18 November

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November

Lonsdale Battalion events that took place on 18 November.
For events that took place elsewhere, see 18 November on The Great War wiki.

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.[1]
  • 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, the spirit of the men being a fine sight to see in spite of the intense cold in which they had to lie & wait.[1] Some reach 'Munich Trench' however, soon after it is difficult to ascertain the position of every Company.[1]
  • 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.[1]
  • 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.[1]

1917

  • Battalion situated at 'Road Camp' involved in training.[2]

References / notes