{"id":2916,"date":"2018-02-26T06:02:39","date_gmt":"2018-02-26T06:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/?page_id=2916"},"modified":"2026-02-28T21:48:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T21:48:29","slug":"war-diary-1-18th-london-regiment-october-1918","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/first-world-war\/war-diaries\/war-diary-1-18th-london-regiment-october-1918\/","title":{"rendered":"War Diary, 1\/18th London Regiment &#8211; October 1918."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1st October &#8211; PIERREMONT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moved by march route to St Pol. Entrained at St Pol Station for Merville and moved by march route to bivouacs in field near Estaires arriving in billets about 1am 2nd inst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2nd October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Left Estaires Area by march route about 14.30 to relieve the Brigade of the 59th Division in front of Harlech Castle. Information received that the enemy had withdrawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3rd October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Message received at 0410 ordered the Battalion to move at 0700 to gain touch with the enemy. The Battalion moved forward in artillery formation to South of Fromelles. Hostile machine Gun fire and snipers very active from the Right. Lieut J K O&#8217;Donoghue (wounded) and approx 30 O Ranks casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Advance resumed at 0800. The 142nd Infantry Brigade passed through. The 141st Infantry Brigade &amp; the Battalion side slipped and proceeded due East in support to the 19th &amp; 20th Battalions who were subsequently held up near the Railway north of Radinghem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion was relieved by the 1\/18th London Regt. and moved to O.7.2.a in Divisional Reserve. The day was spent in cleaning up etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Battalion in Divisional Reserve. Day spent in cleaning up, repairing of clothing and boots by the Tailor and Shoemaker respectively. The armourers inspected the Lewis Guns and rifles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion as for yesterday. Warning Order received to be prepared to relieve 142 Infantry Brigade on night of 8th\/9th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8<sup>th<\/sup> October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion as for yesterday. The Battalion bathed in Camp. The warning order received the day prior cancelled and Warning Order received to be prepared to relieve 140th Infantry Brigade on night 9th\/10th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion as for yesterday. After dusk Battalion moved up and relieved 21st Bn London Rifles in the Left Subsector Divisional Front. 2\/Lt R B Berry proceeded on leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in the line. Enemy very quiet all day with the exception of a \u00bc hour strafe during the afternoon of all calibres including yellow X Gas. \u201cA\u201d Company relieved \u201cC\u201d Company in front line who moved back as Reserve Company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>11th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in line as for yesterday. Hostile Artillery very quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>12th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in line as for yesterday. Situation quiet. Very wet day. \u201cD\u201d Company relieved \u201cA\u201d Company in front line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Battalion in line as for yesterday. Situation very quiet. Warning Orders received of relief by 57th Division and that the enemy were withdrawing that night (information from prisoners) and that all guns had been withdrawn East of Lille with the exception a few guns to cover his retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>1<strong>4th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Battalion in Line as for yesterday. The 1\/24th Bn London Regt on our Right raided the enemy&#8217;s lines at 06.00. Message received from Brigade that a German wireless message had been tapped ordering withdrawal on the front last night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>1<strong>5th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Battalion in line as for yesterday. Embankment clear of the enemy. The Battalion was ordered to re-assemble round Radinghem and drop back into Divisional Reserve. This relief was afterwards cancelled for 24 hrs. 2\/Lt T W Whiteley reported for duty from Base and was posted to B Company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>16th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in line as for yesterday. Battalion HQ was taken over by 172nd Infantry Brigade and Battalion withdrew at 12.00 hours to near Fromelles where Bn entrained at 1500 hrs for Estaires arriving there about 17.00 hrs. Billets very good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>17th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Battalion in billets in Estaires. Entrained at La Gorgue and travelled by returning supply train to Aire station and moved by march route to billets at Lambres. Billets good. Division came under direct orders of fifth army.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>18th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Lambres. Cleaning up and scrubbing of equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>19th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets at Lambres. The Battalion paraded at 10.15 on the main road and marched to field just outside the village for induction by the Commanding Officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lt F Clement reported from base for duty and posted to A Company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>20th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets as for yesterday. An \u201cas strong as possible\u201d Brigade Church Parade was to have taken place during the morning but owing to bad weather this was cancelled. The Divisional Commander presented medal ribbons in a hanger at the disused Aerodrome at C1c x d at which approx 50 per Battalion were present. 10 of the Battalion were decorated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>21st October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets as for yesterday. The Battalion paraded at 09.15 on the main road Lambres \u2013 dress TMO. Battalion training was carried out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>22nd October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets as for yesterday. The Battalion paraded at 09.15 \u2013 dress TMO and proceeded to the training ground in the neighbourhood of the Aerodrome at C1c x d. Battalion training was carried out. Lt G H Warren reported from base for duty and was posted to D Company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>23rd October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets as for yesterday. The Battalion paraded at 09.15 on the main road \u2013 dress T M O. \u201cA\u201d, \u201cC\u201d &amp; \u201cD\u201d Companies proceeded to the Training Ground in the neighbourhood of the Aerodrome and carried out training. \u201cB\u201d Company proceeded to the Range at N 10.d.60.00 for firing practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 42nd Infantry Brigade carried out a Tactical Scheme in the St Venant AREA. One officer from each company attended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A football match was played between the X1th Corps School Linghem and the Battalion team. Result Corps Schools 1 Battalion Nil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The officers held a dinner in the School Room in rear of the Battalion Orderly Room at 19.45. The Battalion Orchestra played selections during the dinner and various members of \u201cShamrocks\u201d entertained afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notification was received that the following decorations were awarded<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DSO Lt Col G H Neely MC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bar to MC Capt C T Burnay MC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MC Capt T F G Carless<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MC 2\/Lt C H Gibbon<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MC Capt C A Fea<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MC 2\/Lt F E Taylor<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MC 2\/Lt G H R Stancourt<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MC Capt G F H Wraight<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DCM 590048 CSM J Tilbey<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DCM 590774 CSM R Fuller<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>24th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets as for yesterday. The Battalion carried out a Tactical Exercise in the Fontes \u2013 Lambres area commencing at 09.30 (Ref map 36a). Dispositions \u201cB\u201d Company Front &#8211; \u201cC\u201d Company Right and \u201cD\u201d Left Immediate Support &#8211; \u201cA\u201d Company Reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Intention \u2013 The enemy has been driven out of his positions Fontes \u2013 Lambres. Information received that the enemy had been reinforced and were holding X Roads at N34 X-Road junction N34.a.8.6 \u2013 N34.a.0.9 \u2013 N27.b.9.9 \u2013 N21 central Witternesse inclusive. Hostile MGs located at N28.d.1.4 &amp; N28.a central. Hostile batteries active from direction of Rely and Longhem. Prisoner captured states that he had been told by officers that a further withdrawal to Ligney-les-Aire \u2013 Estree Blanche line was expected. They were to retire if heavily attacked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The X1 Corps will continue the offensive at 1000 hrs 25th Oct. 19th Div Right. 47th Div. Centre 57th Div Left. The 47th Div to attack with 140 Inf Bde on Right. 141 Inf Bde on LEFT and 142 Inf Bde in Support. Inter Brigade Boundary Line N16 cent \u2013 N36 cent. 141 Bde will attack with 19th Londons on Right. 1st LIR on Left. 20th Londons in Support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1st Objective Line N28.d.23 \u2013 N27.b.5.3 M in Linghem \u2013 N20 central.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2nd Objective Road N34.a.2.8 \u2013 N27.c.2.9 \u2013 N20.d.2.0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One 18 bde Section and one M G Section to be attached to each of attacking Battalions also 2 V Ms<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Final Objective to be captured and consolidated. Patrols being pushed out to maintain contact with the enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Capt H A Staples MC reported from Xth Corps School for duty and posted to \u201cC\u201d Company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>25th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets as for yesterday. The Battalion paraded on the main road Lambres at 09.15 \u2013 dress TMO \u201cA\u201d, \u201cB\u201d and \u201cD\u201d Companies proceeded to the Training Ground in the neighbourhood of the Aerodrome for Battalion Training. \u201cC\u201d Company proceeded to the Range for firing practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Orders were received for move to forward area. Transport moved off to Estaires area. Battalion billeting party proceeded ahead to Lommes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>26th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets as for yesterday. Left Lambres by march route at 09.15 and moved to Berguette Station thence by train to Perenchies and thence by march route to Lommes. Billets good, empty houses. Battalion cleaning equipment and getting ready for march through LILLE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>27th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets at Lommes. Cleaning up<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>28th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion (fighting order) left billets at Lommes and moved by march route through the town of Lille in the following order Band, HQ, A, C and D Companies, 2 cookers, 4 Lombard wagons, 1 water cart. \u201cB\u201d Company provided a cordon round the Grande Place. The Battalion marched \u201cAt Attention\u201d from Porte de Canteleu until after passing the Grande Place. A 10 minute halt was called before reaching the Grande Place in order to allow for the Army Commander to present his standard to the mayor of Lille.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The remainder of the transport moved from Lommes to new billets in the Faubourg de Fives area. The Battalion on completion of march through Lille proceeded to this area. Billets very good \u2013 all officers and most of the men in beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>29th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Battalion in billets in the Faubourg de Fives area. Warning Order received to be prepared to move forward on the 30th inst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Company at the disposal of Company Commanders for training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>30th October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets as for yesterday. Moved by march route to Willems. Billets good but scattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>31st October.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Battalion in billets at Willems. Moved by march route to billets in Templeuve. Billets good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1st October &#8211; PIERREMONT. Moved by march route to St Pol. Entrained at St Pol Station for Merville and moved by march route to bivouacs in field near Estaires arriving in billets about 1am 2nd inst. 2nd October. Left Estaires Area by march route about 14.30 to relieve the Brigade of the 59th Division in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":506,"menu_order":66,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2916","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2916"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22075,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2916\/revisions\/22075"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}