| Regiment | 2nd Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Trenches |
| Entry | In the early morning we move , 'B' & 'C' companies to BERNAFAY WOOD, 'A' & 'D' coys to BRICQUETERIE and assemble for the attack, our part being to follow the Yorks through BERNFAY and TRONES WOODS and spring from the SE corner of the latter and attack MALTZ HORN TRENCH with two companies and gain connection with the French who are attacking on our right ('A' & 'D') companies remaining at BRICQUETERIE in reserve) On reaching the SE corner of BERNEFAY WOOD however, 'B' & 'C' coys find the Yorks checked and driven back into the wood. Meanwhile the French attack has succeeded and their left flank is in the air badly needing protection and the French ask for support. The following was therefore ordered and carried out:- 'A' company at once advanced across the open from BRICQUETERIE making for a point S of MALTZ HORN FARM, and succeeded in taking trenches between this farm and the left flank of the French thus protecting the French left. Meanwhile a re-bombardment of TRONES WOOD followed at 1pm by the assault by 'C' & 'D' companies led by LT COL GILLSON succeeded in taking the southern half of the wood clearing it of Germans, taking many prisoners and establishing a line on the south half of the eastern face of the wood. COL GILLSON became wounded and handed over command to LT SHEPHERD. During the evening many counter attacks by small parties of Germans are made from the north. These are all beaten off by our very thin line of men holding the ground taken. Reinforcements are called for and troops of the 19th and 18th Manchesters arrive before dark and reinforce. CAPT MACNAMARA who had been in reserve, now came up to TRONES WOOD and assumed command. About midnight the Germans make a strong counter attack from the north, their only success being to capture a Lewis gun and throw two grenades into our line. |
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