| Regiment | 8th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, FRONT LINE TRENCHES |
| Entry | Notice of an impending attack was received on evening of 20th from Brigade Hd Qrs. This was transmitted to companies, who, as previously ordered, immediately on receipt of order "Prepare for Attack", manned their Battle Positions. Prior to attack, dispositions were, as shown above, Batt HQrs LA GUINGUETTE FM, B and D Coys in Front Line, A Coy in support and C (Counter-attack Coy) in trench in rear of Batt Hd Qrs. 4:30AM. About this time a heavy barrage was put down on the front line system, this included much gas shelling. Back areas were subjected to heavy and concentrated area shoots. There was a very thick mist and visibility at daybreak was about 10 yards. All communications were destroyed almost immediately. 2nd LIEUT E. WALLIS together with 8632 PTES A. KYTE and 14826 G. SHIRLEY made repeated endeavours to restore communications. 10AM. LIEUT T.H. BAKER who was badly wounded had made his way the barrage and reached Batt Hd Qrs. He reported that O.C. "D" Coy (LIEUT E.J. MECEY) had received a message from 2nd LIEUT W.C.A. HANNEY, the commander of D Coy's front platoon (occupying the line to SUNKEN ROAD) stating that the enemy had entered our front line trenches and that he was holding out. The message did not give the point where the enemy had penetrated. No news was received from "B" (the right coy) and no definite information can be obtained as to the fighting on this coy front. About 10AM two runners, 18571 PTE H. BUTVHER MM and 18268 PTE G. SPARROW endeavoured to obtain touch with front line. They passed through the barrage and made towards "D" Coy Hd Qrs in MAGPIE WOOD. Before reaching the wood they came in touch with the enemy and were obliged to return. From statements of NCO's and men of "A" Coy it appears that the enemy reached this Coy's positions at about 10AM, met with considerable opposition and was temporarily checked. 10:30AM. Rifle shots were heard from direction of junction of main ST QUENTIN Rd and MOY Rd and a few enemy were reported to be moving along this road towards Batt Hd Qrs. LT COLONEL R.E. DEWING DSO order Batt Hd Qrs to man the trench which was occupied by "C" Coy behind Hd Qrs dug-out. CAPT and ADJT H.LE G. SARCHET MC stayed behind ay Head Qrs and destroyed all papers etc. Whilst doing this he was attacked by the enemy and killed several of them with his revolver before he withdrew. 11AM. In a thick line the enemy advanced to the attack of the trench West of Batt Hd Qrs. Owing to the intense mist they were able to approach to within 50 yards of our trench, but were then shot down almost to a man. This checked their advance for a time. They then began working round both flanks of our position and shortly afterwards M.G. Fire was opened on the post from on rear of it. This fire, combined with accurate sniping from all sides caused heavy casualties, one sniper about 50 yards in front, in a shell hole was particularly active. LIEUT N. WILLIAMS having located this sniper climber over the parapet accompanied by his servant, 36668 PTE J.E. PETERS, rushed him with the bayonet and secured him as a prisoner. When returning to the trench this Officer was killed. By his great act of gallantry which was performed under heavy fire he undoubtedly saved many lives. About this time the mist began to lift and on realising that the position was surrounded and that the leading troops of the enemy were already far advanced towards LY FONTAINE, Lt Colonel DEWING ordered the remaining forces to withdraw down SEINE ALLEY towards the battle zone. During the defence of this post 13099 L/C E.H. NOYES and 21583 PTE J. IRVING displayed coolness and gallantry, doing much execution with their Lewis Guns. CSM J. ORSGOOD with several other unidentified men, covered the withdrawal of the survivors by leading a bombing attack along the trench. MAJOR D. TOSETTI MC and LIEUT S.A.G. HARVEY lead an attack down SEINE ALLEY with the object of clearing the way for the remainder. Whilst doing this both Officers were killed. 10249 SGT W.J. SPOKES then took command, continued the attack and cleared the trench. Great gallantry was displayed by this NCO and for a time he was fighting alone. Survivors then proceeded down the Battle Zone where they joined some of the 10th ESSEX Regt in manning these defences. Batt Hd Qrs was established at ADOLPHE POST. During the afternoon and evening these positions were maintained against all enemy attacks LY FONTAINE 22/22.3.18. 12 Midnight. The order to withdraw was received by Lt Colonel DEWING. This was effected without opposition or casualties. Route taken was REMIGNY-CANAL BRIDGE at FRIERS FAILLOUEL. At this latter place Batt Bivouaced for remainder of the night. |
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