| Regiment | 8th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, SQUARE TRENCH E.12 b |
| Entry | 5PM. Battalion was ordered forward and moved towards BECOURT. BECOURT CHATEAU. 7:30PM. Orders for the attack were received verbally from the G.O.C. 53rd Brigade, shortly after the Battalion had arrived in that area from SQUARE TRENCH on the AMIENS-ALBERT ROAD. The objective assigned was the Eastern edge of TRONES WOOD from the Northern to the Southern extremities with orders to exploit to WATERLOT FM if possible. Forming up to be carried out in a line of BAZENTIN-LE-GRAND-MONTAUBAN road, north of the CATERILLAR WOOD VALLEY with the 7th Royal West Kents Regt on the right astride of the valley. The attack was to be carried through, under a barrage due Eastwards to the Eastern edge of TRONES WOOD North of the valley, and on this being gained "B" Company was detailed to clear the Southern portion of TRONES WOOD from North to South. The original attack to be carried out by "C" Coy on the left, supported by "A" Coy and "D" Coy on the right supported by "B" Coy, the latter company with the supplementary role mentioned above. 7th R.W. Kents were to extend the right flank backing it westwards to BERNAFAY WOOD. The whole operation was based on the assertion that LONGUEVAL and DELVILLE WOOD were in the hands of 38th Division, which subsequently proved incorrect. After receipt of orders the Commanding Officer (LT COLONEL T.M. BANKS DSO, MC, 10th Essex Regt assumed command of the Battalion on the 25th August), MAJOR S.W. WARR proceeding on 26th August to command 7th R.W. Kents Regt) proceeded with Company Commanders to reconnoitre forming up line while the Battalion marched up to neighbourhood of MAMETZ WOOD under CAPT WYKES MC and halted here about 11.30PM. Forming up area was reconnoitred but no sign of our troops found and their position was in some doubt. Final conference with Coy Commanders carried out on return to Battalion at MAMETZ WOOD and |
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