| Regiment | 8th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, COMBLES |
| Entry | 4:0AM. "C" Coy pushed out patrols into the enemy trench intermediate between ST. PIERRE VAAST WOOD and VAUX WOOD and reported it unoccupied. An Officers patrol having verified the withdrawal of the enemy from ST. MARTINS WOOD, the leading troops were ordered forward along the line preceded by patrols and eventually the 10th ESSEX REGT occupied the high ground overlooking MANANCOURT and CANAL DU NORD, while this Battalion moved up to support their right flank in HENNOIS WOOD. Heavy M.G. and shell fire were met with in this wood and D Coy were unable to debouch on to the line of the CANAL. 5:0PM. "A" and "B" Coys were moved up from reserve to neighbourhood of ST. PIERRE VAAST WOOD and "C" Coy was ordered to patrol through VAUX WOOD and make good the further edge and the line of the CANAL if possible. The enemy were found to be occupying the rising ground intermediately E of the R. TORTILLE and our patrols were met with brisk machine gun and rifle fire. 8:30PM. "A" Coy was moved up to make good the line of the canal at dark and this was successfully effected. Subsequently "B" Coy attempted by vigorous patrolling to secure a passage of the TORTILLE and a footing on the high ground beyond. All patrols crossed the canal and pushed beyond but were met with severe frontal and flank fire and were unable to progress. These patrols were withdrawn from their exposed positions at dawn in accordance with orders, but covering posts were left to protect the Canal crossings. |
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