The battle of Jaffa – Bald Hill

 

 

The key port of Jaffa, some 40 miles north of Gaza, had been captured by the Allied forces in November. However, Ottoman & German forces still controlled the River Auja which reached the Mediterranean Sea near the port. From their system of defensive trenches in the higher ground to the north of the river, they were able to fire on Allied troops and harrass shipping.

After the failure of a preliminary raid across the river in late November, military tactics changed. The river was crossed in a night assault on 20/21 December. Without the advance warning of an artillery barrage, the enemy was caught by surprise.

The Finsbury Rifles were among the units detailed to take and hold   Bald Hill beyond the river. Ottoman forces were known to be in the area north of this well defended  ridge near the village of Mulebbis (today Petach Tivka). It was for his bravery during this attack that  L/Cpl Jock Christie was later awarded the Victoria Cross much to the pride of his regiment.

 

Date 18/12/17

Relieved by 8^th HANTS Rgt and moved into reserve area at KEFR-ANA. Very wet.

Location KEFR-ANA Date 19/12./17

Squaring up bivouac area. CO and 2^nd in command reconnoitred BALD HILL from our front line. Very wet. Wadi in flood.

Date 20/12/17

Brigade conference at Bde HQ. Weather very wet and unsettled. Orders received for battalion to attack BALD HILL night of 21/22^nd.

Date 21/12/17

Preparing to move forward to point of assembly. One company proceeded at dusk to dig reserve trenches for Bn Hill. Bn less one company moved off at 2355 to attack Turkish positions at BALDHILL. Night fine and clear, bright moon.

Location BALDHILL Date 22/12/17

Barrage by our artillery on BALDHILL from 0010 -15 which brought down Turkish barrage on west side of hill. Our attack developing from SOUTH EAST side. Turkish positions carried and held in spite of three very determined enemy counter attacks to retake the Hill. All forces were repulsed with severe enemy losses. Australian bombing parties throughout the night defeated attempts being made to burn away the communication trenches and also all failed and the Hill remained in our hands. Enemy artillery were also very active throughout night, BALD HILL being heavily shelled also the area occupied by the reserve company and Bn HQ. Bn Signal officer being blown in and men buried and all wires cut. Men survived unhurt. At 0430 2 companies withdrawn from positions won and brought into reserve area, leaving one company under CAPT GM HOOPER to garrison the HILL. At 0530 Bn less one company marched by circuitous route to allotted part of assembly due west of BALD HILL and breakfasted.

At 0830 Bn advanced to attack Turkish positions at FEJJA, this comprising the 2^nd phase of the operations. Bn deployed on a 500 yard front with 1/14 NORTHANTS on the right and 161 Bde on the left. FEJJA taken with slight opposition and new line reconnoitred and consolidation commenced by 1045.

Bm withdrawn into reserve during the afternoon at a point about 800 yards south of BALDHILL after handing the line over to ¼ NORTHANTS. Bn casualties during the 2 operations. 1 officer wounded CAPT L H NEWTON 9 O/R killed and 26 wounded.

Location Bivouac on BALDHILL Date 23/12/17

Squaring up Bivouac. Bn engaged scouting enemy and our trenches for salvage during the afternoon. Large quantities of enemy material brought in, including about 2000 pounds of SAA. Enemy dead buried on BALDHILL. 2 officers and 40 other ranks.

Date 24/12/17

Continuation of salvage operations in and around BALD HILL very wet and cold.

Wilhelma

 

The Ottoman forces had retreated further north to the area around Wilhelma. This was  a successful agricultural colony founded in 1902 by the German Templar movement and named for the Emperor of Germany,  Wilhelm II.  For the Finsbury Rifles a return to trench warfare and artillery bombardment seemed likely. They were fortunate not to suffer any casualties during this engagement unlike their sister battalion, the 1/5 BEDS (5th Battalion, The Bedfordshire Regiment).

While the Ottoman forces had simply requisitioned whatever foodstuffs they needed, the policy of the EEF was to buy additional supplies on the open market while on campaign. Prices were consequently often high but meant that there was no lingering resentment towards the army.

The loyalty of the German residents of Wilhelma towards the EEF was not taken for granted.  The following year they were interned in Egypt and not released till 1921.

 

Date 27/11/17

Orders received for battn to move into a more forward position. Heavy Turkish artillery fire on our front line and German colony of WILHEMIA. Bn moved forward 1130 and occupied WADI KEREIKAK. Bn ordered to dig a forward line to the wadi and to hold at all costs.

Date 28/1/17

Location WADI KEREIKAK

Reciprocal shelling at intervals. Bn at work on new line. Lt Robertson and 16 other ranks rejoined from 75^th Divisional training.

Date 29/11/17

Reciprocal shelling at intervals. Bn at work on new line. Enemy aircraft very active and flying low and gunning front line and bivouac areas. Work on new line proceeding. Heavy reciprocal shelling at night.

Date 30/11/17

Bn still engaged in digging new line. Reciprocal shelling at intervals. Orders received for Bn to relieve ¼ NORTHANTS reg in front line. Lts SANDERCOCK and HEILGERS to hospital.

Date 1/12/17

Preparing to move forward into WILHEMINA line and relieve 1/14 NORTHANTS. Bn moved 1730. Relief completed and line taken over by 2000. Night quiet.

Location WILHELMA Date 2/12/17

Slight enemy shelling of WILHELMA and front line. Work on trench line during night. Patrols to TE twice nightly from left and right patrolling Bn front.

Date 3 to 7/12/17

Reciprocal shelling during each day. Work on trench line continued with assistance of strong working parties from 2^nd ALH and 1/14^th NORTHANTS. Work only possible at night. Reserve company in town digging in and engaged in fatigues. Movement restricted in town during daylight owing to enemy having observation from 3 sides. Weather unsettled and much rain. Mail begins to arrive from England. Rations improved by issue of fresh meat and bread,  butter eggs and milk being purchasable in the town from the German inhabitants who have displayed a more or less friendly attitude.

Date 8/12/17

Weather very bad- heavy rain all day making transport work very difficult. Work on trenches still continued with our own and outside working parties. Lieut D ROBERTSON entered hospital. Enemy and our patrols active during the night, slight reciprocal shelling.

Date 9/12/17

Celebration of Holy Communion by Regt chaplain in village schoolroom at 0645. Weather wet and unsettled. Bn order no 5 in moves for 9/10 attached.

Date 10 to 14/12/17

Usual working parties by night on front line trenches. Reciprocal shelling by day, night patrols carried out by companies in line. CAPT AT LEWTHWAITE returned from English leave (14.12.17) WILHELMA defence scheme attached and marked.

Date 15/12/17

Usual reciprocal shelling during the day. Work at night on front line trenches assisted by working parties from NEW ZEALAND MOUNTED RIFLES. Night patrols as usual. 2^nd LT LS LEE 7^th MIDDLESEX Rgt reported for duty with the Bn.

Date 16/12/17

Celebration of Holy Communion in village school room at 0700. Quiet day. Preliminary orders to move into reserve received.

Date 17/12/17

Preparations for move from WILHELMA.

Marching North

 

 

While other divisions of the EEF advanced east into the Judean Hills, the 54th (East Anglian) Division now marched north along the coastal plain.  It was now the rainy season which at least gave the Finsbury Rifles a chance to catch up with some long overdue laundry.

However, the retreating Ottoman army was not a spent force. They had engaged the New Zealand Mounted Rifles near Ayun Kara only a few days before 162 Brigade arrived.

 

 

Date: 17/11/17
Bn (here 2 companies) left MEJDEL 0830 for ESDUD arriving 1245 Bivouac formed and rations for meal issued. Bn preceded again 1500 for JEBNAH.
Location IN THE FIELD Date 18/11/17
Bn arrived JEBNAHIGOO and bivouac formed for the night. Men and animals much fatigued after long march but all ranks extraordinary cheerful. Weather fine but overcast. Brigade group overtaken.
Date 18/11/17
Brigade packed up and proceeded with Bde Column for AJUN KARA further 9 miles northwards. Left bivouac at 13.30 reached destination 17.30 and bivouac formed for the night. AJUN KARA a French Jewish settlement (ZIONIST) of modern and European appearance. Good rye bread obtained for all ranks from the inhabitants who welcomed the appearance of a BRITISH force. Turks reported as having commenced retiring through township fourteen days previously.
Date 19/11/17
Bn proceeded with brigade group eastwards to LUDD leaving Bivouac at 0845 reaching LUDD 1230 and bivouacking in olive groves NORTH of the town. Men much fatigued. Remainder of day spent in squaring bivouacs and washing.Very wet night.
Location LUDD Date 20/11/17
Bn resting. Kit inspection and washing during morning. Weather dull and overcast much rain about at intervals. 2 companies from BEIT HANUN caught up with the Bn and reported (1200) Bde on an advanced outpost here. 1/11 London in reserve.
Date 21/11/17
Bn in reserve. Day spent in bathing and washing and kit inspections.
Date 22/11/17
Bn in reserve. Day spent in bathing and washing and kit inspections. Company training for 1 hour during morning. Quiet day. Weather fine but cold. 2nd Lieut Tierce and 20 of other ranks rejoined the Bn from BEIT HANUM.
Date 23 to 24/11/17
Company and specialist training
Date 25/11/17
Holy Communion at Bn HQ at 0800 Quiet day in bivouac. Voluntary camp fire service in evening at 17.30
Date 26/11/17
Company and specialist training

After the 3rd Battle of Gaza

 

 

After the fighting and an all too brief time to recuperate the Finsbury Rifles were  directed to support the Royal Engineers  –  providing labour for the construction of prisoner of war camps. While this work was often resented by the men of the EEF it was a welcome change from the horrendous noise of the artillery barrage that had preceded the third battle for Gaza.

Date: 9/11/17

Portion of Bn left behind at 54 Div, details rejoined.

Date: 10/11/17

Bn bathing and resting – quiet day.

Date: 11/11/17

Holy Communion at Bn HQ 0800. Quiet day. Bn Bathing and resting.

Date: 12/11/17

Orders received for Bn to move to Beit Hanun for construction work under RE. Bathing parades and preparing to move.

Date: 13/11/17

Bn moved to Beit  Hanun 1300. A&B Coys sent onto DEIR SINEID for work under RE. D&C Coys employed constructing P of W compound at BEIT HANUN.

Date: 14/11/17

½ Bn employed on building P of W compound. 40 prisoners arrived during afternoon from front line.

Date: 15/11/17

Work on P of W compound continued. No further prisoners, previous 40 sent onto A.P.M GAZA. Orders received to move forward.

Date: 16/11/17

Bn HQs moved 1230 and proceeded to DEIR SINEID leaving 2 companies to received and guard further P of W. Remaining 2 companies being picked up at SINEID the whole proceeding to MEJDEL where Bivouac for the night was formed

 

 

  The Third Battle of Gaza (2)

 

It was no secret that casualties in fighting were highest in the rifle companies of the army . The 54th (East Anglian)  Division had had to rebuild itself twice – after the Gallipoli Campaign and more recently after the disasters of the first two battles for Gaza.

The changes brought in under General Allenby also aimed to avoid this happening again. Units were required to keep a nucleus of officers and men in the rear so that a battalion could be rebuilt if necessary. Reinforcements would take too long to train and in any case, the Western Front was swallowing up much of the available manpower.

Although the Finsbury Rifles suffered some casualties during the Third Battle of Gaza, they were not as high as before. They were fortunate that the Ottoman forces on Belah Ridge were withdrawn to pre-arranged positions further north. This undoubtedly saved many lives – on both sides.

Location GUN HILL AREA Date: 6/11/17

Consolidation work still proceeding. MAJOR HAMMOND visited Bde Battle HQ and received orders to attacks and take BELAH Ridge with this Bn at all costs 161 Bde co-operating on our right the 1/5 BEDFORDs on our left. Enemy heavily shelled our positions during the day up to about 1500. Rumours received of Turkish retreat – arrangements for attaching BELAH completed and the Bn relieved in the trenches by the ¼ ESSEX and brought down on the beach to rest by 2100.

Date: 7/11/17

Attack on Belah Ridge by the 54 Divs at 0100. 1/11 London attacked the Northern position as for orders attached to appendix.A.X

Attack carried out with great dash. Enemy trenches reached and enemy found to have fired leaving only a few snipers. Consolidation at once proceeded with.0430. Consolidation work stopped. General Turkish retreat. ¼ Essex withdrawn from GUN HILL and position taken over by 1 company 1/11 London Rgt ,other companies of this Bn withdrawn to beach for breakfast after which Bn to move to 300 yards NE of SHEIKH HASSAN. 1030 Bn move into Reserve of 162 Bde outward line received – Bn moved on to beach at G22 A Nuzzle 1/20000. And bivouac formed. Lt Col A.H WINDSOR CMG

Location SEASHORE G22.A.NUZZLE 1/20000. Date: 8/11/17

Bn resting and squaring up Bivouac. Moving baggage re: from various dumps formed after the equipment. Quiet day bathing parades only.

Orders by Major F.S.Hammond commanding 1/11 London Regt. Order No 3. 6/11/17

Reference Gaza 1: 20000. A

1. Enemy dispositions have not materially changed.
2. The 54^th Divn is attacking the line RAFA BELAH RIDGE – TURTLE HILL. 161 Bde on the night. 162 Bde on the left. The dividing line will be the wire running from RICHARD to BELAH.
3. The 11th London Regt (les 1 Coy) will attack BELAH works from P8d88 to Pqa 2.4.
4. On relief tonight at 1900 by ¼ Essex Regt this Battn will bivouac over the beach for the night just below present Battn HQ.
5. At zero – 60 the Battn will move forward to a position at about P8 6 1.8. At zero – 15 it will move forward to take up a position immediately in front of our own trenches. At zero it will advance to the attack.
6. When the positions have been won, they will be immediately consolidated a strong work being established in each objective: at the same time a second line will be consolidated on the reverse slopes. The front line will only be held lightly during the day.
7. The Battn will be dressed and equipped in only those articles actually required for fighting purposes plus one day’s water and rations.
8. Each officer will carry a Very Pistol sights. Bombers and rifles Grenadiers will each carry 10 bombs. Lewis gun teams will carry 20 magazines per team. The balance of bombs L/G. Magazines will be carried by carriers detailed from ¼ Northants Regt and will move in near of the Battn during the attack dumping their loads with the last Coy who will be digging in on the reverse slope of BELAH RIDGE. The O.C of this Coy will at once take steps to push forward the bombs and magazines brought up. Ground flares will be carried by the leading Coys.
9. Each Coy will detail runner to report to Battn signal office before Coys leave the beach.
10. Watches will be synchronised at Battn H.Q at 1815 and 2115 tonight.
11. Battn H.Q will remain at P7 6 7.5 to-morrow with an advanced station established by P8 and 2.5 (near B Boys’s present HQ) to which place all messages and runners must be sent.
12. Barrages. The positions to be assaulted will be heavily bombarded the final 18 pds protective barrage lighting from all objectives except FRED at zero and 15 when the infantry will assault in accordance with details already arranged. At zero and 20 the barrage will lift from FRED enabling the first wave to complete their work on WALTER. A protective barrage will remain in front of the position till zero and 120. MG barrage from RICHARD and CRICKET WELL will give overhead covering fire during the assault and will lift to form a protective barrage at zero and 10.
13. Collecting points for wounded are being formed at SEA POST and SHEIKH HASSAN to either of which wounded will be evacuated. The Battn and post will remain into present position.
14. Two stokes guns will follow in near of the third wall and dig in on reverse slope as arranged.

Issued at 1800

Copies to 3 Coys

162 Bde

¼ Essex Regt

1/6 “ “

¼ Northants Regt

1/5 Bedfords Regt

1/10 London Regt

162 MG Coy

162 LJ M.B

1 – office

Capt Adjutant 1/11 London Rgt.

 

 

 

           The Third Battle of Gaza (1)

 

The 3rd battle for Gaza lasted for over a week. This time the bombardment  from the Royal Navy and the Royal Artillery was calculated correctly and began ahead of the actual attack. As the 54th Division moved up along the coastal strip to the west, they came under heavy fire from the Ottoman defences.  In spite of the disorientating effects of the artillery barrage and thanks  to the effective supply lines,  food & the all important water rations were able to  reach the Finsbury Rifles & the other  units in 162 Brigade. Lessons had been learned from previous failures….

 

 

Location REGENTS PARK AREA Date: 31/10/17

Bn: Squaring up bivouac, drawing clothing for forthcoming operations. Enemy lines heavily bombarded from land and sea batteries. Bn order no II in connection with forthcoming attack on Gaza attacked.

Location REGENTS PARK AREA and Gun Hill area ref Gaza 1/20000 P.Y.B-57.Date: 1/11/17

Bn preparing for move forward on enemy’s left. Objective of this Bn – the Turkish position of Gun Hill. Bn moved forward 0245 to the attack. Bn under the command of MAJOR FS HAMMOND.

Date: 2/11/17

0245 Bn moving to the attack along the Beach, came under heavy shrapnel fire at about 0330, 200 yards NE of SHEIKH AJLIN. Several casualties sustained, 2/LT BRIMFIELD signalling officer being killed. Bn halted under cliff ……pack animals, all animals were then sent back to starting point. Bn proceeded along the Beach under heavy shrapnel, rifle G fire. Very little cover was attainable and in some place none at all. Seaport in front of which the Bn had to deploy was reached at about 0400 and found to be in our hands. Bn HQ formed and Bn drawn up in readiness for the advance. 0430 Bn deployed D company leading and advanced on objectives,…..objectives taken 0500 2^nd objective taken 0505 final objective occupied by D Company at 5.10 (GUN HILL). Slight opposition, enemy retired to usage our artillery tarry to SHEIKH HASSAN and there fell into the hands of 1/5 BEDFORD who had advanced along the Beach and the left of our positions. Our casualties slight – all companies engaged on consolidation work, enemy heavily shelling the captured positions all day. Rations and water reached the Bn about 2030 in spite of the beach being in enemy view and constantly sniped in consequence. Everyone very cheerful and satisfied 1/5 Bedfords at HASSAN. Casualties for the day about 55 NCOs and men and 5 officers killed and wounded.

Date: 3/11/17

Consolidation work proceeded with all day under heavy shell and rifle fire.

Date: 3/11/17 (contd)

Several casualties incurred. Attack at dawn on Turkish position of BELAH Trench Line by ¼ Essex. This work the final objective of the 1/10 London was strongly resisted by TURKS, and was not taken during the initial attack or by a subsequent attack during yesterday afternoon by ¼ NORTHANTS. The Essex attack at dawn failed with heavy loss and the position remained in the hands of the Turk who sniped and MG  [ machine gunned] GUN HILL positions and the beach from it all day. Enemy heavily shelled by both land and sea batteries day and night. Rations and water reached us in excellent time. Also large quantities of REM admiral for consolidation work.

Date: 4/11/17

Bn engaged on consolidation work, several casualties incurred from enemy shell fire. GOC 162 Brigade visited and inspected the GUN HILL area – our ships busily engaged shelling enemy works and positions in rear of GAZA.

Date: 5/11/17

GUN HILL and area heavily shelled by enemy 5.9 batteries from an easterly and north easterly direction. Several direct hits attained on our trenches, no casualties or damage done. Consolidation still proceeding and 4 guns from LTMB attached for ……CRICKET VALLEY.

 

 

 

Training intensified in the lead up to Gaza. In October those skills learned and practised in  platoons and companies during the summer, were developed at  battalion and brigade level. The message for the soldiers of the EEF whether they were peacetime territorials  or wartime conscripts was that  bravery and courage alone would not bring success. The key to victory would come through training as an efficient fighting force being able to put everything they had learned into action whatever the circumstances  .

 

Practice attacks were carried out in the Belah area. A model of the El Arish redoubt was constructed and used by the 54th (East Anglian) Division – nothing would be left to chance!

 

Date: 16/10/17Bn Parade 0745, operations on prepared area 1600-1700 specialists training.

Date: 17/10/17

Bn Parade 0645. For Brigade operations on prepared area. Specialists training 1600-1700

Date: 18/10/17

Specialists and company training (6.15-700)(800-1100) 1100 Kit Inspections.

Date: 19/10/17

Combined brigade operations on prepared area (0700-1200) Specialist training 1600-1700.

Date: 20/10/17

Brigade operations at dawn on prepared area. Bn paraded 0245 returned to Bivouac area 0800. Address by GOC to all officers, W.Officers and sergeants in the Brigade 1645.

Date: 21/10/17

Brigade Parade for divine service 0830 Remainder of day quiet.

Date: 22/10/17

Company and specialist training during morning. Bathing for all ranks during the afternoon. Lt HHA GOLDSCHMIDT entered hospital.

Date: 23 to 24/10/17 (24)

Company and specialist training. Inter platoon competitions in Lewis gun, bombing and rifles, signalling and s(tretcher) bearers competitions. Conference.

Date: 25/10/17

Company and specialist training. Final competitions in various specialist branches. Regt Boxing Tournament during afternoon. GOC and staff of 162 Brigade present.

Date: 26/10/17

Practice attack on prepared position by Bn (0700-1200) Bathing parades during afternoon. 2 LT HORDER attached 486 CORE to hospital.

Date: 27/10/17

Company and specialist training during morning. Regimental sports and concerts. Heavy thunder storm with torrential rain. 1^st rain of the season.

Date: 28/10/17

Celebration Holy Communion 0730. Confirm of C.O at Bde HQ. Capt L.H Newton rejoined from Delta and W.Force HC Cairo.

Date: 29/10/17

Company and specialist training during morning. Orders received for Bn to move to Regents Park area prior to operations.

Date: 30/10/17

Company and specialist training (830-1100) remainder of day spent getting ready to move. Bn moved 1800 by March Route to Regents Park area. Enemy lines heavily bombarded by our artillery.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Allenby Effect

After the failures to take Gaza in March-April 1917,  it was clear that the Egyptian Expeditionary Force needed a fresh approach and a new command structure. General Sir Archibald Murray was posted back to the UK to be head of the army  in Aldershot while General Sir Edmund Allenby took over as Commander-in-Chief of the EEF at the end of June 1918.

General Allenby had served for 3 years on the Western. He had learned the hard way what was needed to fight a modern technological war. One crucial aspect of this was listening to subordinate commanders . General Murray had failed to do this at Second Gaza with disastrous results.

General Allenby re-organised the EEF into 3 corps -2 infantry and 1 cavalry. This allowed heavy artillery units to support the infantry corps more effectively. He moved the HQ to Cairo to Khan Yunis, south of Gaza which was far nearer the front line . He also  introduced relentless and focused training throughout the EEF to bring up  levels of fitness and technical knowledge. Everyone would know exactly what they should be doing for the forthcoming third attack on Gaza.

Location CENTRE SUB STATION RESERVE (COASTAL SECTOR)

Date: 30/9/17

Bn: engaged in settling down and generally improving bivouac area. Working parties found of 2 officers and 160 men for works under RE direction, 1430 and 1900 (respectively 40 and 120 men). CAPT G.R.MELLOR attached from 1^st (KINGS) LIVERPOOL RGT LEFT today to rejoin his original Bn: under orders from DAG.GHQ. Voluntary Service by Chaplain 1600.

Date: 1/10/17

Bn engaged on Training. Special classes of Bombers and Lewis Gunners formed. 2 officers and 160 men engaged under RE for work on defences.

Date: 2 to 3/10/17

Bn Training. 3 officers and 300 men onward morning training on defence works under orders O.C front line sections. 2 officers and 200 men engaged under direction of RE on defence works vc. Lieut ROBERTSON (transport officer) necessary personnel proceeded for duty to 92b by ASC 75^th division.

Date: 4 to 5 /10/17

Bn finding big working parties for Front Line Commanders and RE defence works.

Orders received to move to Northern BELAL area to train for coming operations.

Date: 6/10/17

Entire Bn on working portico and Brigade fatigue work. C.O proceeding along cont. Northwards, by steam drifter for reconnaissance work.

Date: 7/10/17

Communion service 0900. Remainder of day spent in in packing up and otherwise getting ready to move. Bn relieved by 1/4 R Scots at 1800, and proceeded by March Route to new Bivouac area at Belah, there to train for forthcoming operations.

Date: 8/10/17

Day spent in squaring up camping area at BELAH. Kit inspections and bathing under company arrangements. 11 Other Ranks rejoined from hospital.

Date: 9/10/17

Inspection of Bn by C.O followed by company training and battalion close order drill. Conference of C.O at Brigade ND.

Date: 10/10/17

Bn: engaged in training in attack formation based on new organisation (0800-1200) all officers attending C.O conference at 1630.

Location BELAH N AREA Date: 11/10/17

Bn under training 0630-0700. Bayonet fighting 0800-1200. Bn Parade. 1600-1700 Bn classes in bombing and Lewis gun.1800-2000 Night work.

Date: 12/10/17

Bn Parade 0700. Practice attack on prepared positions. Specialist classes as usual.

Date: 13/10/17

Bn practising attack on prepared positions 0700-1200.

Date: 14/10/17

Divine service in conjunction with the 1/10 LONDON at 0830. 2LT G.A. PARRY rejoined from hospital.

Date: 15/10/17

Bn Parade 0700 practice attack on prepared positions. 1600-1700 specialists training – Lieut F HEILGER rejoined from hospital.

Date: 16/10/17

Bn Parade 0745, operations on prepared area 1600-1700 specialists training.

Reciprocal shelling, night patrols and anti-gas training

The Small Box Respirator was the most advanced and successful anti-gas equipment used by the British and Dominion forces during the First World War. Introduced in 1916, it became standard issue during 1917. The respirator consisted of a face mask with glass eye-pieces connected to a metal ‘small box’ filter (containing  active charcoal and granules) via a flexible hose. Its practical design meant it could be put on and used very quickly in case of a gas attack.

General Murray had obtained permission to deploy gas to increase the striking power of the EEF  in early 1917. However, there were many misgivings about this amongst officers and men. Gas shells were fired quite ineffectively against the enemy during the disastrous second battle for Gaza. As part of the intensive training that followed  this defeat, ‘gas schools’ were set up to train soldiers to cope with gas attacks. The EEF feared  that it was  likely that Germany might provide the Ottoman forces with gas shells of their own and prepared accordingly.

Date 12/9/17

Usual working parties employed on general improvement work. Instructional Demonstration in the Small Box respirator given at H.Q of 54^th Divs attended by the C.O.M.O. and 2 Coy Comdrs and 2 cos per company. Slight enemy shelling during the morning. No damage to our line.

Location LEES HILL Date 13 to 15/9/17

Bn engaged on general improvement of front line trenches. Working parties from 1/10 LONDONS engaged (0700-1000) and (1900-2200) on widening and deepening Communication and Traffic Trenches. Usual Night Patrols. Reciprocal Shelling morning and evening, no casualties or damage sustained by us.

Date: 16/9/17

Celebration of Holy Communion at Regtl Aid Post by Chaplain at 0930. No work performed. Front Line quiet during day. Our artillery very active between 2200 and 2300.

Date: 17/9/17

Work on Trench Improvements, small working party from 1/10 LONDONS assisting. Heavy Turkish Shelling of our Front Line. Slight damage to Trenches and wire cut in several places. 4 men wounded of this bn.

Date: 18/9/17

Quiet Day, slight reciprocal Shelling in Evening. Work as usual on Trench Improvements.

Date: 19 to 20/9/17

Work on Trenches, widening and deepening. Line quiet. Usual night Patrol work.

Date: 21/9/17

Continuance of Trench improvement work. Slight reciprocal Shelling at intervals during day. Lieut Sander wick commended by G.O.C. for good Patrol work in neighbourhood of MIDDLESEX HILL. Party heavily fired on by Turks. Lieut Sanderwick slightly wounded, also one rifleman, otherwise Patrol returned to our lines intact. Sergt RALPH recommended for reward for good work performed and coolness displayed on this occasion. CAPT L.M. JONES reported from Hospital. CAPT F.J.F.H. HEILGERS to Hospital. Orders received for relief of this Bn by 1/4 NORTHANTS, this Bn taking over area vacated by 1/5 BEDFORDS who relieve 1/4 NORTHANTS in Redoubt Line.

Date: 22/9/17

Work as usual improving Trenches and communication. Usual Night Patrol work. Slight reciprocal shelling during the day.

Date: 23/9/17

Celebration of Holy Communion in Regt Aid Post by Chaplain at 0930. No work performed. Draft of 26 of Ranks reported from Egyptian BASE DEPOT. Orders for relief cancelled.

Date: 24 to 25/9/17

Work on Trenches and communications as usual. Usual light Patrols. Slight reciprocal shelling morning and evening.

Date: 26/9/17

Work on Trenches and communications as usual. Our artillery active during day. Turkish Positions on Outpost Hill heavily Bombarded early morning of 26/27^th (0345) by our artillery. Turkish retaliation during our bombardment and for a short while afterwards caused us no damage and inflicted no casualties.

Date: 27/9/17

Bn: engaged on Trench improvement work. Usual Nightly Routine Patrols. Comdr in Chief awarded MILITARY MEDAL to 450005 Sgt S.C.RALPH for coolness and gallantry on patrol night 21/22^nd  Sept 1917.

Date: 28/9/17

Bn engaged on Trench improvement work. Usual patrols. Orders received for relief of 1/5 A and S HIGHLANDERS, (relief by 1/4 Northants cancelled).

Date: 29/9/17

Bn engaged preparing to leave LEES HILL. Relief effected by 1300 and Bn proceeded to temporary bivouac area to await nightfall before moving across Kurd and BORDER VALLEYs to new bivouac area on the LEFT of the coastal section. 1/11 LONDON relieved the 1/8 HANTS.

The Indian Army and the EEF

Some 1.8 million soldiers from the Indian Army were sent overseas during World War One. 200,000 served in Egypt and Palestine, over 95,000 in combatant roles.

The main role of the Indian Army in peacetime had been to defend its North- West Frontier. Its commissioned officers  were all British while other ranks were recruited from the north of India ( especially amongst the Sikh community)  and in Nepal (the Gurkhas). But the war effort needed far more men than this method could provide and by 1917, Indian soldiers were drawn from all over the country.

Sending out reinforcements to the EEF from the UK became harder and harder during 1917. There was a constant need for fresh manpower on the Western Front and Italian defeats meant that divisions had to be transferred to Central Europe. Some Indian battalions were already successfully serving in the communication lines in Egypt and so the chosen solution was to replace British battalions with ones newly arrived from India . They would be trained for the fighting and terrain ahead while the British battalions would be sent to France.

In the reorganisation that followed, the  54th (East Anglian) Division was the only division in the EEF that remained all British.

 

 

Location LEES HILL LEFT SECTOR Date 1/9/17

Bn engaged on trench improvement work. Work continued on new piece of forward trench (1900 -0100) working parties heavily sniped and 1 man wounded. Usual night patrols.

Date 2/9/17

Holy Communion 0830 in Nantwich Gully. No work being done today by order of Brigade Commander. Slight reciprocal shelling. MAJOR CAMPBELL 1 BO 8 IO and 8 Indian NCOS attached for instruction in patrol work and trench duties returned for duty to their battalion. (2/23 SIKH PIONEERS).

Date 3/9/17

Work on trenches (both fire and communication) being carried out under direction of Coy commanders. Work also continued from 1900 to 2400 on new piece of forward trench work. 100 Sikh and 50 Bedfords being employed. 2^nd Lieut Parry and patrol of men fired on by Turkish snipers concealed in old British trenches in front of our lines and the enemy also threw a bomb on our party inflicting head wounds on 2^nd Lt Parry and wounding and killing two other men of his party. Patrol under SERJ ANDERSON encountered enemy patrol in front of left of Battn line. Our patrol fired a rifle grenade, whereupon enemy retired hurriedly, dragging with them 2 men presumably killed or wounded by our bomb. Slight reciprocal shelling. Draft of 120 men reported from EGYPTIAN BASE DEPOT.

Date: 4/9/17

Trench improvement work (Traffic and communication) Usual night patrols. MAJOR HAMMOND returned to Battn after 4 weeks senior officers’ course at Cairo and Alexandria.

Date: 5/9/17

Bn employed on trench improvement work. Usual night patrols. Night work continued on forward trench from OIRE BAY f-15-1 Slight reciprocal shelling during early morning and evening. Our own enemy snipers active. GAST G M HOOPER returned from service.

Location LEES HILL Date: 6/9/17

Work on trench improvements, widening Traffic and communication Trenches. Night Patrols as usual. CAPT. A.T. LEWTHWAITE proceeded to ALEXANDRIA en route for 3 weeks English leave. Turkish Trenches heavily bombarded by our artillery during afternoon.

Date: 7/9/17

Work on fire bays, Traffic and communication Trenches by day and by night. Line quiet. Usual rifles patrols.

Date: 8/9/17

Bn engaged with assistance of working party from 1/10 LONDON BN, widening Traffic and Communication Trenches. Turkish artillery active along our front during early part of morning.

Date: 9/9/17

Holy Communion by Chaplain at 9.30 in Regtl Aid Post. No work on defences and communication by order of Brigade Commander. Front Line quiet.

Date: 10/9/17

Bn engaged on Trench improvement works, working parties from 1/10 LONDON employed on widening communication trenches and improving approaches. Usual Night Patrols. Slight reciprocal Shelling. Night work on Front Line Trenches and work on new forward trench to over wire.

Date 11/9/17

BN engaged on Trench improvement works, working parties from 1/10 LONDON employed on widening communication trenches and improving approaches. Usual Night Patrols. Slight reciprocal Shelling. Night work on Front Line Trenches and work on new forward trench to over wire.

Date 12/9/17

Usual working parties employed on general improvement work. Instructional Demonstration in the Small Box respirator given at H.Q of 54^th Divs attended by the C.O.M.O. and 2 Coy Comdrs and 2 cos per company. Slight enemy shelling during the morning. No damage to our line.

Location LEES HILL Date 13 to 15/.9/17

Bn engaged on general improvement of front line trenches. Working parties from 1/10 LONDONS engaged (0700-1000) and (1900-2200) on widening and deepening Communication and Traffic Trenches. Usual Night Patrols. Reciprocal Shelling morning and evening, no casualties or damage sustained by us.