| Regiment | 1st Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Trenches |
| Entry | (17th -22nd) During this period the Battn remained in the line. As a hostile raid or an attack on a greater scale was still suspected special vigilance was maintained, and special plans laid for countering any hostile operation. Hostile artillery, however, remained for the greater part of the time inactive and the enemy's attitude throughout was quiet, out artillery carried out wire cutting operation on the 17th and 19th and each night fired bursts of 18 pdr shells on to gaps in the enemy's wire. On the 20th, in the afternoon a bombardment of the enemy's wire, front and support trenches, and suspected Trench mortar positions was carried out on the GIVENCHY RIDGE front, lasting for three quarters of an hour. In this operation 18 pdrs, 4.5" Hows and Heavy artillery took part, and, in addition, medium Trench mortars and Stokes. No reply was made by the enemy during the shoot, but at 4p.m. retaliatory fire was carried out by the enemy, lasting for 20 minutes. 150 5.9's and 300 shells of smaller calibre fell in A 9 d, A 9 c, A 9 a, the vicinity of WINDY CORNER and near HERTI REDOUBT, (A 8 d 7.3). This Battn sustained only one casualty, Pte Cannings, G of C Coy , wounded. Patrolling was carried out each night, but activity in this direction was rather restricted owing to the absence of moonlight. Enemy's wire was examined, and several attempts were made to enter hostile posts in A 9 b and D, but the enemy's wire proved too strong. On the early morning of the 19th a party of five of the enemy approached sap D and threw two bombs. They were met with bombs and Lewis Gun fire and retreated. Our snipers were offered numerous targets during the first half of the tour, and several hits were obtained, there being abnormal movement in Support and rear lines during those days. Other casualties, an addition to the one on 20th were:- 18th Killed, 5885 Pte Crook, F S. Wounded, 23740 Pte White, J. (died the following day) Wounded, 9547 Pte Henley, H. 20th Wounded, 23757 Pte Carpenter, W J. |
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