CHAPTER IX.

THE GIVENCHY PERIOD, 7th DECEMBER, 1917, to 3rd SEPTEMBER, 1918.

On the 6th December, 1917, the remnant of the Battalion marched back from TINCOURT to Canvas Camp, FLANICOURT, arriving there at 12 30 p.m.

The next day we spent in putting up more tents and cleaning up. Captain Duggan, M.C., and Captain Hore, M.C., rejoined us from England and 22 Other Ranks from the reinforcement camp.

On the 8th we entrained at 10 a.m. and were taken to MAROEUIL, and marched in pouring rain to billets at LATTRE ST. QUENTIN, arriving there at 2 30 a.m., where we rested all the following day.

On the 10th we marched to TINCQUES, and the following day to BRYAS.

On the 11th we marched to HENCHIN, and the following day to DELETTE, where 11 Other Ranks reported as reinforcements. Here we entered on a long course of training.

On the 22nd news came that Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Crump had been mentioned in despatches.

On Christmas Day, after Church Parade, we had a splendid Battalion Dinner in the local hall and a concert in the evening.

Snow fell on the 26th and interfered with training.

Our total casualties for the year 1917 are recorded in the War Diary as follows:--

Wounded & Died of Sick to Killed Wounded Missing Missing Gassed Wounds to F.A. Officers 14 31 2 2 0 1 19 Other Ranks 137 627 159 0 11 1 520 --- --- --- - -- - --- Totals 151 658 161 2 11 2 539

JANUARY, 1918.

On New Year’s Day we found ourselves still at DELETTE, where we had an excellent dinner. Congratulations were received from the King, the Commander-in-Chief, the Army Commander, and the Divisional Commander. The following days were spent in Company training and bathing. There was a snowstorm on the 8th. There were good ranges here, and one of the Companies was on the range every day.

On the 14th the New Year’s Honours List came out. The Military Cross for Captain Matthew; Captain Buckmaster, Corporal J. Collier, Lance-Corporal J. Baker, and Private J. Maher being mentioned in despatches. Second Lieutenant Ramsbottom joined us as a reinforcement.

On the 19th the Brigade was inspected at COYAQUE by the Army Commander, General Horne, who took the opportunity of welcoming the Brigade to his Army. The following Officers joined for duty:--Captain T. D. Collett, Second Lieutenants H. A. Latham, J. Dawson, W. Hughes, N. Smith, and T. Stanley.

On the 20th the award of a Bar to the Military Cross to Captain Pruden and the Military Cross itself to Second Lieutenant H. Fazackerley were announced.

There were regular lectures during the period on a variety of subjects, and many keen football matches were played.

On the 25th another batch of Officers--Lieutenant G. B. Wardle and Second Lieutenants O. R. Cooper, R. Hodgson, G. H. Frost, E. H. Studdard, and L. O. Halliwell--joined us, followed, on the 30th, by a draft from the 1/5th North Lancashires, consisting of:--Captains R. W. B. Sparkes, M.C., and B. J. Phillips, Second Lieutenants J. S. Hampson, T. H. Scott, W. E. Pasley, J. H. Friar, F. Greaves, A. James, T. McLachlan, M.C., J. T. Taylor, and 163 Other Ranks.

On the 31st the total strength of the Battalion was 56 Officers (including the Medical Officer and the Padre) and 942 Other Ranks, there being actually 43 Officers and 631 Other Ranks serving with the Battalion.

Two more Officers, Second Lieutenants Beresford and Horsfall, and two Other Ranks arrived on the 2nd February, and Second Lieutenants Symes and G. Haworth came on the 3rd, Second Lieutenant R. Smith on the 4th, and Second Lieutenants G. Kirkby and H. Bailey on the 6th.

We had never been so strong in numbers since the battle of FESTUBERT, and the rest and daily training had improved our morale, so that when we moved away from DELETTE on the 7th February we presented a very different spectacle to the handful of survivors who had mustered after the VAUCELLETTE FARM affair at the end of November, 1917.

Esprit-de-corps is a wonderful thing, and has been noticed by many people during the war. Officers and men rejoining their Companies after perhaps two years’ absence would find awaiting them the same Company they had left, although perhaps no Officer and only half-a-dozen men remained of it, and though on this date the Commanding Officer was the only Officer still present who had left England with the Battalion, and there were probably not more than 20 of the originals with him, yet in some indefinable way the Battalion was the same one. Not perhaps so thoroughly grounded in some ways as it originally had been, but with all the cumulative experience of three years of war governing its every move.

On the 7th February, escorted by the Divisional Band (which was generally considered an ominous sign), we marched to ESTREE-BLANCHE, and arrived there very wet about 12 noon. Six men were sent to Field Ambulance sick.

The following day we marched on to CANTRAINNE, arriving there at 3 p.m., again very wet, and on the 9th on to FONGUIERES, where all were present and billeted by 1 p.m.

Sunday was devoted to Church Parade and cleaning up, the strength of the Battalion being recorded as 51 Officers and 708 Other Ranks. Second Lieutenant P. Adamson, M.C., rejoined us here.

The next three days were spent in training and preparations for the trenches and reconnaissance of the forward area, in this case the LA BASSEE CANAL sector.

On the 14th we relieved the 1/8th Lancashire Fusiliers by daylight. Companies marching via BETHUNE and the canal bank. Relief was completed by 4 30 p.m.

Here we found civilians living in the “village line,” and small shops! Our dispositions were on a different principle to those which obtained at YPRES, all Companies being in the front line, in the order, from right to left--C, B, A, and D, each Company being disposed in depth. C Company was on the south of the canal, the remainder on the north. Battalion Headquarters was at KINGSCLEARE.

Here we took up again the old trench routine, nightly patrols, working on the trenches, and so forth.

The position itself was a curious one. GIVENCHY, the scene of so much desperate fighting in 1914, was a village completely destroyed, some few remnants of walls and a mass of bricks, the remains of a large church, being all that remained of a fair-sized village; it lay on the western slopes of a small knoll, which formed the southern and western extremity of the FROMELLES--AUBERS ridge. The opposing trenches had been dug in 1914, so that the actual crest of the knoll was in No Man’s Land, and the opposing trench lines were out of sight of one another.

In the intervening years of warfare, GIVENCHY had been one of the most active mining centres on the British front, with the result that by the time the 55th Division took over, the front line on the crest of the knoll consisted of a continuous line of craters 800 yards long.

Both sides occupied the high tops of the craters, but the view was practically limited by the top of the crater opposite. The position was one of great importance--if the Germans gained possession of the whole of GIVENCHY HILL they would command the whole of LA BASSEE CANAL from where it passed through our lines to BETHUNE, as well as a large area in close proximity to what remained to France of its great northern coalfield.

The country to the north of the spur was dead flat for miles, and the roads were all overlooked from the crest of the hill. Every effort had been made to strengthen the position by the construction of a series of tunnels for shelter during bombardments, but the exits from these were not of the best. A certain amount of cementing had also been done. By April 9th the GIVENCHY--FESTUBERT area was a mass of apron fencing stretching back in depth for several thousand yards.

The dangers of this tunnel system and the difficulties of negotiating the mass of wire in this area necessitated careful practice in the action of the troops holding it. Posts were manned daily from the tunnel system, this action being timed and every Officer, N.C.O., and man thus learnt his way about the whole system of defence.

The action of the Battalion in support was definitely laid down. No counter-attack across the open was to be made on account of the number of apron fences; in the event of the enemy penetrating at any point into the line, further penetration was to be stopped by the supports, and when the enemy was pocketed he was to be cut off by movement along the trench system against his flanks and rear. All posts and strong points were wired in all round, and had orders to fight to the last even if surrounded. All this careful preparation bore fruit later, on April 9th, which was, as a battle, a most remarkable example of the value of taking the British soldier into your confidence and making him understand _why_ he was ordered to do something.

On the 15th, seven Other Ranks joined us as reinforcements.

On the 17th, at 3 15 a.m., a silent raiding party of enemy rushed the crater post of D Company, under cover of smoke bombs. The enemy were quickly ejected, and left two dead in our lines. Our casualties were:--Second Lieutenant Westwood and two Other Ranks wounded, three Other Ranks missing.

The next day we hit back, sending a patrol into the enemy’s front line, who searched it for 200 yards without finding anybody. The attempt was repeated on the following day, and an enemy wiring party was rushed.

On the 20th the 1/4th King’s Own relieved us by daylight, and we moved into support, Headquarters and A, B, and C Companies being in the village line and D Company in LE PREOL. The following days were quiet, and we were busy repairing the defences. Seven men went sick.

On the 25th we relieved the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers in the right sector, by daylight, the dispositions being similar but Companies from right to left being--D, B, C, and A. Our patrols found enemy machine gun fire very active. Second Lieutenant W. H. F. Smith went to Field Ambulance sick.

The following day was quiet, and at night our patrols were very active trying to get into the enemy’s lines to secure a prisoner. Ultimately the enemy got so “windy” that they sent up their S.O.S., and their barrage came down on our support lines. After 40 minutes’ retaliation by our guns everything became normal. Second Lieutenant James-Alfred was wounded. Thirty-two Other Ranks reinforcements joined us.

The next day was quiet, but the night was lively, four patrols being in No Man’s Land searching for enemy all night. From enemy machine gun fire we had the misfortune to lose Second Lieutenant Adamson, M.C., who was killed. Second Lieutenant Hulme was sent to Field Ambulance sick.

On the 28th there was the usual amount of artillery activity during the day. At 7 30 p.m. a raiding party, consisting of Second Lieutenants Taylor and Cooper and 28 Other Ranks, raided an enemy machine gun post but found it empty, and could not penetrate further owing to machine gun fire.

On March 21st the long-expected attack against the Allied front commenced. The 5th Army, on the right of the 3rd Army, were driven back, and the enemy almost reached AMIENS. In order to fill the hole thus made, the 1st and 2nd Armies were denuded of reserves, and as a direct result of this the 164th Brigade, which was in Divisional reserve, was constantly being rushed up to points of concentration at night in case the Boche attacked, and all ranks learnt thoroughly to dislike the code word “Bustle.” On about April 1st, at the Corps Headquarters, it was decided that the Division must risk all on the line GIVENCHY--FESTUBERT, supporting Battalions of Brigades being close up behind their battle line. The establishment of the main line of defence on the line of FESTUBERT VILLAGE made the position of GIVENCHY difficult, as the line of defence of the right Brigade holding the position was 800 yards in front of the left Brigade.

THE BATTLE OF GIVENCHY.

At about 7 a.m. on the 9th April, in thick fog which made observation impossible, the enemy appears to have attacked the left brigade of the 2nd Portuguese Division in strength and to have broken into their trenches.

Shortly after 7 a.m. an attack had developed on the right Brigade of the 40th Division, and soon afterwards the attack opened on our front. Map No. 7 is a copy of the German map which was captured by us in the course of the battle, from which the German plan can be clearly gathered.

The 164th Infantry Brigade was holding GIVENCHY, with the 1/4th Royal Lancaster Regiment on the right and the 1/4th North Lancashire Regiment on the left, 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers in support with three Companies in the Village line (a continuation of the FESTUBERT line) and one Company and Headquarters at GORRE, some distance back. On the left of the 164th Infantry Brigade, the 165th Infantry Brigade held the Village line (FESTUBERT) in strength; north of the 55th Division were the Portuguese; the 166th Infantry Brigade was in Divisional reserve; south of the canal the 1st Division held the line. The 164th Infantry Brigade and the 165th Infantry Brigade were covered by the 276th and the 275th Artillery Brigades, or rather groups.

The amount of artillery available was not great for the frontage to be covered. At 4 15 a.m. the enemy opened a heavy bombardment, reaching as far back as GORRE; this was largely a gas bombardment, but all reports showed that no mustard gas was being used, which was suspicious, as previous experiences further south had shown that, when the enemy really intended to attack, he did not use mustard gas for fear of getting into it himself.

At this time the front line Companies reported by wire that the situation was normal, but that all ranks were standing to. The morning was extremely foggy, the limit of vision being about 30 yards at the best. About 5 a.m. the code word “Bustle” was received from Brigade, and at 6 a.m. a very heavy bombardment of our front line system commenced--some of the heaviest shelling ever experienced by the Battalion.

The enemy’s procedure so far had been exactly the same as that used against the 5th Army on March 21st. The shelling of the front line system increased in intensity, many trench mortars being in action.

At 8 45 a.m. the front line Companies reported that the enemy was advancing, and the S.O.S. went up from the Companies and Battalion Headquarters (SOUTHMOOR VILLA), though doubts were freely expressed as to the rockets being seen on account of the thick fog, which was accentuated by the smoke and dust of the bombardment; they were seen, however, and the artillery and machine gun barrages opened promptly. From this time onwards till midnight savage fighting went on in the front line system.

The German Divisional orders, captured during the course of the day, showed that the 4th Ersatz Division, which had been made up to strength and re-equipped, had been brought into the line for the purpose of making this attack. This Division had been specially selected for this attack, as it had for many months held the GIVENCHY--FESTUBERT front and was supposed to know the ground well. It was strengthened with storm-troops and heavy machine guns. The general plan was to attack the GIVENCHY salient on the flanks, striking towards WINDY CORNER on the north, and forwards and through SPOIL BANK to PONT FIXE on the south; each of these attacks was to be carried out by one Regiment of three Battalions, strengthened with storm-troops and heavy machine guns.

On reaching the objectives WINDY CORNER and PONT FIXE, these two attacks were to join hands, and thus cut off the main GIVENCHY position.

No direct frontal attack was to be made across the craters, but machine guns were to be mounted on the commanding crests which were to engage the garrison while the encircling attacks were in progress.

One Battalion of the northern attack had orders on gaining the position WINDY CORNER-LE PLANTIN SOUTH to turn north along the FESTUBERT VILLAGE line and clean up in co-operation with an attack by one Battalion of the Reserve Regiment.

As soon as these actions had been successful, a general advance was to be made on GORRE.

The attacking Boche had been carefully instructed that “the 55th Division is a tired Division, only fit to hold a quiet section of the line.” Before nightfall he found out his mistake. Owing to the thick fog and the amount of wire, the fighting from the commencement of the Boche attack until the afternoon consisted of isolated fights carried on all over the area by small parties of Officers and men, but all acting on a preconceived plan.

The garrisons of the strong points located the enemy by means of patrols, so that when the fog lifted at about 11 a.m. they instantly opened heavy fire with rifles and machine guns.

The enemy succeeded in getting into one half of the concrete pill box in CAVAN LANE, but the crew fought him through the gas curtain while the machine gun continued its fire northwards with excellent results, until a counter-attack, led by Captain Lonsdale, M.C., from BUNNY HUTCH tunnel entrance, freed the crew.

The enemy actually entered our lines at several places, notably GIVENCHY KEEP, PICCADILLY TRENCH, WARE ROAD, MOAT FARM, BATTALION HEADQUARTERS, HITCHEN ROAD, and WINDY CORNER, but he was very quickly driven out, except at GIVENCHY KEEP, BATTALION HEADQUARTERS, and WINDY CORNER; the situation at these three points was not really satisfactory until after mid-day.

The enemy’s northern attack failed to take any strong points covering the north flank of the GIVENCHY salient; it did succeed in taking LE PLANTIN SOUTH and in penetrating into WINDY CORNER, but was then held up by the garrison and Battalion Headquarters details in HERTS REDOUBT and SOUTHMOOR VILLA.

The enemy looted the Divisional Canteen and established his Battalion Headquarters there, thus being immediately in rear of the Battalion sector. A counter-attack by the 165th Infantry Brigade re-took LE PLANTIN SOUTH, and a local counter-attack organised by Battalion Headquarters, restored the situation at WINDY CORNER, but not before the enemy had captured our Aid Post and some 50 prisoners, including the Padre, and had sent small patrols forward toward LONE FARM, who, however, were destroyed by our advanced 18-pounders, which blew them to pieces at close range, bits of Boche being scattered on the trees and hedges in the vicinity.

Ultimately the German Battalion Commander and 120 Boches were captured in HITCHEN ROAD. These men were all found to be loaded with the contents of our Divisional Canteen; needless to say, they were quickly relieved of their loot.

The Boche continued to press his troops forward into the angle between GIVENCHY HILL and the LE PLANTIN--FESTUBERT LINE, suffering very severe losses from our heavy and continuous fire on his flanks; in many instances his own machine guns, manned by our Lewis gunners, were turned against him with excellent results. He could get no further and was completely disorganised by the fog and wire, and the situation on this flank became stabilised for the moment. The 1/4th King’s Own, who were holding the right sector of the Brigade front, had suffered very heavy losses from the preliminary bombardment, owing to the lack of shell-proof cover, the trench system having been practically destroyed.

The enemy, advancing over the flat between the southern crater and the canal, overran the main line of defence, but failed to take the most advanced sap, “Death or Glory,” situated on the bank of the canal. The garrison of this sap, consisting of one Platoon, about 18 strong (of the 1/4th King’s Own), maintained a heavy enfilade fire on the advancing enemy, causing him very heavy casualties. Though cut off for five hours, this garrison most gallantly held its position, and later in the day sallying forth, captured a machine gun and crew.

Despite the losses incurred from “Death or Glory” sap, the Boche pushed on and captured ORCHARD KEEP, the garrison of which had been destroyed by shell fire, and penetrated into GUNNERS’ SIDING, at its junction with the main communication trench, ORCHARD ROAD. He, however, failed to take either MARIE KEEP to the north or SPOIL BANK KEEP to the south. His further progress beyond GUNNERS’ SIDING was checked by supports pushed up by the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers. His endeavours to push north of GUNNERS’ SIDING were checked by the few men of the garrison and the anti-tank 18-pounder gun in the trench. This gun, though damaged by shell fire to such an extent that the breach had to be opened with a pick, fired no fewer than 150 rounds at a range of 200 yards at the enemy. Time after time the enemy tried to rush it across the open or along the trench, but were beaten off by the infantry covering the gun.

At about 10 45 a.m. the situation had stabilised on the front of our Brigade, and was as follows:--

A large number of the enemy were in the low ground in the angle between the north face of the GIVENCHY salient and the LE PLANTIN SOUTH-FESTUBERT line. Another large force were on the flat plateau between MARIE KEEP, GUNNERS’ SIDING, SPOIL BANK KEEP, and DEATH AND GLORY SAP. In other words, the enemy were divided into two, and contained in two deep pockets. At 11 a.m. the fog cleared, and there was a very marked increase in the rifle and machine gun fire, as all along the front small parties of troops, acting on their own initiative, began at once to attack the nearest Boche in flank and rear, forcing him to maintain his position in the pockets.

Orders were then issued to push every available man up to close the mouths of the two pockets. The forces available were divided into two parties, the northern of which was to seize GRENADIER ROAD, thereby closing the mouth of the northern pocket and cutting off all the enemy in it.

This force acted with great vigour, and not only gained GRENADIER ROAD, but also re-took the commanding saps on the northern craters, giving valuable observation over the flat ground to the north and the approaches to the Portuguese front.

The southern force (“King’s Own” and Lancashire Fusiliers) was ordered to move up CHEYNE WALK, regain the front line, and then move northwards, closing the mouth of the southern pocket.

This force succeeded in freeing DEATH AND GLORY SAP and regaining the main line of defence, but could not regain its crater posts owing to the complete destruction of the trenches leading to them.

These movements commenced at 11 30 a.m., and were covered by a concentrated barrage fire by our artillery on CANAL RESERVE, in which the enemy were believed to have their reserves massed. During the progress of the operations no enemy supports came up, and direct evidence is now available that this was due to the artillery barrage.

It will be remembered that early in the morning about 50 Officers and men were captured by the enemy round the First Aid Post at WINDY CORNER, among them being the Rev. L. N. Forse, Chaplain to the 4th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. This Officer was many weeks in Germany, and on his return to the Brigade on release stated that he and ten other prisoners were taken off by the Boche to one of the trenches north of the craters. The ground in this area was covered with enemy dead, and our rifle and machine gun fire was very heavy. Later the party were moved southwards behind the craters, making for CANAL RESERVE trench. At about 11 30 a.m. the party were thirty yards or so from the trench, which was packed with about 500 enemy massed three deep. Our barrage opened and fell right in the trench, doing tremendous execution, unfortunately knocking out 23 of the Chaplain’s party. After half an hour the barrage ceased, and the remnants of the party made for the trench, but found it quite impossible to move along it owing to the Boche dead in it. The massed enemy reserves appeared to have been completely destroyed by our artillery fire.

The mouths of the pockets being closed and the enemy surrounded, it was only a matter of time before he was forced to surrender in groups.

There were many acts of bravery on the part of individual Officers and men, and many honours were won.

The outstanding features of the action were: (_a_) absolute preparedness for action, (_b_) the sending out of scouts to locate the enemy, (_c_) the prompt initiative shown by all ranks, which was responsible for the breaking up of the enemy’s attack and his complete defeat.

By 3 45 p.m. we had regained the whole of our defensive system, with the exception of the saps on the southern craters. As soon as darkness came on, an attack was organised by the Royal Lancaster Regiment to recover the crater saps in their area. This was very successful, a large number of prisoners being taken.

At 2 45 a.m. on April 10th, the Brigadier was able to inform the Division that the Brigade held its line intact, including the forward saps, as it had been held on April 8th.

During the afternoon of April 9th two Companies of the South Lancashire Regiment came up, one being allotted to each Battalion in the line. The Company allotted to the 4th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment was posted in GRENADIER ROAD, with one Platoon at LE PLANTIN SOUTH, and they did yeoman service in relieving our tired men.

Throughout April 9th the action of our artillery had been admirable. Two 18-pounder batteries of the 11th Division which could fire on our front were handed over to the Brigade, and two heavy batteries belonging to the Corps placed themselves under the orders of the Brigade.

As soon as darkness permitted, all guns north of the canal were withdrawn south of the canal, and the guns came out of their emplacements and took up positions in the open.

The 165th Infantry Brigade had maintained its main line intact, but had given up its advanced posts. No touch could be obtained with the Portuguese on the left, and early in the morning of April 10th the enemy were pushing through clear of and north of the 165th Infantry Brigade.

The 165th threw back its left flank at right angles, the defensive flank being continued by all units of the Division.

After 4 p.m. the rest of the day was spent in reorganising the posts and mopping up the few remaining enemy left in the sector. Our communication trenches were continuously shelled. At about 4 p.m. B Company, 1/5th South Lancashires, came up as reinforcements and manned our left flank from NEW CUT to WINDY CORNER.

Our casualties were:--

OFFICERS--Killed: Second Lieutenant L. Brooke, M.C. Wounded: Second Lieutenant R. E. Horsfall, G. C. Horner, C. Haworth, and P. B. Beresford. Missing: Chaplain L. N. Forse (prisoner of war) and Lieutenant W. H. Jenkins, Medical Officer. OTHER RANKS--Killed 43, Wounded 100, Missing 50.

No further attacks were made on our front.

On the 10th, although enemy guns and aeroplanes were very active, an attempt was made to clear out the trenches and bury the dead.

Captain A. A. Turner, R.A.M.C., reported for duty as Medical Officer.

Captain Collett was wounded on the 11th by enemy shelling, which was heavy, especially on Headquarters in the afternoon and a barrage on our lines at 6 p.m.

Second Lieutenant Vincent, M.C., was wounded by artillery fire on the 12th.

During the 10th and subsequent days, the artillery with the 164th Infantry Brigade played a big role in breaking up many enemy concentrations against the thrown-back flank. The enemy was unable to move his men forward without coming under the observation, and very often the close fire of, our northern posts and flanks.

Thus ended a highly-successful action, in which the Battalion played an important part. Had the day gone against the Division, the Allies might have had to abandon the Pas de Calais. A glance at the map will show the seriousness of such a step.

The Brigade continued, despite heavy artillery bombardment, to hold the line until the Division was relieved by the 1st Division.

During the action of the 9th of April, and the night of the 9th and 10th, the following casualties were incurred by the Brigade:--Killed, wounded, and missing: 35 Officers, 659 Other Ranks.

The enemy lost about 600 killed in our lines and NO MAN’S LAND. No estimate can, however, be made of his casualties in his own lines, but, judging from the reports of returned prisoners of war, these were exceptionally heavy.

The following captures were made:--Prisoners: 641, including many Officers and two Battalion Commanders; 100 light and heavy machine guns, and one Regimental Band. In addition, on April 11th, an Austrian artillery Officer was killed on the Red Dragon Crater, and the identifications obtained from him were the first direct evidence of the presence of Austrians on the Western Front. A very fine range-finding instrument was captured at the same time. This instrument was presented by the Battalion to the West Lancashire Field Artillery.

On the 13th the communication trenches were practically cleared of blocks. The keeps were heavily shelled in the afternoon. Fourteen men arrived from the reinforcement camp.

On the 14th enemy artillery was still very active, and all preparations were made to meet further attacks.

On the 15th the enemy annoyed us by persistent harassing fire throughout the day.

Second Lieutenant Westwood was killed and one Other Rank wounded.

The new Padre, Captain R. R. Schofield, arrived.

On the 16th, amidst active enemy artillery fire, the 1st Black Watch relieved us, the relief being completed with three casualties. We marched back to BEUVRY, where we em-’bussed and were taken to LOZINGHAM.

Captain Hore, M.C., went to England sick, and Second Lieutenant E. M. Studdart to Field Ambulance.

127 Other Ranks arrived from reinforcement camp.

The Battalion was not billeted until 4 a.m.

The next few days were spent in reorganising and training. Captain Carmichael and Second Lieutenants Greaves and Taylor and five Other Ranks going sick.

On the 22nd we went en masse to the Divisional Theatre.

On the 23rd we em-’bussed at 7 a.m. for VAUDRICOURT, where we arrived at 9 30 a.m.

An advance party was sent to take over the Support Battalion area of the GIVENCHY sector. A “B team” of seven Officers and 110 Other Ranks went to VURBURE. We em-’bussed again at 8 p.m. and went to ARMEGUIN, whence we marched to relieve the 1st Northamptons in support.

C Company were at WINDY CORNER and D Company at PONT FIXE, A, B, and Headquarters being on the canal bank. We had one man killed and one man wounded.

The next day on the whole was quiet. There was some shelling at WINDY CORNER with 4.2’s One Other Rank was killed.

The 25th was quiet up to 9 p.m., when a heavy barrage was placed on our support lines. The whole Battalion was on working parties by night. Our support lines were again bombarded at 2 20 p.m. on the 26th.

Platoons were detached and sent to the Lancashire Fusiliers and the King’s Own in case of need, and A Company remained in the VILLAGE LINE all night.

Eight Other Ranks were wounded on this and the following day.

The following are extracts from various telegrams, letters, and Press cuttings referring to the Battle of GIVENCHY:--

(SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTARY DESPATCH.)

THE 55th DIVISION AT GIVENCHY.

Headquarters, France, Monday, 1 15 p.m.

On the morning of the German attack on April 9th, 1918, the 55th (West Lancashire) Division (Territorial) was holding a front of about 6,000 yards, extending from the LA BASSEE CANAL to just south of RICHEBOURG L’AVOUE, where its line joined that held by the Portuguese. The enemy’s attack on the southern portion of this front was delivered by all three Regiments of the 4th Ersatz Division, which was well up to strength. A captured Divisional Order issued by the General Staff of this German Division, and dated April 6th, 1918, shows that its objectives were “the ground and the British position in the triangle formed by GIVENCHY--FESTUBERT--GORRE.” The following passages from this captured order are of special interest:--

In our attack our three Regiments will be opposed by at most six Companies in front and at most two Reserve Battalions in FESTUBERT and GIVENCHY. One Battalion in Divisional Reserve is south of the LA BASSEE CANAL in LE PREOL. It will be prevented by our powerful artillery fire from taking part in the fight for FESTUBERT and GIVENCHY. The troops are elements of the English 55th Division, which, after being engaged on the SOMME, has suffered heavy losses in FLANDERS and at CAMBRAI, and was described by prisoners in March, 1918, as a Division fit to hold a quiet sector, that is below the average quality.

The order containing the passages quoted above was distributed among all Officers and Under-Officers of the 4th Ersatz Division down to Platoon Commanders, presumably with a view to encouraging the troops prior to their attack, and in the belief that the opposition met with would not be very serious. If this was his expectation the enemy was most signally disappointed.

Throughout the early part of the morning of April 9th, the 55th Division beat off all attacks on its forward zone, and maintained its line intact. Later, when the German infantry had broken through the Portuguese positions on its left, the Division formed a defensive flank facing north-east on the line GIVENCHY--FESTUBERT to the neighbourhood of LE TOURET. This line it maintained practically unchanged until relief, through six days of almost continual fighting, in the course of which it beat off repeated German attacks with the heaviest losses to the enemy, and took nearly 1,000 prisoners.

At one time, on the first day of his attack, the enemy’s troops forced their way into GIVENCHY and FESTUBERT. Both villages were shortly afterwards regained by the 55th Division as the result of a highly-successful counter-attack, in which several hundred Germans were captured. All further attempts on the part of the enemy to carry these positions broke down before the resolute defence of the 55th Division. Though he succeeded on April 11th in entering a post north of FESTUBERT, he was thrown out again by a counter-attack, and on the night of April 12th the 55th Division improved its position in this neighbourhood, capturing a German post and taking several prisoners.

Next day, during the afternoon, the enemy heavily bombarded the whole front held by the Division between GORRE and the LAWE CANAL, and subsequently attacked in strength. He was once more repulsed with heavy loss by the most gallant and successful defence of a Division which he had been pleased to describe as consisting of second-class troops.

TELEGRAMS RECEIVED.

From Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, K.T., G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.I.E., April 10th, 1918:--

“Please convey to General Jeudwine and to all Officers and men of the 55th Division my congratulations on their splendid fighting yesterday, especially at FESTUBERT and GIVENCHY.”

From General Sir H. Plumer, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., Commanding 2nd Army, April 9th, 1918:--

“Many congratulations on your success at GIVENCHY from the 2nd Army.”

From Lieutenant-General Sir H. S. Horne, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., Commanding 1st Army, April 9th, 1918:--

“Sincere congratulations to you and all ranks of the 55th Division on your splendid defence to-day.”

From Lieutenant-General Sir R. Haking, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., Commanding XI. Corps, April 10th, 1918:--

“I wish to thank you, your Brigade, Battalion, and Company Commanders, for the splendid manner in which you have repelled the enemy’s attack along your whole front and formed a very wide flank on your left when the Division there was driven back.

“The fine offensive spirit displayed by Officers and men on this occasion reflects the highest credit upon the whole Division. Although heavily attacked along your whole front and your left flank turned, you have been successful in maintaining your original line and even gaining some ground and capturing over 700 prisoners.

“The co-operation of the Artillery, Engineers, and Pioneer Battalion was excellent throughout, and it will be a great pleasure to me to report the matter to the Army Commander.”

From the Earl of Derby, K.G., Secretary of State for War, April 10th, 1918:--

“Well done, 55th! You have done splendidly, as you always do.”

From the XI. Corps, April 11th, 1918:--

“The Corps Commander wishes his congratulations conveyed to all ranks of the 55th Division on again beating off German attacks.”

From G.O.C. 1st Division, April 11th, 1918:--

“On behalf of the 1st Division I wish to convey to you and all ranks of the 55th Division our admiration of your stout fight at GIVENCHY and FESTUBERT.”

From the 42nd Division, April 20th, 1918:--

“All ranks of the 42nd East Lancashire Division most heartily congratulate the 55th West Lancashire Division on their magnificent defence of GIVENCHY. They are glad to be able to think that the work and plans commenced by them stood their Lancashire brothers in good stead.”

From the 51st Division, April 10th, 1918:--

“Heartiest congratulations from all ranks 51st (Highland) Division on the fine victory won by you yesterday.”

From the 57th Division:--

“All ranks 57th Division congratulate 55th Division on their fine fight.”

From the Mayor of Preston, April 13th, 1918:--

“I have heard with greatest admiration of the splendid work of the Officers and men of your Division. We are very proud of them.”

EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS.

“The Times,” April 11th, 1918:--

55th DIVISION’S FINE FIGHTING.

(From our Special Correspondent.)

“The breach made by the Portuguese retirement threw an enormous strain on the British 55th Division on the extreme right, which held the positions about GIVENCHY. The Lancashire men threw back their left to make a flank on that side, and then began the defence of GIVENCHY, which will be remembered as one of the brilliant incidents of this war. The ground here was of some importance, as being almost the only exception to the general flatness of the battle area. Three times, it is said, at least, the German masses succeeded in breaking a way into GIVENCHY, once during the course of the day, and twice during the evening and night, only to be thrown out again by the most dashing counter-attacks. This morning GIVENCHY and all our original line remained in our hands, and I believe it still remains, and, out of the prisoners taken, over 700 were captured by the Lancashire men.”

[Note.--Of these, 560 were taken by the 1/4th North Lancashire Regiment.]

“The Times,” April 12th, 1918:--

“The section of attack was delivered in great strength, some eleven or twelve Divisions being used on not more than 17,000 yards, and the weight of the impact drove back the Portuguese front at the centre. It was the magnificent stand of the 55th Lancashire Division at GIVENCHY which prevented what might have been a rather serious disaster. Of the behaviour of our men in this fighting round GIVENCHY nothing could be said in too high praise. This morning the Germans were still attacking here, and in vain.”

“Daily Mail,” April 15th, 1918:--

“For the work of such Divisions as the 9th, 51st, and 55th no praise can be too high, no words of laudation extravagant. With their backs to the wall they have shown that they are capable of reaching new heights of heroism, as great as any the glorious past has known.”

“Daily Mail,” April 16th, 1918:--

“They have fought with a gallantry and endurance worthy of their race, and the heroism of the 55th (Lancashire Territorial) Division is worthily celebrated by Sir Douglas Haig in a special despatch. Their country may indeed be proud of these men who are so lavishly giving their blood on her behalf, and she will follow their efforts with her love and prayers.”

“Le Petit Parisien,” April 12th, 1918:--

“At the beginning of the attack, after the Portuguese had been forced back, the plan of the German High Command was checked thanks to the indomitable resistance which was offered by the British right flank. There the enemy found established a Lancashire Division--the 55th--which will certainly be mentioned in the communique. It is the least that can be done for this Division. For ten hours three German Divisions tried in vain to dislodge it.”

“Le Matin,” April 13th, 1918:--

“It was there that the 55th Division--as I have already told you--held on and triumphed. I wanted to see with my own eyes some of these bravest of the brave. But before seeing them I had already seen their prisoners....

“‘One should be almost proud to have been beaten by such men,’ said one prisoner who belonged to the German nobility.

“An Officer of the highest rank said to them (the 55th):

“‘You have accomplished one of the finest feats-of-arms--perhaps the finest of the whole war.’

“It is true. They had fought to the limit of the impossible.”

On the 28th we moved into the right sector and relieved the 1/4th King’s Own--A Company to MAIRIE REDOUBT, B Company to DEATH OR GLORY SAP, C and D to GUNNERS’ SIDING. The sap had been heavily trench-mortared before we took over, and parts of it were blown in. One Other Rank was killed and four wounded. The award of the French Croix de Guerre to Sergeant J. Cookson was announced.

On the 29th, DEATH OR GLORY SAP was heavily “minnied.” Two Other Ranks were killed and three wounded. On the 30th, there was some heavy shelling, though only one man was wounded, but we lost one man killed and one wounded from minenwerfer the following day. On the 2nd we were relieved by the 1/5th King’s Liverpool Regiment, 12 men being wounded in the course of the day, and went back to rest.

This rest was thoroughly enjoyed by the whole Battalion, being the first real rest since the battle of GIVENCHY. The billets were good, and the canteen well stocked.

On the 8th, we moved back to the line, Major Duggan, M.C., being in command, and relieved the 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the right sector.

Wiring and working under difficult conditions continued until the 12th, three men being killed and eight wounded, two missing, and seven sick during the tour. We were relieved on the night of the 12th by the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers, and moved back to support.

On the 14th, A Company carried out an operation against the enemy’s front line post in WILLOW DRAIN, penetrating his line at one point and establishing a block which they held till about 10 30 p.m., being then obliged to withdraw by strong counter-attack. The front and support lines were heavily bombarded from 6 15 p.m. till about 11 p.m., harassing fire being kept up until 2 a.m.

The raiding party sustained heavy casualties. Going across No Man’s Land--a mass of shell holes--Second Lieutenant Ibbotson was wounded and then killed by a shell; Second Lieutenant Milne was killed by a bomb while passing through the enemy wire; and Second Lieutenant Cooper was wounded by a bullet in the throat, causing the loss of his voice, but gallantly went on writing his orders in his pocket book and carrying on until killed by a second bullet[J]. There is no record of the other casualties, but they numbered about 50.

This raid was supported by a creeping barrage, the ground in the neighbourhood being blanketed throughout by artillery and Stokes’ mortars.

On the 17th we relieved the 1/4th King’s Own in the left GIVENCHY sector, A Company at PLANTAIN SOUTH, B Company left front Company, C Company right front Company, D Company holding the KEEPS. Four Other Ranks were killed and Second Lieutenant Chapman and 19 Other Ranks wounded during the tour, which came to an end on the 20th, when the 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment relieved us at 2 10 a.m.

The Battalion then moved back to rest billets.

The period now under review was known as the “bustle” period, as that was the code word on receipt of which all kinds of moves were to take place which cannot here be detailed.

In our rest billets at VAUDRICOURT we went through the usual training and bathing routine until the 26th, when we relieved the 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the GIVENCHY left sector. During the rest Second Lieutenant Hampson was killed and four men wounded.

At this time a stringent order was issued that anyone damaging crops was to be court-martialled (rather a contrast to the same period in the previous year, when the fields which formed our training grounds being covered with young corn, we had been ordered to disregard the crops entirely. Obeying this order went literally against the grain!).

On the 25th May the following honours were announced:--

Bar to Military Medal:--Corporal Pendlebury, M.M., and Lance-Corporal P. Wyre, M.M.

Military Medal:--Sergeants R. Parkinson and A. Lowe, Corporal J. Gradwell, Privates A. Hommans, G. Rotherham, T. Marsh, W. Goodram, J. Meadows, R. Williams, F. Lloyd, J. Read, L. Cunliffe, and T. Farnworth.

We had five men wounded on the 27th.

On the 28th, described in the War Diary as “a quiet day,” a small party of the enemy entered one of our posts in PICCADILLY at 12 30 a.m. It was immediately bombed out without casualties to us. The attempt was repeated the following day, but frustrated by our Lewis gunners and rifle grenadiers. Thirteen men were wounded in the next three days.

On the 1st June, the enemy bombarded us heavily with mustard gas shells and shrapnel for two hours, killing Second Lieutenant Greaves and wounding Captain Lonsdale and 10 Other Ranks.

On the 2nd, also described as “a quiet day,” six Other Ranks were killed and Second Lieutenant Dawson and 23 Other Ranks were wounded, and on the following day two killed and 15 wounded. The Battalion was relieved in the evening by the 1/4th King’s Own, when we went back to support. Working parties occupied us for the next few days, three men being killed, one missing, and five wounded during the period.

On the 8th, on relief by the 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment, we moved back to rest billets at VAUDRICOURT.

The following appeared in the King’s Birthday Honour List:--

Mentioned in Despatches:--Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Crump, Privates R. Worden and J. Bates.

Distinguished Service Order:--Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Crump.

Bars to Military Cross:--Major Duggan, M.C., Captain Lonsdale, M.C., Second Lieutenant H. Fazackerley, M.C.

Military Cross:--Captain D. Carmichael, Lieutenant A. Bardsley, Second Lieutenants H. Bailey and C. Milne.

Distinguished Conduct Medal:--Company Sergeant-Major Ireland, Sergeants J. Miller, M.M., and A. Atkinson, Privates F. Reddish, J. Livesey, and T. Parkes, M.M.

Companies were thoroughly reorganised. Training was carried out and sports were held.

On the 14th June, Major T. G. Williams, M.C., 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment, took over command of the Battalion. On the same day the Battalion relieved the 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the right GIVENCHY sector. The usual routine was carried out during the tour. The enemy bombarded the sector on the 19th and again on the 20th at 3 a.m., when he put down a severe barrage of 4.2’s and some mustard gas. We were relieved on the night of the 23rd by the 1/4th King’s Own. During the tour our casualties were:--Second Lieutenant Pasley and eight Other Ranks killed, and 17 Other Ranks wounded, Lieutenants Hyndson and Pierce, Second Lieutenant Boddington, and 16 Other Ranks going sick to hospital.

Our bombing post in HALF-MOON TRENCH was not more than 20 yards distant from a bombing post in the enemy’s sector, and after a careful reconnaissance had been made under the supervision of the Officer Commanding B Company (Captain R. H. Smith, M.C.), Second Lieutenant Weatherhill volunteered to take out a patrol the following night and raid the enemy’s trenches. The night was a particularly dark one, but, unfortunately, the enemy discovered the patrol getting out of the trenches, and the attacking party was subjected to a heavy fire from machine guns and bombs. The patrol remained out for about an hour, but finally they returned to the trenches, and it was found that Second Lieutenant Weatherhill was missing and two Other Ranks wounded. Another patrol was immediately sent out by the Officer Commanding B Company to find out what had happened to Second Lieutenant Weatherhill, but this and other subsequent patrols met with no success.

On the 27th, on relief, we went back into support, and at 5 a.m. on the following day to rest billets at VAUDRICOURT. Here the G.O.C. presented medals and ribbons to Officers and men of the Battalion on the 30th.

On the 1st July, at the Brigade Horse Show, the Battalion did very well, carrying off the Championship Cup and six first prizes, which in itself was sufficient reward to the Officer Commanding Transport (Lieutenant A. Bardsley, M.C.) and all Other Ranks. It might here be mentioned that, under the supervision of Lieutenant A. Bardsley, the Battalion Transport did very well in the Division Show and later on obtained first prize at the Corps Transport Show.

On the 3rd we moved up in position to the line and relieved the 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment in support in the GIVENCHY sector, one man being killed and four wounded, and two more wounded the following day.

On the evening of the 7th we relieved the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers on the left sector--a very difficult relief, Companies having to move up their sectors through a heavy bombardment of 4.2’s, 5.9’s, whizzbangs, and minenwerfers. This was the enemy’s retaliation for our bombardment in connection with a raid carried out on our flank by the 1st Cameronians. One Other Rank was killed and six wounded. The next few days were spent in the usual routine and working and wiring parties, and were fairly quiet, our casualties for the tour being:--Seven Other Ranks killed and eight wounded.

On the 16th we were relieved by the 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment, and moved back to LE PREOL, where we stood-to for the night, moving back to VAUDRICOURT the following morning.

On the 20th a dance for Officers and men took place in the Recreation Hut.

On the 22nd we relieved the 1/5th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the right GIVENCHY sector.

No prisoners having been captured by the Corps for about a fortnight, the Divisional Commander was very anxious that prisoners should be obtained for the purpose of identification, and with this end in view, on the 27th, two reconnaissances by Second Lieutenant Archibald on the old British Line opposite ORCHARD ROAD during the morning, and by Second Lieutenant Dawson opposite FINCHLEY ROAD SAP in the afternoon, found both enemy posts unoccupied. It was therefore decided that these two Officers should take part in a silent daylight raid, and on the following day both Officers took over patrols. Second Lieutenant Dawson’s patrol met with no success, but Second Lieutenant Archibald’s patrol succeeded in capturing three of the enemy and one machine gun and returned to our trenches with no casualties and without a single shot having been fired by either side.

Congratulatory telegrams were received by the Officer Commanding and Second Lieutenant Archibald was awarded for his gallantry the Military Cross and the Non-Commissioned Officer who accompanied him was awarded the Military Medal.

On the 29th, at his own request, Second Lieutenant Dawson again tried to effect an entry into the enemy’s line, and was successful in finding three men and a strong working party, which the patrol promptly bombed. Our casualties were nil, and from documents subsequently captured from the enemy it would appear that these raids had a depressing effect on the enemy’s morale.

On the 30th, Second Lieutenant Archibald and two Other Ranks again entered the post and reconnoitred the trench, finding quantities of bombs. Later in the day they returned to the enemy’s trench, collected all explosives in a dugout, and blew it up. We were relieved that night by the 1/4th King’s Own, and went back into support. The casualties during the tour were eight Other Ranks wounded.

On the 1st August we found ourselves in the GIVENCHY VILLAGE Lines.

On the 3rd we tried to select a shooting team for the Army competition, but had to give it up owing to hostile shelling. That night we moved back to rest billets at VAUDRICOURT. Boxing, cricket, dances, and Divisional Horse Shows were the chief events of the next few days.

The Battalion relieved the 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the left GIVENCHY sector on the 9th. All ranks of the Battalion, with the exception of those actually on sentry posts, were employed during the day on wire carrying and making “concertinas” with a view to strengthening the defences, and during this tour the Battalion accomplished a great improvement in the wire defences.

Things were quiet, except for wire-cutting by our artillery, up till the 15th, when we had two hours’ shelling by yellow cross gas shells, projected from trench mortars. We moved back to support in the evening, being relieved by the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers. During the tour, Second Lieutenants Archibald, Cowan, and Shell were wounded, and four Other Ranks were wounded and 14 Other Ranks were gassed. The next few days in support were occupied by bathing, working and carrying parties, the casualties being:--Three Other Ranks killed, 18 wounded, and Second Lieutenants Dixon, Dawson, and 61 Other Ranks gassed.

On the 23rd, we moved in to hold the right and left sub-sectors during the capture of the craters by the 1/4th King’s Own and the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers, which operation was successfully accomplished.

There was a good deal of shelling during these days, Second Lieutenant Fazackerley, M.C., and one Other Rank being killed, one Other Rank gassed, and Second Lieutenant Pride and 10 Other Ranks wounded. The loss of Second Lieutenant Fazackerley, M.C., was keenly felt by all ranks of the Battalion.

On the 27th we went back to rest billets at VAUDRICOURT.

On the 3rd September we relieved the 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the GIVENCHY left sub-sector. The craters were heavily shelled between 4 and 6 p.m. with 5.9’s and blue and yellow cross gas. Reconnoitring patrols pushed out at daylight and established posts on the west edge of CHAPPELLE ST. ROCHE. Second Lieutenants Tennant, Kershaw, and Scott, and 21 Other Ranks were gassed, 1 killed, and 1 wounded.

The change of mental attitude in this chapter and in the next is very noticeable. No longer do we take part in costly attacks on a wide front or beat off similar attacks by the enemy, nor do we sit still and merely harass him. We feel ourselves winning at last--the game becomes more exciting as we begin to press, and then to follow, a beaten enemy.