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In the 2nd Army\u2019s attack for the Messines Ridge, 47th Division formed part of X Corps and, in the action, was allotted the centre position of the Corps astride the Ypres Comines Canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Division\u2019s neighbours were 41st Division on the right and 23rd Division on the left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The objective of the Xth Corps included Battle Wood and Hill 60 on the left, both banks of the Canal in the centre and, on the right, a section of Damstrasse and White Chateau. Penetration of the enemy\u2019s line was planned to be achieved in three jumps: the successive objectives being described as the Red, Blue and Black Lines \u2013 the Black Line being the final objective and situated in 47th Division\u2019s front, 1000 yards away on the right and 1500 yards distant on the left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
140th Brigade was in the line on the right and 142nd Brigade on the left, the canal constituting the boundary between the brigades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In reserve to the Division, 141st Brigade was disposed as under:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
17th Battalion, in reserve to and at the disposal of GOC 140th Brigade (fighting strength, 23 officers and 735 other ranks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
18th Battalion (London Irish), in Echo Trench (fighting strength, 25 officers and 719 other ranks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
19th Battalion, in trenches of GHQ, 2nd line, east of Swan Chateau (fighting strength, 22 officers and 627 other ranks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
20th Battalion, in reserve to and at the disposal of GOC 142nd Brigade (fighting strength, 20 officers and 638 other ranks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brigade HQ was situated at Bedford House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Attack.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nZero was timed for 310am on 7th June and, at this hour, the long string of mines, which had been in preparation for many months, was fired and the barrage opened all along the battle front. The mines exploded with a reverberating roar and the upheaval annihilated the already badly battered enemy front and support lines. Meanwhile, the assaulting troops prepared for the attack by moving up close to the barrage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the right, south of the Canal, the 7th and 8th Battalions advanced according to schedule under cover of a highly satisfactory creeping barrage and took their objectives with the exception of White Chateau. Here, from windows and openings in the walls, the enemy garrison fought with determination, using three machine guns and showers of stick bombs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A second assault, covered by Lewis gun fire and rifle grenades failed, but a third attack was launched simultaneously with the opening of the second phase of the attack on the Black line. The assault was successful and the garrison of White Chateau surrendered at 750am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 6th and 15th Battalions, detailed to pass through 7th and 8th Battalion, came up and pressed on to their objectives: securing the Black Line according to schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the northern side of the Canal, 142nd Brigade, with 24th and 22nd Battalions in the front line, moved onto the assault and secured their objectives without much difficulty. Close touch with 140th Brigade was maintained on the right flank and a platoon of the 24th Battalion succeeded in crossing the Canal at Iron Bridge and worked forward on the south side of the Canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 23rd and 21st Battalions moved up to the positions vacated by 24th and 22nd Battalions, in readiness for the second phase of the attack, timed for 435am (8th June).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aided by a very accurate creeping barrage, 23rd Battalion captured its objectives and the crossing of the Canal was effected with few casualties. The left of the Battalion was, however, exposed owing to the 21st Battalion being held up and machine guns were pushed out to protect the flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On their first objective, reached at 712am, 21st Battalion was subjected to heavy rifle and machine gun fire from Long Spoil Bank and Battle Wood. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th waves of 21st Battalion attempted to push forward in the face of heavy machine gun fire, but only succeeded in establishing a post on the western end of the Spoil Bank. It was apparent that further progress was impossible and a bombardment of Long Spoil Bank was commenced at 2pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the meantime, two companies of 20th Battalion and two platoons of 21st Battalion were detailed to assault at 7pm. The attack was launched, under difficult circumstances. This failed largely owing to a very heavy enemy artillery barrage, which fell on the assembly positions just prior to the attack, and to effective machine gun fire. The 141st Brigade, apart from the action by 20th Battalion, was not called upon to proceed to the front line and acted in accordance with pre-arranged plans. The 19th Battalion moved forward to the Bluff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Move to Old French Trench.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe London Irish, under Lt Col DB Parry, moved forward at 7am in artillery formation to Old French Trench, with Battalion Headquarters at Arundel House and Advanced Headquarters at West Face. In a report to Brigade, the movement was described as a: \u201cpleasant journey up\u201d. The 17th Battalion was employed in furnishing carrying parties for 141st Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early the following morning, 8th June, 141st Brigade was instructed to reconnoitre the front with a view to taking over positions of 142nd Brigade \u2013 north of the Canal. During the day, the London Irish remained in Old French Trench and were not unduly harassed by artillery fire. A move to the front line, timed for 10pm, was subsequently cancelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Advance to the Firing Line and Patrols.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe London Irish advanced to the firing line during the night of 9th\/10th June and relieved two companies each of the 23rd and 24th Battalions in the Blue Line and Triangular Spoil Bank, north of the Canal. By dawn on 10th June, the Brigade was disposed as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Right \u2013 17th Battalion. South of the Canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Centre \u2013 18th Battalion. Holding Triangular Spoil Bank and from there north to the Quarry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Left \u2013 19th Battalion. From Quarry, north to left of Divisional front and in touch with the right Battalion of 23rd Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the night, a strong London Irish patrol of 30 men, under 2nd Lt CF Burnay pushed forward along Spoil Bank, bombing the dug outs of the southern face of the Bank. This patrol encountered a considerable body of the enemy at the eastern end of the Spoil Bank and a lively fight ensued. Many casualties were inflicted on the enemy before the patrol returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The London Irish, under Lt Col DB Parry, moved forward at 7am in artillery formation to Old French Trench, with Battalion Headquarters at Arundel House and Advanced Headquarters at West Face. In a report to Brigade, the movement was described as a: \u201cpleasant journey up\u201d. The 17th Battalion was employed in furnishing carrying parties for 141st Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early the following morning, 8th June, 141st Brigade was instructed to reconnoitre the front with a view to taking over positions of 142nd Brigade \u2013 north of the Canal. During the day, the London Irish remained in Old French Trench and were not unduly harassed by artillery fire. A move to the front line, timed for 10pm, was subsequently cancelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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