| Regiment | 1st Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, [Vailly] |
| Entry | (Monday) Marched at 5a.m. as Advance Guard to Bde through BRENELLE to high ground E of CHASSEMY, pushed on from here to cross the River AISNE at VAILLY, where bridge made by engineers during the night was under fire from enemy's artillery: while here 8th and 9th Bde who had crossed the river under cover of darkness are engaged on N Bank. G.O.C. 8th Bde asked for 1Battn to be sent to his assistance: Wilts Regt sent off, and told to go via woods, and, cross by railway bridge between VAILLY and PRESLES. This bridge was demolished, but a plank had been put across the breach. On approaching this bridge the Battn on the right of the 9th Bde who were on the right of our position across the AISNE, were seen to be falling back and had already reached the broken railway bridge. Battn at once took up a position to cover their retirement: Lieut Col Bird RIR now arrived to assume Command of this part of the Bde. Col Bird ordered and advance and to seize the hill to the N, part of which was still held by the 9th Bde. The Battn crossed by the broken bridge and got on the hill NE of St PRECORD, N of VAILLY, the company on the right, A Coy, having some casualties in getting there. The Royal Irish Rifles now crossed and prolonged our line to our left. (the West). Battn took up an outpost line at dusk and entrenched. The enemy made a half hearted attack about 11p.m. which was not pressed. |
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