| Regiment | 2/4th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Pontgruet-Gricourt Sector |
| Entry | The usual Wire patrols were out during the night. At 2.45am as 2/Lieut W H SMITH and Sargt AUSTIN were proceeding South down the SUNKEN ROAD in the Support line of the Right Coy they were attacked by 15 of the enemy who were lined along under the bank of the road. 2/Lieut SMITH immediately opened fire with his revolver causing some of the enemy to bolt. The remainder however came on and this Officer and Sgt retired alternately, each supporting the other with fire. On approaching the nearest post 2/Lieut Smith called out "Stand To" at which the enemy took fright and disappeared over the bank, leaving several bombs, and a cap and a pair of Wirecutters in the road. It subsequently transpired that the enemy had got into the road by cutting through three belts of wire. At 8.30am Capt Bowles went back with an advance party to arrange accommodation in the Left Support Area to which the Battalion was to go on relief. During the whole morning the enemy fired shrapnel over the valley in which Battalion Headquarters was situated. The relief commenced at dusk and took place without incident - relief complete being reported at 8.30pm. The Battalion dispositions in the new area were :- Battalion HQ & "B" Coy - Outside MAISSEMY on the MAISSEMY - HOLNON road "C" and "D" Coy - In MAISSEMY "A" Coy - Forward in ESSLING REDOUBT. During the tour in the front line the following men were wounded:- 10842 Pte Parr H 202977 Pte Edgington J. |
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