11 February: Difference between revisions

*Relieved by the 17th Highland Light Infantry in the F1 sector near Aveluy. The battalion returns to billets in Albert.<ref name="wdfeb16">[[11th Battalion War Diary, February 1916]]</ref>▼

:{{quote-left}}Dear Sir, Having had the pleasure of receiving a parcel of “Star” cigarettes, tobacco and matches, presumably through the instigation of the “Wheat Sheaf” and also by the “Miners Arms” customers. I would be greatly obliged, if, through the medium of your paper, you can find room to thank them on my behalf for their kindness. The smokes were greatly appreciated by some of my comrades and myself, and I can assure you we are truly grateful. I often notice letters in your paper from some of our boys, so I will not weary you any more with our experiences, suffice it to say that with the exception of a few casualties we are all fairly well and cheerful under the circumstances, and going strong although, I daresay, by now we have a somewhat weatherbeaten experience. However, it is the fortune of war, and I hope it will not be long before the terrible conflict is brought to a successful conclusion.{{quote-right}}<ref>''[[All Fairly Well and Cheerful]]'' &ndash; [[Workington Star and Harrington Guardian]]. Published 11 February 1916.</ref>▼

:{{quote-left}}Dear Sir, I am pleased to say I received your parcel of cigarettes and twist whilst in the trenches last week, and I desire to thank you and your readers for the kindness in sending out to us smokes. I need not tell you how much they are appreciated by all the boys out here. We have had a few more casualties during the past week, so we hope for the best when we go in again.{{quote-right}}<ref>''[[Had a Few More Casualties but Hoping for a Rest]]'' &ndash; [[Workington Star and Harrington Guardian]]. Published 11 February, 1916.</ref>▼

:{{quote-left}}Dear Sir, I now take pleasure in writing to thank you and your readers for the parcel of smokes I received quite safe on [[23 January|23rd January]]. We are at present in the trenches for seven days, and had quite a rough time of it yesterday. I am sorry to say my best pal was killed, and two others badly wounded by shrapnel, which makes us more determined than ever to retrieve our loss. I divided the Old Toms amongst the boys in our dug-out, and they all send their thanks for the same, which are far superior to the French brands that are sold out here.{{quote-right}}<ref>''[[Had Quite a Rough Time but More Determined Than Ever]]'' &ndash; [[Workington Star and Harrington Guardian]]. Published 11 February, 1916.</ref>▼

*At 4.30am the enemy delivers a counter attack from a north-east direction. Rapid Rifle fire, along with Lewis and Vickers machine gun fire, is brought down on the enemy. The hostile attack wanes and is held up with the exception of the left flank, which under cover of the smoke from the burning dug out, the enemy manages to reach our lines. A fight, mainly with bombs, ensues and the enemy is repulsed.<ref name="wdfeb17">[[11th Battalion War Diary, February 1917]]</ref> ▼

*The area covered by smoke is swept by rifle and Lewis machine gun fire and barraged by all available rifle grenades. The enemy retires.<ref name="wdfeb17" /> ▼

*Observation is hampered owing to heavy mist. At daylight a patrol is sent out and finds the enemy still in number on left flank and holding a post with three machine guns. When the mist clears and visibility is good, several of the enemy are shot who are seen retiring up the opposite slopes.<ref name="wdfeb17" /> ▼

*Battalion situated in the field where Companies spend the day working in the reserve area on machine gun emplacements and shelters. Later, kit inspections.<ref name="wdfeb18">[[11th Battalion War Diary, February 1918]]</ref>▼