| Regiment | 2nd Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Estaires |
| Entry | Battalion paraded at 2.30am near NU MONDE crossroads under Capt Gillson & marched to CAMERON LANE ( accompanied by machine guns) The Battalion arrived at the first position of assembly ( CAMERON LANE ) at 5.30am and occupied the trenches there in rear of 2/Gordons. At 7.30am the artillery bombardment commenced and lasted for 1/2 an hour All the morning the British wounded streamed past and it was not till about 1pm that the Battalion received the order to advance. The advance from the end of CAMERON LANE was carried out by companies in lines of section at 25 yards interval. Order of Coys 'D', 'C', 'A' & 'B' . About 2.30pm on arrival at second support trenches in rear of NEUVE CHAPPELLE the Coys reformed fast then 'D', 'C' Coys pushed forward to old British trench. All this time the Battalion was under shell fire but not very heavy. Up to this time the Battalion had been in Brigade reserve but now they were given the task of clearing the German trenches on the left of the 2/ Yorks attacked on MIN DU PIETRE & thence connecting with the old British line. For this purpose 'D' & 'C' Coys were pushed forward to the captured German trench about the road junction 250x S of THE MOTED GRANGE. Here a great delay took place and Capt Gillson went forward to see what was the matter. He was wounded in the leg almost at once so Capt Makin assumed command. As definite orders had been received that the Brigade was only to advance at the command of the Brigade Commander there was a long delay. The reason for this delay was not known. When at last the order to advance was given 'C' Coy advanced between the British and German trenches in column of platoon supported by 'D' Coy in the same formation. A bombing party worked along the actual trench. At first all went well and about 108 (including an officer) prisoners surrendered. These were marched off under a party of 'D' Coy. In the meantime 'A' &'B' Coys had arrived & formed up behind the leading companies. When the leading company reached a wide wet ditch about 50 yards NE of THE MOTED GRANGE a hot rifle fire was opened from the German trench. Still progress was made for another 100 yards of German trench was captured. It was about this time that Capt Hoare & Lt Spencer was killed. No further progress could be made that day as the left company of the 2/ Yorks was still further in rear. About dusk Bn HQ was established close to that of the 2/Yorks in the German trench about 150x SE of THE MOTED GRANGE. During the night 'A' Coy were brought up & proceeded to dig in in front of the wet ditch & connecting the German & British trench. 'D' Coy did the same but in the rear of the ditch. 'C' Coy did the same in rear of the ditch. 1 Coy of 2/Gordons assisted 'A' Coy to dig the trench 'B' Coy remained in reserve at the road junction. |
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