| Regiment | 10th (Labour) Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Rouen |
| Entry | March 1917. The Battn remained, encamped in No 3 Labor Camp Rouen, during the month of March 1917, and was employed on Labor Duties at various Departmental Depots. Further progress was made in "specialising" the work, "B" Company under supervision of 2/Lt Grandin, became associated with "A" Company under the capable management of 2/Lt Fricker, in discharging ships, (Department A, D, Docks, Base Supply Depot) and, on 14.3.17 2/Lt Fricker, established a "record" (2783 Tons) for the B.S.D, beating his own "Record" on 15.3.17 3252 Tons - and C Company has specialised at the Detail Issue Store and D Company in train loading, and a party of 2 ncos and 16 men of this company are "specialist" in stevedore, crane or winch work, working barges unassisted , at the RE Timber Yard (St [Sebasticus] Rouen). Various artisans have been furnished to other employers. 2. On March 3rd, Bt Col J H Balfour, was appointed to command No 15 Labor Group Rouen, in addn to commanding the Battalion - In orgainising the Group, which consists of a large number of Labor Units, and over 5000 personnel, but Balfour was ably assisted by Capt H A LASH, adjt 10th R Berks (L) who thus had a further opportunity of exhibiting the great Powers of Observation and Application which he undoubtedly possesses. 3. The Battalion Head Quarters Staff also assisted, in addition to their other duties in the very heavy Group Work. 4. The Director of Labor B Genl Gibb E visited the Battn on 2/3/17 and the DA, and QMG L oc area Brig Genl M Welch inspected the Camp on the 5th/3/17 accompanied by the Base Commandant Rouen. 5. On March 25th the clock was advanced one Hour. 6. The nights were frosty during the first week of March, the day of the 7th was marked by low temperature which [resulted] in severe weather, on the night of the 7/8 there was a Snow Blizzard and, water froze in the tents, and again froze on the 8/9 - snow fell on the fore noon of the 9th - Low temperature 15 - 22nd March on the night of 2nd snow fell. Ice formed inside the tents on the 23/24 - 24/25 and 27/28: and snow fell on 27th day. 7. In spite of the bad weather, the Men continued to work well, and maintain their Good Reputation. J H Balfour Bt LtCol Comm 10th (L) Batn Royal Regt |
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