| Regiment | 6th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Longueval |
| Entry | 1.30 - Strong counter attack by Germans on W edge of PRINCES ST and S portion of village. SOS signal of 5 white rockets sent up but no notice taken by artillery probably because the rockets look like Very lights. HQ party defended S portion of village near church. RW Fus arrive in the middle of the attack but refuse to wait till it has been defeated. 1.50 - Attack still continuing - heavy rifle and MG fire. Germans making no progress. 2.30 - Attack defeated - quietening down - slight casualties. RW Fus report heavy casualties as the were caught in the S Africans MG fire. 2.50 - Relief completed in accordance with Norfolks message of 10.50PM. 4.30 - Situation normal - supplies of water, amms, bombs, rations and rifle grenades got up. 6.30 - Situation sent to Bde. 6.50 - S Africans report they have been relieved. 6.55 - RW Fus report they hold from our left (REGENT ST) to left edge of wood and particulars of attack in night. 8.5 - BM54 from Bde recd - wire cut in the middle of the message and a request for it to be sent by runner sent to Bde. 8.20 - BM31 received - on enquiriy this information was proved to be wrong, the RW Fus did not hold PRINCES ST line but the line actually taken and held by us in the afternoon 80yds S of PRINCES ST. 8.30 - S Africans found to be still on our left in spite of orders and reports for their relief. 8.50 - Whole line reconnoitred and found to be held in accordance with attached sketch. 9.45 - Situation reported to Bde. 11.55 - Casualties reported to Bde (9 Offrs 211 OR) BM54 received but impossible to comply owing to heavy shelling. BM57 also received. 12.5 PM - Comms with Bde re-established by telephone. 12.30 - Position and situation reported verbally to Bde - Explanation of why we held the SE corner of wood called for and sent in Pi/213. 1.55 - with copy of Norfolks message 1.45 - BM61 received and arrangements made with Essex and RW Fus to comply with this. Reliefs to commence at 3pm. 3.15 - Germans attempt to bomb into SE corner of wood - easily driven off by rifle grenades. 3.50 - Report as to retirement of 2 Coys received from Norfolks. Adjutant sent to enquire and found relief was being carried out in good order. 4PM - Norfolks apologise for error made in the message rcd at 3.15PM. 5.15 - Situation reported to Bde. 6.22 - Situation reported to Bde Casualties 1 Officer 12 other ranks. 8.0 - Information re relief received. 8.35 - Details of relief by R Fus received. 9.0 - Guides sent to meet R Fus. 9.50 - Relief commenced. |
The Wardrobe,
58 The Close,
Salisbury, SP1 2EX,
England
For Collections, Research & Retail Enquiries:
07304 068136
For Venue Hire, Volunteering & Other General Enquiries:
07375 103910