| Regiment | 2nd Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, In Action near Chambrecy |
| Entry | At about 2.15am the enemy artillery opened with great violence on the whole of the Front, and heavily bombarded our positions and the woods in rear. Our own artillery appeared to open at the same moment, putting down heavy counter barrage. The enemy used a large number of gas shells, which hung about the woods the whole day. The bombardment by the enemy's artillery, although very heavy, caused extremely few casualties, owing no doubt to the well concealed shell hole positions occupied by our men. The bombardment continued until about 4.15 am, when it appeared to be lifting. About 4.30am the enemy were seen to be advancing up the hill SOUTH of the CHAMBRECY Road in artillery formation, about 200 strong. Lieuts S COLLIER and HW MARSH seized the situation, got together about 30 to 40 men of the WILTS company, and advanced to meet them under covering fire from our MGs and rifles. These Officers then charged the enemy, who turned and ran, sustaining many casualties. A bugle was captured from one of the enemy by Lieut COLLIER. The WILTS party then withdrew to its former position. By this time it had become light, and the situation was clearer. North of the road the WELCH and ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS companies were rather more heavily engaged, and the enemy managed to obtain a footing in the small woods immediately NORTH of the CHAMBRECY Road, but here he was counter attacked and driven off. Severe casualties were inflicted upon him by all arms. Throughout the day he continued to attack the MONTAGNE de BLIGNY, obtaining lodgements occasionally from which he was continually forced out. The GLOUCESTERS reported at 10am that they had been attacked, but had driven off the enemy by MG fire, and said their positions were intact. The CHESHIRES on our Right flank withdrew a little, but on being reinforced regained their old positions, and reported all again in order at 10.30am. The OC WILTS company, in order to safeguard his flank, swung his Right flank around a little and reinforced the ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS on the road. These positions were maintained all day, and handed over on relief at night (about 1.30am) to the 150th Bde. The Composite Battalion then withdrew to the BOIS de COURTON (Divsl Reserve), arriving there between 4 and 5.30am. Major WS SHEPHERD, MC, joined the Transport Lines from the Surplus Personnel. |
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