| Regiment | 1st Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Billets BEUVRY |
| Entry | Weather warm and bright with occasional rain. The Battn paraded at 9.30 am and carried out a Route March, accompanied by Transport and Drums. Route: BEUVRY - LE QUESNOY - GORRE - LE HAMEL - LES CHOQUAUX - BETHUNE. Dinners were served at CHAMP DE MARS BETHUNE. The column left Bethune and returned to Beuvry at 2 pm. In the evening 2/Lt DENHAM gave a lecture to Officers and NCO's on musketry. Strength of Battn 31.8.1917 Effective 38 Officers 694 OR's Ration 29 Officers 527 OR's SUMMARY 21.6.17 to 31.8.17 The 99th Infantry Brigade took over the CAMBRIN SECTOR on 21.6.1917 and after 6 days in Brigade Reserve at NOYELLES the Battn moved into front trenches of RIGHT sub-sector holding a front of about 1000x extending from RAILWAY ALLEY on N to CLIFFORD ST on S (both exclusive) and consisting of a number of advanced posts numbered L1 to L19 with NORTHAMPTON TRENCH as support trench. A system of tunnels and dugouts giving covered access to the principle positions. Plans are attached showing the extent of the front and the positions of the posts and tunnels. The Battn alternately relieved and was relieved by the 1st KRRC - each Battn doing 6 days in front line - 6 days in support - 6 days in front line - 6 days in reserve until 26.8.1917 when the 99th Brigade was relieved by the 139th Brigade (46th Divn). Throughout this period the Battn Trench strength was under 400 and the organization as 2 Companies of 4 platoons each was continued. Owing to this weakness in numbers the Battn was not able to effect much in the way of work, but the drainage and revetment of the posts and trenches and the sanitary condition of the line were all considerably improved during the period. The Battn carried out some daring and valuable patrols and also gave useful support to operations by units on either flank but did not take part in any operations. The period was comparatively quiet, our casualties being: KILLED 2 Officers and 7 OR's, WOUNDED 18 OR (2 self inflicted) all caused by enemy trench mortars and rifle grenades. Very little training was possible, even when in reserve owing to the nature of the country, observation by the enemy, and the constant demand for working parties. [signed] G Hunt Lt Col Commd 1st Royal Berks Regt. Various plans of "CAMBRIN RIGHT" subsector (traced from air photographs and one giving details of patrols) and a map of GIVENCHY RIGHT subsector which the Battn held for a while in September are attached to be filed with the diary please. [signed] J D Hazett [?] Lieut/Adjt 2.11.1917 |
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