| Regiment | 6th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Grandcourt Front Line. |
| Entry | Mn (0hrs) - Preparations for attack on 17th commenced. 1.30AM - Tape line laid out from a point in 16 Rd 30 yds N of its junction with FOLLY TR on a bearing of 288* M. for a distance of 570*. This line was divided into three equal parts and allotted to Coys in accordance with attached plan "B". Orders issued to Coys and final details determined see "C". 9.45 - Orders for march to forming up line issued under APA/4. 10.0 - Our heavies turned on to the German strong point at junction of 16 Rd and GRANDCOURT TR. Line immediately WEST of this point evacuated by withdrawing to the WEST. 11.45 - Orders issued to OC A Coy for evacuation of GRANDCOURT TR 1 1/2 hrs before Zero. During the period 7AM to 11.45AM the orchards at NE corner of GRANDCOURT were reconnoitred and found to be clear of the enemy. The line in front of COFFEE TR where it meets the GRANDCOURT MIRAUMONT RD was also reported to be a serious obstacle and not cut. Bde issued orders for STOKES guns to be turned on to this and Artillery were also informed. 12 NOON - Orders issued to D Coy to find a post to hold the orchards. [REMARKS - "see APA/7"] 5.50PM - Hour of zero received and issued to Coys. Time 5.45AM 17th. [REMARKS - "see APA/12] 6.10 - Orders issued to A Coy to have posts on 16 Rd & GRANDCOURT Rd to prevent troops marching beyond the tape line. [REMARKS - "see APA/13] The day of the 16th was fine but a thaw had set in and the going was very heavy. The atmosphere was rather misty and visibility was poor. Our Artillery spent the day cutting wire in front of COFFEE TR. The GERMAN Artillery shelled Bn HQ in the GUNPITS throughout the day and blew in one entrance to the dug out. The night was very dark and no stars could be seen. It was extremely difficult to find ones way owing to the broken state of the ground and the mud. The tape line which ran near Bn HQ was used by all runners after dark as a guide. 7.20PM - Report that wire in front of COFFEE TR was not properly cut sent in to Bde. |
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