were given for the Bn to withdraw behind PROYART, astride the FOUCACOURT-MANOTTE road.
27-3-18. The Bn who were in trenches on both sides of the road were ordered to move forward in support of the 118th Bde, being temporarily attached to the 4/5th Black Watch Regt. Soon after moving forward British troops were seen retiring to the left in large numbers. Consequently the Bn was ordered to move forward to the left and cover their withdrawal. After having skilfully carried this out the Bn conformed to the general withdrawal to a line between MORCOURT and the FOUCACOURT-LAMOTTE road. The Bn collected and assembled, then counter attacked the enemy, driving him back to within a few hundred yards of the village of MORCOURT.
28-3-18. The position gained was held stubbornly against all enemy attempts to retake it. On the morning of the 28th orders were received for a speedy evacuation of this line. The enemy at this point was well in our rear in possession of LAMOTTE so that the withdrawal had to be done quickly. The Bn showed the utmost resource during this dangerous manoeuvre, loosing (sic) very few men. The retirement took place in daylight through HARBONNIERS & CAIX. At the latter place the Bn attacked the enemy successfully but thereafter had orders to retire on COYEUX where it again assembled in a counter attack in which the acting Commanding Officer was wounded. During the day rearguard actions took place along the river bed to IGNAUCOURT. In the evening the Bn went into trenches in front of AUBERCOURT.
29-3-18. The enemy remained fairly quiet expect for machine gun fire.
30-3-18. Today (March 30th) saw the enemy advancing on the right flank on the other side of the river de LUCE. He very soon enfiladed our positions both with artillery and machine guns. This was followed by a strong enemy bombardment and attack on our front. After a stubborn resistance the Bn fell back to the BOIS DE HANGARD, making two counter attacks en route.
31-3-18. The remnants of the Bn was relieved and marched to billets at LONGEVEUX, a village on the outskirts of AMIENS, the remnants of the Bn being commanded by a 2/Lt, the only surviving Officer. Captain A.G. Grinling [Anthony G. GRINLING, MC] assumed temporary command of the Bn, which at midnight embussed at LONGEVEUX for GUIGEMICOURT. During the 10 days fighting the losses of the Bn were approx as follows: Killed - Officers 4, O. Ranks 25 Wnd & Missing - Officers 2, O. Ranks 10.
[Comment; no other casualties are recorded on the diary. but the following Officers were killed in March: Major John Bolle Tyndale GOUGH, Major Edward Hildred Hanbury CARLILE, Captain Thomas Pilling GIBBONS MC, Lt Donovan PERRY and Lt Charles Leonard KING all killed in action 22-3-18. Lt John Eric BROAD killed on 23-3-18. Lt Richard Trollope North HICKLEY and 2/Lt Frank Roland STONNILL both killed 24-3-18. Lt John William CHURCH died from his wounds and Lt Angier Percy HURD was killed on 30-3-18.]
Difficulties of Supply
The German advance by the three armies continued during the few days after 21 March, but gradually the troops began to tire, having been on the move without relief for four days. Added to this, the supply of food, equipment, ammunition and horse fodder became problemmatic the further the infantry advanced ahead of their supply columns. The ground over which they were advancing was cratered with shell holes, roads were badly damaged and the villages they passed through were wrecked. Ironically, the German Army had been responsible for causing deliberate damage to this area when it made a withdrawal to the Siegfriedstellung (called the Hindenberg Line by the British) in the early months of 1917. The wilful destruction included poisoning of wells.
British positions Mar 1918
Source Unknown
29th March 1918
The Germans had captured several key Allied-held towns on the Somme battlefield: PĂ©ronne, Ham, Noyon, Roye, Montdidier, Albert and Bapaume. The loss of the latter two was especially bitter for the British, given that they had struggled through the summer of 1916 to advance to Bapaume and many thousands of lives had been lost to capture this town. Within a few days in March of 1918 the ground was once more in German hands.
30th March 1918
General Ludendorff issued orders that the next phase of the German offensive, Operation Georgette in Flanders, would be carried out and artillery was to begin moving from the rear of the Operation Michael area to Flanders for the artillery's preparatory bombardment. The next day, 31 March 1918, General Ludendorff chose to rest the troops fighting in the Somme sector for a couple of days with a view to resuming the advance of Operation Michael. However, by 4 March the French Army had begun to reinforce its positions with extra reserves to hold back the German Eighteenth Army south of the Somme river. American troops were beginning to arrive on the battlefront. The British and Australian forces put up a successful defence at the village of Villers-Bretonneux against units of the German Second Army. Strong Allied counter-attacks prevented further progress by the Germans to the city of Amiens. Some German commanders now considered that Germany's last chance to strike a decisive blow against the British had passed. The shortages of reserves, ammunition and horses made it impossible to consider launching another offensive in this sector on such a large-scale. On the evening of 5 April General Ludendorff sent out a message to say that Operation Michael was terminated.
For the final phase of the war and until the battalion's demobilisation in March 1919, the 112th Brigade, 37th Division comprised the following battalions:
The 1st/1st battalion of the Hertfordshire Regiment
The 13th (Service) battalion of the Royal Fusiliers
The 1st battalion of the Essex Regiment.
25th April - 1st June 1918
"39th Division had suffered so badly during it's withdrawal across the Somme under Operation Michael that even with reinforcements, in early April the Division only contained enough troops to form a single brigade, the 39th Division Composite Brigade. On 12th April the 39th Division Composite Brigade had been attached to XXII Corps, Second Army to prepare reserve positions south of Voormezele on the Wytschaete (Wijtschate) ridge.
Attacked in these positions on 25th April, the 39th Division Composite Brigade fell back onto it's second line, between Voormezele and Elzenwalle, which they held continued to hold throughout 29th April. On 6th May the 39th Composite Brigade returned to join the remainder of the Division at Eperlecques and this effectively ended the active role of 39th Division in the Great War. By 1st June 1918, the Division had been reduced to cadre and was employed in training American troops and disposing of other battalions who had been reducted to training cadre. On 1st November orders were received to demobilise the battalion training staffs, and this process was under way when the Armistice came into effect on 11th November."
On the grounds that this Division was in a support role before Frank's date of death, it is clear he had been reorganised to another unit (Hertforshire 1st)
Commanding Officers of the 1st Battalion, Hertfordshire Regiment, 37th Division
Eric Charles Malcolm Phillips, CB, DSO, TD, DL, JP, from 2nd August 1917 to 23rd March 1918, when he was taken prisoner during the battalion's stand against the overwhelming German Spring Offensives.
Roger Wilkinson, D.S.O., between 13th April 1918 and 11th May 1918, when he was gassed during an attack on the Somme.
Casualties
Although the Germans had gained over 1,000 square miles of Allied-held territory in a few days, the casualties suffered by the Germans is recorded as 31,000 killed, 20,000 missing and 190,000 wounded. The German offensive resulted in 160,000 Allied casualties killed or wounded and 90,000 men taken prisoner. By the end of Operation Michael the German troops were generally dispirited and disorganized.
http://www.greatwar.co.uk/battles/somme/1918-somme-spring.htm
WAR DIARY FOR APRIL 1918 [Beds 4th]
1 Apr 1918 - Forceville Reorganization of Batt.
3 Apr 1918 - Mesnil-Martinsart Batt relieved 2nd H.L.I. (2nd Div) in line at MESNIL.
4 Apr 1918 Lt. H.P. McConway [Hugh Percy McCONWAY], Lt. H.R. Gledstone [Herbert Reginald GLEDSTONE], 2/Lt. R.B. Ruddock [Reginald B. RUDDOCK], 2/Lt. W.W.Miln [William Wallace MILN], 2/Lt. J. JENKINS, 2/Lt. C. Lovatt [Charles LOVATT, MC], 2nd/Lt. T.J. Waller [Thomas Jenkinson WALLER] and 17 O.R. of 26th Northd. Fus. joined.
6 Apr 1918 Enemy attacked at dawn, position very heavily shelled, Batt maintained their line, but Fus. on right were driven back, counter attack by 1st & 2nd R.M.L.I. re-established position. 2/Lt. R.B. Ruddock [Reginald B. RUDDOCK] Killed, 440 O.R. joined.
7 Apr 1918 - Forceville. 2/Lt. C.M. Marshall [Charles May MARSHALL], 2/Lt. F. AIREY, 2/Lt. H. Reeve [Hermann REEVE], 2/Lt. K.J. Little [Kenneth Joseph LITTLE] & 188 O.R. from 12th S.W.Bs. joined. Batt. relieved in line by Hood. Batt. 7 O.R. Killed 49 O.R. wounded.
8 Apr 1918 Lt. S. Norrish, M.C. [Samuel NORRISH, MC], 2/Lt. S. Caddick D.C.M. [Sidney CADDICK, DCM] joined. Capt. F.W. Ogilvie [Frederick Wolff OGILVIE], 2/Lt. P.W. Everett D.C.M. [Percy W. EVERETT, DCM], 2/Lt. C.R. Tranter [Cecil Randall TRANTER] to Eng. sick.
9 Apr 1918 Capt. R.B. Knight [Richard Brodnax KNIGHT] assumed command of Batt.
10 Apr 1918 2/Lt. W. Mathieson [William MATHIESON] & 2/Lt. W.F.TURNEY joined on 1st appt.
11 Apr 1918 - line south of Mesnil-Martinsart Batt relieved 2nd R.M.L.I. in line S. of MESNIL
12 Apr 1918 2/Lt. Lovatt M.C. [Charles LOVATT, MC] killed. Capt. H.P. McConway [Hugh Percy McCONWAY] & 2nd Lt. H. Reeve [Hermann REEVE] wounded. Capt. T.C. BELL, Lt. R.B. Peddie [Richard Bruce PEDDIE, MC], Lt. R.M. SIMPSON, 2/Lt. W.G. Birnie [Walter Gregor BIRNIE] & 2/Lt. A.C. Barton [Albert C. BARTON] joined.
14 Apr 1918 Awards:
Bar to M.M. 23352 Pte Bunyan G. [George BUNYAN, MM & Bar]
MILITARY MEDAL - 6663 Sgt. Marks W.G. [William George MARKS, MM], 12123 L/C Le Gros P. [Paul Le GROS, MM], 14124 L/C Batchelor W. [William BATCHELOR, MM], 30983 Pte Auburn W.E. [William E. AUBURN, MM].
15 Apr 1918 - Acheux-en-Amienois battn relieved in line by 10th Sherwood For. (117th Div. [sic]) 9 Killed 33 wounded. Lt. J.M. Nairn [James McVicar NAIRN, MC] & 2.Lt. J.T. Nuttall [probably John Thomas NUTTALL, MC] joined.
18 Apr 1918 Awards:
M.C. Capt. & Adjt. J.H. Blackwell [John Humphrey BLACKWELL, MC & Bar], 2nd Lt. L. Hambling (Lionel HAMBLING, MC].
M.M.: 171504 Pte Cheetham F. [204393 Frank CHEETHAM, MM] 49048 Pte Austin A. [Alfred W. AUSTIN, MM].
20 Apr 1918 Lt. H.F.H. WYETT, 2/Lt. S.J. Fox [Samuel John FOX], 2/Lt. P.J. Flory [Percival James FLORY], 2/Lt. P.E.J. Smith [Percy Edward John SMITH], 2/Lt. H.F. SNELLING, 2/Lt. R.S. TURNER, 2/Lt. A.E. Medway [Arthur Edgar MEDWAY], 2nd/Lt. J.T. Dickinson [John Thomas DICKINSON], 2/Lt. A. Levy [Albert LEVY], 2/Lt. H.L. Waddingham [Harold Lionel WADDINGHAM], 2/Lt. T.D. TURNER, 2/Lt. T.A. Colls [Thomas Archibald COLLS], 2/Lt. H. Mockford [Harry MOCKFORD], 2/Lt. J.H. Lee [John Henry LEE] joined.
21 Apr 1918 2/Lt. F. AIREY struck off. S. to E. sick
22 Apr 1918 - Talmas Batt marched to TALMAS. Lieut.Col. A.G. MacDonald, D.S.O. [Arthur Gabell MacDONALD, DSO] (R.Berkshire.R.) assumed Command on joining.
23 Apr 1918 Lt. H.R.S. Dean [Herbert Robert Stanley DEAN], 2/Lt. J.E. Vaughan [John Ernest VAUGHAN], 2/Lt. C. SCUTT & 21 O.R.joined.
24 Apr 1918 13 Officers & 72 O.R. to Div. Wing.
26 Apr 1918 - Toutencourt Batt. Marched to TOUTENCOURT.
27 Apr 1918 - Talmas Batt. returned to TALMAS. 2/Lt. G.F. Wibberly [George Frederick WIBBERLEY] joined Lt. A.L. GORDON Rejoined. Awards: VICTORIA CROSS. Capt. (A/Lieut.Col.) J.S. Collings-wells, D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] (deceased). M.C. 2/Lt. C. Lovatt [Charles LOVATT, MC] (deceased).
28 Apr 1918 Batt. Sports.
30 Apr 1918 Working Party of 10 officers & 400 O.R. proceeded to VARENNES. Capt. T.C. BELL struck off on transfer to XVIII Corps. Capt. & Q.M. R.J. Barry [Robert John BARRY] struck off, sick to E.
War Diary for April 1918 [Herts 1st]
[Comment; two separate War diaries exist from 10-4-18 to the end of April. They have been condensed into one here for ease]
1-4-18. Bn in billets at GUIGNEMICOURT. All coys in one farm. Day spent cleaning up and gaining information respecting casualties. Captain A.G. Grinling [Anthony G. GRINLING, MC] assumed command of the Bn.
2-4-18. The Bn marched to CAMPS EN AMIENOIS
3-4-18. the Bn marched to FRETTECUISSE. Nos 1&2 Coys & HQ billeted in the village. Nos 3&4 billeted in the adjoining village - LE FAY.
4-4-18. Re-equipping and cleaning up. Reorganising of Coys carried on as far as possible.
5-4-18. Bn paraded with remainder of Bns in Bde and was inspected by the GOC 116th Inf. Bde.
7-4-18. Bn marched to BEAUCHAMPS. Billeted there. Good accommodation.
9-4-18. Bn marched to EU & entrained at EU station at 7am detraining at ARQUES at about 4pm. Bn marched to billets at ST. MARTIN AU LAERT (Nr ST.OMER). Lieut. C.S. Cautherley [Charles Stewart CAUTHERLEY] rejoined Bn from Provost, 1st Army.
10-4-18. St. MARTIN AU LAERT. Drafts making total of 60 OR joined the Bn. Bn occupied in reorganising and re-equipping. Organised so that the Bn would form half a composite Bn, the other half composed the 11th R. Sussex. Comp. Bn would be known as No.1 Bn & would entrain at ST.OMER during the night 10th/11th April.
11-4-18. Bn marched to ST.OMER station and entrained at 5am, detraining at VLAMERTINGHE. No.1 Bn marched to TORONTO CAMP near RENINGHELST. Only fighting portion of Bn detrained, the remainder staying at ST.MARTIN AU LAERT. On arrival at TORONTO CAMP Bn came under orders of 118th Bde who had entrained similarly. Bn commanded by Captain G.E. Whitfield M.C. [Geoffrey Ernest WHITFIELD] 1st Herts Regt. with Captain P.F. DREW M.C. 11th R.Sussex 2nd in command. A&B Coys were formed from 11th R.Sussex & C&D Coys from 1st Herts Regt. C Coy consisted of original Nos 1&2 Coys under 2/Lt Blanchflower [Horace William BLANCHFLOWER] & D Coy of original Nos 3&4 Coys under Captain A.G. Grinling [Anthony G. GRINLING, MC].
12-4-18. Comp Bn entrained at RENINGHELST at 3am on 12th on light railway & detrained just W of ZILLEBEKKE LAKE, marching from there to OTAGO CAMP. Officers reconnoitred Corps 2nd line of posts from HILL 60 to HOOGE with a view to knowing the area in the event of being ordered to occupy the posts. Enemy artillery active on roads but no shells fell near the camp.
13-4-18. Lieut. Col. R. WILKINSON DSO, Gloster (sic) Regt. joined the Bn for duty. The Composite Bn stood by at ½ hours notice to move. Day uneventful.
14-4-18. Bn still at ½ hour notice. Officers reconnoitred GHQ line from ELZENWALLE in H.36 to LILLEGATE in I.14.
15-4-18. VOORMEZELE. Bn moved at 10am to a position of concentration in I.26.c. where dinners were served. After dinners the Bn was distributed over the line from SNIPERS BARN in O.1.c. to LOCK 8 in I.32.a. & worked on repair of the line until 6pm. Bn then took up a fighting position as follows - Right front Coy D Coy with 2 platoons in the line & 2 in support at about O.1.a.1.1. Left Front Coy B Coy with 2 platoons in the line, a platoon at DEAD DOG FARM and a platoon at MIDDLESEX LANE about O.1.a.2.8. Right support Coy C Coy in huts about H.36.d.4.4. Left support Coy in huts about H.36.b.9.2. Bn HQ VOORMEZELE. This position was one of readiness in the event of the front line at WYSCHAETE being forced back and also occupied so that the full amount of work could be carried out on it.
16-4-18. Bn employed in working on the defences. Right support Coy working on our line of four supporting points about N.6.c.7.9., N.6.a.9.4., N.6.b.2.9., O.1.a.2.8. Left support Coy moved to GHQ line with three platoons in the line from N.5.d.5.8. to H.36.d.4.2. and one platoon in the BRASSERIE. Strong point N.6.a.3.1.
17-4-18 [The Battle of the Lys - the First Battle of Kemmel]. Work carried out on all defences. Slight shelling by enemy of rear area.
18-4-18. Two platoons of right support coy were moved to GHQ line from H.36.c.4.2. to ELZENWALLE-VOORMEZEELE (sic) road. Work continued on defences.
19-4-18. Work continued.
20-4-18. Work continued but hampered by lack of material, especially of barbed wire and pickets. Coy relief carried out after dusk. C Coy relieved D Coy in right front and A Coy relieved B Coy on left front.
21-4-18. Bn HQ moved to ELZENWALLE CHATEAU. Coys continued work on defences. Lieut. A.W. Baker [Aubrey William BAKER], 2/Lt H.J. Knee [Harold J. KNEE] & 2/Lt E.M. Paul [Eric Macleane PAUL] joined the Bn for duty.
22-4-18. Work continued. Enemy shelling heavier & aircraft [unreadable] action. Bn HQ shelled but no casualties caused.
23-4-18. Work continued.
24-4-18. Work continued. Enemy attacked WYSCHAETE RIDGE in morning and gained ground. Reports as to situation in front of Bn very difficult to get. About 930pm enemy penetrated Bn line between the two front line Coys. A bombing attack was organised but was unsuccessful owing to enemy's strength and our shortage of bombs. A platoon therefore dug in in rear of enemy, joining up the two Coys.
25-4-18 [The Battle of the Lys - the Second Battle of Kemmel]. At 2.30am enemy opened up very heavy bombardment with H.E. & Gas shells on battalion front & heavily attacked our line about 6.0am. Our line was driven in and forced back on to the GHQ line, the enemy coming in very large numbers. One platoon of the left front Coy got back to the GHQ line but the other three platoons were forced back onto the Bn on our left holding the VOORMEZEELE (sic) defences and were therefore lost to the Bn. The right Coy extricated themselves after being nearly surrounded & withdrew fighting to the GHQ line. The enemy quickly came onto the GHQ line but were well held there & after suffering many casualties withdrew to cover some 500 yards away. The platoon in the BRASSERIE post was closely pressed by the enemy & withdrew to the GHQ line but an immediate counter attack was launched by B Coy & the post was successfully recaptured together with two prisoners & a machine gun. Several enemy were killed in the post & our casualties were very slight. The latter part of the day passed quietly except for successful sniping of the enemy & the Coys were able to be reorganised in the GHQ line. Major M. CLAYTON, D.S.O., 1st Cambs Regt, assumed command of the Bn at 10.0am.
26-4-18. Enemy made no further attacks but the GHQ line was very heavily shelled from time to time but very few casualties were caused. More casualties inflicted in the enemy by sniping. [Comment; Lieut. Charles Stewart CAUTHERLEY killed in action today]
27-4-18. GHQ line again very heavily shelled. Bn relieved at night by 18th Bn King's Liverpool Regt & on relief relieved 2nd Bn Lincoln Regt in GHQ second line running from N.5.c.8.8. to H.36.c.4.7. Bn HQ moved to NE corner of DICKEBUSCH LAKE at H.35.a.3.8.
28-4-18 [The Battle of the Lys - the Battle of Scherpenberg]. GHQ 2 line very heavily shelled nearly all day & many casualties caused. Enemy attacked VOORMEZEELE (sic) and captured it but his attacks against GHQ line were completely repulsed with heavy loss. Bn relieved by 1st Lincoln Regt during night & on relief marched to DEVONSHIRE CAMP G.22.b.6.4. Lieut. Col. R. Wilkinson DSO [Roger WILKINSON DSO] joined a composite Bn in the line (temporarily). Lieut. J.H. Boggon [John Hickey BOGGON] & 2/Lieuts R.Shirtcliffe [Reginald SHIRTCLIFFE], P.B.WALLER, T.P.Leese [Theodore Percival LEESE], W.Dove [W.W. DOVE], G.Baker [George BAKER], L.DAY & L. Reeves [Laurence REEVES] joined the Bn for duty.
29-4-18. Bn rested, the troops being in a very exhausted condition after being 14 days in the trenches & being constantly subjected to very intense shell fire.
30-4-18. Bn rested during the day & during afternoon the two HERTS Coys moved up to position of readiness near DICKEBUSCH LAKE where they were reorganised into another Composite Bn with the 1/6 Cheshires, 4/5 Black Watch & 1/1st Cambs. The two 11th R. Sussex Coys were reorganised into another Comp. Bn consisting of the units of 117th Inf. Bde.
Reorganisation 11th May 1918
Extract from Hertfordshire Regiment War Diary:
"May 22nd. The Bn absorbed the 6th (S) Bn, Bedfordshire Regt. (less Transport and training staff). Numbers absorbed - Officers 30. O.Ranks 650. Major R.C. Carthew M.C. [Reginald Caunter CARTHEW, MC] 1st Essex assumes command of the Bn. "
http://bedfordregiment.org.uk/Hertsrgt/1stherts1918diary.html
WAR DIARY FOR MAY 1918 [Beds 4th]
1 May 1918 - Talmas Working Party of 10 Officers 400 O.R's at VARENNES, remainder of Battn at TALMAS.
3 May 1918 Lt-Col A.G.Macdonald D.S.O [Arthur Gabell MacDONALD, DSO] struck off on Transfer to IV as G.S.O. 2/Lt C.M.Marshall [Charles May MARSHALL] struck of [sic] sick to E. Capt.R.B.Knight [Richard Brodnax KNIGHT] assumed command of Battn. Working Party returned from VARENNES.
4 May 1918 28 O.R's joined.
7 May 1918 - Arqueves Battn marched from TALMAS to ARQUEVES.
8 May 1918 - support lines at Acheux Wood Battn marched from ARQUEVES to ACHEUX-WOOD. Battn relieved 7 Battn East Yorkshire Regt in support Battn H.Q at Q 31.b.9.9.
10 May 1918 42 O.R's joined. 2 O.R's killed
11 May 1918 2 O.R's wounded.
12 May 1918 - front line at Aveluy Wood Battn relieved 7th Battn Royal Fusiliers in front line Battn H.W. Q 34 a 35.00 2 wounded 3 O.R's joined.
13 May 1918 1 O R killed 4 O.R's wounded
14 May 1918 1 O R wounded
15 May 1918 22 O R's joined 2/Lt W.G.Birnie [Walter Gregor BIRNIE] struck off sick to E. 1 O R killed 6 O R's wounded 1 O R gassed.
16 May 1918 - reserve line at Forceville Battn releived [sic] by 1st Battn Artists Rifles front line and proceeded to Reserve line in bivouacs at FORCEVILLE P.27.A.
17 May 1918 19 O.R's joined
19 May 1918 Enemy heavily bombarded Rear Support position P.36.b.0 with Gas shells.
20 May 1918 - support line at Forceville 2/Lt K.J.Little [Kenneth Joseph LITTLE] and 2/Lt J.H.Lee [John Henry LEE] 90 O.R's gassed. Battn releived [sic] 7th Royal Fusiliers in support line Lt-Col F.W.Smith D.S.O. D.C.M. joined and assumed command of Battn.
23 May 1918 Lt and Quartermaster W.Brown joined 16 O R's joined 3 O R's wounded.
24 May 1918 Lt Ellis joined 15 O R's joined 3 Coys A.B.C. raided Enemy's line at Q 35 A.B
25 May 1918 2/Lt W.W.Miln [William Wallace MILN] killed. Capt H.R. Gledstone [Herbert Reginald GLEDSTONE] and 2/Lt W.Mathieson [William MATHIESON] missing believed killed 2/Lt P.E.J.Smith [Percy Edward John SMITH], 2/Lt C.SCUTT, 2/Lt G.F.Wibberley [George Frederick WIBBERLEY], 2/Lt T.A.Colls [Thomas Archibald COLLS] wounded 6 O R's killed 11 O.R's missing. 31 O.R's wounded 1 Gassed 7 O Rs joined
26 May 1918 - reserve line at Forceville 1O R wounded 1 O R gassed. Battn releived [sic] by 7th Royal Fusiliers abd proceeded to Reserve Line P.27A Forceville.
27 May 1918 Corps Commander inspected all ranks that took part in raid at Forceville 3 O R's wounded.
28 May 1918 Major A.G.Hayward M.C. [Arthur Gracie HAYWARD, MC] joined and assumed 2nd in Command of Battn. 14 O R's joined Battn.
29 May 1918 - support line near Forceville Battn. releived [sic] 7th Royal Fusiliers in support Bn H.Q. Q.31 b 9.9
30 May 1918 6 O R's joined 1 O R wounded.
31 May 1918 2/Lt R.S.TURNER wounded.
War Diary for May 1918 [Herts 1st]
May 1st . The Bn moved into reserve at Café Belge
May 2nd. The Bn moved back to a camp at BRANDHOEK
May 3rd. The Bn moved to TUNNELING CAMP - situated on the POPERINGHE - WATOU road
May 4th. The Bn marched to CROMBEEKE and entrained to AUDRICQ arriving at AUDRICQ at about 3am on May 5th.
May 5th. The Bn arrived in billets at NIELLES LES ARDES about 7am
May 6th to 9th. General re-organising & re-equipping of Bn.
May 9th. Bn marched to AUDRICQ station and entrained for CANDAS at 9am for transfer to the 37th Division. Bn arrived at CANDAS during the afternoon and was conveyed by lorries to ORVILLE where the Bn spent two nights in the open.
May 11th. The Bn embossed at ORVILLE at 5pm and on debussing at SOUASTRE marched to some old British trenches East of FONQUEVILLERS. The Bn as it moved through the village of FONQUEVILLERS and into the old line east of the trenches East of the village was subjected to a very heavy Gas Shell bombardment. The Commanding Officer, Lt. Colonel R. Wilkinson D.S.O. [Roger WILKINSON DSO] and the remainder of the Officers with the exception of Captain N.P. Gold [Norman P. GOLD, MC] were evacuated to hospital during the night. All the N.C.O.'s and men with the exception of 7 were evacuated to hospital. Captain N.P. Gold [Norman P. GOLD, MC] and the remaining 7 O.R.'s returned to the transport the following morning (May 12th) and late in the day this Officer and 5 of the men who returned were evacuated to C.C.S.
May 15th. The Bn i.e. Transport, Q.M. Stores and details moved to billets at LOUVENCOURT. A draft of 1 Officer (Captain S.W. Moore [Saxon Weston MOORE]) and 81 O.R.'s joined the Bn.
May 22nd. The Bn absorbed the 6th (S) Bn, Bedfordshire Regt. (less Transport and training staff). Numbers absorbed - Officers 30. O.Ranks 650. Major R.C. Carthew M.C. [Reginald Caunter CARTHEW, MC] 1st Essex assumes command of the Bn.
May 23rd. The Bn marched to a camp on the outskirts of the village of VAUCHELLES.
May 26th to 30th. Bn in strict training.
May 31st. Bn inspected by Brigadier General A.E. IRVINE D.S.O. Commanding 112th Infantry Brigade.
The following message was received from H.Q. 112 Inf. Bde. "The Brigade Commander wishes to place on record his appreciation of the way in which your battalion turned out for inspection today. In spite of the fact that 1/1st HERTS Regt. has only quite recently been formed out of the remnants of 2 battalions, the kits of all ranks were excellent and did credit to the work done by all Officers and N.C.O.'s during the last few weeks. It was a pleasure to the Brigade Commander to see the men's steadiness on parade".
During the month the following have been awarded decorations:
The Military Cross Lieut. G.B.G. Gripper [Guy Basil George GRIPPER, MC], 2/Lieut. J.C. Rogers [John Chrissy ROGERS, MC] (late Beds Regt.)
The Distinguished Conduct Medal No. 265089 Sgt. H. Randall [Harry RANDALL, DCM].
Bar to Military Medal No. 266265 Sgt Clements G. [George CLEMENTS, MM & Bar].
The Military Medal No. 265931 Sgt G. Adams [George ADAMS, MM], No. 265474 Cpl F. Ramsden [sic Frank RAINSDON, MM], No. 266671 L/Cpl J. Butterfield [James BUTTERFIELD, MM], No. 265908 L/Cpl B. Kent [Bernard Edward KENT, MM], No. 271492 Pte C Abrahams [Charles William ABRAHAMS, MM].
At the time of his death, CWGC confirms Frank was in the Hertforshire Regiment, 1st Battalion:
https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/278135/F%20MUNKMAN/
Wikipedia
War Diary for Hertfordshire regiment, 1st Battalion, 112th Brigade, 37th Division
Source: http://bedfordregiment.org.uk/Hertsrgt/1stherts1918diary.html
June 1918
June 5/6th. Bn moved by bus and march route to billets at PISSY (west of Amiens) arriving in billets at about 4am on the 6th.
June 6th to 10th. Bn training at PISSY
June 10th. Bn proceeded by bus and march route to LAWARDE MAUGER arriving in billet about 11pm
June 13th. Bn marched to billets in SAINS-EN-AMIEONS arriving in billets at 3am on the 14th.
June 15th. Bn marched Bn marched to billets at ST.FUSCIEN
June 20th. Bn marched to billets at TAIGNIL
June 21st. Bn marched to LOUELILLY and entrained at 1am in AUTHIELE. The Bn detrained at 3pm and marched to billets at TERS[?]
June 25th. Bn moved by bus to SOUASTRE and on debussing marched to reserve trenches East of FONQUEVILLERS.
During the month the following awards have been announced:
The Military Cross Captain A.G. Grinling [Anthony G. GRINLING, MC], Captain J.F. Christie [John Fairfax CHRISTIE, MC], Lieut. H.J. Hensman [Henry John HENSMAN, MC].
The Distinguished Conduct Medal No. 265216 Sgt A.W. Allen [Albert ALLEN, DCM].
Bar to Military Medal No. 266265 Sgt G. Clements MM [George CLEMENTS, MM & Bar].
The Military Medal No. 265931 Sgt G. Adams [George ADAMS, MM], No. 265908 L/Cpl B. Kent [Bernard Edward KENT, MM], No. 265474 Cpl F. Ramsden [sic Frank RAINSDON, MM].
WAR DIARY FOR JUNE 1918 [Beds 4th]
1 Jun 1918 - front line Aveluy Wood [MAP 57d. S.E.] battn. relieved (GOVA) 1/Artists Rifles in front line. 2 O.Rs. wounded
2 Jun 1918 10 O.Rs. joined - 2 O.Rs. Killed - 8 O.Rs. Wounded.
3 Jun 1918 1 O.R. Killed. Capt.J.H.Blackwell M.C. [John Humphrey BLACKWELL, MC & Bar] awarded BAR. Supp.LDN Gazette.
4 Jun 1918 9 O.Rs. joined - 1 Killed - 3 O.Rs. Wounded.
5 Jun 1918 - Acheux Wood Battn. relieved by 13th Welsh Regt. night 5/6th and proceeded to ACHEUX WOOD.
6 Jun 1918 - Toutencourt Wood Battn. marched to TOUTENCOURT WOOD - under canvas.
7 Jun 1918 Battn. commenced training. Capt.F.T.Spicer M.C. [Frederick Thomas SPICER, MBE, MC] proceeded on leave to England.
8 Jun 1918 2 O.Rs. joined.
9 Jun 1918 56 O.Rs. joined, 2/Lts. W.W.Dainty [Walter William DAINTY] and F.W.Bellamy [Frank William BELLAMY] joined.
10 Jun 1918 18 O.Rs. joined.
11 Jun 1918 1 O.R. joined.
12 Jun 1918 2 O.Rs. joined.
13 Jun 1918 2 O.Rs. joined.
14 Jun 1918 5 O.Rs. joined.
15 Jun 1918 1 O.R. joined.
16 Jun 1918 1 O.R. joined. Brigade Horse show.
17 Jun 1918 1 O.R. joined. 1 O.R. Wounded.
18 Jun 1918 5 O.R. joined. Capt.J.K.Batten [Joseph Keith BATTEN] joined.
19 Jun 1918 2/Lieut.H.L.Gudgeon [Henry Lester GUDGEON] transferred to England (sick).
20 Jun 1918 Battalion Sports.
21 Jun 1918 Lt.Col.F.W.Smith D.S.O. D.C.M. and 2/Lt. S.Caddick D.C.M. [Sidney CADDICK, DCM] proceeded on leave to England.
22 Jun 1918 - reserve line at Acheux Wood Battn. marched to ACHEUX WOOD - Battn. relieved 9th Bn. DUKE of WELLINGTONS in Reserve Line. Bn.H.Q. - Q.7.d.7.4.
23 Jun 1918 2 O.Rs. joined.
24 Jun 1918 [unreadable]
25 Jun 1918 - support line Battn. relieved 1/Artists in Support. 1 O.R. wounded. Bn. H.Q.. - Q.2.d.1.9.
26 Jun 1918 1 O.R. wounded, 5 O.Rs. joined.
27 Jun 1918 [unreadable]
28 Jun 1918 - front line Aveluy Wood Battn. relieved 1/Artists in front line. Bn. H.Q. - Q.3.d.5.5.
29 Jun 1918 4 O.Rs. joined.
30 Jun 1918 Capt.L.G.Plumbly M.C. [Leslie Graham PLUMBLY, MC]struck off strength to England to attend Senior Officers' Course. 1 O.R. Killed. 2 O.Rs. Wounded
War Diary for June 1918 [Herts 1st]
June 5/6th. Bn moved by bus and march route to billets at PISSY arriving in billets at about 4am on the 6th.
June 6th to 10th. Bn training at PISSY
June 10th. Bn proceeded by bus and march route to LAWARDE MAUGER arriving in billet about 11pm
June 13th. Bn marched to billets in SAINS-EN-AMIEONS arriving in billets at 3am on the 14th.
June 15th. Bn marched Bn marched to billets at ST.FUSCIEN
June 20th. Bn marched to billets at TAIGNIL
June 21st. Bn marched to LOUELILLY and entrained at 1am in AUTHIELE. The Bn detrained at 3pm and marched to billets at TERS[?]
June 25th. Bn moved by bus to SOUASTRE and on debussing marched to reserve trenches East of FONQUEVILLERS.
During the month the following awards have been announced:
The Military Cross Captain A.G. Grinling [Anthony G. GRINLING, MC], Captain J.F. Christie [John Fairfax CHRISTIE, MC], Lieut. H.J. Hensman [Henry John HENSMAN, MC].
The Distinguished Conduct Medal No. 265216 Sgt A.W. Allen [Albert ALLEN, DCM].
Bar to Military Medal No. 266265 Sgt G. Clements MM [George CLEMENTS, MM & Bar].
The Military Medal No. 265931 Sgt G. Adams [George ADAMS, MM], No. 265908 L/Cpl B. Kent [Bernard Edward KENT, MM], No. 265474 Cpl F. Ramsden [sic Frank RAINSDON, MM].
Frank dies on the 11th July 1918 at Bucquoy - War Diary 1st Battalion, Hertfordshire Regiment
July 1918
3-7-18. The battalion moved from "Z" to support at PIGEON WOOD
6-7-18. The battalion took over front line in the right sub sector. [Frank dies on the 10th or 11th July]
12-7-18. The battalion was raided by small party of the enemy, one German remaining in our hands. Our casualties slight
13-7-18. The battalion was relieved and moved back to support at the "Z".
16-7-18. The Bn was relieved by the 1st Bn Essex Rgt and moved to a camp at SOUASTRE. (Note: This is 6 km from Bucquoy and west of Gommecourt.)
20-7-18. The battalion relieved the 10th Bn Royal Fusiliers in the right sub sector.
28-7-18. The battalion was relieved and moved to support in the vicinity of ESSARTS.
During the month the undermentioned were awarded the Military Medal: 17263 Sgt Currie J. [sic 17630 John CURRIE, MM], 40481 Pte MIDDLETON A. [?].
WAR DIARY FOR JULY 1918 [Beds 4th]
1 Jul 1918 - front line near Aveluy Wood; transport lines on Louvencourt-Acheux Road [Map 57 D S.E.] 1 O.R. killed.
2 Jul 1918 Major P. Sandilands R.M.L.I. joined Capt.Rev.H.G.South struck off strength to England. 1 O.R. Killed.
3 Jul 1918 - reserve line near Forceville Batt, relieved by HOHA (7th R.Fs.) in front line. After relief Battn. marched to Reserve Line Bn.H.Q. Q.7.d.7.4.
4-5 Jul 1918 32 O.Rs. joined. Lieut.H.F.H.WYETT A/Captain.
6 Jul 1918 - reserve line near Acheux Wood Battn. relieved by HOHA (7th R.F.) in reserve line. After relief Bn. moved to Bde. Reserve. Bn. H.Q. P.6.d.1.8.
9 Jul 1918 - near Acheux Wood Battn. moved back to position near ACHEUX WOOD P.15.d. (Brown Line). Capt.Rev.J.Schofield joined Battn. 7 O.Rs. joined.
10 Jul 1918 16 O.Rs. joined. 1 O.R. gassed.
11 Jul 1918 Lt.H.R.S.Dean [Herbert Robert Stanley DEAN] struck off strength unfit.
12 Jul 1918 11 O.R's joined.
14 Jul 1918 Capt.F.T.Spicer M.C. [Frederick Thomas SPICER, MBE, MC] struck off strength to England (6 months exchange) Major P.Sandiland R.M.L.I. ceased to be attached. 2/Lt.T.J.Waller [Thomas Jenkinson WALLER] proceeded on leave to England. 9 O.Rs. joined.
15 Jul 1918 2 O.R's joined. Lieut.R.B.Peddie [Richard Bruce PEDDIE, MC] A/Captain.
18 Jul 1918 - support line near Acheux Wood Battn. relieved by 2nd R.Welsh Fus. in support line. Left Sector Bn.H.Q. Q.26.b.4.5.
19 Jul 1918 2 O.Rs. joined Lieut.E.W.HASTINGS joined.
22 Jul 1918 12 O.Rs. joined. Major A.G.Hayward M.C. [Arthur Gracie HAYWARD, MC] A/Lt.Col. assumed command of Battn. 1 O.R. wounded.
23 Jul 1918 Lt.Col.F.W.SMITH, D.S.O., D.C.M. struck off strength to England sick. 24 O.Rs. joined. 1 O.R. wounded.
24 Jul 1918 - Brown Line near Acheux Wood Battn. relieved by 1st Bn. Wiltshire Regt. in support. After relief Bn. moved to Brown Line, H.Q. P.15.d. Capt.H.M.E.GUDGEON proceeded on leave to England.
26 Jul 1918 39 O.Rs. joined. Lieut.W.Dayrell-Steyning [William Joseph DAYRELL-STEYNING] and 2/Lt. S.A.Peerless [Stanley Arthur PEERLESS] joined.
27 Jul 1918 1 O.R. joined.
29 Jul 1918 - Henu Battn. relieved by 171st Inf.Bde. (38th Div.) in Brown Line. After relief Bn. marched to HENU and relieved 8th K.L.R.
30 Jul 1918 Lieut.C.N.Cubitt [Charles Nutting CUBITT], Lieut.G.R.Buck [George Reginald BUCK] and 2/Lt.S.D.Allen [Stephen Dexter ALLEN] joined. 64 O.Rs. joined.
War Diary for July 1918 [Herts 1st]
3-7-18. The battalion moved from "Z" to support at PIGEON WOOD
6-7-18. The battalion took over front line in the right sub sector.
12-7-18. The battalion was raided by small party of the enemy, one German remaining in our hands. Our casualties slight
13-7-18. The battalion was relieved and moved back to support at the "Z".
16-7-18. The Bn was relieved by the 1st Bn Essex Rgt and moved to a camp at SOUASTRE.
20-7-18. The battalion relieved the 10th Bn Royal Fusiliers in the right sub sector.
28-7-18. The battalion was relieved and moved to support in the vicinity of ESSARTS.
During the month the undermentioned were awarded the Military Medal: 17263 Sgt Currie J. [sic 17630 John CURRIE, MM], 40481 Pte MIDDLETON A. [?].
Rue de l'Eglise, Bucquoy
NotreFamille.com
L'Eglise, Bucquoy
NotreFamille.com
I think the earlier images of Bucquoy (Rue de l'Eglise) Paroisse(?) is the same (main) crossroads in Bucquoy which is in the photo below.
Wikipedia
Bucquoy crossroads circa 2015
Google Maps
Rue de l'eglise Bucquoy, 2015 (Google Maps)
Wikipedia
Silver Memorial Cross given to mothers and wives of fallen soldiers
Regimentalrogue.com
There is an ongoing piece of research to determine Frank's role in the Great War. The key bits of evidence are:
According to his Medal Record (held at Kew Gardens), Frank was in the Bedfordshire Regiment
Frank was sent home sick in 1917 (believed admitted to Biggleswade VAD Hospital)
At the time of his death July 1918, he was a member of the 1st Battalion, Hertfordshire Regiment, 39th Division. forces-war-records.co.uk
Due to the realities of Trench warfare, units were often decimated in action, resulting in numerous reorganisation of units (this became more frequent towards the end of the war.) Equally, after a period of discharge due to injury or illness, it was common practice to rejoin a different unit. On this basis, it is believed Frank changed unit (from RND) to 6th Bedfordshire date TBC / then to the 1st Hertfordshire in May 1918
Albert Cathedral
greatwarphotos.com
Albert Cathedral
pinterest.com
There was a saying at the time that the hanging statue of the Cathedral would have to fall before the Great War could end.
Summary of Battles after Frank's death:
The war finally ended with the Allied Final Offensive, also called the last hundred days, which lasted until the ceasefire of November 11, 1918:
Second Battles Of The Somme - Battle Of Albert, France - 21/08/1918
Battles Of The Hindenburg Line - Battle Of Havrincourt, France - 12/09/1918
Battles Of The Hindenburg Line - Battle Of The Canal Du Nord, France - 01/10/1918
Battles Of The Hindenburg Line - Battle Of Cambrai, France - 08/10/1918
Battles Of The Hindenburg Line - Pursuit To The Selle, France - 09/10/1918
The Final Advance In Picardy - Battle Of The Selle, France - 22/10/1918
The Final Advance In Picardy - Battle Of The Sambre, France - 04/11/1918
Their final day in action came four years to the day from their arrival in France on 9th November 1914. The armistice two days later also marked the fourth anniversary of the first time they came under fire. The battalion was gradually wound down and finally disembodied in March 1919, although it was reformed as a Territorial Army unit again in February 1920, under the command of Sir H.P. Croft who had commanded them during 1915.
If you have any questions, you can email me at thosedistantechoes@gmail.com (pls include Frank Munkman in the email heading)
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