| Regiment | 1st Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, FRONT LINE / Divnl Reserve METZ |
| Entry | Our relief was due this day and as a last effort to secure a prisoner, a small organized raid was made at 3 am on the enemy dug-out which had been the scene of the patrol encounter on morning of 18th. Instructions for this raid and other documents relating to same are annexed. The raid was not a success, the enemy having erected a barricade on the road during the night which practically neutralised the tactics of the parties approaching from the N, at the same time adding to the strength of the enemy position. The L.T.M. bombardment was also disappointing - all 4 guns "jamming" owing to the long range and the enforced use of additional charge "rings" - and only 38 rounds were fired. The enemy held the position by means of a machine gun & bombs and a lucky shot with the latter wounded 7 of the party. In addition, on calling the roll 2 OR were found missing though no one could explain their disappearance. At night we were relieved in the line by 1/K.R.R.C and moved into Divnl Reserve at METZ-EN-COUTURE. Relief complete 8.15 pm Casualties NIL. Last Company arrived in billets 10.30 pm (Bde and Bn Relief orders are attached) No sooner were Companies in billets than the enemy fired some 20 or 30 H.V. shells into the Village, but caused us no casualties. Work Report attached. This ended a memorable tour - 6 days in close support and 7 days in the line - in all 13 days without respite. The Battn can look back with pride on these 13 days for an immense amount of very useful wiring and digging was accomplished as the work reports attached will testify and at the same time, when in the front line, not a night passed without fighting and reconnoitring patrols going out on the whole front and by skill and boldness obtaining valuable information and securing for us the absolute mastery of "no mans land" Their activity was inspired by a hint that an "identification" from the Divisional front was needed - and it was a genuine disappointment to all ranks that in spite of our efforts, we were unable to secure a prisoner. |
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