| Place | Date | Hour | Summary of events and information |
| In Line | 1 | Map Ref SE413 1/30000. The Battalion was holding the Front Line System of the LAVIEVILLE Sector from E 7 a 90 . 60 on the right to E 2 a 4 . 0 on the left with the 20th Battn. LONDON REGT. in the right flank and 7th Battn. LONDON REGT. 58th Battalion on the left flank and the 9th Battn LONDON REGT. in Support. The disposition was as follows:- "A" Company on the right, "C" Company in the centre, "B" Company on the left with "D" Company in Support. The day was generally quiet with the exception of a little artillery fire on our front line. Casualties: 2 other ranks wounded Capt C S HARDY moved from Divisional Brigade and Lieut A F MACKENZIE Both were posted to "D" Company. |
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| In Line | 2 | The Battalion was holding the line as for June 1st. The enemy was comparatively quiet with the exception of a little shelling of the front line. Casualties: 2/Lt DOWNES and 2 other ranks killed. The 18th Battalion came into the line on the left. |
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| In Line | 3 | The Battalion was holding the line and disposed as for June 2nd. Considerable amount of work was done on YARRA and PIONEER Trenches, on the new support trench and on DIRTY TRENCH.The enemy showed a brisk bombardment with their Artillery about 2.30 am but no infantry attack followed. Intermittant shelling on our front line continued throughout the morning and afternoon Casualties: Lt CURWEN killed and 1 other rank wounded. ????? removed from the Gas School and sent up to assist "C" Company. ?????? and admitted to hospital sick. The 19th Battn LONDON REGT relieved the 30th Battn LONDON REGT on our right. |
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| In Line | 4 | The Battalion was holding the line as for June 3rd. The Divisional Commander and the Brigadier visited H Q at 9.30 am and proceeded to go round our sector of Trenches. The enemy was inactive all day. Casualties: Nil. |
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| In Line | 5 | The Battalion was holding the line as for June 4th. Two baths and a dressing room were erected in DIRTY TRENCH in order to bathe the men. The work was continued in YARRA TRENCH and the new Support Trench. The enemy was quiet throughout the day. His heavy trench mortars came into action at last. Casualties: Nil. |
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| In Line | 6 | The Battalion was holding the line as for June 5th with the distribution of the Companies slightly changed. "A" Company on the right with two Sections South of the ALBERT-AMIENS road. "B" Company on the left. The two platoons of "C" Company were withdrawn from the front line into the support trench. The remaining two platoons and Company H Q being in PIONEER TRENCH between the support platoons of "A" and "B" Companies. "D" Company remained in DIRTY TRENCH while two Lewis Gun batteries of four guns each was established in the new Reserve Trench and at the junction with DIGGER AVENUE, and in a small trench at E. 7. a. 60. p. to ???? on the S. O. S. lines. Work was continued on YARRA TRENCH and on the fire steps on YARRA and PIONEER TRENCH. The digging of the new support trench was continued. Wiring was carried out by "A" and "B" Companies and a new trench from "B" Company Sap spit - locked to a trench in the Bank at E. 2. a. 4. 0. Forty men were bathed at our baths during the day. Hostile activity was very slight very little movement being detected in the back areas. A German patrol captured two men who were the ???? at BUSH POST at E. 2. C. 35. 15. Casualties: 2 OR missing |
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| In Line | 7 | The Battalion was holding the line as for June 6th. Work was continued on the new fire steps in YARRA and PIONEER TRENCHES and on the new Support Trench. There was practically no hostile activity beyond a little Artillery fire. A patrol from "B" Company whilst out on our front captured one prisoner. The 19th Bn, LONDON REGT. made a raid in the night. They failed to penetrate into the German trenches or to secure identification. Gas projectiles were fired into the enemy lines at 2.30 am. This produced no retaliation whatsoever. About 40 men were bathed during the day. Casualties: Nil |
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| In Line | 8 | The Battalion holding the line as for June 7th. Work was continued on the fire steps in YARRA and PIONEER TRENCHES and on the new Support Trench. The 8th ROYAL BERKS relieved the 7th QUEENS 18th Division on our left. Hostile artillery became very active during the night. Large numbers of ??? shells were rained on our forward and back areas reaching its maximum about 2.30 am. The bombardment raged more intensely at our outer South and it turned out to be their preliminary bombardment for their attack between MONTDIDIER and NOYON on the morning of the 9th. Casualties: 1 OR killed 1 OR wounded. |
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| In Line | 9 | The Battalion holding the line as for June 8th. There was practically no activity on our front but the bombardment continued several miles away on our right. The ??? Battn LONDON REGT. relieved us in the line, the relief being complete about 2 am. On completion the Battalion moved back into Divisional at C. 21. b. Casualties 1 OR wounded. |
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| Divisional Reserve | 10 | The Battalion was reported all present in bivouacs at C. 21. b. at 7 am. Bathing was done in the afternoon commencing at 2.30 pm. | |
| " | 11 | The Battalion in bivouacs at C. 21. b. The Companies are at the disposal of the Company Commanders for cleaning purposes, reorganisation and training. | |
| " | 12 | The Battalion in bivouacs at C. 21. b. Companies at the disposal of the Company Commanders for training. The Divisional Follies gave a concert at 5.30 pm. The band of the 23rd Australian Battalion opened the show with several splendid selections of music. The following Officers joined the Battalion from the Divisional Staff. Lt R Sleaman, Lt C A Tea, Lt A Ruffett, Lt T G Vaiflor, Lt A Poulter, Lt A Bunf, together with 62 other ranks. | |
| " | 13 | The Battalion in bivouacs at C. 21. b. Operation orders were received to relieve the 20th Battn LONDON REGT in the LAVIEVILLE LINE. Major ? ? Hughes D.S.O. M.C. and Capt ? G Caless went up in the morning to reconnoitre whilst representatives of the Companies and HQ went up in the afternoon. The Battalion moved off at 8.30 pm and the relief was reported complete at 11.50 pm. The disposition of the companies is as follows:- LAVIEVILLE LINE three Companies "A" Company on the right from D. 6. b 10. 35. to D. 10. d. 60. 15. "B" Company from D. 10. d. 60. 15. to D. 11. a. 30. 15. "D" Company from D. 11. a. 10. 15 to D. 6. d. 10. 50. "C" Company in SUPPORT at D. 4. c. 5. 4. HQ Dressing Station 3. a. a. Reserve at D. 9. b. 45. 60. The 4th Battn ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS probably to LAVIEVILLE LINE on our right. Tactically the Battalion is at the disposal of the GOC 142nd Brigade. C S M King left for England to take up a Commission. | |
| 14 | The Battalion holding the LAVIEVILLE LINE. The companies were finding 40 men each to work in shifts on the construction of Machine Gun dug outs. The remainder were trained in Musketry and Lewis Guns. "C" Company Lewis Guns were fired on the range. R S M - J B Lishman M M left for England to take up a Commission. Father HURLEY visited the Battalion for the first time in many months whilst in the line. | ||
| 15 | The Battalion holding the LAVIEVILLE LINE. Forty men per Company being engaged in building Machine Gun dug outs, the remainder were employed on making a ???? of 3" on the parapet and 6" on the parados, this being now considered priority work. The Lewis Gunners of "A" & "B" Companies carried out firing on the range, together with the snipers. The Brigade Transport competition took place at 9.30 am. Lt RICKS M.O.R.C U.S.A. proceeded to England on 14 days leave. Capt. DELLAR R.A.M.C. taking his place. Casualties: Nil. |
16 | The Battalion holding the LAVIEVILLE LINE. Ten men per Company were engaged in building Machine Gun dugouts, the remainder on cleaning the ????? on the parapet and parados. The latter work was countermanded by telephone about 10 pm and the men were ordered to build additional fire steps as the result of the Corps Commander's visit to a position of the line during the afternoon. Good work was accomplished on the fire steps. The R. Cs attended Divine Service at BAISIEUX. The Officers of the 6th Battn LONDON REGT 58th Division came up to reconnoitre the line. The Battalion put up 1.800 francs for the Divisional War Loan Sweepstake. The result of the transport competition was as follows:- 20th Battalion 19th Battalion 18th Battalion. About 11.30 pm a Brigade message was received to send down our billeting parties to proceed to the new billeting area on the early morning of the 17th. Lieut L G DOMINY went in charge of the party. Another message was received at 1.15 am to send down our surplus stores and Lewis Guns. The limbers arrived for same about 3 am. Casualties: 3 other ranks wounded. |
17 | The Battalion holding the LAVIEVILLE LINE. Operation Orders were received that the relief by the 6th Battn LONDON REGT 58th Division would take place that night and on completion of relief the Battalion would embuss to PICQUIGNY. The advance parties of the 6th Battn arrived at 3.30 pm. The relief was reported complete at 11.50 pm. On completion of relief the Battn moved to BOIS RUPERT, had breakfast, and embussed at 4 am to PICQUIGNY (Ref AMIENS sheet) arriving there about 7.30 am. Casualties: Nil |
18th | (Ref AMIENS Sheet) The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY. All troops fairly well billeted. The following officers joined from Divisional wing Lieut E Hammond, D. Coy. Lieut ? Stevens, C. Coy. Lieut A V O Steele, B. Coy, and Lieut A L Jones A. Coy from hospital having previously served with the Battalion. 187 other ranks joined the Battalion. | 19th | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY. The Companies were at the disposal of the Company Commanders for re-organisation and cleaning of guns and equipment. The Commanding Officer and the Adjutant attended a Brigade Conference at 10 am re training. | 20th | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY. The Battalion paraded for training at 9 am and were inspected by the Colonel after which training was carried on under the supervision of the Company Commander. Lt V C Cannon and 2/Lt G R R Stancourt rejoined the Battalion from the Divisional wing Capt C S Hardy and Capt C R G Vincent MC were sent to Field Ambulance. Capt A McKenzie-Smith rejoined the Battalion. |
| 21st | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY. The Battalion paraded at 9 am and continued training under the Company Commanders until 12.30 pm and in the afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm. The Divisional follies gave a performance at 5.30 pm. |
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| 22nd | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY. Training carried out under the supervision of the Company Commanders. | ||
| 23rd | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY. The Brigade held a Church Parade. The Divisional General was present and presented ribbons to various NCO's and men after the service. The Colonel and the Adjutant went to reconnoitre the front of the XXXI French Corps |
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| 24th | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY, and paraded for training under the Commanding Officer at 9 am. Capt G F A Knight rejoined the Battalion. |
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| 25th | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY, and paraded for training at 9 am under the Company Commanders. Lt General BUTLER the Corps Commander visited the men during their training. Major D H Hughes, D.S.O. M.C. and Capt E M Ellis M.C. went to reconnoitre the XXXI French Corps Front. |
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| 26th | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY, and paraded for Company training at 9 am. The heats of the men swimming were run off at 5.30 pm preparatory to the Divisional Sports Carnival. Lt S R Roney joined the Battalion and 2/Lieut J D Baxter went on a Course |
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| 27th | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY training under the Company Commanders. The Commanding Officer went to interview the Army Commander.Br> A Swimming Gala was held at 5.30 pm; in the whole the results were good. The "SHAMROCKS" the Battalion Concert Party entertained the men at 6.30 pm. | ||
| 28th | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY. Company training being carried out. The Battalion football team played the remainder of the Battalion at football during the afternoon. The remainder won 2 - 1. The Shamrocks gave a concert in the evening. | ||
| 29th | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY. Company training was carried out. Several men were sent to the Field Ambulance with P V O whereas hitherto the health of the troops has been much better than other units in the Brigade. Lieut F F Curling rejoined the Battalion. A meeting of all Officers DO's and Sergeants was held at 3 pm to nominate the representatives of the Sports Committee and the Canteen Committee. The following were elected to be members of the Sports Committee. President - Major D D Hughes D.S.O. M.C. Father Hurley 2/Lt A L Jones 2/Lt A Mackenzie (Sports Officer) Lieut H D Hoole 2/Lt D G D Martin CSM Dixon, ? CQMS Collins, G (Secretary) S/Srgt Allen, R A Transpt Srgt Hitchman, G CQMS Thane, A T The following to represent the Canteen Committee Major D D Hughes D.S.O. M.C. Capt E M Ellis M.C. |
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| 30th | The Battalion in billets at PICQUIGNY. The Brigade Commander took the Commanding Officers and Adjutants in three tactical exercises at 5.30 pm. Lieut G F Keane rejoined the Battalion from a Course. 2/Lieut L A Mann joined the Battalion. |
SECRET
18th Bn. THE LONDON REGT
OPERATION ORDER No. 247
Ref Maps D2. D 1/40,000 9th June 1918
1. The Battalion will be relieved by the 24th Bn in the LEFT section LEFT Sub-sector tonight 9/10th June. On relief the Bn will move into Divisional Reserve in C . 15 . d.
2. Relief will be as follows:-
A Coy 18th relieved by C Coy 24th as RIGHT FRONT Coy.
B " " " " B " " " LEFT FRONT Coy
C " " " " D " " " SUPPORT Coy
D " " " " A " " " RESERVE Coy
3. Four guides per Company, two for H.Q., two for Lewis Gun Batterys to be at BN H.Q. at 7.30 pm. These will guide the incoming Companies from Brigade H.Q.
4. The Q.M. with 4 C.Q.M.S. will arrange for the billeting of Companies and BN HQ Corps will take over from their opposite ones. i.e. A from A etc.
The Q.M. will arrange for guides to meet Companies at C . 29 . a . 7 . 8.
5. All petrol tins to be returned to BN. H.Q. by 5 pm prompt. Any full cans remaining will be used to fill water bottles of men in the line and then sent down.
6. All trench stores, secret maps, defence schemes, work in practice and permanent working parties with R.Cs will be carefully handed over to incoming Company Commanders the necessary receipts to be obtained and forwarded to Bn. Orderly Room by 2 pm. 10th inst.
7. The T.O. will arrange for the following limbers : -
One limber for Company Officers trench kits and cooking utensils and A B & C Cap cooking utensils to be at the end of DIRTY TRENCH as soon after dark as possible.
One limber to collect H.Q. and D Corps cooking utensils and 18 improvised pack hot food containers from Bn HQ.
Two limbers to be at Bn HQ for Lewis Guns from 11 pm onwards.
Mess cart for HQ Officers Mess Kit, trench kit and Aid Post Stores
Horses for Commanding Officer, Sec-in-Command, Adjt MO and Company Comdrs to be on main ALBERT-AMIENS Road about D . 16 . b . 9 . 1. from 11.30 pm onwards.
8. Route on completion of relief : -
Main ALBERT-AMIENS Road as far as FRANVILLIERS, thence to C . 29 . a . 7 . 8 where guides will be met
9. Completion of relief will be reported to Bn HQ by the code word "THANKS"
10. A C K N O W L E D G E.
9th June 1918
Issued at 1 pm
| May 1918 | Return to War Diary Index page | July 1918 |
Some words (shown ???) very difficult to read. If anyone has any additions or corrections to these transcriptions please let me know.