| Regiment | 1st Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | Belgium, Wulverghem |
| Entry | (9th - 12th) Orders were received on the 9th that the Battn was to take over the Front Line from the 52nd Battn Australian Imperial Forces after dark. This line was ODIOUS TRENCH running from O 28.a 9.1 to O 28.a 5.4 (France Sheet 28 SW) and in addition six advanced posts between ODIOUS TRENCH and ODIOUS SUPPORT were to be taken over. It was impossible to reconnoitre the line by day, there being no CTs, and all approaches were under observation from the enemy. The Battn moved up after dark, but as the Australian guides led the parties astray, the relief was not complete until 3a.m. The left Coy got into touch with a Lincoln Regt of the 11th Div and the right Coy was kept in Support in the neighbourhood of buildings at O 28 a 2.O. During the 10th and 11th the Battn remained in this position. By day his snipers were active, and at night his machine guns. His shelling was chiefly delivered chiefly against the Support company and in the vicinity of the Battn HQ at O 27 c 3.9. Not many casualties were caused. On the night of the 11/12th the Battn was relieved by the 6th York & Lancs Regt, relief being complete by 1.30a.m. The Battn bivouacked near WULVERGHEM by the NEUVE EGLISE RD, and rested on the 12th. Roll calls were held and checks taken of deficiencies in equipment and arms. The Bde received congratulatory messages from Army Corps and Division Commanders. The Battn's total captured were 148 prisoners and 7 machine guns. The casualties for this period 7th - 11th inclusive were : killed 2 officers, (Lieut N G King, and 2nd Lieut S F G Jones), and 19 other ranks. Wounded, 2 officers (Lieut J R Tayler and 2nd Lieut B W Bidwell) and 96 other ranks. Died of wounds : 1 officer (Lieut C Sainsbury, MC) and 7 other ranks. Wounded, still at duty : 2 officers, (Capt R F T Hayward, MC and 2nd Lieut G R Tanner) and 3 other ranks. On the 11th, the "B" team which had been at MORBEQUE rejoined the Battn. 50 other ranks had previously joined from "B" team on the 6th, in view of the shortage in numbers and as a result of casualties sustained in the first week of June. |
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