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WAR DIARIES - NATIONAL ARCHIVES
WO-95-1646-2_1
(midnight) 30th JUNE 1916 - 14th JULY 1916
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Vol. IX
24th Bn. The Manchester Regt.
GROVETOWN
L 1.d. 8.4 (ALBERT combined sheet 1)
June 30th, 12 midnight
Weather: Fine; wind light N.W.
Situation:
The following moves were made:
Bn H.Q. and C Company with D Coy. less two platoons moved to GROVETOWN.
A Coy remained at 'work 2' GRANTOWN (F 29 a ALBERT combined sheet)
B Coy. and half D Coy moved to MINDEN POST, F. 18 17 d. 6.8)
B & D Coys. were attached to 1/3 Durham R.E. and A Coy. to 95th Coy. R.E..
Artillery fire etc. was carried out as per operation orders issued (June War Diary)
GBD
1st July, 12 midnight.
Weather: Fine. wind light. still N.W.
Situation:
The 7th Division attacked the enemy at 7:30am. Artillery barrages and smoke attacks were carried out as per operation orders in June War Diary.
As the attack progressed B and D Coys. were employed as follows:
B Coy made strong points in the N.E. of MAMETZ after its capture from the enemy. D Coy. less 2 platoons opened up enemy trenches blown in by our bombardment. As the attack was successful these companies were at once put out clearing roads and removing enemy wire. Troops were able to proceed through MAMETZ over the open ground.
Our A Echelon transport parked at GROVETOWN and B Echelon at K 6. a. 5.7 (ALBERT combined sheet).
GBD
[continued on next sheet]
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[continued from previous sheet]
Casualties:
Our casualties were :
Officers nil - O.R. 8 including one who returned to duty.
GBD
GROVETOWN
L 1.d. 8.4 (ALBERT combined sheet 1)
2nd July, 11pm
Weather: Fine and warm. Wind N.E.
Situation:
The remainder of D Coy. (2 Platoons) moved up to MINDEN POST.
A, B and D Coys. employed clearing roads and building lorry bridges across enemy trenches.
C Coy worked 8 hours removing enemy wire on MAMETZ - FRICOURT road returning to GROVETOWN at night.
Casualties:
Officers: Nil; O.R. 3.
G.B.D
3rd July, 12 midnight.
Weather: Fine and sultry in morning. Wind gusty W. N.W. heavy thunder storm with much rain at 4pm.
Situation:
Companies were employed in clearing road in MAMETZ and repairing cellars.
Casualties: Nil
GBD.
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GROVETOWN
L 1.d. 8.4 (ALBERT combined sheet 1)
4th July, 11pm
Weathe: Fine; Wind fresh N.W.
Situation:
All companies were employed on the same work of road clearing and road repairing on the ground taken from the enemy.
Casualties:
Officers - Nil; O.R. - 1
G.B.D
MERICOURT
5th July, 12 midnight,
Weather: fine and warm. Wind light N.W.
Move:
The 7th Division moved out of the firing line, being relieved by the 38th Division. The 24th Manchester moved to MERICOURT via MORLANCOURT and TREUX. All companies were in billets by 11pm.
GBD
6th July, 10pm
Weather: Dull with rain at intervals during the afternoon.
Billets:
The Battalion settled down in billets. Inspections were held and equipment completed. Billets were improved where possible. A regimental canteen was started.
GBD
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MERICOURT (SOMME)
7th July, 10pm
Weather: Wet - wind W. S.W. gusty.
Parades:
An inspection parade was held at 10am followed by an examination and check of kit.
The men spent the remainder of the day in cleaning kit.
Transfers & Postings:
Major P.M. Magnay left the Battalion to command the 9th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers 17th Division.
Major J.H. Chadwick (O.C. A Coy.) took over 2nd in Command.
Capt. C.H. Lee from 2nd in Command C Coy to Command A Coy.
Captain H. Prendergast transferred from A to D coy. as 2nd in Command.
Lt. E. Wood to be 2nd in Command C Coy.
2Lt. H.E. Braine to be Lewis Gun Officer vice Lt. E. Wood.
G.B.D.
8th July, 10pm
Weather: Fine. Wind N. Changing to N.W. light.
Sports:
Regimental Sports were held. Heats were run in the morning and semi-finals & finals in the afternoon. Prizes presented by the C.O.
Address:
The G.O.C. Division visited the Battalion in the afternoon and addressed the officers and men, thanking them for their work in the recent attack.
GBD.
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MERICOURT
9th July, 10pm
Weather: Fine; wind light N.W.
Parade:
Divine Services were held in the morning. The men were free for the remainder of the day.
G.B.D.
10th July, 11pm.
Fine and bright. Wind fresh, N. N.W.
Move:
The Battalion moved to CITADEL and WELLINGTON REDOUBT, F. 15. a. and F. 10. d. Route: MERICOURT - TREUX - VILLE - MORLANCOURT.
A Echelon transport remained at F. 15. a,; B Echelon at E. 30. c.
Operation Orders attached.
Ref. ALBERT combined sheet.
G.B.D.Appendix 1
WELLINGTON REDOUBT
11th July, 10pm
Weather: Fine; wind light N.W.
Working Parties:
1 N.C.O. and 10 men working at R.E. stores BRAY loading 6 hours.
80 O.R. 5am to 12 noon clearing F. 10. a. of German material and carrying same to Dump at F. 4. c. 70.55
40 O.R. 3:15pm - 7pm building T.M. emplacements at S. 20. d. 55.85
40 O.R. 8:15am to 4:30pm building T.M. emplacements at S. 19. b.
G.B.D.
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WELLINGTON REDOUBT
12th July, 11pm
Weather: Dull; Wind fresh W. N.W.
Working Parties:
Two companies 9pm - 3am (13th) working on WHITE TRENCH (X. 29. d. 5.8 to S. 26. b. 3.3 Map MONTAUBAN) converting it into an assembly trench, improving and deepening and making sortie steps.
Two companies collecting derelict tools and material and carrying same to POMMIERS (MONTAUBAN A. 1. 5.3)
REDOUBT MAP
Move:
Transport moved to LE CARCAILLOT, E. 18. a (ALBERT combined sheet)
Casualties:
Casualties from 10th to 12th inclusive, 4 wounded.
G.B.D.
13th July, 10pm
Weather: Dull, inclined to rain. Wind fresh, W. N.W.
Working parties:
Two companies carrying tools and material as on the 12th.
Casualties:
One man died (cerebral hemorrage [sic], 2 wounded slight.
G.B.D.
Appendix 2
14th July,
Weather [nothing entered]
Situation:
Operation Order No. 18 attached.
Work done [nothing entered]
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WELLINGTON REDOUBT
14th July, 10pm
Weather: Fine and bright.
Work & Situation:
Ref Map MARTIN-PUICH 1/20,000
A and D Coys. were sent out as per Operation Order to follow up the attack on BAZENTIN LE PETIT (Map area of MARTIN-PUICH ) The village had been taken by 7th Division but while the 24th Bn. Manchester were constructing a keep in the village and putting the CEMETERY into a state of defence, the enemy counter attacked. The C.O. Royal Irish Rgt. 2nd Bn. then took some of our men to help to clear BAZENTIN LE PETIT WOOD and so they piled their tools and went through the wood under 2Lt. W. SOWARD 11th E. Surrey Regt. (attached 24th Manchester). One Platoon of A Coy. under Lieut. BATEMAN held the CEMETERY against the enemy who were about S. 9. a. 5.5. and beat him back by rifle fire. The enemy held the northern end of the village. 2Lt. Soward then reported the wood clear and was then put into a position S. 8. b. 5.3. He then reported the enemy in the trench S. 2. c. 8.3. Meanwhile Capt. Lee with the remainder of A and D Coys held the keep at S. 8. 3.8. under machine gun and shell fire, working as best they could. Lieut. H. ANDREW was killed by shell and 2Lt. SOWARD wounded. Other ranks killed - 5, wounded - 44.
These two companies remained in position garrisoning the village until evening. They were not able to consolidate properly as they took part in the fight. The following officers took part in the defence: Capt. W. Wall, Capt. C.H. Lees; Lieuts. Andrew, Bateman, Roberts; 2Lieuts. Pickles, Black, Soward, H.C. Collins.
G.B.D
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WAR DIARIES - NATIONAL ARCHIVES
WO-95-1646-2_1
15th JULY - 31st JULY 1916
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WELLINGTON REDOUBT
15th July, 10pm
Weather: Fine and warm. Breeze N. N.E.
Work:
Map MARTIN PUICH 1/20,000
B Coy:
4 platoons left camp at 8am and returned 6:30pm.
Work done:- Repaired road surface from S. 14. c. 3.5 to road junction at S. 14. b. 95.90. making it fit for passage of artillery.
C Coy:
3 Platoons left camp 11am returned 7pm.
Work done: repaired German road from corner X. 29. b. 5.5. up valley through X. 30. a. and S. 19. d. and S. 20. a.
One platoon left camp 11am, returned 7:30pm
Work done:- repaired road F. 5. d. 1.9 to F. 5. b. 3.7.
Casualties: Other Ranks wounded - 3
G.B.D.
16th July, 10pm
Weather: Fine in morning; rain in afternoon. Wind light N. N.W.
Work:
One Company working 8 hours on the roads HALT-SHRINE to MAMETZ cross roads filling shell holes.
One company on the MAMETZ - BAZENTIN valley road 8 hours.
One Company on the MANSEL COPSE - LUDGATE CIRCUS (F. 17. a. 3.1) road filling trench crossings and general improvements. 8 hours.
1 Officer and 20 O.R. making a ramp to ammunition stage at F. 4. c. 5.4. working for 4 hours.
Casualties: Nil
G.B.D.
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WELLINGTON REDOUBT (F. 17. c.)
17th July, 10pm
Weather: Dull and inclined to rain. Wind N. N.W. changing to N. N.E. during night 17th - 18th.
Work:
Ref Map MONTAUBAN 1/20,000
C Company:-
1 Platoon 39 O.R. 41/2 hours clearing and remaking road from X. 5. d. 1.9 for distance of 150x
3 Platoons 122 O.R. were compelled by enemy artillery barrage to return from work on road North of S. 20. a. 4.0. So were brought back to X. 5. d. 1.9 to work on northern side of the above mentioned platoon 8 hours.
D Company:-
4 Officers 132 O.R improving HALT-SHRINE - MAMETZ Rd. F. 11. d. to F. 5. c. 8 hours.
A Company:-
3 Officers 128 O.R., 8 hours making and repairing road from LUDGATE CIRCUS (F. 17. a. 3.1) to MANSEL COPSE (F. 11. c. 4.5)
B Company:-
Resting.
Situation:
Our artillery commenced bombardment of HIGH WOOD (S. 4) Ref MARTIN PUICH 1/20m preparing to attack on enemy third line.
Enemy shelled ground N. E. of MAMETZ with tear shells.
Casualties: Ni l
G.B.D.
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WELLINGTON REDOUBT (F. 17. c.)
18th July, 10pm
Weather: Wind N. N.W. light; Dull with rain in the morning.
Work done:-
Half company working on road F. 4. c. central to MAMETZ cross roads.
One company repairing road F. 4. c. 4.6 to F. 4. c. 2.3 and F. 4. c. 5.3 to F. 4. c. 5.6. both MONTAUBAN Map 1/20.000)
Casualties: Nil
G.B.D.
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
19th July, 10pm
Weather: Fine - wind light N. N.E.
Move:
The Battalion cleared WELLINGTON REDOUBT by 8am..
Operation Order No. 20.
Headquarters, A & D Coys. moved to E. 12. b. 2.2.
B & C Companies moved to ROSE COTTAGE, FRICOURT with 54th Coy. R.E.
B & D companies worked 4 hours making a horse track from WING CORNER to F. 4. c. 5.5. and from BECORDEL to WING CORNER (MONTAUBAN map)
B & C Companies moved with 20th Infy. Bde. as per Operation Order No. 21.
G.B.D.
Appendix 5
Bivouacs at E. 12. b. 2.2. ALBERT 1/40,000
20th July, 10pm
Weather: fine and warm ; Wind fresh wind E. N.E.
Work:
B & C Companies remained with 20th Infy. Bde.
6 men reported at L. 15. b. 6.8 (Divisional R.E. Store) as loading party.
Two companies (8 officers and 356 O.R. ) worked 6 hours making a horse track from BECORDEL - F. 4. c. central thence to MAMETZ (map MONTAUBAN)
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E. 12. b. 2.2 and E. 13. c. 10.10
21st July, 10pm
Work: Nil
Weather: Fine and Warm. Wind E. N.E.
Move:
The battalion moved at 9:30am via MEAULTE - E. 16. a. 7.3 to DERNACOURT, E. 13. c. 10.10. where bivouacs were taken over. Ref. ALBERT 1/40,000
G.B.D.
Report of Work done by B & C Coys. attached to 20th Bde.
Orders:
To make a strong point at S. 10. d. 8.8 (MARTIN RUICH 1/20,000) with fire trench front and reverse, completely wired and covered by 2 Lewis Guns.
Atter passing CATERPILLAR WOOD a gas shell barrage at S. 10. d. 8.8 reached at 12:5am (21st). There was heavy shelling. The material was dumped at S. 16. a. 1.95. On commencing work the order was received to retire to WHITE TRENCH, the Headquarters of the Half Battalion. B Company acted as carrying party.
ST. VAST EN CHAUSSEE (AMIENS Sheet 17)
22nd July 11pm
Weather: fine and warm. wind light E. N.E.
Move:
The Battalion moved as under to ST. VAST:
A Company 3am train from MERICOURT.
B Company and HQ 4am train from MERICOURT
C & D Companies 11am train from MERICOURT.
All to HANGEST (SOMME) thence by road to ST VAST via BOURDON, BOIS du GARD.
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ST. VAST EN CHAUSSEE
23rd July, 10pm
Weather: Dull but fine. Wind N. N.W. LIGHT.
Parades:
Roman Catholic Church Parade held in morning.
Inspection parade to complete kit.
The remainder of the day was spent in improving billets.
A regimental canteen was opened in the village.
G.B.D.
24th July, 10pm.
Weather: Dull. fine. Wind fresh N. N.W.
Parades:
Adjutant's Parade 7 - 7:45am. Battalion drill.
Company Parades 9 - 12:45pm.
Classes in Bombing, Lewis Gun, Joinery, Map Reading, Plumbing from 2 - 4pm.
G.B.D.
25th July, 10pm.
Weather: Fine and bright. Breeze light N.
Parades:
Adjutant's Parade 7 - 7:45am. Company Parades 9 - 12:45pm.
Classes in Bombing, Lewis Gun, Joinery, Map Reading, Plumbing from 2 - 4pm.
G.B.D.
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ST. VAST
26th July, 10pm.
Weather: Fine, warm; Wind light N. N.W.
Training:
There were parades by companies during the day.
Baths:
The Battalion visited the baths at AUX - from 8am to 12 noon and 1 - 6pm.
G.B.D.
27th July, 10pm.
Weather: Dull in morning. Bright and warm in afternoon. Wind light N.
Work:
Ref AMIENS sheet 17
The Battalion 650 O.R. proceeded to station at POULAINVILLE to fill in trenches. Time worked 6 hours.
Awards:
No. 14017 Sergt. (Acting C.S.M.) J. Fisher A Coy. and No. 15120 L/Corpl. A.E. Clarke A Coy. both awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry.
G.B.D.
28th July, 10pm
Weather: Fine and bright, very warm. Breeze light E. N.E.
Training:
Company training in morning : Classes in plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying, hurdlemaking in afternoon.
G.B.D.
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ST. VAST
29th July, 10pm.
Weather: Bright and warm. Breeze light E. N.E.
Parades:
Company training in the morning.
Parades cancelled in the afternoon. Football matches played.
A v. B Company; C v. D Company.
G.B.D.
30th July, 10pm
Weather: Warm and bright. Breeze light N.E.
Parades:
Divine Services in morning.
Football Match - Officers v. Sergeants in afternoon.
A Company used the battalion bath.
G.B.D.
31st July, 10:30pm
Weather: Warm and bright. Breeze N.E.
Parades:
Adjutant's Parade: 7am - 7:45am
Company Parades 9 - 12:45pm. Close order drill : physical exercises.
Classes:
2 - 4pm. Lewis Gun, bombing, carpentry, laying out trenches and strong points.
B Company used the Battalion Bath.
G.B.D.
W.B. Batten, Lieut. Colonel
Commanding, 24th Battn. Manchester Regiment.
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