PART 3
11 AUGUST 1917
TO
4 DECEMBER 1917
14707 Cpl Glass J
"C" Coy
10th R.I.R
B.E.F
Saturday
August 11th 17
[Part 3 inside front cover]
August 17
11th About 1am we were wakened by the explosion of Bombs near our Camp. An Aeroplane of Johnie got
over and dropped about 2 or 3 Doz Killing a lot of horses. Got away safely. 9am Physical Jerks. 10am
Musketry 11.30am Bathing at Poperanghe.
12th Revellie 6.30am Parade at 9am in Battle Order same as going into the line for C.O's Inspection.
Remainder of day preparing and getting stuff ready to go into the line
[Part 3 page 1]
August 17
during the bombardment for going over the top. Advance party left at 11am The remainder of Batt
entrained at 7pm from near Poperanghe and detrained at the Asylum Near Ypres. We marched along the
road in single file as John was straffing there very fierce and caused a great No. of Casualties in our Batt all
along the road was covered with dead horses Smashed up transports and some of our men. I was attending
the doctor
[Part 3 page 2]
August 17
for the past two days and not feeling near well I was compelled to drop out near the White Chateau. I got a
note from my own M.O for admission to Hpl. Transported to R.A.M.C at White Chateau about 10pm and
found it packed with wounded. Stopped there until 12 midnight when Red Cross van came for us leaving
some at C C S and the remainder of us at the 19 Corps Hpl Between Bailluel and Poperanghe
[Part 3 page 3]
August 17
at 3.30pm reported here had some hot tea and got to bed.
13th Revellie 6.30am had breakfast at 7pm. Saw the doctor at 8.30am and told off to different wards and
put on Milk Diet. I am feeling very sick to-day and vomoting a lot I saw one of our wounded who came
down here to-day and he informs me that the Batt. suffered terribly before they got into the line. They had
he says to go
[Part 3 page 4]
August 17
through 2 Barrages of John's and it was here most of the casualties occurred.
14th and 15[th] In hospital improving. I saw some men here to-day down from the line who tell me that we
are having very heavy casualties. Weather continues very wet and thunderstorms almost every day.
16th In Hpl. Near allright again. Just heard that our Div. the 16th and 25th Divisions made an attack this
[Part 3 page 5]
August 17
morning at 3.30am and gained their objective but were unable to hold it. When they got there John came
out of his cement Dug-outs in mass and cut them up completely. Some of the Batts now after coming out
can No. anything from 20 to 200 Strong. We were forced to fall back into our old position with much loss.
The 107th Bde were in reserve and had not to go over.
17th I was discharged
[Part 3 page 6]
August 17
from Hpl at 4.30pm to-day and came by Motor to Poperinghe Ry Stn to report to R.T.O. I was kept here
overnight at Detail Camp and proceeded to transport line at 8am on th[e] 18th
18th Arrived at transport lines about 11.30am stopped there and had dinner and joined my Coy at 3.30pm
where they were in Bivouacs a few fields off and learned all about the attack
[Part 3 page 7]
August 17
which amounts to The Division was cut up with Machine Gun fire and hundreds of lives were sacrificed
and no ground gained.
19th Revellie at 2am Breakfast at 3am Marched off at 4.30am unto main road where Motor Buses were
waiting on us. Detailed off in parties of 20 per motor. After about 2 hours waiting we started off and landed
at our destination at 10am
[Part 3 page 8]
August 17
just outside Oudezeele in Camp.
20th General clean up and Inspection at 3pm.
21st I reported sick and sent to Hospital by the 110th F.A. at Oudezeele. They sent me by Motor to the 45th
F.A. at Poperinghe where I was detained.
22nd 23rd In Hpl near allright again.
24th about 11pm John came over here in an aeroplane dropped one bomb
[Part 3 page 9]
August 17
just as it touched the ground our Searchlights got well onto him showing him very distinctly flying very
low. Our Anti-[air]craft and Machine Gunners opened up rapid fire on him immediately resulting in
something hitting him. we saw his machine go on fire and disappear. Later fragments of the machine were
found and one arm.
25th In Hpl waiting discharge
26th Discharged for
[Part 3 page 10]
August 17
duty. Left Poperhinge Ry Station at 8.30am by train. No-one knew where our Div was lying. I got to
Hazebrouck and reported to R.T.O. He told me to proceed on to Etaples by same train. Arrived at Etaples at
10pm and was sent to rest Camp for the night and told by R.T.O to report at the Ry Station at 7am on the
27th.
27th Left Etaples by train at 7am
[Part 3 page 11]
August 17
to proceed to Baupame Somme District and arrived at our Journey end at 1pm Where we were informed by
1
R.T.O that our Brigade had removed closer to the line and was billeted in a Camp beside Ytres some 10
kilometres away. We marched to camp in a drenching rain and regular gale when we got to Batt we were
drenched to the skin arrived at 6pm.
[Part 3 page 12]
August 17
28th Orders that we go into the line to-day at 7pm to relieve the South African Rifles. The morning we
spent in making the usual preparations for going into the line Weather is exceedingly stormy and very wet.
We marched off from Camp at 7.30pm and entrained at Ytres siding on the light Railway and were
2
conveyed up to the trenches as far as Trescault where we got off and marched
1
10 kilometres east south east of Bapaume.
2
About 9 kilometres east north east of Ytres and 14 south west of Cambrai.
[Part 3 page 13]
August 17
to the front line. "A","B", and "C" and one platoon of "D" in front line the 3 remaining platoons of 'D' in
reserve for ration carrying etc at the Kope down mine shafts The line we now hold lies between Trescault
3
behind us and Havinacourt [Havrincourt] in front. Johns outposts are on the ridge in front some 400 yds
4
off his main line is over the ridge 1000 off. He dosent straff much but pretty active with his Machine
Guns.
29th All day very quiet
[Part 3 page14]
August 17
a perfect heaven from the Ypres Sector. A wiring party went out at 11.15pm 16 men C.S.M Whelan and an
Officer they were out about 1/2 an hour when Johns machine guns opened up on them. The Sergt Major
was killed being shot through the temple and the officer wounded in two or three places not serious. The
[Sergt] Major as usual had no right to go out but he was always foremost where work
[Part 3 page 15]
August 17
and danger lay and with the men no matter where they had to go. No finer soldier or more brave have given
their life in this war than Sergt M. Whelan. Everyone Officers and men are much grieved with the great
loss we have sustained. He is the recipient of the M. Medal for bravery on at Thiepval assalt on July 1st 16
and was awarded the Ml.
[Part 3 page 16]
August 17
Cross for good work and leadership at the recent battle of Messines on June 7th 17. He came through the
5
Ypres battle without a scratch but most unfortunately he met his fate here at Threscault district.
30th Everything fairly quiet. The 1 Batt of the Fusiliers have joined our Brigade and are up here to-day on a
6
working party. They are lying at Metz in reserve
[Part 3 page 17]
August 17
to us. The S. Major was buried yesterday Evg about 7pm at a small village called Metz about 2 miles
behind the firing line with as many honours as it was possible to give him under the circumstances
31st Everything fairly quiet and weather very good. Very little shell fire as yet in this part. Machine
gunners are very active during the night
[Part 3 page 18]
September 17
7
1st and 2nd and 3rd Passed exceedingly quiet during the tour there was an enormous lot of work. The men
in the line got practically no rest day or night. The reason of this being that it is a new line of trench quite
8
recently made and in a rough state the idea is to get it made as comfortable as possible before the winter
3
3 kilometres north of Trescault.
4
This may be 1600 but is more likely to be 1000. Both the first and last 0's look marginally like 6's.
5
CSM Robert Selkirk Whelan M.C. M.M. Born and enlisted Belfast. 10 RIR 16093. KIA in France 29.8.17
aged 25. Son of John Edward Whelan, 372B Ravenhill Rd., Belfast, and the late Elizabeth Whelan. Buried in
Metz-en-Couture Communal Cemetry, British Extension, plot 1, row E, grave 4. The inscription on his
headstone reads, "He loved honour more than he feared death". (NB WOCL gives date as 29.2.17, CWGC
and diary give August).
6
Metz-en-Couture is 3 kilometres south west of Trescault.
7
The 3rd has been crossed out.
8
The reason for this was that this was part of the new section of front taken over when the Germans retired
arrives on us. There is not a civilian living within ten miles of
[Part 3 page 19]
September 17
[this] part nor a dwelling house in village or country that hasn't been deliberately been blown up before the
Fritzes evacuated from here. Its a mass of complete ruins everywhere one carries their eye.
9
3rd We were relieved to-day at 4.30pm A and B Coys by the 8/9 Royal Irish Rifles 'C" Coy and one
Platoon of 'D" at 9pm By the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers The Batt entrained at Trescault
[Part 3 page 20]
Sept 17
10
terminus on light Ry and came to billets (Huts) at Equincourt [Equancourt] The last Coy getting here
about 10.30pm I left front line at 3pm By orders from 2nd In Command to Open a Canteen for the Batt
while out for their 6 days. I am looking after the wet and another after the Dry goods for theres no other
way to dispose of the Francs we get
4th To-day was spent
[Part 3 page 21]
Sept 17
cleaning up in general 6pm Working party from "D" Coy went out returning about 5.30am on the 5th
5th A and B Coys formed working parties from 6am to 5pm and another party from 6pm to 5am 'C' and 'D'
were drilling all day.
6th The Coys changed over 'C' and 'D' finding the same working parties and A and B at Drill
7th "C" and 'D' Coys Drill from 7am to 4pm A and B Coys finding the
[Part 3 page 22]
Sept 17
working parties same as other days. Weather very fine but no Beer in the Canteen things in general are
exceedingly Dry. There's a very great danger of some coming in to-day and I have had a number of very
anxious enquiries since yesterday.
11
7th "C" and D Working party from 6 am to 5.30pm A and B Coys Drill. A dog entered our camp about
1am this morning and failed to answer the Sentries challenge
[Part 3 page 23]
Sept 17
The Sergt of the guard was called on by the sentries and came to the rescue by firing two rounds rapid there
was a yelp and a groan and the poor doggie now lies at rest under six foot of soil. The guard formed the
firing party at the funeral next morning
8th Working parties as before and two Coys at Drill "Weather very fine".
9th (Sunday) Divine Service for all
[Part 3 page 24]
Sept 17
from 9am until 11am We left camp at 7pm and relieved the 1st Batt Royal Irish Fusiliers in the trenches in
Trescault Sector A B and D in front line "C" in reserve 2 platoons 9 and 10 in Trescault and the other two
to the Hindenburg line. Slightly further north in the Hermies sector where the 109th brigade were stationed
the situation regarding cover was if anything worse because the commander of the 9th Division, which had
previously held the line, "was not a believer in trenches ...[this] did not appeal to General[s] Nugent ... [or]
Ricardo ... and a heavy programme of trench-digging and wiring [began] in the Hermes sector." Falls page
130.
9
Formed from the 8th and 9th battalions which were amalgamated to make room for the ist Royal Irish
Fusiliers who joined the 107th brigade on 24 August 1917. Falls pages 133-4.
10
5 kilometres south west of Metz.
11
His dating.
11 and 12 platoon at Cosy Copse dug-out. A great big tunnelled dug-out with good accomodation for 70
men about 60 ft below the surface and fitted up with wire beds.
[Part 3 page 25]
Sept 17
10th Stand-to at 4.45am until 5.30am Breakfast 6am. Inspection by platoon Comd at 10am Every man
washed and shaved, with rifle and equipment clean. The line is very quiet and the weather is perfect. The
Batt is not in exactly the same sector as it was in last tour. We are about 300 yds more left.
11th Breakfast 8am. Working party in front line from 2pm to 5.30pm 8.30pm Working party and Carrying
party to
[Part 3 page 26]
Sept 17
Front line getting finished about 12.30 midnight.
12th Working party from 9.30am to 2pm another from 8pm to 1am midnight. Every man is out.
13th Stand-To at 5am Inspection by Platoon Commd at 10am. Everyone parade with Rifle clean and must
be washed and shaved. Working at 1.30pm for work in the front line until 5pm and same party out again at
8pm carrying up material and working
[Part 3 page 27]
Sept 17
in front line knocking off about 12.30 midnight.
14th Stand Too at 5am until 5.45am Breakfast 7am 38 men 2 N C O's one Officer working party in front
line trench from 9.30am to 2pm A Similar party from 2pm to 5.30pm deepening and widening our trench.
Everyone on working party again at 8pm carrying stuff and revetting in the front line To 12.30 midnight
We usually get back
[Part 3 page 28]
Sept 17
to the reserve where we stop about 1/2 1 or 2am The line is very quiet John Artillery replies very feeble to
ours.
15th Stand too 5am Breakfast 7am Working party in front line from 9.30am to 12.45 noon The remainder
of the Evg was spent in cleaning up for going out. An order was read out yesterday that on going out of the
trenches that the Army Commander is going to inspect
[Part 3 page 29]
Sept 17
the Batt and that all Brasses must bear a very high polish From the Ammunition in our pouches to the stud
on our Box Respirators must be thoroughly polished Not one man I can safely say has anything in the
trenches with him to clean up with. The men are beginning to get very doubtful if we are playing at war or
is it in ernest at all with such orders coming round. It
[Part 3 page 30]
Sept 17
couldnt be worse the cleaning up we have got to do were it peace time and we in some carpeted Barrack-
Rooms insted of being ankle and sometimes knee deep in muck. "What an army we are now." We were
relieved by the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers in the trenches at 9.15pm and came by light Railway to Metz
detraining about at 10.45pm
16th Revellie at 7am
[Part 3 page 31]
Sept 17
Breakfast at 8am The morning was spent in cleaning up Equipment all Brasses, Rifle, etc's. Inspection of
same at 3pm. Pay out 5pm
17th Working parties went up to the front line to work at the trenches at 3pm, 6pm and 8pm The following
day those parties were paraded for one hour at Steady Drill and had to be spotlessly clean.
[Part 3 page 32]
Sept 17
18th Same routine only another Coy found the working parties The remaining Coy were at drill from 7am
to 4pm this was continued each day for our six days out of the line.
19th Same working parties as the previous day and drill for all who are left in Camp. (I go into Ytres every
morning for goods to the Exp Fr Canteen for goods for ourselves.
[Part 3 page 33]
Sept 17
20th Same routine as previous day.
21st Revellie at 6am Breakfast 7am Inspection by Act Brigadier at 10am in a couple of field away from
Camp. We left camp at 7pm and relieved the 1st Batt Royal Irish Fusiliers in the trenches at 10pm Prior to
the Fusiliers leaving camp at Metz John Straffed it and got a direct hit on one of the huts killing 7 and
wounding
[Part 3 page 34]
Sept 17
11 others. He has also straffed Trescault wood for 2 continuous days and done slight damage to R.E. dumps
etc and A patrol of his captured an Orderly-man of the 15th R.I.R who was carrying midnight tea to the
troops in front line from "B" Sap.
21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th in the front line and everything was quiet with the exception of short artillery
straffs at intervals of 1 hour lasting for 20mins
[Part 3 page 35]
Sept 17
each day with an occasional burst throughout the night No 10 Platoon held "E" Sap with 9 and 12 in
original front line
We were relieved on the 27th at 10pm by 1st R.Ir. Fusiliers and came to Billets at [E]quancourt arriving
there at 1.30 am on the morning of the 28th
28th Revellie at 7.30am the remainder of the day was spent in cleaning up rifle equipment etc
[Part 3 page 36]
Sept 17
29th Revellie at 6.30am Parade at 7am Washed and Shaved with Buttons and Boots clean Breakfast 8am 9
to 11am Handling of Arms 11.30am to 12.15 Squad Drill, Musketry, and Platoon Drill under Coy
Commander until 4pm
30th Same orders as previous day.
[Part 3 page 37]
October 17
1st 2nd Revellie at 6.30am and Same routine as previous day hold good.
12
3rd Revellie at 6.30am Breakfast at 7.30am Inspected by Corps Commander in Camp grounds at 10am
Everybody everything was spotlass 8.30am The morning was spent cleaning up.
[Part 3 page 38]
13
Sept 17
3rd Revellie at 6.30am Breakfast 7am The Batt was inspected by Army Corps Commander at 10am on
Camp Grounds. Everybody and Everything was spotless. Dismissed at 11.15. Previous to the Dismissal the
Batt marched past in Colum of route the saluting Base at end of huts. The rest of evening preparations were
made for going into the line. We marched off at 6.15pm and entrained on Light
12
This entry has been crossed out and Error written across it.
13
The heading on this and the next page should be October 17. The probable reason for the error is that the
pages of the diary were headed in advance of writing and not corrected. This was done for page 38.
[Part 3 page 39]
14
Sept 17
Ry about 8pm at Rail Head detraining in centre of Havlincourt Wood as the lines were blown up by John's
Shells. We arrived in front line about 10pm and relieved the 1st R Ir Fusiliers "B" Coy on right "C" in
centre and "D" Left two platoons of "C" in original front line 9 and 10 with 12 platoon holding "E" Sap.
The night was fairly quiet we had one wounded by a Rifle Grenade
[Part 3 page 40]
October 17
4th Everything was O.K. The weather is not just so hot. We are beginning to-day to taste some winter
weather slightly.
5th Short straff all day at various intervals. The rain has come down very fine all day and the wind is
blowing a regular hurricane The trenches are in a shocking state with mud and water. The dug-out are all
flooded and the men
[Part 3 page 41]
Oct 17
have been bailing water out all day to be as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. The night was
something similar as was the day.
6th No improvement on weather condition the trenches in some parts are knee deep in water, where the
ground is low lying
7th Still no change Artillery and air-craft is very active. We got a rum issue at
[Part 3 page 42]
Oct 17
stand-down and it was required.
8th Morning fine too good to last From 4pm rain started again very heavy. A raiding party went out at "E"
Sap at 7.30pm in a drenching downpour and Black darkness to enter the Boche line, but had to return at
10.45pm owing to losing their way They were completely mud and water to the skin and it was wet as well.
They
[Part 3 page 43]
Oct 17
were not successful but it was not anyones fault.
9th Day very fine Artillery and air-craft exceedingly active on either side. The same raiding party
volunteered to go across again and were allowed and met with good result. They left our front line 'E' Sap
at 4.30pm Crawling across to the Boche line under cover of some Shrubbs reached the Boche Sap
[Part 3 page 44]
Oct 17
in grand style without detection. They lay still and waited their opportunity to grab a prisoner (and one they
got alive) Slightly wounded) At 6pm or thereabouts a No of Boche came down to their Sap as they didnt
hold it during the day same as we hold ours, a few passed close by to our boys who only No 8 men 1 Sergt
and 1 Officer When the Boches got a few Yds on our raiders opened fire
[Part 3 page 45]
Oct 17
killing 5 or 6 and stole one as a souvenir and he was slightly wounded in the cheek, but gave a lot of
trouble before he was got across to our sap. The remainder who were lucky enough to get away made off
15
like whippets. The Artillery Mortars and Minnies were then slung from both sides very liberal for an hour
14
See footnote above.
15
According to Falls the German post was on "the edge of the eastern arm of Havrincourt Wood, known as
Femy Wood." His version also gives 1 German captured and the remaining 10 killed. See page 131.
and a 1/2 No-one was hurt. We were
[Part 3 page 46]
Oct 17
relieved at 9pm same night by 1st R. Irish Fusiliers and came to the village METZ arriving there about
11.30pm and a few strags later
10th Breakfast 8am Rifle Equipment and clothing inspection at 11am Kit inspection 11.30am got paid out.
"Not off) at 4pm The remainder of the Evg was spent in the Canteen
11th 12th 13th 14th
[Part 3 page 47]
Oct 17
at METZ We found night and Day working parties in the front line. Day party paraded at 8am Night party
at 5.30pm and usually wrought six hours on the everlasting job. The weather all the time in torrents of rain,
Stormy and cold below zero.
15th Revellie at 6.35am The morning was spent on performing the usual preliminaries on going into the
line Blankets and packs went [to]
[Part 3 page 48]
Oct 17
Store by 12 noon We marched Off from Metz at 6pm To relieve the 1st Batt Royal Ir Fusiliers in the
trenches and landed at front line about 8pm. "A" Coy on thr Right 'B' in centre and 'C' on Left 'D' in reserve
at Cosey Copse 2 Platoons) and 2 at Trescault The reserve Coy found working parties day and Night in
front line.
16th 17th 18th Everything much as usual the Artillery, Mortars
[Part 3 page 49]
Oct 17
and Air-craft are all very active in turn The weather up to the present has behaved pretty decent, but could
be more respectful. I went into Ytres to-day for Goods for the Canteen leaving H Qrs last night and
proceeding to Q.M Stores and putting up there for the night. Left Stores at 7am this morning and walked to
Transport lines at Equancourt for Mess Cart, Getting
[Part 3 page 50]
Oct 17
into Ytres about 11am Came back with mess Cart so far as Place Montmarte where we dumped the good
and I and two of a guard on Grenade dump Carried the goods to H Qrs via the wood, a distance of 3 Kilos
arriving at H.Qrs at 3.30pm The Artillery and Mortars are exceedingly active since 4pm up to now 9.30pm
The front line is getting the Lions share of it.
19th Weather wet
[Part 3 page 51]
Oct 17
and miserable all day Artillery and Mortars have kept at it all Evg at intervals with short bursts up to the
present there are no casualties.
20th Weather fair Artillery and Mortars and Aeroplanes very active We were relieved at 8pm By the 1st
Royal Ir Fusiliers and came to Billets at Equancourt arriving there about 11pm
Omitted. On the 19th inst a race meeting was held
[Part 3 page 52]
Oct 17
16
at Bus. One of our Capts left the line by permission to ride one of the Officers horses. It didnt get a place
but lots of money was won over the favourite Cramp.
16
2 kilometres west of Ytres beside the A 2 autoroute.
21st General clean up and inspection also pay out at 3.30pm
22nd Revellie at 6.30 Breakfast 8am Parades all day up till 4pm
[Part 3 page 53]
Oct 17
The afternoons parade was a run across country
23rd and 24th Ditto Weather is exceedingly cold and wet
25[th] Weather continues very cold and wet During this term out a presentage of the Batt get a 48 hour
leave to proceed to Amiens. They do come back very washed out.
26th Weather still
[Part 3 page 54]
Oct 17
is very wet and cold Parades to-day are near all indoors in the huts.
27th Very cold frosty air but it is dry overhead. Preparations are being made for going into the line this
Evg. Coys marched off from 5pm at intervals and entrained from Qr M.S. Castle Junction or Duffin Camp
as it is named on the light Railway landing at TRESCAULT TERMINUS Near our reserve line at 7.45pm
The
[Part 3 page 55]
Oct 17
[battalion] is distributed as follows A B and D Coys in the front line. A on the Right, B in the centre and D
on extreme left. "C" Coy in reserve 2 platoons at Trescault and 2 do[ditto] at Cosey Copse. The relief was
complete about 9pm We relieved the 1st R Ir Fusiliers The Night was very quiet.
28th Frosty and Dry. The Artillery is slogging away not caring where or who gets hurt. I went to Ytres for
goods
[Part 3 page 56]
Oct 17
29th Very severe frost During Rifle Inspection with the two platoons in reserve at TRESCAULT About
7am the men were on parade and at the same time distinctly in view of a Fritz Balloon. They had no sooner
come on parade, when the Fritz sent across about 40 or 50 Shells rapid amongst or around about where they
were Killed my most affectionate and closest Pal Sergt J.S. Gibson and wounded two or three others
[Part 3 page 57]
Oct 17
I heard the sad news at the Q.M. Store on arriving back from Ytres. I made it up the line with all haste
determined to see old Scibbey as we all called him, but on arrival at H-Qrs I was informed that the burial
party were gone just 1/2 an hour ago. I was greatly disappointed at not seeing my best pal for the last. He is
17
buried in the Cemetry at Metz beside another
[Part 3 page 58]
Oct 17
whom we were loathe to part (Coy Sergt Major WHELAN M.M and M.C) Officers, N.C.O's and Men of
the Coy are deeply grieved with the loss of such men as these who are scarce and hard to find just now.
30th Frost continues very severe Everything was quiet on our sector.
31st Weather fine The Artillery and Aeroplanes are very active all day.
[Part 3 page 59]
Nov. 1917
1st Weather fine and warm. Artillery and Air-men still keep up the noise. Some American Officers are up
17
Sgt J.S. Gibson. Born Shankill Co. Antrim, enlisted Belfast. 10 RIR 14700. KIA in France 29.10.17. Buried
in Metz-en-Couture Communal Cemetry, British Extension, plot 2, row C, grave 10. No headstone inscription
or next of kin details in register.
here to-day looking around the line. A strong rumour is going about that the Yankee's are going to relieve
us in the front and that our Div is going out for three weeks training at some civilized place
2nd Weather Fair. Most of the day short
[Part 3 page 60]
Nov. 1917
Straffs were exchanged from both sides. We were relieved at 9pm by the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers and came
to Metz arriving there at 11.30pm Coming out John Straffed the rail-roads and roads, killing two and
wounding some.
3rd Cleaning up Equipment rifles etc and Kit and above inspection at 2pm Pay-out at 4.30pm The
remainder of the Evg was spent in
[Part 3 page 61]
Nov. 1917
the Canteen.
18
4th 5th 6th At Metz finding working parties in the front line day and night during these five days out, the
weath[e]r was exceedingly wet and cold. We have got to relieve the Fusiliers a day before our time for
reason of John getting to know the day we change
7th Preparations are being made all morning for going
[Part 3 page 62]
Nov 1917
into the line. The weather is very wet and cold. We marched from Metz 4pm by Coy's at intervals of
15mins and relieved the 1st Royal Ir Fusiliers in the trenches at 6pm During the night it was quiet.
8th Weather very cold but dry overhead The Aeroplanes and artillery are most active all day. John is
dropping a few about the roads as he is still of opinion we are changing this Evg
[Part 3 page 63]
Nov 1917
His knowledge is all a begging again. Twice he has attempted to raid our trenches of late, but found our
lads wide awake and their guns and bombs in good condition Now he is sorry for it I'm sure, when too late
9th Rain has come down in torrents all night and it still pours throughout the day. The trenches are in a
miserable condition. One can scarcely get up or down them. They are falling
[Part 3 page 64]
Nov 1917
and slipping down everywhere and are in parts up the thigh deep in water. The men have been working at
them all day, not getting very much time for a sleep, but they dont mind much, so long as they are half
comfortable. The saps and outposts are scarcely habitual [habitable]. The rain still continues in torrents up
to the present 7pm. Officers of another Div have been bustling around the line all day. Apparently we are
[Part 3 page 65]
Nov. 17
being relieved by their Div. but it isnt yet known by any of the troops for so far. We surmise it anyhow.
Rumours are plentiful amongst the troops, as to where we are going next. Some have it Italy others Malta
but the latest and the one that has cast a smile over everyones face is Home for three months training and to
be made up to strength (PHYSICALLY) PERHAPS. The Artillery have been pretty decent
[Part 3 page 66]
Nov. 17
to-day. Not much noise has been created from either sides, only an occasional one to let each other know
that they still occupy the same place sink or swim.
10th Weather very wet and trenches are in a most deplorable state. Artillery is keeping very tame, just what
18
Much of this work was part of the preparations for the Cambrai offensive. See Falls page 141.
we want until we have more solid footing and get the trenches cleared of some of the dirt
[Part 3 page 67]
Nov 17
11th Weather is very good but nothing to boast about. Artillery is very quiet.
12th Everything is very tame, all night and day. We were relieved at 6pm by the 9th Royal Ir Fusiliers and
came to a Camp just outside Ytres arrived there at 11.30pm Had a good refresher of hot grub and a tot of
rum and got down to it.
13th Inspection of Equipment and Rifle etc
[Part 3 page 68]
Nov. 17
Paid out at 5pm.
14th, 15th 16th 17th 18th and 19th We remained at Ytres and Had to find some working parties for the
Artillery. The C.O had a Batt parade each morning at 10am Fighting order. Men were equipped same as
going into an attack, they carried Bombs etc A rumour is afloat that we are moving from here to-day as all
our surplus Kit is handed in
[Part 3 page 69]
Nov.17
All roads in this part to-day is choaked up with traffic and troops, moving in the direction of the line, for
the offensive coming off in a day or so.
20th Fine morning for the surprise attack and everything is quiet no preliminary going on We had Revellie
at 4am and Breakfast at 4.30am afterwards we started and packed our Blankets and Overcoats in Bundles
of 10's
[Part 3 page 70]
Nov. 17
Fell in at 5.30am and marched off immediately that Coys reported present. All our boys being in the
highest of spirits and singing Chourses along the road. One would imagine we were going on a pleasure trip
instead of going into action. We hadn't proceeded very far on our journey in the direction of Royulcourt
19
[Ruyalcourt] when all of a sudden we heard all our guns burst out in
[Part 3 page 71]
Nov. 17
one continuous roar just about 6am A great cheer went up as we all knew that our lads were over the top
chasing John. We halted at Divisional H.Qrs in a field near the Slag Heap close beside a village called
Ruyalcourt In about 2 hours time prisoners began to appear and there was a great commotion amoungst our
lads to get a squint at them to see what
[Part 3 page 72]
Nov. 17
class of stuff they were off. They seemed to me to be of a poor stamp of men very-old and worn out
20
looking, some carried their ration of bread underneath their arm. News from the escort informed us that
everything is going on much better than was expected and few casualties as yet with Havrincourt captured.
We remained here until 3pm when we moved on a few Kilometres further on
[Part 3 page 73]
Nov 17
and halted in a field until 9pm Then orders came that we were to push on to H'court village trenches. We
19
3 kilometres north north east of Ytres.
20
These prisoners were probably taken by the 62nd Division as the 109th brigade (the only one from the
36th Division involved in the opening assault) did not start its attack until 8.35am. However, initially its
prisoners too "were not of high quality". Falls pages 150-1.
started for them at 9.30pm in a downpour of rain and got to the old trenches about 12 midnight. We found
that some other troops were in posession of the trenches so most of us had to lie down in the open in a
drenching rain and hurricane of wind. When I got up next morning I
[Part 3 page 74]
Nov 17
found I had about 1/2 ft of water under me for my bed. I was stiff with cold and everyone else was likewise
There was no rations for us to-day except that we managed to drum up amongst ourselves
21st We moved right into the village at 12 midday and stopped there for an hour or so. During our stay here
Many wounded are being carried down from the line borne in many cases, by Hun prisoners. We
[Part 3 page 75]
Nov 17
21
Moved again about 2pm and proceeded right into the reserve trench near Graincourt. Bombardment is
going on very stiff
22nd We left reserve trench about 8am and went right up into the front line. at this time John being in
posession of it so he had to clear out in quick time as Bombs were thrown into it very freely. Our lads were
close at his heels and kept up the Iron rations
[Part 3 page 76]
Nov 17
for him going steady in pursuit for almost 2 miles when our Bombs were exhausted so we had to cease the
chase for want of Bombs. He made several counter attacks during the day all being fruitless and very costly
to him. Dead bodies were lying very numerous all over the place. He made a rush on us late in the evg
when the trench was choked up with men. The word being passed along to move back
[Part 3 page 77]
Nov 17
but some of our Officer took it upon himself to stop the message with the result that some of our men got
the wind up when they saw that no-one was moving back to ease the pressure they got out of the trench and
made a present of their lives to Johnnys machine gunners.
23rd Weather very wet our guns still keep pounding away. We made another attempt to rush a strong
[Part 3 page 78]
Nov 17
point of Johns, but his machine guns held us up.
24th 25[th] In the line holding on to what we have got against numerous counter attacks which we smashed
up.
26th Weather very wet and guns pounding away we were relieved at 10.30pm by the 2nd Div and marched
back about 7 Kilos to an old reserve trench. We were soaked wet to the skin and mud to the eyes. We
remained here in support for 24 hours
[Part 3 page 79]
Nov 17
27th We were relieved by a Scotch Div at 2.30pm and marched to a camp at HARPINCOURT
22
[Haplincourt]
28th Resting here.
29th Revellie at 3.30am Marched off at 6.30am to Ytres Rail Head where we entrained at 9am and came to
23 24
BEAUMETZ. Here we detrained and marched to Berneville about 6 Kilos to Huts. These huts were in
21
Graincourt lies just to the west of the intersection of the A2 and A26 autoroutes.
22
8 kilometres east south east of Bapaume.
23
11 kilometres southwest of Arras.
24
3 kilometres north of Beaumetz.
a filthy state.
25
30th Left Berneville in haste about 2.30pm and marched to COURCRELLES-LE-COMTE a distance of
[Part 3 page 80]
Nov 17
15 Miles arriving at 9.30pm we are all completely beat up Having had nothing to eat only hard Biscuits for
the last 3 weeks and no nourishing food of any kind for such severe work. We have just heard to-day that
John has made a strong counter-attack and penetrated our line somewhat, so that is why we are getting so
much Knocking about.
[Part 3 page 81]
Decr 17
26
1st Weather fair We marched off at 1pm from here and landed at BEAULENCOURT via ACHIET-LE-
27 28
GRAND BIEFVILLERS and BAPAUME a distance of 12 miles We got half a loaf of Bread to-day
The 1st we have had for 3 weeks
29
2nd Breakfast at 8am Marched off at 10.30am and came to LECHELLE camp a distance of 7 or 8 miles.
4.30pm Rifle and Ammunition Inspection. We have
[Part 3 page 82]
Dec 17
heard that in the counter-attack John made some two days ago That his cavalry reached near METZ He also
was in posession of our guns for 4 hours We launched a very heavy counter-attack and drove him back in
panic and disorder. All our guns and lost ground was retaken with 2000 yds more than when he drove us
from. From all accounts he has got a very bad knock and that the
[Part 3 page 83]
Decr 17
dead Huns that are lying about is a fact of how he suffered We are lying here waiting to be called upon at
any moment The guns are pouring shells across to him in one continuous roar all day
3rd Breakfast 7.30am General Inspection of arms Ammunition etc at 10.30am Orders came around at 11am
to pack up. Blankets Great Coats and ready to march off in 1/2 an hours notice. A very heavy
Bombardment
[Part 3 page 84]
Decr 17
has been in progress all last night and throughout the day. Various rumours are afloat as to our destination
but nothing official to-hand as yet 4pm. Got Coats and Blankets issued out again at 7pm and remained here
peacefully resting all night guns are still thundering away
4th Left LECHELLE at 1pm and Marched to a field beside Metz wood where we halted and find that the
whole Division is massed
[Part 3 page 85]
Decr 17
around here. All the way on the march every road and track is conjested with Troops moving ford also
Tanks and Artillery. One can easily see that another hot time is in store for John. Though no mention of it
has been given out as yet. We are all ignorant of what our job is. The weather is excellent.
[Part 3 page 86]
25
10 kilometres north west of Bapaume.
26
4 kilometres south east of Bapaume.
27
6 kilometres north west of Bapaume.
28
3 kilometres north west of Bapaume.
29
1 kilometres south west of Ytres.
Mrs Walter Scott
35 Marsden Gds
Belfast
Miss Ethel Marshall
Gortagilly Hse
Moneymore
Co. Derry
Miss Sallie Hunter
Coltview Hse
Moneymore
Co Derry
Mr T. A. Nelson
37 Alfred St
Islington
London
Miss Trixie Woods
100 Whettley Rd
Eastbourne
Sussex
[Part 3 inside back cover]
[Diary ends].