| Regiment | 1/4th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Hebuterne |
| Entry | Working parties as on the 17th, but very little work was done in the afternoon. Drums and a band were heard from the direction of BUCQUOY about 8.30a.m. Our Batteries and the London Brigade attached to them for instruction had arranged a straffe to commence at 3.25p.m., but at 2.40p.m. their heavy Batteries opened fire on two trenches held by the OXFORDS, and the trenches each side of BUCQUOY ROAD held by our left company. (In the morning about 10.30a.m. 15 shells had fallen on JENA and the Barricade) 380 shells were counted on our left trenches in 50 minutes, of which about 50 were "duds". JENA, the right of GUDIN, and on traverse in BATAILLE were badly damaged, BOYEAUX, HADDON, MONT VALIER and NAPIER were blocked with earth in several places. From 3.25 to 3.40 p.m. two Field Guns fired from the South end of GOMMECOURT WOOD at HOCHE and Communication trenches behind. This was the worst shelling we have experienced. The two platoons holding the left Section of our line were very well handled by Captain THORNE, and in spite of the large number of shells falling in that area, there were no casualties. The Signallers attached to this Company showed great bravery in repairing their line which had been broken. Sergt WICKENS came up from the Report Centre to direct the work, which was carried on whilst the shells were falling. 2 Platoons of A Company and the two Machine Guns from the KEEP were sent to reinforce the OXFORDS in case of an attack by the enemy by night. D Company and a few men of C Coy were working from 6p.m. to midnight to repair the damage and by this time the wire which had practically been levelled in may places, and the damaged trenches were made secure to meet a possible attack. Heavy Motor Transport was heard from the direction of BUCQUOY from 8 to 10p.m. A fine but misty day. Remarks 2nd Lieut Davis (5th Sussex) left to rejoin his Battalion. |
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