CHAPTER XXI

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 1917

_Diary of the War_

[Sidenote: 1917]

At the beginning of 1917 events of the highest importance succeeded each other with startling rapidity. On the British front a series of operations was commenced on the Ancre, beginning at Sailly-Saillisel Ridge; and so successful was the British offensive that village after village was captured. The Germans adroitly retired to what was known as the Hindenburg line, and after Bapaume and Peronne had been captured Sir Douglas Haig pressed forward towards Cambrai on a 100-miles front. The French had some very stiff fighting between the Aisne and the Argonne, and also between Tahure and Massiges where the Germans broke through. There was still fighting round Verdun, and the Germans claimed some successes there; but, on the other hand, in conjunction with the British, the French made an advance between La Fère and St. Quentin.

In Russia some progress had been made in the Bukovina and also near Riga, when a revolution broke out in Petrograd. The Czar was forced to abdicate, and Kerensky proclaimed a Russian Republic. Under the delusion that this change would assist either Russia or the Allied cause, the British Government sent messages of congratulation. In Roumania the situation was hopeless, and the Germans were masters of Wallachia. The Greek Government accepted all the Allies’ demands, and even sent apologies; and when the junction of the French and the Italians in South Albania isolated Greece from the Central Powers, the activities of King Constantine in the German cause were much lessened.

On January 31 the policy of unrestricted naval warfare was adopted by the Germans, who announced their intention of sinking every ship neutral or otherwise. With Russia in a state of revolution, the Germans calculated that they would be able to dispose of the other Allies before the United States Army was ready. This was a plausible theory, since with the tightening up of the submarine blockade there was some prospect of Great Britain being starved into submission before America could move. On February 3 the United States broke off diplomatic relations with the Central Powers and declared war.

In Mesopotamia General Sir Stanley Maude commenced a series of brilliant operations which resulted in the fall of Kut-el-Amara on February 24, and the capture of Baghdad on March 11. In Palestine General Sir A. Murray succeeded in inflicting a blow on the Turks at Gaza, and took 900 prisoners, but these operations were only partially successful.

On March 13 China broke off diplomatic relations with Germany.

THE 1ST BATTALION

[Sidenote: 1st Batt. Jan. 1917.]

The officers of the 1st Battalion on January 1, 1917, were:

Lieut.-Colonel M. E. Makgill-Crichton- Maitland Commanding Officer. Major E. N. E. M. Vaughan, D.S.O. Second in Command. Capt. E. H. J. Duberly Adjutant. Capt. P. J. S. Pearson-Gregory Bombing and L.-G. Officer. Lieut. D. H. S. Riddiford Transport Officer. Lieut. and Quartermaster J. Teece Quartermaster. Capt. L. G. Fisher-Rowe King’s Company. Lieut. F. C. St. Aubyn ” ” Lieut. C. Wilkinson ” ” Lieut. B. L. Lawrence No. 2 Company. Lieut. T. P. M. Bevan ” ” 2nd Lieut. H. Bird ” ” Capt. P. M. Spence No. 3 Company. Lieut. G. F. Pauling, M.C. ” ” Lieut. W. J. Dashwood ” ” 2nd Lieut. J. F. Eastwood ” ” Capt. R. D. Lawford No. 4 Company. Lieut. R. P. le P. Trench, M.C. ” ” 2nd Lieut. W. H. Lovell ” ” Capt. J. C. B. Grant, R.A.M.C. Medical Officer.

At the beginning of 1917 the 1st Battalion was in camp at Maltzhorn, where it had retired after the usual tour of duty in the trenches. On the 2nd it moved to Méaulte, and on the 10th to Billon Wood Camp, where it remained for twelve days’ training by companies. On the 22nd it proceeded to Priez Farm, and on the 25th to Maurepas. Lieutenant C. S. de Cerjat joined on the 14th, and Lieutenant C. D. Baker on the 24th.

On the 30th the 1st Battalion moved into the line about fifteen miles north of St. Quentin, and during the first three days spent in the trenches nothing occurred worth recording. Just before it was relieved, however, the Germans attempted a raid on the advanced posts. An intense bombardment lasting for thirty-five minutes warned the 1st Battalion of the impending attack, and the King’s Company, which was holding the part of the line selected by the Germans, was easily able to repulse the raiders by rifle-fire. The casualties were 1 man killed, 1 missing, and 2 wounded. In the evening the 1st Battalion was relieved by the 4th Battalion, and proceeded to camp at Maurepas.

[Sidenote: Feb.]

After four days’ rest it returned to the trenches, placing two companies in the front line and two companies in reserve, and carrying out inter-company relief. On the 10th of February, about 5 A.M., the enemy launched a bombing attack, and tried to raid the two right posts of the right companies, but it was a half-hearted affair, and the enemy succeeded in reaching the wire in front of our trenches; the Lewis-gun and rifle fire was too strong for them, and none of the bombs they threw reached our men. The remainder of the month was spent at Mericourt, where training was carried on by companies. Second Lieutenant S. Y. P. Gardner and Second Lieutenant O. F. Stein arrived on the 13th, and on the 21st Lieutenant M. Thrupp joined the Battalion. On the 17th a Guard of Honour consisting of Captain L. G. Fisher-Rowe, Lieutenant W. J. Dashwood, and Lieutenant C. Wilkinson, with 100 rank and file from the King’s Company, proceeded to the 4th Army Headquarters for the reception of General Nivelle, the Commander-in-Chief of the French Armies.

[Sidenote: March.]

On March 3 the 1st Battalion moved to Bronfay Farm, and on the following day to the trenches at Fregicourt and Haie Wood, where it was employed in improving the dug-outs. On the 5th a shell most unluckily fell among the King’s Company. Company Sergeant-Major Bradbury had both his legs blown off, and three other Sergeants were wounded. Captain Fisher-Rowe was knocked down but not hurt, and Brigadier-General Lord Henry Seymour and Lieut.-Colonel Maitland, who were only a few yards off, were untouched. Sergeant-Major Bradbury was carried back on a stretcher, but it was plain to every one, including himself, that he could not live. As he was being borne away he asked to speak to the Adjutant, Captain Pearson-Gregory, who at once came up thinking it was some personal request or last wish the dying man wanted to communicate. “You won’t forget, sir,” said Bradbury, “the Battalion has to find a fatigue party of a hundred men to-morrow early.” Unselfish to the last, no thought of himself in his terrible condition crossed his mind. His sole idea, to the very last, was to do his duty to the Battalion.

Another four days in the trenches caused further casualties, and Lieutenant H. B. Vernon was wounded. On the 11th the 1st Battalion retired to Bronfay Farm, where it remained resting for a week, after which it returned to the front line. The Germans were now retiring along the whole front, and a close and unremitting pursuit had to be maintained. The 1st Battalion was employed on outpost duty with orders to accelerate the retirement as much as possible. This necessitated constant advances, but each line, as it was reached, had to be consolidated in case of counter-attack. After four days of this the Battalion retired to Maurepas, and subsequently to Camp 15 at Billon. Second Lieutenant R. B. St. Q. Wall joined on the 8th of March, Lieutenant P. G. Simmons on the 14th, Lieutenant R. H. Rolfe and Second Lieutenant R. F. W. Echlin on the 30th.

THE 2ND BATTALION

[Sidenote: 2nd Batt. Jan.]

The officers of the 2nd Battalion on January 1, 1917, were:

Lieut.-Colonel C. R. Champion de Crespigny, D.S.O. Commanding Officer. Major Hon. W. R. Bailey, D.S.O. Second in Command. Lieut. A. H. Penn Adjutant. Lieut. G. G. M. Vereker Transport Officer. Hon. Lieut. and Quartermaster W. E. Acraman, D.C.M. Quartermaster. Lieut. J. N. Buchanan No. 1 Company. Lieut. F. A. M. Browning ” ” Lieut. E. W. Seymour ” ” Lieut. A. McW. Lawson-Johnston, M.C. ” ” Lieut. J. C. Cornforth ” ” Captain E. O. Stewart No. 2 Company. Lieut. Hon. F. H. Manners ” ” Lieut. F. H. G. Layland-Barratt, M.C. ” ” Lieut. T. A. Combe ” ” Captain C. F. A. Walker, M.C. No. 3 Company. Lieut. K. O’G. Harvard No. 3 Company. 2nd Lieut. Lord I. B. G. T. Blackwood ” ” 2nd Lieut. H. M. Wilson ” ” Capt. Lord F. T. H. T. Blackwood, D.S.O. No. 4 Company. Lieut. R. Terrell ” ” Lieut. R. A. W. Bicknell ” ” Lieut. A. T. A. Ritchie ” ” Lieut. J. Tabor ” ” Capt. J. A. Andrews, R.A.M.C. Medical Officer.

From January 2 to 25 the 2nd Battalion remained at Méaulte, training by companies, providing fatigue parties, and receiving instruction in bombing, Lewis gunnery, and precautions against gas attacks. Each company went through a course of musketry, and constantly had route marches. On the 25th orders were received to move to Priez Farm in motor buses and lorries, but owing to some unexplained mistake only seven buses and nine lorries arrived, so that a large part of the Battalion had to march. Priez Farm, which is between Combles and Rancourt, consisted of dug-outs which were constantly subjected to the enemy’s shells. The men were employed in filling sand-bags, but owing to a sharp frost the ground was hard as iron, and it was by no means easy to obtain the requisite soil. One shell pitched among the cookers, killing 2 men and wounding 4, while another fell on the water-cart, wounding 2 men. On the 29th the Battalion was relieved by the 3rd Battalion Coldstream and marched to Billon Camp near Maricourt. The weather was bitterly cold, and the men suffered a good deal in spite of the warm clothing provided for them.

The following officers joined during the month: on the 2nd, Lieutenant J. C. Cornforth; on the 14th, Lieutenant K. O’G. Harvard; on the 24th, Captain G. C. FitzH. Harcourt-Vernon, D.S.O.

[Sidenote: Feb.]

For the first ten days in February the 2nd Battalion remained at Billon Camp, where the companies trained. A sporting event somewhat out of the ordinary was held on the 6th, 7th, and 8th, when Lord Cavan started a ratting competition, and promised an extra ration of rum to the Battalion that succeeded in killing the largest number of rats. The 2nd Battalion, accustomed to excel in all forms of sport, succeeded in securing this coveted prize by capturing as many as 386 rats. On the 10th the Battalion marched to Maurepas Ravine, and two days later took over from the 1st Battalion the trenches between Peronne and St. Pierre Vaast Wood. This part of the line consisted of a series of isolated posts, which were dry and well revetted, on the forward slope of the hill. The Battalion remained in the trenches five days, and although there was a good deal of shelling there were fortunately no casualties. On the 15th it was relieved by the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, and returned to camp at Maurepas. The weather was now warmer, and a thaw which had set in made the whole camp very muddy. After four days’ rest the Battalion returned to the trenches and again carried out inter-Company reliefs. On the 21st Lieutenant A. McW. Lawson-Johnston and Lieutenant R. Terrell were wounded by the same shell: the latter recovered, but Lieutenant Lawson-Johnston, who was hit in twenty places, died from his wounds the following day. There were no casualties among other ranks. The mornings were very foggy, and Lieut.-Colonel de Crespigny took advantage of this fact to reconnoitre the ground to his immediate front. On the 23rd the Battalion, after being relieved by the 21st Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, returned to Maurepas, and on the 26th proceeded to Camp 107 at Billon, remaining there until March 14.

[Sidenote: March.]

The German retirement necessitated by the battle of the Somme had now begun, but it was impossible to tell at first what exactly the enemy’s intentions were. After four days at Maurepas the Battalion moved up into the line at Sailly-Saillisel, where no German could be seen and no gun heard. The outpost line had been advanced to within 1000 yards of Le Mesnil, and cavalry patrols were being pushed forward to establish touch with the enemy. The difficulty presented itself of how to make the guns and supplies keep pace with the advance, and all available battalions were employed in road-making.

One curious incident happened during this advance. Two Russian soldiers who had remained hidden after the German retirement were found in Etricourt. Originally taken prisoner on the Russian frontier, they had been transferred to the Western front, and employed in digging. Hearing the orders given by the German officers to retire, they managed to conceal themselves, and waited until the British troops arrived. They were overjoyed at finding themselves once more free, and delighted at their cordial reception.

The interesting duty of following up the Germans did not fall to the 2nd Battalion, which was employed till the end of the month in making roads and filling up shell-holes.

THE 3RD BATTALION

[Sidenote: 3rd Batt. Jan.]

The officers of the 3rd Battalion on January 1, 1917, were:

Lieut.-Colonel A. F. A. N. Thorne, D.S.O. Commanding Officer. Major G. E. C. Rasch, D.S.O. Second in Command. Capt. O. Lyttelton, D.S.O. Adjutant. Lieut. the Hon. F. O. H. Eaton Bombing Officer. Lieut. the Hon. A. G. Agar-Robartes Lewis Gun Officer. Lieut. M. Duquenoy Transport Officer. Lieut. G. H. Wall Quartermaster. Capt. J. C. Craigie, M.C. No. 1 Company. Capt. I. St. C. Rose No. 2 Company. Lieut. G. F. R. Hirst ” ” Lieut. F. Anson ” ” Lieut. C. A. Hall ” ” Lieut. P. M. Walker, M.C. No. 3 Company. Lieut. W. W. S. C. Neville ” ” 2nd Lieut. L. Holbech ” ” Capt. R. W. Parker No. 4 Company. Lieut. W. G. Orriss ” ” Lieut. C. H. Bedford ” ” Capt. J. N. L. Thoseby, R.A.M.C. Medical Officer.

The 3rd Battalion came out of the trenches on January 2, and spent the next ten days training at Corbie, Billon Farm, and Priez Farm. This was followed by three uneventful days in the trenches from the 12th to the 15th, and again from the 21st to the 24th, after which it returned to Mericourt. On the 28th it marched to La Briqueterie, where the men were employed in making the foundation for the Decauville railway, a tiring fatigue owing to the frozen nature of the ground and the long distances to be covered.

[Sidenote: Feb.]

During the greater part of February the 3rd Battalion remained at Mericourt training. On the 7th it was chosen from the 2nd Guards Brigade to drill at Ville before General MacMahon, who expressed himself much pleased with the smart appearance of the Battalion. The parade was rendered more impressive by the presence of the band of the regiment under Lieutenant Williams. On the 9th an unfortunate bombing accident occurred: a defective bomb of the Mills Adapter type burst at the muzzle, and wounded Lieutenant W. G. Orriss, Lance-Sergeant Dugmore, and two men. Brigadier-General Lord Henry Seymour and Major Rasch, who was temporarily in command of the Battalion, were looking on at the time, and fortunately were not hit. On the 26th the 3rd Battalion marched to Maurepas, and on the following day went into the front line, where it remained for five days, carrying out inter-Company reliefs. On the last day the Fifteenth Corps carried out an attack east of Bouchavesnes, and the Battalion was to have assisted with a discharge of smoke-bombs, but owing to an unfavourable wind the orders were cancelled. Several patrols were, however, sent out to ascertain how strongly the enemy’s posts were held, and the nature and strength of his wire.

[Sidenote: March.]

Early on the 5th the Battalion was relieved, and retired for three days’ rest to Maurepas. Three more uneventful days were spent in the trenches from the 8th to the 11th, but the retirement of the Germans had begun, and their lines were therefore only thinly held. On the 15th two companies were ordered to move up into the reserve trenches, while the rest of the Battalion remained at Priez ready to move at a moment’s notice. On the following day Lieut.-Colonel A. Thorne took charge of the centre of the whole line, while Major Rasch commanded the Battalion, and Captain R. W. Parker took command of the vanguard composed of two companies. The advance began on the 16th, and met with little resistance, the patrols pushing forward through St. Pierre Vaast Wood to Vaux Wood. On the 18th the Battalion was relieved, and spent the rest of the month on fatigues and work on the railway.

THE 4TH BATTALION

[Sidenote: 4th Batt. Jan.]

The officers of the 4th Battalion on January 1, 1917, were:

Lieut.-Colonel G. C. Hamilton, D.S.O. Commanding Officer. Major W. S. Pilcher Second in Command. Capt. R. S. Lambert, M.C. Adjutant. Lieut. I. H. Ingleby Act.-Quartermaster. 2nd Lieut. C. E. Benson Transport Officer. Lieut. C. G. Keith, M.C. No. 1 Company. Lieut. B. Burman ” ” Lieut. J. N. F. Pixley ” ” 2nd Lieut. E. H. Tuckwell ” ” Capt. the Hon. F. E. Needham No. 2 Company. Lieut. G. E. Shelley ” ” Lieut. the Hon. A. H. L. Hardinge ” ” 2nd Lieut. G. H. T. Paton ” ” Capt. C. H. Greville No. 3 Company. Lieut. R. Farquhar, M.C. ” ” Lieut. G. C. Sloane-Stanley ” ” Lieut. J. B. M. Burke ” ” Lieut. C. S. Nash ” ” Capt. E. G. Spencer-Churchill No. 4 Company. Lieut. R. H. G. Leveson-Gower ” ” Lieut. C. K. Irby ” ” 2nd Lieut. B. J. Hubbard ” ” Capt. N. Grellier, M.C., R.A.M.C. Medical Officer.

The first week in January was spent by the 4th Battalion at Mericourt, and on the 9th Major-General Feilding presented medal ribbons to the N.C.O.’s and men of the Battalion who had been awarded the Military Medal. On the 10th the Battalion proceeded to Billon Camp, where it was employed in road-making and improving the camp, and on the 14th it moved to Priez Farm. The weather was now very cold, and there was continual snow. Occasional shells reminded the men forcibly of the presence of the enemy, but there were no casualties. On the 18th the Battalion retired to Billon Camp, remaining there until the 25th, when it moved to Maurepas. The following day it took over the trenches immediately east of Rancourt on the edge of St. Pierre Vaast Wood. This part of the line was held by a series of posts or islands, which were duckboardcd; it was a quiet spot, and there was practically no shelling.

[Sidenote: Feb.]

After four days’ rest the Battalion returned to the line, and during the relief came in for a heavy barrage, but after it had settled down, the shelling died away. On February 7 it was relieved, and retired to Maurepas. Two days later it went by train to Méaulte, and marched from there to Ville-sur-Ancre, where it remained till the end of the month going through the usual routine of training. The French War Minister, General Lyautey, inspected the 3rd Guards Brigade, and was reported to have been much impressed by all he saw.

[Sidenote: March.]

On March 1 the Battalion moved to Bronfay, and on the following day to Combles with two companies at Haie Wood. There it went into the trenches until the 6th. During this tour it came in for a good deal of shelling, and Lieutenant B. Burman and seventeen other ranks were wounded. After four days’ rest at Fregicourt, the Battalion returned to the same line of trenches, but this time found everything far quieter. On the 13th it moved to Billon Camp, and on the 19th to Priez Farm, whence it moved up to the trenches for four uneventful days. On the 24th it retired to Bronfay Farm, and on the 27th marched to Clery, where it was employed on railway work.