| Regiment | 1st Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Leipzig Salient |
| Entry | Enemy continued shelling. Shortly after mid-day orders were received that the whole Battn was to move into the old enemy trench in the Leipzig Salient with a view to an attack on the enemy 2nd line, which was very strongly held forming the Leipzig Redoubt. The length of line to be attacked was about 600 yards and necessary operation orders were issued. At 4p.m. however the length of objective was changed to 300 yards. Operation orders were issued as follows. C & D Coys were selected to do the assault, C Coy on right and D Coy on our left. B Coy half to form carrying parties, half in support. The attack was carried out in following order Attacking wave of each company, C & D, 3 platoons In support 1 platoon Two platoons of B Coy were carrying parties, one to each attacking Coy. The remaining half Coy of B were in support holding the line of the Quarry. The time originally appointed for the attack was 6p.m., this was afterwards changed to 7p.m. For half min before this, there was an intense artillery bombardment assisted by Stokes Mortars, punctually at 7p.m. our 1st wave advanced to the attack under heavy rifle and machine gun fire. D Coy on the left under Capt R L Knubley reached their objective without heavy casualties, but D Coy on the left were badly cut up by machine gunfire and though they reached their objective were insufficient in numbers to withstand the heavy German Counter attack which followed immediately, and were compelled to withdraw temporarily. The second wave of each Coy consisting of 1 platoon had followed on the first wave at an interval of about 30-40 yards. C Coy on the right were followed by the carrying party of 1 platoon of B Coy. After the trench had been cleared of Germans, all dugouts were bombed immediately and then took in hand the consolidation of the position gained. Barricades were erected in all the communication trenches leading to the German 3rd line and bombing parties posted. In the case of 1 CT the Germans had erected a strong barricade prior to the attack. Two blocks were also built on the left of the captured trench, the second about thirty yards behind the first as a precautionary measure in case retirement became necessary. The men in this attack were magnificent, all showing the greatest coolness and initiative. Officer casualties in this attack were:- D Coy 2nd Lieut Starkey, missing. Lieut Holman, wounded (later died of wounds). C Coy Lieut G W Penruddocke. 2nd Lieut Troughton. Very shortly after the attack commenced the enemy began an intense bombardment chiefly directed on their old front line now occupied by our HQ and support company, especially on that portion of it into which the Russian Sap entered, an underground tunnel from the old British front line excavated before first offensive of July 1st 1916. In this bombardment 1 shell made a direct hit on the trench killing Lieut Colonel W S Brown and wounding RSM Parker and 2nd Lieut Stockbridge the Battn Signalling Officer. Capt A H Hales acting 2nd in Command who was directing the attack from the line of the Quarries having also been killed, Capt R L Knubley took Command of the Battn until the arrival of Capt S S Ogilvie from the B team. Other officers brought up from the B team were 2nd Lieut Sharpe, 2nd Lieut J R Tayler. Prisoners taken during this attack 41. Approx Casualties Killed 20. Missing 22. Wounded 158. Missing believed killed 2. Recommendation for Award 7th Inf Bde. 25th Division. 10th Corps July 5th. For immediate award. 1ar Battn Wiltshire Regt, 7809[4] L/Cpl Victor Wilfred Butler. On 5th July 1916 at Leipzig Salient, L/Cpl Butler displayed greatest devotion to duty. For several hours continuously he carried grenades up to the front line through an intensive barrage. Recommended by S S Ogilvie, Capt. Commanding 1st Wilts Regt. Honour awarded, Military Medal21/7/1916 Recommended (signed)xxxxxxxxxxxxx Brig General. Commanding 7th Brigade. 7th Inf Bde. 25th Division. 10th Corps. July 5th 1916. For immediate award. 1st Battn Wiltshire Regt No 19899 Pte Arthur Wheeler On the evening of July 5th 1916 at Leipzig Salient during an attack on an enemy trench, Pte Wheeler displayed great courage in bringing up his Lewis rifle, under severe fire, to an exposed flank from which he was able to enfilade the German trench inflicting many casualties on the enemy. Recommended by S S Ogilvie Capt. Commanding 1st Wilts Regt. Honour awarded. Military Medal. 21/7/1916. Major General Commanding 25th Division. [signed] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Brig General Commanding 7th Inf Bde. |
The Wardrobe,
58 The Close,
Salisbury, SP1 2EX,
England
For Collections, Research & Volunteering Enquiries:
Please note that we are currently not accepting new object donations.
07304 068136
For Venue Hire, Retail & Other General Enquiries:
07375 103910