| Regiment | 1st Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, BEAUMETZ |
| Entry | Hazy morning & roads very sticky. At 6-58 am orders were received to move to trenches in J10 c & d vacated by 1st Kings Regt. Battalion moved in artillery formation. Observers reconnoitred the route & guided Companies to their positions. [location] TRENCHES IN J10 c&d The weather had now improved & there was every prospect of a fine day. The trenches were reached at 8.8 am. 2/Lt Gould (who was attached to Battalion HQ as Communication officer) went to brigade which was situated on the HERMIES-DEMICOURT Road, to report arrival in new area & location of Battalion HQ. Lt Col Powell rejoins the Battalion here. At 10.50 am 2/Lt Gould returned with orders for the Battalion to move to area K8c. Battalion moved in artillery formation & arrived at 12-20 pm. [location] W OF CANAL DU NORD IN TRENCHES IN K8 c 2/Lt Gould left for Brigade to report position. Col Powell went to Brigade & was told that he must not go into action with the Battalion. Col Powell left the Battalion & proceeded to the Transport lines. At 12.55 pm 2/Lt Gould returned with orders that we were to move to area K9 b East of Canal. At this time the Canal was being rather heavily shelled by the enemy. Battalion advanced in Artillery formation & arrived at new area at 2.25 pm. [location] E OF CANAL IN K9 b At 2.35 pm the C.O. went to Brigade for a conference. On his return Company Commanders were sent for & were told that RIBECOURT had been taken but that GRAINCOURT was in enemy hands. Our left flank had to be protected. To do this an outpost line was established C & D Coys were in front line B Coy in Support and A Coy in Reserve. Battalion HQ was established in a dugout previously occupied by MINENWERFER Personnel. While here we were worried by an enemy MG nest which, though surrounded still held out. At 3-3- pm the enemy MG nest was reduced by the guards & about 100 prisoners including a Battalion Commander were captured. At 4.55 BM 10 marked 'L' was received & the C.O. sent for Company Commanders & explained the situation to them. At 5-30 pm Battalion moved in Artillery formation to trenches in K17 b&d arriving at 7 pm [location] TRENCHES IN K17 b & d Very poor accommodation & very cold. Battalion was told to remain here & await orders. At 9-30 pm all Commanding Officers were sent for by the Brigadier. at 11-30 pm the C.O returned & all Company Commanders were sent for. The C.O. had received verbal instructions from Brigade that the Battalion was to attack at 5 am on the 28th. The situation was discussed & the C.O. issued verbal orders to Company Commanders |
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