Title - War Diary of the Accrington Pals
Border

30th June
6.15 p.m.
Marched via Courcelles to position in assembly trenches
(arriving in position 4 a.m. 1.7.16).
 
1st JulyThe assembly trenches for the attack on Serre extended from MARK COPSE to MATTHEW COPSE inclusive with the 12th Battn. York & Lancaster Regt. on the left and the 93rd Brigade on the right. The 13th and 14th Battns. York and Lancaster Regt. were in support of the 11th E. Lancs. Regt. & 12th York & Lancs. Regt. The battalion was ordered to go forward in 4 waves accompanied by details from the 94th Machine Gun Company and the 12th Battn. K.O.Y.L.I. (Pioneers), the hour for attack being 7.30 a.m.

When the infantry advanced, heavy rifle and machine gun fire was opened from in front and enfilade from the direction of the POINT and GOMMECOURT WOOD. A heavy artillery barrage was also placed on our front line trenches. From information brought back by wounded it appears that only a few reached the enemy front line and were able to enter their trenches owing to the intensity of the Machine Gun and rifle fire. Small parties penetrated as far as the German fourth line, but were not heard of again1. During the day the unwounded men who returned were utilised to occupy our front line trenches.
 

2nd
1 a.m.
The battalion remained in the front line until 1 a.m. on the 2nd July when relieved by the 13th Battn. York & Lancaster Regt. During the attack Battn. Hqrs. was situated at head of Sap C. (K 29 a 93 ref map - 1/10,000 HEBUTERNE Trench Map). Total casualties:- Officers killed 7, missing 1, wounded 13 including the Commanding Officer. Other ranks killed 86, wounded 338, missing 140.

On relief, the battalion withdrew to ROLLAND trench (4th line) when reinforcements of 4 officers & 60 other ranks came up.
 

4th/5thThe trench was occupied until the night of the 4th/5th July when relieved by a company of the 6th Gloucester Regt. The battn. proceeded in relief to LOUVENCOURT.

Notes

  1. This last sentence was added later.


Crown copyright: The National Archives. This document may be copied and downloaded for personal and research use only. You must apply to The National Archives for permission for any other use.

Email: andrew.jackson@btinternet.com

Border
Top | Accrington Pals | Sheffield City Battalion | Barnsley Pals | Site Map