| Regiment | 1st Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Lagnicourt |
| Entry | (27th - 31st) The Battn remained in the line until the end of the month. The enemy's attitude was quiet, particularly upon the 27th, when the mist rendered observation impossible. Subsequently when the weather became much clearer there considerable aerial activity on the part of both sides, and at night the vicinity of BAPAUME and FAVREUIL was bombed. There was very little hostile shelling of the Battn's sector out each evening LAGNICOURT and the batteries west of LAGNICOURT were shelled. Patrols were out each night upon the Battn front, but on no occasion encountered any of the enemy. Throughout the tour work was largely confined to the cleaning of trenches and the making of beams. The dry weather enabled this to be done and in this way precautions were taken to prevent the sides of the trenches slipping in again, as had happened during the wet weather in the middle of the month. One Coy of the 4th S Staffs Regt was attached to the Battn for working and tactical purposes: this Coy provided parties for work upon two Cook houses in course of erection for the use of the two front line Coys and in addition was responsible for the cleaning of EDINBURGH AVENUE and the beam of the trench. Wire was put out in front of three outposts on the left front line Coy otherwise all available labour was devoted to trench maintenance. During the month reinforcements joined the Battn on dates as follows:- 11th 2 officers 2nd Lieuts J W Gunning and L C K Wyatt, and 2 men. 17th 21 other ranks. 19th 5 men for water duties to replace RAMC personnel. 25th 2 men. 29th 4 Signallers. The fighting strength of the Battn at the end of the month was 23 officers and 620 other ranks. There were changes in the command of the Battn as follows:- On the 24th Lieut Col Ogilvie DSO took over Command of the Brigade, during the absence of Brig General Griffen on leave. From the 24th until 26th Capt Hayward MC commanded the Battn. From the 26th inclusive until the end of the month Major G D Brown MC commanded, rejoining the Battn on 26th inst from 4th S Staffs Regt. [signed] G D Brown Major Commanding 1st Battn Wiltshire Regt. |
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