WAR DIARIES - NATIONAL ARCHIVES
WO WO-95-1646-2_3
1st SEPTEMBER 1917 - 30th SEPTEMBER 1917
Next page : File WO-95-1646-2_3-86
24(S) Bn. The Manchester Regiment (7th) Divisional Pioneers. Vol 23.
YPRES. Maps - BELGIUM SHEET 28. N.W. Edition 6A, 1/20,000
1st September 1917
Weather: Fine
The Battalion attached to C.R.E. 47th Division for work.
D Company provided 250 men on 6 hour mining shifts and worked under 177 Tunneling Company in RAILWAY WOOD.
C Company provided 100 men for work on the laying of duck board track towards BELLEWAARDE RIDGE.
B Company provided two shifts of 50 men, 5 hours each and carrying on with C Coy's job.
A Company and the remainder of the men of B, C, and D Companies engaged on the improvement of the Battalion's Billets, the tunnels in ESPLANADE RAMPARTS, YPRES.
A wire was received from C.R.E. 47 Division instructing the Battalion that it ceased to be under orders from tonight and to expect Orders to rejoin the 7th Division immediately.
Casualties: 2 O.Rs. killed; 9 O.Rs wounded.
W.T.J.
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YPRES. Maps - BELGIUM SHEET 28. N.W. Edition 6A, 1/20,000
2nd September
Weather: Fine. Wind: Westerly.
The Battalion employed in cleaning rifles, equipment & clothing and Company inspections held whilst awaiting Orders to Move.
A Wire was received from the 7th Division at 5pm stating that the Battalion will remain in present billets in Ypres for tonight and will be lorried to HAZEBROUK tomorrow. Corps Q is sending lorries at 8am tomorrow to YPRES ASYLUM to convey Battalion. Send in Officer with representative from each Coy. on bicycles to HAZEBROUK today to report to Town mayor and arrange billets. Notify town Mayor YPRES regarding departure. Transport to move by road tomorrow.
3rd Sept.
MAP: BELGIUM HAZEBROUK, 5A, Edn. 2, 1/100,000
Weather: Fine. Wind: S.Westerly, light.
A wire was received from 7th Division stating that the Battalion will enbus[?] at H. 12. d. 3.4 and column will move off at 11am. proceeding via ABEELE and STEENVOORDE. Transport will move via RENINGHELST - GODWAERSVELDE and CAESTRE, head of column to enter
RENINGHELST at 10:15 am.
The Battalion entered HAZEBROUK about 4:30pm and were billeted
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MAP: BELGIUM HAZEBROUK, 5A, Edn. 2, 1/100,000
3rd Sept.
in three schools.
HQ and A Coy. in school behind TOWN HALL.
B & D Coys. in school in RUE de L'ORPHELINAT.
C Coy and Band in another school in RUE de L'ORPHELINAT.
Transport in Farm on N. side of HAZEBROUK.
Casualties: NiL
W.T.J.
4th Sept.
Weather: Fine. Wind: Southerly, light.
The Battalion rested and were allowed time to settle in their billets.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
5th Sept.
Weather: Fine. Wind: Southerly, light.
Detailed cleaning of clothing, arms and equipment.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
6th Sept.
Weather: Fine generally; some rain. Wind: Westerly, light.
As yesterday.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
7th Sept.
Weather: Fair. Wind: S. Easterly, light.
Putting together equipment properly and inspections by O.C.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
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MAP: BELGIUM HAZEBROUK, 5A, Edn. 2, 1/100,000
8th Sept.
Wind: Southerly, light. Weather: Fine.
A note was sent to division stating that in view of the fact that the amount of ground available for training was extremely limited, training would be carried on solely by Companies and advantage taken of any suitable ground in the vicinity of the town.
Further fitting of equipment and inspections by O.C. Companies and the Commanding Officer.
In the afternoon an entertainment was given in C Coy.'s billet by the 'What Nots'.
Casualties: Nil.
W.T.J.
9th Sept.
Wind: S. Westerly light. Weather: Wind[?]
C. of E. Parade services in the Town Hall at 10:15am.
N.C. of E. and R.C. services.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
10th Sept.
Wind: Easterly, light. Weather: Fine.
100 men of A Coy. on work at II ANZAC School, MORBECQUE
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MAP: BELGIUM HAZEBROUK, 5A, Edn. 2, 1/100,000
10th Sept.
[continued from previous page]
A Coy (remainder), B Coy., C Coy., and D Coy: Preparation for detailed inspections of clothing, Arms and Equipment by the Commanding
Officer.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
11th Sept.
Wind: N. Easterly, light. Weather: Fine.
100 men of B Coy. on work at II ANZAC School, MORBECQUE.
Remainder of B Coy., A Coy, C Coy & D Coy. also Hq. Lecture by the Commanding Officer on the progress of the War.
The Officers held a Battalion Officers' Dinner at the Hotel du NORD.
Casualties: Nil.
W.T.J.
12th Sept.
Wind: N. Easterly, fresh. Weather: Fine.
100 men of C Coy: on work at II ANZAC School, MORBECQUE.
Remainder of C Coy., A Coy, B Coy & D Coy. training under Company arrangements.
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MAP: BELGIUM HAZEBROUK, 5A, Edn. 2, 1/100,000
12th Sept.
[continued from previous page]
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
13th Sept.
Wind: Westerly, strong. Weather: Fine.
Three Officers and 100 O.Rs. proceeded last night on detachment for work at the II ANZAC Corps School, MORBECQUE from today until the 18th to be accommodated and rationed by the School.
The remainder of the Battalion moved to ARQUES by main HAZEBROUK - ST. OMER road. Order of march HQ., B, C, D, A Coys. and Transport.
Breakfast 7:45am. Move off 11:15am. Haversack rations were carried and tea issued on the march.
Casualties: Nil.
W.T.J.
14th Sept.
Wind: Westerly, light. Weather: fine.
The Battalion rested in billets.
Casualties: Nil.
W.T.J.
MAP: SHEET 36 D. N.E. 1/20,000
15th Sept.
Wind: Westerly. Weather: Fine and warm.
The Battalion (less C Coy. detached party) moved to WIZERNES via Wastove[?] and cleared ARQUES by 9am. The Battalion took up billets in WIZERNES at the MALTERIEFARM F. 3. c. 2.4
Casualties: Nil.
W.T.J.
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MAP: SHEET 36 D. N.E. 1/20,000
16th Sept.
Wind: Westerly. Weather: Fine & Sunny.
The Battalion less C Coy.'s detachment engaged in arranging and making comfortable and settling in billets.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
17th Sept.
Wind: S. Westerly. Weather: Fine.
A, B, D, & C. Coy other than detachment training under Company arrangement.
In the evening a Battalion Assoc. Football match was held. 24th Manchester - v - 23 Field Ambualnce. Manchester winning 3 - 0.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
18th Sept.
Wind: S. S.W.. Weather: Rain drizzle.
A & B Coys. with tools reported at 54 Coy. R.E's. Office AUSTRA (ESQUARDES) at 9am. They worked on digging shell holes etc. on
Divisional Practice Ground.
Remainder of C Coy. & D Coy. training.
Transport practising carrying loads by Pack Mule.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
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WAR DIARIES - NATIONAL ARCHIVES
WO-95-1646-2_3
1st SEPTEMBER 1917 - 30th SEPTEMBER 1917
Next page : File WO-95-1646-2_3-93
MAP: SHEET 36 D. N.E. 1/20,000
19th Sept.
Wind: [no entry]. Weather: [no entry]
A & B Coys. on work digging shell holes on Divisional Practice Ground, ESQUERDES.
C Coy (other than detachment) & D Coy. on Company training.
D Coy. on training.
The detachment of C Coy returned by train from II ANZAC Corps School, MORBECQUE.
Transport on practice of carrying loads by Pack Mule.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
20th Sept.
Wind: Westerly, light. Weather: Damp
A Company on training.
B Company on digging shell holes in Divisional Practice Ground.
C Company on training and Rifle Range.
D Company on training and inspection by C.O.
Transport on practice of carrying loads by Pack Mules.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
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MAP: SHEET 36 D. N.E. 1/20,000
21st Sept.
Wind: Westerly. Weather: Fine & warm.
A Company on Rifle Range and inspection by C.O.
B Company on digging shell holes and trenches on Divisional Practice Ground.
C Company on training.
D Company less two platoons left on detachment by Motor Buses to [rest of entry appears to have been erased].
Remaining two platoons of D Coy., Route march.
Transport carrying loads by Pack Mule, wire, picquets, sandbags etc.
Casualties: Nil.
W.T.J.
The following Move Order was received at 11:00pm
Headquarters, Q. 17 85, VII Div.
To 24 Manchester Regiment.
24th Manchester Regiment will move tomorrow (Sept. 22nd) to OUDERDOM by tactical train.
Transport 1st & 2nd lines by march route.
Battalion will entrain at ARQUES marching so as to arrive there not later than 12:15 pm.
Train scheduled to leave at 13 hours. Arrive OUDERDOM 16 hours.
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MAP: SHEET 36 D. N.E. 1/20,000
21st Sept.
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The unexpired portion of the day's rations will be carried on the man.
Rations for consumption on the 23rd will be arranged by X Corps.
Transport 1st & 2nd lines complete will move by march route halting the night of the 22nd-23rd in the Artillery portion of WALLON CAPELL area.
Baggage & supply waggons will report to O.C. 24 Manchester at WIZERNES by 10am on 22nd September.
Billetting representatives to report to Area Commandant WALLON CAPELL area at STAPLE who will arrange billets and will notify officer i/c Transport, the destination to which he will march on the 23rd. Transport will carry the unexpired portion of the current day's ration and rations for consumption on the 23rd.
Two lorries will report to O.C. 24 Manchester Regiment at 9am tomorrow and will return to 50 Div. Supply column after delivering stores at OUDERDOM.
Arrangements are being made for the two platoons now working at No. 2 Casualty Clearing Station to rejoin the Battalion at OUDERDOM.
The Orders for the two platoons to proceed to 2nd ARMY GRENADE School are cancelled.
Acknowledge.
(signed) N. Vyvyan, Major.
for Lieut. Colonel,
A.A. & Q.M.G. 7th Div.
Divl. Hq. 21-9-17
Copy to C.R.E.
[word obliterated]
50th Supply Column
G.
X CORPS.
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22nd Sept.
Map BELGIUM and FRANCE. Sheet 28. Edition 3.
Wind: Westerly. Weather: Fine.
The Battalion moved off at 10:15am. Order of March: Hq., C, D, Band, A, B, Coys., Transport, and marched to ARQUES where they had dinner and entrained . Transport marching by road to STAPLE. The Battalion detrained at OUDERDOM and marched to Camp at RIDGEWOOD N. 5. d. 3.6 Sheet 28.
The Battalion attached to X Corps; to work under C.R.E. 21st Div; and to 39th Div. for rations and administration.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
23rd Sept.
Wind: Westerly. Weather: Fine.
A, B, & C Companies and two platoons of D Company left camp at noon to work on the formation and laying of a plank road to be called Plumer's Drive in Sanctuary Wood. They were nominally taken up in motor lorries, but the shelling was so heavy that the motor lorries returned after going a short distance and the men had to walk.
The Companies arrived back at Camp at 8pm.
Casualties: 1 O.R. wounded remaining at duty.
W.T.J.
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Map BELGIUM and FRANCE. Sheet 28. Edition 3.
24th Sept.
Wind: Westerly, light. Weather: Fine & Warm.
A & C Companies left Camp at 6am to work on Plumer's Drive in Sanctuary Wood. They were conveyed part way by motor lorries.
B & 2 Platoons of D Coy. left Camp at 12 noon and were conveyed part way to Sanctuary Wood by motor lorries to relieve A & C Companies on making of plank road in SANCTUARY WOOD.
A & C Coys. arrived back at Camp at 2pm.
B Coy & 2 Platoons of D Coy. arrived back at Camp at 9pm.
Casualties: 6 O.Rs. wounded, 3 O.Rs. wounded remaining at duty.
W.T.J.
25th Sept.
Wind: Changeable, S. to S.E. light. Weather: Fine & warm.
A & C Companies left Camp at 6am to work on Plumer's Drive in Sanctuary Wood. They were conveyed part way in motor lorries.
B & 2 Platoons of D Coy. left Camp at 12 noon and were conveyed part way by motor lorries. They relieved A & C Coys.
Progress of work very slow in consequence of having to carry planks such
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Map BELGIUM and FRANCE. Sheet 28. Edition 3.
25th Sept.
[continued from previous page]
a long way from the Dump to the job and also in consequence of hostile artillery barrages put up as a reply to practice barrages by our own troops.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
26th Sept.
Wind: Southerly, light. Weather: Fine & warm (Dull)
In consequence of an impending attack on this front the Battalion did not leave Camp early. A, B, C, & 2 Platoons of D Coy. at 2⁄3 strength left Camp at 10am for work on the plank road in SANCTUARY WOOD. They were conveyed part way in motor lorries.
Casualties: 3 O.Rs. wounded.
3 O.Rs. wounded remaining at duty.
From tonight the Battalion ceases work under Orders of the C.R.E. 21st Divn. and carries on tomorrow under the C.R.E. 23rd Division.
W.T.J.
27th Sept.
Wind: Westerly, light. Weather: Fine.
A & C left Camp at 6:30am and marched to PLUMER DRIVE and carried on with making of plank road.
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Map BELGIUM and FRANCE. Sheet 28. Edition 3.
27th Sept.
[continued from previous page]
B & D Companies left Camp at 11:30am to relieve A & C Coys. on making of plank road PLUMER DRIVE.
Casualties: Nil
W.T.J.
28th Sept.
Wind: Westerly, light. Weather: Fine.
B Coy. worked under C.R.E. 23rd Div. 70 x of Plank road completed in SANCTUARY WOOD. leaving gap of 10 x between work finished 27th inst. 325 planks carried from dump on Railway to Road.
A Coy. + 1 Platoon of D Coy. working under Orders of C.R.E. 5th Australian Division clearing and repairing MENIN ROAD from the BIRR X-roads forwards for 600 x Eastwards. Work unfinished.
C Coy. + 1 Platoon of D Coy. working as second relief to A Coy.
D Coy. less 2 Platoons still on detachment working on No. 2 C.C. Station at OOTERSTEENE.
Two Officers and 10 N.C.Os. of A Coy. still with Divisional HQ for purpose of practising barrages at Divisional Training Ground, WIZERNES.
Casualties: 3 O.Rs. wounded.
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Map BELGIUM and FRANCE. Sheet 28. Edition 3.
29th Sept.
Wind: Northerly, light. Weather: Fine.
A & C Companies working in two reliefs on repairing and making MENIN ROAD, HOOGE. 300 x of formation made, 100 x of plank road laid.
B Coy. & 2 Platoons of D Coy. plus Hq. Pioneers and Joiners on clearing of ground and erection of nissen huts at H. 30. a. 5.0 Sheet 28.
117 Reinforcements from Base arrived late at night.
2 Platoons D Coy. still on detachment.
Casualties: 1 O.R. wounded; remained at duty.
W.T.J.
30th Sept.
Wind: Southerly, light. Weather: Fine.
A Coy. Less one Platoon repaired plank road through CHATEAU WOOD from I. 81. a. 6.9 to J. 13. a. 90.98.
3 Passing places constructed, 1 boarded, 1 partly boarded.
Cleared the junction of the road with MENIN ROAD.
A Coy. 1 Platoon constructed a gun track for No. 25 Battery in J. 7. c. Track completed.
B Coy. worked on HOOGE DIVERSION. 100 x of plank slabbing completed.
C Coy. worked on 400 x of Mule Track J. 8. Central to 'P' of POLYGONEVELD. They worked for 35 minutes. The reason for the job not being worked on longer
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