| 11th Border Regiment War Diary Transcriptions (1915-1918) The National Archives WO/95/2403
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 1915 | ✔ | |||||||||||
| 1916 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 1917 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 1918 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events |
LOMBARDZYDE SECTOR |
The Battalion remained in occupation of the "C" Subsector. Two companies holding the 1st 2nd and 3rd lines. 2 Coys in support. The day was moderately quiet. PONT PASTRE was shelled and broken during morning. NOSE LANE was also smashed about. Enemy very inactive, except for shelling. | ||
| Battalion remained in occupation of "C" Subsector. Day fairly quiet not much shelling. | |||
| Battn still in line. Faily heavy shelling of left communication trench & PONT PASTRE which was hit in two or three places. Remainder of day quiet. | |||
| Battalion in line. Relief by 17th HLI commenced at 9pm and complete by 10.30pm. | |||
| Battalion moved back to dug outs in NEW PARADE & WALK (Reserve). At 11.24pm, 4/7/17 we launched a raid on the enemy line, consisting of 2/Lt SYKES M.C. (wounded) 2/Lt FERNIE, 2/LT PIGOTT & 35 O.R. A Bangalore torpedo was fired at 12.15am and upon the party rushing forward they were met by a heavy barrage of bombs from the enemy. Finding the trench held too strongly and the party became weakened by casualties, they had to withdraw. This was done successfully, all the party returned except one killed & one missing (believed killed). Our Artillery opened up a covering barrage at 12.26am, one and a quarter minutes after asking for support. Communications to Battery was by lamps (Lucas Daylight) from Font line to O.P. & thence by phone. | |||
| 2/Lt BISHOP killed in working party about midnight 5th/ 6th by indirect M.G. fire. Back areas being under heavy shelling during morning and afternoon with 8" Naval Shells. Retaliation from our Field Guns & Heavies on M18.a. Enemy aeroplanes active overhead. | |||
| Slight shelling of our area up to 10.0am. Enemy aerial activity in early hours of morning. Shelling slightly heavier during afternoon and evening, several casualties. About 5 per minute - 8" shells. Night much quieter. | |||
| Battalion moved into line to relieve 17th HLI at 9.30pm. Relief complete 11pm. Night quiet. | |||
| Day fairly quiet. About 11.30pm the bombardment of our left commenced and lasted for about one hour. Gun Line signalled – all OK
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
S.W. of LOMBARDZYDE |
Composition of Battalion on the morning of July 10th 1917. Battn Head Quarters. C.O. LT.COL. A.C. GIRDWOOD D.S.O. SECOND IN COMMAND T/CAPT J.B. LOWTHIAN M.C. O.C. "A" COY O.C. "B" COY O.C. "C" COY O.C. "D" COY [Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | ||
LOMBARDZYDE |
6am |
A heavy bombardment of our sector commenced about 6am. The 1st and 2nd lines were heavily "strafed" with "minnenwerfer" also. | |
| The following message was sent to the 97th Inf. Bde at 7.40am. Begin “Casualties last night 3 wounded aaa this morning 1 killed aaa Communication broken with both Coys in front line aaa when bombardment ceases will send further information aaa Ends. | |||
| At 8am the following message was received from O.C. "C" Coy (Coy holding 1st and 2nd lines right half of Battn Front i.e. Nose Trench and Nose Support) "I have been endeavouring to to get a message through from here since 6.05am. The wires are all down & signallers are using the lamp but no reply from our Artillery yet. We have been continually "strafed" since before 6am. this morning with "Heavies" etc. Please put Punishment Scheme X into operation at once." (Sd) J. Ross Capt. O.C. "C" Coy 7.05am." | |||
| T/2/LT COOK-GRAY was sent by the C.O. to make his way to the front line Coys (C&D) in order to determine the exact state of affairs & the condition of the line. The shelling at this time was gradually getting heavier.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
At 10am the following message was received from 2/Lt COOK-GRAY. "I have reached and examined the second line. On the right the trench is somewhat bashed about, but is not in really bad condition. There has been a continuous bombardment particularly with heavy T.M.B’s since 6am this morning. 5 casualties are reported at present. Our 18lb shells are dropping short, I don’t think there is any doubt of that fact this time." 10am." "P.S. 18 lbdrs have just smashed in a M.G.C. dugout in our second line. The bombardment increased in intensity about 10 a.m. All communication with Bde & O.P.’s was broken. 2/Lt COKE R.F.A. went out to O.P. to try and get line through, but was unsuccessful. | ||
| The following message was sent to "SOME" by pigeons (2) at 10.40am. "Some 18 lbdrs falling short in No.2 Battalion Sector." | |||
| Message received from Brigade begins:- Report by runner situation whether first and support lines are intact and whether supporting companies are alright aaa Also state of PUTNEY and VAUXHALL bridges. 11.24am Ends.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Following message received from Brigade at 11.24am. Begins "1 Coy SPIN will reinforce No.1 Battn, 1 Coy SPUR will reinforce No.2 Battn. aaa PUTNEY bridge can only be used aaa. SPOT & SPED will stiffen up
third line NASAL Trench area aaa Coys SPIN & SPUR to move immediately upon receipt of orders and come under orders of No.1 and No.2 Battn respectively, acknowledge." Ends | ||
| Following message sent to Brigade at 11.50am. Begins "Cannot get any information as to 1st and 2nd line aaa They are all being very heavily strafed aaa hostile fire slackening aaa Will send off runners and report as soon as possible." Ends. | |||
| Following message sent out to A & B Coys (in Support). Begins "A and B Coy will be ready to turn out in a moments notice – leaving respective garrisons - acknowledge and give any information you have with estimated casualties." Ends. | |||
| To O.C. No.1 & 2 Coys - "Please state in writing (+ duplicate) condition of line and estimated casualties." Ends. | |||
| Following message read from O.C. "A" Coy. Begins - "Casualties nil. Heavy T.M. bombardment of front line. Minnenwerfer firing from M.22.B.85.40. Right of red tiled house on right of my sector." Ends. [Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Mess. recd from Brigade reads "Keep your visual open to SHAG aaa The slightest sign of action on part of enemy infantry send SOS aaa Brigade all out of touch with SHAG." Ends. | ||
| "Following message sent to O.C. "B" Coy. Following message sent out to you at 11.55am is repeated. A and B Coy will be ready to turn out in a moments notice – leaving respective garrisons - acknowledge and give any information you have with estimated casualties." Ends. Please report to B.H.Q at once and also send 3 men who know the way to to D Coy Hqrs to B.H.Q to act as runners. Message ends. | |||
| Enemy fire slackened & plane flew over very low (200ft) apparently to examine extent of damage. This machine was engaged by our M.G’s and Lewis Guns. During this lull a new kind of gas shell was used causing everyone to sneeze – it also affected the eyes and throat & in some cases was followed by violent sickness. | |||
| Bombardment increased to original intensity. | |||
| Mess. rec'd. from Brigade. "A second company from SPIN and SPUN will reinforce No.1 & 2 Battn respectively aaa Companies to come under orders of No.1 and No.2 Battn respectively aaa Companies to move immediately." Ends.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
2.05pm |
Following message rec’d by O C A Coy from 2/Lt SMYTHE who was sent with his platoon to reinforce 2nd line. "Arrived 3rd line 2.05pm – M Smythe 2/Lt." | |
| Mess rec’d from OC B Coy enclosing above. "My two platoons have arrived at 3rd line at 2.05pm Enemy barraging between 3rd and 2nd line with heavies." Ends | |||
| Following message rec’d from OC C Coy. "The whole three lines are under a deadly barrage. The last word I had from my front line was satisfactory, but that is some time ago. At first lull I shall endeavour to get news of that line. Owing to smoke of shells lamp signal is useless. 2Lt Cook-Gray will explain fully. My support and reserve platoons have had a rough barrage but communication is impossible. Can you let me have any fresh orders or news." Ends. | |||
| A copy of message rec’d from OC C Coy at 2.25pm sent to Brigade. Message rec’d by OC B Coy from 2/Lt SMYTHE – "Second and first lines held by about 15 in 2nd 22 in 1st, both are knocked to hell almost flat. Shall I take Company to 2nd line or stay in the 3rd line aaa and a 2Lt Sharp hit in two places and a fair no. of casualties in No.5 Plat." Ends. | |||
| Mess rec’d from Bde. "Battle Patrol must hold front line whether demolished or not aaa." [Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Mess sent to OC B Coy. "Your note received. Patrols are to go forward to 2nd line and report aaa Brigade instructs Battle Patrols must hold front line whether demolished or not aaa. Have you seen anything of D Coy?" Ends. | ||
| Two Coys of 17th HLI arrived to reinforce. | |||
| Lull in bombardment. Enemy plane again flew over very low to reconnoitre. Gas shells used. | |||
| Following mess rec’d from O C C Coy. "Front line very badly smashed now. Right half completely wiped out. Second line very badly knocked about. From C HQ to NOSE AVENUE non-existent. Third line receiving particular attention & badly knocked about. Comm trenches many blown in & always shelled. Approx. casualties about 40. The shelling is very heavy throughout & continually on 1st 2nd and 3rd lines and comm. trenches. I have 2 Officers in line now & have arranged with ROWSELL to signal from 1st line to 2nd line, where I have my signaller on the look out. My signal lamp is still OK & I shall keep in touch with your OP. Cook-Gray & 2 runners left for BHQ about 3pm. I shall be glad to get any news. The shelling is the bally limit & I do not like it. We are lying low & I hope all will be well. I hope it will finish soon. I understand D are still there as 2Lt Ridgway has just turned up from there. Martin is slightly wounded." Ends.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Lt Cook-Gray returned and gave a detailed account to the C.O. | ||
| 2/Lt SMYTHE reports – "He has only about 15 men left out of the two Platoons which went forward. During the lull an enemy aeroplane came over to observe. The 1st 2nd and 3rd lines are being very heavily shelled especially the left of the 3rd. The fire is enfilade and there is very little shelter of any kind. He is keeping his men in the 3rd line at present. The 1st and 2nd lines are perfectly flattened. He does not think it advisable to send more men forward yet." Ends. | |||
| The following message passed on from Lt ROWSELL by OC C Coy – "I have about 30 men left (including 1 of A Coy) all in the left part of the line. The other part very badly knocked about and untenable at present. It would be no use trying to send up any more before dark. I have only the following NCO’s Sgt HILL & L Cpl LYONS. Both Lewis Guns (of 12 & 9) are out of action & useless. It is impossible to try and reckon casualties yet. Shall be glad when I can get back out of this, though I suppose you have a hot place. Lt CHERRY and servant arrived safely." Ends. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
The following message sent to OC B Coy – "I cannot understand 2Lt SMYTHE’S report aaa. Other reports say first and second lines not at all bad aaa Can he see condition of 1st & 2nd lines from third?" Ends. | ||
| Following message received from OC B Coy. "This is the statement of the Patrols. He can see the 1st & 2nd lines & they look very much flattened." | |||
| Full on shelling. Gas shells being used again. Enemy plane flying low over lines. | |||
| Shelling increased to original intensity. | |||
| Following message received from OC B Coy – 2/Lt SMYTHE sends word that he has only four men left. Can I send another Platoon to him?" | |||
| Following message sent to C & D Coys. "Your notes received aaa. Your instructions are to hold on to the front line at all costs aaa. Posts are to be established in front line as soon as possible aaa. Reinforcements are being sent up gradually to both Coys by tracks aaa. All visual messages are to be sent 4 times and repeated from both
Coys if possible aaa. Lt COOK-GRAY arrived safely about 5 pm." Ends. [Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Following message sent to OC B Coy "Have your Coy ready to move and report here at once." Ends. | ||
| Following message received from OC C Coy "Enemy hold NOSE TRENCH. I am still in NOSE SUPPORT, but have only five men. 2/Lt RIDGWAY. Send reinforcements. Am in trench at my Coy HQ." Ends. | |||
| Shelling slackened considerably. Enemy Plane over GRAND REDAN flying very low - 200ft. | |||
| Enemy reported as having gained a footing in 2nd line and part of 3rd. Two Coys 17th HLI were ordered to counter attack immediately. All Garrison oof the REDAN standing to. Every available Rifle being used to GRAND and PETIT REDANS. | |||
| Following message sent to OC A Coy "Have your Coy ready to move and report here at once." Ends. | |||
| Following message sent to Brigade. "Left Coy Commander reports:- "Enemy in NOSE TRENCH aaa. Have ordered 2 Coys HLI to counter attack aaa. Garrison of REDAN and HUITRIERE are standing to." Ends.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Roughly estimate casualties and condition of your front line Troops aaa. Do you want one moiré Coy sent up aaa. The bearer of this will bring back reply. | ||
| Send three more orderlies to Brigade HQ. | |||
| Message sent to A & B Coys:- "Stand to garrison of REDAN and HUITRIERE. Enemy on NOSE TRENCH." Ends. | |||
| Message sent from Brig. HQ:- "One Company SPUR will report to SPED immediately on receipt of this order aaa. They will come under orders of SPED aaa. Acknowledge." Ends. | |||
| Message sent from Brig. HQ:- "Enemy patrols reported in Left front line aaa. Line must be established at once and every effort made to send patrols and fresh troops over to enemy line aaa. Acknowledge." Ends. | |||
| Message sent from BHQ:- "One Company SPIN will report to SPED immediately on receipt of this aaa. Acknowledge." Ends. | |||
| Message sent from Lt MALLEY-MARTIN:- "HLI have received orders to withdraw from G. REDAN. I have conformed with them and await orders." Ends. | |||
| Message sent to BHQ:- "Two Companies HLI under Capt. Stevens have advanced from GRAND REDAN to 4th lines where they will....."
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Message continued.... "dig in and remain until further reinforcement as in your BM 205 aaa. I have two - all Battn H.Q. servants re holding GRAND REDAN aaa. Detached party has moved along bank of river to HUITRIERE to protect Left Flank aaa. When reinforcements H.L.I. will advance to 3rd line and further if situation permits." Ends. | ||
| Message sent to 2/Lt MALLEY-MARTIN:- "No–one retires from GRAND REDAN until definite orders have been received from Lt Col. GIRDWOOD. Get everybody into GRAND REDAN and stay there." Ends. | |||
| Message sent to B.H.Q.:- "Capt. ROSS XIth Borders reports that 16th HLI have retired beyond the 3rd line aaa. Sergt. of Northants that the right Battn of 1st Division wiped out and another Battn has retired aaa. I do not feel justified in advancing beyond the 3rd line with flanks unprotected aaa. Advance will commence as soon as one Coy SPUR and one Coy SPIN arrive aaa. Not yet reported to me aaa. Two Platoons at HUITRIERE reported still intact. Can you inform me if 16th HLI and 1st Division are also going to advance, if so when?" Ends.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Message received from 2/Lt MALLEY-MARTIN:- "Am on left of GRAND REDAN. On top. Holding. M.G.C. have a gun in NOSE." Ends. | ||
| Message received from Capt STEVENS 17th HLI "SPOT reports holding Support line and patrols sent forward to re-establish posts in front line aaa. Have informed SPAR." Ends. | |||
| Message sent to Capt STEVENS 17th HLI "Your 3rd Coy has come up and will report to you with this letter. Push forward fighting patrols at once to 3rd line and as soon as they are established, dribble men forward and form posts to cover our sector limits. NOSE AVENUE to NOSE LANE. The 3rd Coy will remain in 4th line till you are established in 3rd line. Then you will bring up the 3rd Coy and push out patrols to 2nd line and finally 1st line if possible. A Coy of KOYLI will follow your 3rd Coy as reserve aaa All lines to be held by small posts which must be dug in at once aaa Be careful not to use your water bottles tonight as you will probably be there all tomorrow. Dig hard and don’t move about in daylight. Report situation as often as possible. Acknowledge." Ends. | |||
| Message sent to Lt SMYTHE:- "Lt SMYTHE will be in command of all troops in GRAND REDAN. No–one to leave G. REDAN without distinct order....."
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Message cont’d ".....writing from me except to make report at H.Q. Inform all Officers." Ends. | ||
| Message sent to Lt SMYTHE:- "You are to cease sending up Very Lights. 17th HLI now in 4th line are about to advance aaa. 16th HLI have reached Support Trench. Send MALLEY-MARTIN back to Battn H.Q." Ends. | |||
| Message sent to Capt. STEVENS:- "Your 3rd Coy, C Coy instead of following you will move along 4th line to NOSE LANE where they will form a defensive flank to your left as you advance aaa. The 16th HLI have reached the 2nd line aaa. Advance as quickly as possible. Acknowledge." Ends. | |||
| Message sent to BHQ:- "3 Coys H.L.I. now in position aaa. KOYLI Coy not yet arrived." Ends. | |||
| Message sent from Capt GREENHILL OC No.1 Coy:- "The position at the HUITRIERE is that the defences have been blown in. My Platoons are in NOSE LANE and in touch with the SPUR. Casualties 4." Ends. | |||
| Message sent to OC C Coy HLI:- "You are to report at once with your Coy to Capt STEVENS in 4th line aaa. 2/Lt COOK-GRAY bearer of this will guide you to his Head Quarters aaa. You will act under his orders." Ends.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Message sent from BHQ to Sig MGC:- "Your guns will proceed to Presquite to cover the left flank of the 11th Borders aaa. Your Guns will report to O.C. 11th Borders to cover his left flank aaa. 11th Borders HQ are at
the Powder Magazine. Addressed Sig. MG Coy repeated Div. MGO, 11th Borders. | ||
| Message received by OC C Coy. 2nd KOYLI. "C Coy 2nd KOYLI will move from 11th Borders HQ to 4th line, where it will report to Capt STEVENS commanding B Coy 17th HLI aaa. His HQ are in 4th line between NOSE
ALLEY and NOSE LANE aaa. They will act under his orders." Ends. | |||
| Message sent from BHQ:- "As soon as the 11th Borders have re- established a line, they will be relieved by the 16th Northumberland Fusiliers aaa. Colonel Scully will proceed to HQ 11th Borders and arrange all details of relief direct with them aaa. Relief to be completed before daylight aaa. The Nieuport Defences at present held by the 16th NF will be taken over by the 15th Lancashire Fus. – all details to be arranged between Commanding Officers Concerned. The 15th Lanncs Fus will take over the same dispositions as the 16th North Fusiliers." Ends. | |||
| Message receieved by Capt STEVENS 17th HLI. "Two Platoons SPED are in NOSE LANE having been obliged to evacuate the HUITRIERE owing to shelling. They are...."
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Message Cont’d "in touch with your left aaa. Report the situation by the runner and push forward as rapidly as possible to fit in line with the 16th HLI." Ends. | ||
| Message sent from Capt STEVENS 17th HLI:- "Patrol met SPED Officer in 3rd line, who says 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines are held by SPED. Am sending up 3 Platoons (on right of Nose Alley) I have not heard about our left yet." Ends. | |||
| Message received by Lt SMYTHE:- "You are to order all the men of Battn HQ’s to return to Bn HQtrs and take up their original dog outs." Ends. | |||
| Message sent by Lt MARTIN OC B COY SPUR "B Coy SPUR in position in 4th line from NOSE ALLEY to HUITIERE." Ends. | |||
| Message received by OC’s A+B Coy. "11th Border Regt is to be relieved tonight by the 16th N.Fus. aaa. A+B Coys will each send 4 Guides to Battn HQtrs immediately on receipt of this order. Guides will be able to guide relieving Coys to 3rd line. A Coy to right subsector and B Coy to left subsector aaa On completion of Relief A+B Coys will each withdraw to GRAND REDAN aaa. Accommodation must be found there for all until further orders." Ends.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Message sent by Lt MACFARLAND:- "We are holding our sector completely intact and have 3 patrols out in No Man’s Land aaa. No attempt has been made by the enemy to penetrate our lines." Ends. | ||
| Message sent from BHQ:- "You must work at once to your left and help the 11th Borders. Addressed to 16th HLI, repeated 11th Borders." Ends. | |||
| Message sent from Capt STEVENS 17th HLI:- "I am sending up another two platoons to 3rd line to right of NOSE ALLEY. They have at present a patrol out to 2nd line. On the left I am told the 3rd line is empty & absolutely flat. A Patrol up NOSE LANE has not come back though it has been out 2 hours. I am sending up 2 Platoons into the 3rd line on the left with strong flank guard. Am going to put 3 strong Posts in the LANE with a patrol out while it is dark." Ends. | |||
| Message sent from BHQ:- "On relief the 11th Borders will return to NEW PARADE aaa. The 3 Companies 17th HLI and one Company KOYLI at present attached to 11th Borders, will be attached to 16th Northumberland
Fus. and come under orders of OC North Fus on completion of relief." Ends. [Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
LOMBARDZYDE |
Message receieved by Capt STEVENS 17th HLI:- "You must push on quickly to 2nd Line where you will get in touch with 16th HLI aaa. There you will establish Posts and send forward patrols to 1st lines which should also be occupied. 16th HLI are in their 1st Line with Patrols in No Man’s Land. You will be relieved probably by the 16th N. Fusiliers who will come up when you are established in 2nd Line. Move rapidly forwards." Ends. | ||
| Message sent by Battn HQtrs:- "17th HLI holding PRESQUITE Defences will pay particular attention to it’s Left in the NEW TRENCH, near it’s junction with 1st Div. aaa. Enemy is reported to be attempting to lodge in the locality." Ends | |||
| Message sent to BH.Qtrs by Lt. HODGKINSON:- "Estimated casualties for Today (10/7/17) SPED. 1 Capt, 7 Subalterns, 350 Other Ranks. | |||
| Message received by OC’s A+B Coys:- "A+B Coys will withdraw to Support Dugouts immediately on receipt of this order. A Coy to position in NEW WALK. B Coy to position recently occupied by C Coy." Ends.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
| Battn was relieved by 16th NF by 4.30am. Moved to NEW PARADE. | |||
| Battn arrived at COXYDE at 5.30am. Day spent in rest. | |||
| Batt in rest. Ordered to stand to at 10.30pm. | |||
| Batt in rest. | |||
| Battn Church Parade 10.00am. | |||
| Battn left COXYDE at 5.30am and marched to GYHVELDE via LA PANNE – ADINKERKE. Arrived 8.30am. | |||
| Battn training in dunes until 1.45pm. | |||
| Battn training in dunes until 1.45pm. Also practising attack on LOMBARDZYDE sector. | |||
| Battn training in dunes until 1.45pm. Also practising attack on LOMBARDZYDE sector. | |||
| Battn left GHYVELDE at 5.30am and marched to Camp in BRAY DUNES for bathing and recreation. | |||
| Training and recreation.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. | |||
| Church Parade 10.00am. Recreation and bathing in sea etc. | |||
| Practice attack on Strong Point with live ammunition. | |||
| Working parties laying pipe line during day. | |||
| Battn moved to COXYDE at 6.45am arriving at 9.30am. Two Coys on working party. | |||
| Two Coys on working party-digging cable trenches. Battn moved to CAMP JEAN BART. At 3.30pm. Two Coys on night working party. | |||
| 2 Coys on working party during day - 2 Coys during night. | |||
| Coys on working parties during day and night. | |||
| Battn ordered to move to LA PANNE at 2.00pm to take over coast defence. Order to move cancelled at 1.45 pm. | |||
| Battn training specialists during day. Inspections etc.
[Page Signed] J. Malley-Martin, 2/Lt.
B.I.O. XI Border Regt. J.B. Lowthian, Major
Cmdg 11 Border Regiment |
References / notes
- Transcription by K. Johnstone.
- National Archives Catalogue Reference: WO/95/2403
- The transcription above is available under the National Archives Open Government Licence for public sector information.