| Regiment | 1st Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Corps reserve MANANCOURT |
| Entry | The morning dawned a fine day. The intensity of enemy shelling increased every hour, and the general uneasiness grew though everyone was in the dark as to the actual position. Soon it was rumoured that FINS had been occupied by the enemy. This was difficult to believe though it proved to be true. We received absolutely no official enlightenment as to the situation. The disintegration of the Division had commenced the 5th and 6th Brigades having moved NORTHWARDS to support the 17th Divn near HERMIES while our Brigade was left at disposal of 5th Army. This day saw the commencement of further confusion and disorganization. (sic) For subsequent movements of the Battn - Refce maps 57c & 57d 1/40000. At 9.30 am A & B Companies were moved to EQUANCOURT to strengthen the line held by 23/RF and were soon in touch with the enemy fighting a stubborn rearguard action all day and withdrawing by stages through VALLULART WOOD - YTRES - BUS - ROCQUIGNY whence the survivors rejoined 1st line Transport near LE TRANSLOY at night. At midday Battn HQ and C and D Companies were moved to hold a line from BEETROOT FACTORY (Y.2 Central) EASTWARD to the Railway - they had scarcely got into position when the enemy came in sight and a rearguard action commenced and we withdrew by stages via the cemetery at ETRICOURT (where Capt. P L MOUSLEY was wounded) LECHELLE WOOD (where the Commanding Officer Lt Col G.P. HUNT CMG DSO was killed while gallantly rallying all troops within reach) LE MESNIL-EN-ARROUAISE-ROCQUIGNY where the residue attached themselves to troops of the 47th Divn commanded by Lt Col DAWES and spent the night. Soon after noon details moved to join 1st line Transport at LE MESNIL - being sped on their way by a sudden increase in the intensity of the hostile bombardment of MANANCOURT which the enemy occupied only a few minutes later. In less than an Hour Transport and Details were forced to leave LE MESNIL by the enemy shelling and moved back by order of Brigade through SAILLY SAILLISEL to a point just SOUTH of LE TRANSLOY where the night was spent. Capt M P PUGH MC here assumed command. |
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