Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
The War Diary for the 1st July 1916 records. CARNOY Trenches. At about midnight on night of June 30th/July 1st 1916 the whole of the 54th Brigade was concentrated on its Battle Front ready for the assault on morning of 1st July. Assaulting Battalions were 7th BEDFORDSHIRE REGT and 11th ROYAL FUSILIERS, in support: 6th NORTHAMPTONSHIRE REGT and in reserve 12th MIDDLESEX REGT. An artillery bombardment waged heavily all night and increased in intensity up till 7.30 am, Zero Hour, when the assaulting Battalions stormed the German first line trenches. Operational Orders appended. A special account of the events is being compiled by the Commanding Officer and will be appended hereto also [comment; see July Appendices for casualty list and detailed reports and September Appendices for Captain BULL’S report]
30-6-16. SECRET OPERATION ORDERS No.20 by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment
1. INTENTION The 7th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment will form part of the assaulting line of the 54th Inf.Brigade in an attack on the German position in which the 18th Division will take a prominent part.
2. UNITS ON OUR FLANKS The Berkshire Regiment of the 53rd. Brigade will be on our immediate right; the 11th R.Fusiliers (54th Brigade) will be on our immediate left.
3. ARTILLERY PREPARATION The attack is being preceeded by a five days bombardment which will last up to the moment of the infantry assault on the 6th day. Guns of all calibres will take part in the bombardment and will fire both day and night.
4. FRONT, AND FORMATION During the whole of the artillery bombardment the 7th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment will hold the battle front of the 54th Infantry Brigade. The allotted frontage of the 7th Bedfordshire Regt. and the area of assault are as follows: - B & C Companies will occupy the forming up trenches 1 & 2, with two platoons in each trench, respectively. A Company will occupy No.4 Trench and will be held in battalion Reserve. D Company will occupy No.3 Trench and cover the entire Battalion Front, and will act as support to B & C Companies.
5. METHOD OF ADVANCE The Method of advance will be as practised in previous training.
6. OBJECTIVES. The 7th Bedfordshire Regiment will attack on the following objective. FIRST Objective The German front line and support trenches. EMDEN TRENCH, BUND TRENCH, POMMIERS TRENCH. SECOND Objective point A.1.b.8.1 POMMIERS LANE - Junction of POMMIERS Lane and MAPLE Trench - POMMIERS Redoubt - MAPLE Trench to its junction with Western point of POMMIERS REDOUBT. THIRD Objective. A line from point S.26.a.2.3. to point S.25.b.70.15. In capturing these objectives the following factors are of vital importance: - (a) To secure BLACK ALLEY as a defensive flank to the 18th Division, and, should occasion arise, to hold it at all costs. (b) To consolidate and hold the second objective at all costs even if MONTAUBAN and MAMETZ should not be captured. (c) To consolidate that portion of BEETLE ALLEY between S.25.d.98.17 - A.1.b.28.60. (d) On reaching the third objective to construct a series of strong points on that line and push detachments of Infantry with Lewis Guns rapidly forward to over-look CATERPILLAR Valley and prevent the enemy from removing any guns. The compass bearing for the first objective will be notified later.
7. BARRAGES. The advance of the Battalion will be covered by a barrage of Field and Heavy Artillery, and Machine Guns. the object of these barrages is to prepare every step of the infantry advance and to allow of the infantry to get within assaulting distance of the enemy's trenches before he can man his parapets. the leading waves must work forward to within 60/100 yards of each barrage so that immediately it lifts they are within charging distance. the closer the barrage is followed the greater the possibility of success. This is particularly essential in the advance from the line MAPLE Trench - POMMIERS REDOUBT to the final objective as direct observation is not possible after the line is crossed. the 18th Divisional Field Artillery will fire 5 rounds H.E. shell per gun immediately before each lift.
8. TIMES OF BARRAGES First objective - EMDEN TRENCH 0.5 BUND TRENCH 0.10 POMMIERS TRENCH 0.20 Second objective point A.1.b.8.1 - POMMIERS LANE - Junction of POMMIERS Lane & MAPLE TRENCH - POMMIERS REDOUBT - MAPLE TRENCH to its junction with BEETLE ALLEY 1.0
9. MACHINE GUNS 2 Vickers Guns have been allotted to the Battalion. the Lewis Guns will be at the disposal of Company Officers. They should not, unless urgently required, be with the first two leading waves. The 54th Machine Gun Company will cover the advance of the Battalion from a position in CAFTET WOOD with overhead fire.
10. STOKES BATTERIES. The 54th Stokes Battery and attached Stokes Battery will be distributed as follows: - (a) 12 guns in position in front line. to be employed for final barrage. As soon as strong points II, II, IV, V, VI and VII are consolidated one gun will move forward to each. the remaining 6 guns will be retained in Brigade reserve in our own trenches. (b) Two guns at the disposal of each assaulting battalion. these guns will not proceed beyond MAPLE TRENCH until the final objective is consolidated.
11. BATTN. HD.QRS. Battalion Headquarters will move into its initial position at the junction of NEW CUT and LIVERPOOL STREET. All reports will be sent to TRIANGLE after the first objective has been gained. It will move to POMMIERS REDOUBT when the Battalion moves forward to its final objective.
12. DUMPS. The supply of all ammunition, grenades, R.E. material etc. will be worked from a series of Dumps. There will be dumps at Junction of COOPER STREET and Front Line Trench, KING STREET and Front Line Trench, Advanced Brigade Reserve Dump - PICCADILLY. Brigade Dump - CARNOY. the guiding principle will be that Advanced Dumps move forward by stages as objectives are gained; that the Brigade will be responsible for keeping Dumps full; and that Battalions will be responsible for drawing stores from these dumps. A dump will open at the TRIANGLE as early as possible after the first objective is gained. A special party will be detailed for carrying all ammunition and bombs for use of the assaulting battalions, irrespective of the dumps. This party will move with D Coy.
13. RATIONS AND WATER Rations and water will be carried forward after night fall. Special instructions for their carriage will be issued as occasion demands.
14. TOOLS. (a) 50% of the 3rd. platoon of the two leading companies will carry large tools. (b) 50% of the 3rd. and 4th Companies (assaulting battalions) will carry large tools. (c) 50% of all garrisons detailed for strong points will carry tools. Tools will be carried in the proportion of 2 shovels to 1 pick, and will be carried in a vertical position on the man's back. A reserve of picks and shovels will be kept at C Dump from which the Battalion may draw to meet their requirements.
15. AMMUNITION CARRIERS Each Lewis Gun am will be strengthened by 4 Lewis Reserve Gunners to carry S.A.A.
16. WATER The provision of water during and after the assault will be extremely difficult. Steps must therefore be taken to ensure that all water bottles are full at zero hour and that all ranks practice the greatest restraint in drinking water. The normal supply will be from the well in CARNOY and from the stand pipes in CARNOY ALLEY. Reserve storage tanks have been placed in the Russian saps at A & B Dumps. 250 petrol tine swill also be placed at each of these dumps.
17. MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS The 55th Field Ambulance will be responsible for the collection of all wounded in the Division. It will establish an advanced dressing station at the following points: - (a) In dugouts at west end of BRICK ALLEY, CARNOY for wounded of the 53rd. and 54th Inf. Bdes. Accommodation for 200 stretcher cases). (b) In dugouts at BRONFAY FARM for local and walking cases (accommodation 50). All walking cases will be directed to the Advanced Dressing Station at CARNOY and from there will proceed via CARNOY to BRONFAY FARM Dressing Station. Regimental aid posts will be established as shown on the special map. Wounded will be conveyed from these posts to the nearest advanced Dressing Station by regimental stretcher bearers. Wounded cases occurring in the enemy's trenches will be collected into suitable dugouts by regimental medical officers. Such dugouts must be marked and their position notified to the 55th Field Ambulance who will arrange for the removal of these cases to the Advanced Dressing Station in CARNOY VALLEY by the R.A.M.C. Stretcher bearers. In addition to the 8 battalion stretchers with units 16 additional R.A.M.C. stretchers will be stored near each regimental aid post and used by both R.A.M.C. and regimental stretcher bearers for bring in cases.
18. PRISONERS. Prisoners will be sent back in batches to the Bde. Dump and thence to the Advanced Divisional Collecting Station at BILLON FARM. They will be marched across the open and not down communication trenches. Escorts to BILLON FARM will be found by the Battns. Which take the prisoners, the men rejoining their units under proper control as soon as possible. Batches of 100, with about 10 per cent escort have on previous occasions been proved suitable for despatch as one party. Slightly wounded men can be used as escorts. Prisoners must be disarmed and searched for concealed weapons and documents, immediately after capture before being marched off. Officers must be separated from the rank and file immediately. Prisoners will be searched for documents and examined under Divisional arrangements, at the Divisional Collecting Station. It is most important that immediate information should be sent back concerning the identification of regiments opposed to us.
19. CAPTURED GUNS. When hostile guns are captured the following procedure will be adopted: - (a) Report to Battn. Hd. Qrs. The number and nature of guns captured. (b) Detail parties to man handle them to the nearest position where our gun teams can be hooked in. (c) Report exact position where teams are required, and number of teams necessary..
20. COLLECTION OF INTELLIGENCE. Two men will be attached to each assaulting Battn. (under Brigade Arrangements) for the purpose of collecting documents, etc. in the enemy's trenches. They will go forward with the dug-out clearing parties and will carry a distinguishing mark which will be a Red White and Blue bull's-eye painted on either side of the sack which each man will carry.
21. STRAGGLERS. Regimental police will be employed under Brigade arrangements to control traffic in the trenches and to check stragglers moving to the rear. Posts will be established as under: - 1 N.C.O. and 4 men in CARNOY ) To de detailed 1 N.C.O. and 4 men in CAFTET WOOD ) by Brigade. They will be required to take the number, names, and units of all stragglers and march them back in parties to their units.
22. UP AND DOWN COMMUNICATIONS TRENCHES. The Main Up Trench will be PIONEER AVENUE, commencing at BRONFAY FARM. The Main Down (evacuation) trench will be MAIDSTONE - CARNOY AVENUES. Steps out of these trenches have been cut on alternate sides at 50 yards interval. Under no circumstances will individuals be allowed to use either of these trenches in the wrong direction.
23. COMMUNICATION. All companies will go over the top accompanied by their respective Signallers and runners. B & C Coy. Hd.Qrs. are due to arrive in BUND TRENCH at 20 minutes after zero. C Coy. Will have with the 2nd. Wave 2 Signallers who will immediately open up communication, if possible, with the PERONNE ROAD. Their station will be the top left hand corner of the TRIANGLE. All telephone lines will endeavour to reach this point, which will be marked by a triangular piece of tin, white with a black stripe on one side and black with a white stripe on the other side. By the time C Coy. advances from the TRIANGLE i.e. 30 minutes., D Coy. H.Q. will have arrived and D.Coy. Sigs will have taken over the station and so freed C Sigs., thus enabling them to move on with their company. D Coy. will run this Signal station (TRIANGLE) with 2 men detailed from A Coy. to accompany them with that object in view. When D Coy. advances from the TRIANGLE "A" Coy. Sigs. Will remain to run the station. A Coy. H.Q. are due in the TRIANGLE at 1.00 after zero hour and will continue to staff the station until arrival of Bn.Hd.Qrs. who will then take over this station. By the time Bn.H.Qrs, are ready to move on the Northants Bn.H.Qrs. will have arrived in the TRIANGLE and will take over the station from the Bedfords entirely. PICCADILLY CIRCUS will be kept open permanently. The "New Cut" Office will be closed when Bn. Reaches the REDOUBT. B & C Coy. Hd.Qrs. are due in POMMIERS Trench at 30 minutes after zero, when the Signallers will open Signal Stations. If casualties have been heavy "D" Coy. will reinforce these 2 stations. B & C Companies will remain in the POMMIERS TRENCH forty minutes. POMMIERS TRENCH is the last point for Visual Signalling to the PERONNE ROAD. B & C Companies Hd.Qrs. arrive in the REDOUBT at 1.00 after zero. As no visual Signalling is possible from the Redoubt to PERONNE ROAD all Maryate Street. Will have to go by runner to the station at S.p.VI or other station in POMMIERS Trench. B & C Coys. Remain for 1 hour in the REDOUBT. B & C Hd.Qrs. advance to BEETLE ALLEY at 2.15 after zero and remain there, taking all their Signallers with them less 8 left in the REDOUBT to carry on a RELAY Station. D.Coy sweep on right throughto the intermediate line, taking their Signallers with them. A Coy. sweep round the right flank of the redoubt and take up position on the front line ridge taking their signallers with them. By the above method, economy is affected in the use of runners, who instead of running say from REDOUBT (B Coy.) to TRIANGLE (Bn.Hd.Qrs.) would only run to the POMMIERS TRENCH STATION, hand in the message there and return at once to their companies. POMMIERS Trench Station would then endeavour to visual the M/s and if impossible, would send on by runners to the TRIANGLE. Messages would, in other words, be dealt with in "RELAYS". No runner would be long away from his Coy. and so be available for a further message. White and Black Triangles are being made at the proportion of 3 per coy. Immediately a Signaller opens a station, one of these triangles will be placed in the ground near him as a mark to guide runners from other directions. Signalling will be done by "discs" until REDOUBT is taken, when flags may possibly be used with safety, from POMMIERS TRENCH to PERONNE AVENUE. TELEPHONES. Each Coy. will have two telephones allotted to them, these being taken across after A Coy. One of these will be accompanied by a man carrying a coil of cable which he will reel out as he goes along. These lines will all converge on the TRIANGLE and be connected up. As Coys. Advance endeavours will be made to continue laying telephone lines, and to keep them in repair. Each Coy. As it goes over takes with it 2 miles of black enamel wire for use whenever practicable. 2 Signallers will be detached from Bn.Hq.Qrs. to take over Station in POMMIERS TRENCH. All messages to be as short as possible; indelible pencils should not be used for writing messages. CONTACT AEROPLANE PATROLS. Each Battalion will have a supply of red flares. One flare must be carried by each man. One special signalling lamp, one panel and one ground signal will be taken with each Battn.Hd.Qrs. The ground signal must be put out as soon as Battn.Hd.Qrs. reaches its new position, but should only be unfolded when one of our own aeroplanes is over the line. XIII Corps and XV Corps aeroplanes will be of type B.E.2.c. and have a broad black band under each lower plane. The method of working these contact aeroplanes will be that already practiced. General. Officers should always, when possible, speak on the telephone themselves, or else write down their messages and sign them. Signallers are ordered not to accept messages unless signed by an officer or N.C.O. or man in command of a unit. It is essential that all messages should have time and place on them and that they should be as short and concise as possible
24. ARTILLERY DISTINGUISHING FLAGS Every platoon will carry two red and yellow artillery flags. These flags will be waved for a short period by the leading line to show our artillery how far the attack has progressed. On no account will any flags be stuck into the ground. These flags will not be waved at any position in advance of the POMMIERS REDOUBT.
25. EQUIPMENT TO BE CARRIED ON THE MEN Every man will carry: - Rifle and equipment less pack. 1 Bandolier in addition to his equipment amn. (170 rounds in all). 1 days ration and 1 iron ration. 1 waterproof sheet. 2 sandbags. 1 yellow patch on haversack on his back. 2 Smoke Helmets. Grenadiers will only carry 50 rounds S.A.A.
26. MAPS, DOCUMENTS No maps showing our own trenches or important papers will be carried by officers and men taking part in the attack.
27. STRONG POINTS. Apart from the strong points constructed on the final objective, the strong points marked I.VI & VII on the special map will be commenced immediately the objectives in which they are situated are reached. 7th Bedfords will construct strong points at THE TRIANGLE and POMMIERS REDOUBT. All strong points must be prepared for all round defense, and wired. They must hold out even if the troops on either side of them are driven back. Strong points No.1 and No.7 will be garrisoned by the 3rd. Battalion.
28. BOSCH COUNTERATTACKS. Recent experience has shown that the Bosch delivers small counter attacks with platoons or companies immediately hostile troops gain their objective. These small counter attacks have had far reaching results and must be specially guarded against. To meet these counter attacks the reserves in the hands of platoon and coy. commanders will be of the greatest value.
29 RELIEFS. All troops must clearly understand that no reliefs can be expected until their final objectives have been efficiently consolidated. Units who first complete the consolidation of their objectives will be considered first for relief. 30. Dugout clearing parties The 6th Northamptonshire Regt. will furnish Dugout clearing parties as follows: - 4 sections will be in No.2 Trench. Two of these Will stop at AUSTRIAN TRENCH and two in AUSTRIAN SUPPORT TRENCH. 4 sections in No.3 Trench. Two of these will stop at EMDEN TRENCH and two at BUND TRENCH. The four sections in No.2 Trench will move out with 3rd. wave, the four secs in No.3 between 3rd. and fourth waves.
July 1916
7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt.
Complimentary and other messages received prior to and during the active operations carried out by the 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt.
From Fourth Army: (54th Brigade B.M.X.1:7:16) In wishing all ranks good luck the Army Commander desires to impress on all Infantry units the supreme importance of helping one another and holding on tight to every yard of ground gained. The accurate and sustained fire of the Artillery during the bombardment should greatly assist the task of the Infantry.
From XIII Corps: (54th Bde. B.M. 545 1:7:16) General CONGREVE wires - Please convey to all units my intense appreciation of their splendid fighting which has attained all asked for from them and resulted in heavy losses to the enemy, nearly 1000 prisoners have already passed through the cage.
From General MAXSE to 18th Division (in continuation of above) Well done; it's what I expected; now hold on to what you have gained so splendidly
From Fourth Army: (54th Bde. B.M. 575, 2:7:16). Following message received from 18th Div. Begins Following received from Fourth Army - "please convey to 18th Division my best congratulations and thanks for their dashing attack yesterday. They have done excellent work and I desire to thank them most heartily."
(sgd) RAWLINSON From 18th Division: (54th Bde. B.M. 800 10:7:16)
It is difficult for the Commanding Officer to add to the great praise bestowed on the Battalion by the higher commands. While we all deplore the loss of our brave comrades fallen in the great fight, the knowledge that the Battalion won its objective in spite of stubborn resistance encountered and with such steadiness, determination and gallantry, is a great compensation for those who have fallen on the slopes of the POMMIERS REDOUBT. It is a great honour to command a Battalion which has shown such fine fighting qualities and the Commanding Officer, in tendering his heartfelt thanks to Officers, Non-commissioned officers and men, feels sure that whenever called upon the Battalion will live up to the high reputation it has earned on the field of battle. (signed) J.H.Bridcutt, Captain Adjutant, 7th (S) Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment. 5th
Casualties Incurred [Comment; split into Companies, then alphabetically]
27-6-16 No. 3/8156 - Sgt.Haynes, A[lbert] E[dward] - "A" Coy – Killed
27-6-16 No. 19794 - Pte.Armstrong, F[rederick] W[illiam] - "C" Coy - Killed
1-7-16 12686 - L/Cpl.McGrane, W[alter] - "A" Coy - Killed
1-7-16 3/7867 -L/Cpl.Perkins, E[rnest] G[eorge] - "A" Coy - Killed
1-7-16 15942 - Pte.Adams, E[dward] - "A" Coy - Killed
1-7-16 16466 - Pte.Freeman, H[erbert] E[dward] - "A" Coy - Killed
1-7-16 14828 - Pte.Palmer, E[rnest] S[tanley] - "A" Coy - Killed
1-7-16 3/8227 -Pte.Titchmarsh, A[rthur] - "A" Coy - Killed
1-7-16 12824 - Sgt.Luff, A.T. - " A" Coy - Wounded
13-7-16 13782-Sgt.Ellins, S.T - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 16599 - Cpl.Barton, A. - "D" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 15562 - Cpl.Birdsey, W.T. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 15237 - Cpl.Duller, C.W. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 24519 - Cpl.Smith, E.T. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 7332 - L/Cpl.Byford, A. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 17890 - L/Cpl.Coxwell, E.A. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 12764 - L/Cpl.Darlow, A. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 14169 - L/Cpl.Lewis, F.J. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 20735 - L/Cpl.Swift, S[tanley] [died 6-7-16] - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 22273 - Pte.Archer, J. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 15705 - Pte.Baker, F. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 25628 - Pte.Barton, F.W. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 14756 - Pte.Birch, T.M. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 20246 -Pte.Bird, L. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 14827 - Pte.Blowes, C.R. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 17345 - Pte.Bolton, F.W. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 15273 - Pte.Brace, A - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 10430 - Pte.Bullard, W[illiam] R[alph] - "A" Coy - Died of Wounds
1-7-16 4/7223 -Pte.Burgess, A[lbert] - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 15696 - Pte.Burton, F.C. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 18200 - Pte.Carr, T[homas] B[urgess] [died 1-7-16] - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 15674 - Pte.Catlin, A[lbert] V. [died 2-7-16] - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 14826 - Pte.Clark, B.J. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 12634 - Pte.Clark, G. - "A" Coy - Missing
1-7-16 17425 - Pte.Cox, A. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 13908 - Pte.Cox, C.A. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 17401 - Pte.Coventry, D. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 13374 - Pte.Cutmore, W.H. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 15349 - Pte.Dawson, S.C. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 25812 - Pte.Deal, W.C. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 12369 - Pte.Hammond, H.T. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 17369 - Pte.Harrison, W. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 15236 - Pte.Hastler, A.C. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 13015 - Pte.Hensman, H[orace]A[lfred] [died 1-7-16] - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 3/8337 -Pte.Holiday, H. - "A" Coy - Wounded
1-7-16 15718 - Pte.Hopcroft, F. - "A" Coy – Wounded
1-7-16 15180 - Pte.Howard, C. - "A" Coy - Wounded