18 November: Difference between revisions
couple more 1916 events added
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(couple more 1916 events added) |
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==1916==
*Battalion situated in the Redan Sector trenches. At midnight the Commanding Officer and Adjutant leave Battalion Headquarters and lays a tape as they move in direction of Wagon Road. Companies follow, marching into position along Wagon Road. By 4am the Lonsdales are ready.<ref name="wdnov16">[[11th Battalion War Diary, November 1916]]</ref>
*At 4.30am the Commanding Officer gives last-minute instructions to Officers Commanding Companies. The Companies move into position by 5am and at 6.10am (zero time) the artillery barrage opens and the Lonsdales advance in perfect order to attack, {{quote-left}}the spirit of the men being a fine sight to see in spite of the intense cold in which they had to lie & wait.{{quote-right}}
*The Germans put over a heavy bombardment, including several rockets that burst into four red stars. Further considerable hostile machine gun fire ensues, some which appears to come from a gun well in the rear of 'Frankfort Trench,' engaging in indirect fire onto the ground over which the Lonsdale attack is being delivered.<ref name="wdnov16" />
*Soon after daylight Captain Ross & 2nd Lieut. Greenhill are found, having earlier been held up, with some Lonsdale and K.O.Y.L.I. men near a communication trench running between 'Wagon Road' and 'Munich Trench.' Sharp fighting occurs and bombing attacks are delivered. A bombing post is established and further behind two Lewis Guns are positioned commanding both flanks.<ref name="wdnov16" />
*After dark several men, those who were left on the 'Wagon Road' side of 'Munich Trench,' return after having held shell holes opposite the German line. During the day until 10pm, stretcher bearers are continuously over the top, bringing in and attending to wounded men.<ref name="wdnov16" />
*The remaining men are reorganized, placing 'Wagon Road' in a state of defence. Wounded men crawling back are continually sniped at by the enemy.<ref name="wdnov16" />
==1917==
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