| Regiment | 1st Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Front Line CAMBRIN RIGHT |
| Entry | Between 5 and 6 am the enemy fired a large number of large calibre gas shells on our battery positions at ANNEQUIN and VERMELLES and back areas. No trace of the gas was noticeable in the line. The remainder of the day passed without incident, and in the evening the Battn was relieved in the line by 1/KRRC and moved into support. The old dispositions were resumed, No 1 Coy moving to RESERVE TRENCH with 1 platoon in CENTRAL KEEP and No 2 Coy in FACTORY DUG-OUTS with 1 platoon in ANNEQUIN. Battn HQ in ANNEQUIN. Casualties nil. On reaching Annequin we found that on the previous night the enemy had pumped poison gas down the mine shaft of FOSSE 8 and thus filled the numerous ramifications of the BETHUNE mine system with the gas - entrapping a number of British troops on duty under FOSSE 8 and some French civilian miners in the galleries connecting FOSSE 8 with FOSSE 9 ANNEQUIN. The 170th Tunnelling Coy RE had organized a rescue party. The Battn was called on to provide a guard at FOSSE 9 (1 O & 9 OR) relieving 1/KRRC and our MO (Capt D S CASSIDY) descended the mine to assist the rescue party. Our signallers were in touch with the bottom of the mine. From 12 to 1 that night the enemy shelled FOSSE 9 with 5.9" and 8" gas shells (Mustard gas). |
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