Army Form C. 2118.
| Place |
Date/Hr |
Summary of Events and Information |
METREN
X1D43 |
April
1 |
Weather bright, Physical drill before breakfast, Parades I & II
at 9.45 AM. Skeleton marching order, Parade new Draft. Free marching order.
No 1 Gun tested on the Range. Football match in afternoon, Old men v. New
Draft. Received orders to be at SCHEXKEN April 2nd 8.45 A.M. |
RENINGHEIST
CAMP E
(H31.D.2.9)
M.5.a.2.8 |
2 |
Weather very bright. REVEILLE 4.30 A.M. We left X1.D 4.3 at 8 A.M.
arrived at SCHEXKEN 8 A.M. We headed the 6th CANADIAN INFANTRY Brigade
on march to ZEEVOTEN (H.31.D 2.9) en Route orders as the destination were
changed to RENINGHEIST Camp E (M.35 A2.8). Arrived via WESTOUTRE at noon,
where we were billetted with the 28th N.W. Battalion. Four new Colt MACHINE
Guns received from 2nd Pioneer Battalion with spare parts complete. We
"stood too". Limbers loaded ready to move from 8 P.M. - 12.45 P.M. when
moving orders were cancelled. |
|
3 |
Capt. T.A.H. TAYLOR reported back to duty from Leave and took over
command of the Company from Lieut. A. EASTHAM. Two Colt Machine Guns complete
with spare parts from each of the following Battalions, 28th, 29th, 31st
making a total of fourteen for Machine Gun Company. Parades with 28th N.W.
Battalion at 11 A.M. for the purpose being inspected GENERAL ALDERSON.
New gun crews made up. The company complete with fourteen guns and transport
moved off from CAMP E (M.5.a.2.8) at 5 P.M. to take up positions in VOORMEZEELE
district, travelling via LA CLYTE and DICKIE BUSCH. Arrived at H36.d.8.-2½
at 8 P.M. Reliefs of the 8th Brigade IMPERIAL Machine Gun Company, were
at once commenced. No 1 Section under LIEUT. EASTHAM received three guns
in CONVENT School, one gun in SEPTEMBER Post (Lieut. EASTHAM also acting
as 2nd in Command of Company. No 2 Section under Lieut. BASEVI proceeded
to positions in SPOIL BANK, LOCK POST, HILL TOP and ARUNDEL HOUSE. No 3
Section under Lieut. HILL releived Brigade Machine Gun Company Guns in
FRONT LINE extreme left of Brigade frontage namely U28 to B.23. No 4 Section
under Lieut. MacLELAN releived guns in S.P.8 and MOATED GRANGE (This section
only possessed two guns) on the right section of the Front Line. Two Colt
Machine Guns belonging to the 27th Battalion, together with two guns belonging
to BORDENS Machine Gun Battery, were placed on right flank. On the extreme
left flank were placed two Colt Machine Guns belonging to the 31st Battalion
at U.27 and U25 and two Colt Machine Guns belonging to the 29th Battalion
in VOORMEZEELE FORT. |
|
night 3-4 |
So by 2.30 AM. When releif completed, there were protecting our Brigade
flanks four Colt Machine Guns, on right of Front Line, and six Colt Machine
Guns on left of Front Line, while in reserve and second Lines, were twelve
Colt Machine Guns, along with four Vickers Guns, belonging to 56th MOTOR
MACHINE COMPANY. The later guns at V4. NEW TRENCH, FRENCH TRENCH and SARDINE
BOX. Nothing was done regarding Lewis Guns at this period as it was impossible
to discover definitely what guns were in the right sector of the Front
Line. Apparently there were three Lewis Guns of the 1st Gordons whose crews
were utterly exhausted. Two Guns were taken away and the third was left
with the 27th Battalion. There was also still intact one Gun of some other
IMPERIAL Regiment probabilty of the K.O.R.B. on the left sector of the
Front Line; there were four guns of the 13th Kings LIVERPOOL REGIMENT in
P77.P64 T19 and T21. Two Guns of the EAST YORK'S in U23 and U24 and Three
Guns of the KINGS SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY at U25 & U28. |
|
4 |
Weather warm; slight mist. Capt. T.A.H. TAYLOR inspected Front Line
positions. Pte. CROUSE, F.C. of No 3 Section, 6th CANADIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE
MACHINE GUN COMPANY was wounded by shrapnel, at U.24. The following Lewis
Guns teams were assembled. Three from NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILERS. Also three
officers and thirty O.R. made up from 24th, 25th, 26th, 28th and 29th Battalions
reported at our Headquarters. Lieut. EASTHAM made reconnaisance of Left
sector, visiting all Machine Gun positions in Front Line Second and Reserve
Lines. |
|
5 1 A.M. |
Three Lewis Guns and temas of NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILERS together with
three officers and crews without guns from 8th & 6th CANADIAN INFANTRY
BRIGADES mentioned above (those crews were to releive crews of IMPERIAL
BATTALIONS supposed to be still in Front Line and advanced Sector of Front
Line) proceeded to Right Sector of Front Line. On arrival found that no
Guns were available as crews serving Lewis Gunners had pulled out with
undamaged guns with exception of one gun left with 27th CANADIAN BATTALION
by 1st GORDON'S which was maned by 27th CANADIAN BATTALION in point fourteen.
Three NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILERS CREWS were then established in points seventy
three (73) ninty two (92) and thirty three (33) under Lieut F.C. McLORG
of the 28th BATTALION. Last crew releiving their position about 5.30 A.M.
The remaining crews were then taken back to VOORMEZEELE. One crew fron
22nd |
|
5 P.M. |
At 5 P.M. Capt TAYLOR and Lieut McLORG made way to Point 14. The trench
by this time was practically impassable and to avoid too much movement
Lieut McLORG proceeded along to crew at 33. He found two of them had been
slightly wounded and trench filled in everywhere except where they stood.
Gun was still working however and prepared to stay where they were. All
that time there were about twelve 27th BATTALION with them and six wounded
men. At 9.30 P.M. releif crew from 22nd BATTALION under Lieut BROWN, 24th
BATTALION under Sgt NAYLOR, 25th Battalion under Lieut DOUGLAS and 26th
Battalion under Lieut LOCKHART arrived in P trenches. Lieut MacLORG went
over situation with officers and sergeant but releifs could not be started
until about 11.30 P.M. owing to heavy Bombardment. Lieut MacLORG with Lieut
DOUGLAS and his crew then proceeded from POINT 14 to 33. The heavy bombardment
had wiped out guiding marks left by Lieut MacLORG and no trace of missing
crew could be found. Returning to Point 14 crew and gun were left there
and Lieuts McLORG and DOUGLAS went out again and searched for the other
Lewis crew without success. Royal Scots gun crews reported at VOORMEZEELE
(in an exhausted condition) and turned over five Lewis guns, two of which
belonged to WEST YORKS. The crews were sent back to report to their unit. |
|
6 |
After the above mentioned officers returned to Point 14 it was decided
that Lieuts. DOUGLAS and BROWN and their crews should be posted at Point
14. Lieut LOCKHART and crew had been posted at P92. And Sgt NAYLOR and
crew at 73. During all this time fairly heavy bombardment with "Minniwerfers"
and H.E. but practically all were the left of P.14 about 3 A.M. bombardment
became general and very heavy and Lieut McLORG who had been trying to get
through 6th CANADIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE Machine Gun Company without success
took up his position at end of communication trench between our old Line
and German Line. After some considerable time a Machine Gunner who had
been with Lieut LOCKHART at Point 92 came down wounded. He reported that
they had spotted the Germans in the grass about twenty yards away and had
wiped them out. The Gun however jammed on the third magazine by this time
gun in P73 had been withdrawn. Lieut McLORG returned to VOORMEZEELE about
7.30 A.M. and reported situation to Capt TAYLOR. Lieut EASTHAM then proceeded
with Lewis crews of 27th,28th and 29th Battalions reporting to Colonel
SNIDER O.C. Right Sector at whose disposal they were placed. Lieut EASTHAM
then proceeded front line right sector but acting under Colonel SNIDER's
instructions the crews were placed in support trench P5. After short rest
Lieut McLORG proceeded there and took charge. |
|
4.30 A.M. |
Capt TAYLOR wounded by shrapnel at VOORMEZEELE. Lieut EASTHAM taking
over Command. Heavy bombardment all day. The Guns lost in GERMAN attack
where those belonging NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILERS. At Points 33 & 92 and
gun at Point 14 (which Lieut WEBSTER of 27th Battalion perois to being
releived by Lieut BROWN 22nd Battalion) belonging to 1st GORDON'S. The
other gun of the NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILERS was brought out by Sgt NAYLOR
who returned to VOORMEZEELE with his section intact but with gun out of
action through dirt. In the afternoon crews reported from 18th, 19th, 20th
and 21st Battalions and about 8 P.M. Lieut EASTHAM left VOORMEZEELE with
these crews and proceeded via CONVENT LANE to releive 2nd Lieut SIMPKIN
13th THE KINGS (LIVERPOOL) REGIMENT at Points 64, 77, T2 and R5 considerable
time was required. Releif being complete about 2 A.M. on the 7th of April. |
|
7 |
About 12.30 A.M. Two guns from P5 were detached and sent to strengthen
a Bombing party which was to man CRATER. These returned early without being
required, Crew of 20th Battalion returned to VOORMEZEELE about 10 A.M.
and Sgt NAYLOR was sent up to replace them at Point 77. Two crews 27th
and 28th were withdrawn from P5 and sent to reinforce the Left, being held
at R.5 and later being sent to man CRATERS under instruction from O.C.
28th Battalion. Early in morning twelve new Lewis guns arrived three of
these were manned with crews from 28th Battalion under Lieut NEIL and held
for emergences during night. The roads south of St ELOI were swept intermittently
by fire from Colt gun in vicinity of MOATED GRANGE. [???] reported from
Canadian Base Depot. |
|
8 |
The weather was rather cold. Lewis guns in our charge overhauled. Releif
commenced by the 4th CANADIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE. Releif on right sector
completed about 11.30 P.M. Releifs on left sector not complete until about
2 A.M. on Apl 9th. We arrived in RENINGHEIST about 3 A.M. 9th. |
RENINGHELST
M.35.a.2.8 |
9 |
Weather fine. Muster parade 10 A.M. Steel helmets gas helmets and rifles
inspected. Crews spent remainder of day cleaning guns. |
|
10 |
Weather wet. Parade 10 A.M. Guns examined ammunition checked and cleaned.
No parade in afternoon. |
|
11 |
Weather still wet. Parade 10 A.M. All belts refilled. No parades after
dinner. |
|
12 |
Weather again wet. Parade 10 A.M. distribution of spare belts and spare
parts to crews. No parade afternoon. |
|
13 |
Weather very windy and cold. Parade 10 A.M. Rifle inspection by Brigade
armourers. All L.E. rifles turned into ordnance. Lieuts EASTHAM and BASEVI
inspected trenches in vicinity of VOORMEZEELE. |
|
14 |
Heavy Rain. No parades. |
|
15 |
Weather cold and showery. No parades in morning. Received two Colt
Machine Guns from 27th Battalion, making our full compliment of sixteen
guns. Parade at 2 P.M. inspection of gas helmets. Route march. N.C.O's
instructed in use of "Tower Respirators". "Stand Too" from 9 P.M. until
12 midnight ready to move. Order to move received. |
|
16 |
Weather fine. Moving orders cancelled. Men resting. |
|
17 |
Weather fine. Received orders to move. Limbers loaded. Orders cancelled.
Amended half an hour late. Eventually moved off at 6.15 P.M. to releive
5th CANADIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE MACHINE GUN COMPANY at VOORMEZEELE. Arrived
there at 8.30 P.M. releifs of both Right and Left sectors. Completed by
2 A.M. |
VOORMEZEELE
H.36.D8.2½ |
18 |
Weather chilly. Lieut. EASTHAM inspected our position on the Left sector
Two of our guns in P.1 and P.2 releived by 27th BATTALION. Orders received
from Brigade to place guns in BUS.-HO and WHITE HORSE CELLARS. Above positions
inspected by Lieut EASTHAM and reported to Brigade that both positions
were unsuitable for Machine Guns. |
|
19 |
Weather again chilly. Morning is very quiet. In afternoon CRATERS heavy
shelled with MINNENWERFERS and H.E. Five men of our No 7 Gun Crew S.P.8
wounded by shrapnel. One man wounded in VOORMEZEELE. Our No 2 crew took
over S.P.8 position. |
|
20 |
Weather fine. One man killed and three wounded on our No 14 Gun Crew
in U 28 at about 1 A.M. Crew and gun taken from ARUNDEL HOUSE to replace
above casualties. Part of 6th BRIGADE Releived by 4th BRIGADE. |
|
21 |
Weather fine. VOORMEZEELE shelled intermittently during morning. Direct
hit registered on our HEAD QUARTER (H.36.D8.2½) with H.E. at 10
A.M. four men wounded. Fire broke out in building over CONVENT VOORMEZEELE
about 9.30 P.M. Enemy shelled heavily with shrapnel and H.E. and registered
another direct hit on our Headquarter (H.36.D8.2½). Lieuts EASTHAM
and GALLBRAITH visited our positions in SPOIL BANK U28 and HILL TOP. |
|
22 |
Weather very wet. Enemy quiet. 4th BRIGADE MACHINE GUN COMPANY commenced
releif at 7.15 P.M. Completed same except Two of our Guns and crews which
were left in VOORMEZEELE FORT by 3 A.M. Our men reached J DETAIL CAMP RENINGHEIST
at 4.30 A.M. |
J DETAIL CAMP
RENINGHELST |
23 |
Weather fine. No parade. Men resting. |
|
24 |
Weather fine. Six crews complete with guns sent to support 4th BRIGADE
MACHINE GUN COMPANY at VOORMEZEELE. |
|
25 |
Weather fine. Parade 10 A.M. Gas helmets and rifles inspection. Guns
and belts cleaned and overhauled. Two crews complete with guns sent to
VOORMEZEELE by Motor Bus to suport 4th Brigade. Order to move camp received. |
|
26 |
Weather fine. Moved camp to RENINGHEIST. |
| RENINGHELST |
27 |
Weather fine. Eight guns crew returns from VOORMEZEELE. One other Rank
proceeded on Leave. Parade at 10 A.M. Gas helmet and rifle inspection. |
|
28 |
Weather fine. Parade at 10 A.M. Spare parts helmets and spare barrels
issued to the no's one of gun crew. Guns cleaned and overhauled. One officer
and one O.R. proceeded on leave. |
|
29 |
Weather fine. Parade at 10 A.M. Gas helmets and rifle inspected. New
gun crews organised. Promotions sanctioned to complete Establishment. Enemy
planes active. |
|
30 12.30 P.M |
Weather fine. "Stand Too". Gas Attack on the Kemmel Front. Orders received
to be ready to move in twenty minutes. Limbers loaded everybody standing
by with gas helmets. Moving orders cancelled. Stand down 10 A.M. Enemy
planes very active. |
|
10 A.M. |
Nothing to report. |
[Signed] J. Basevi Lieut.
For O.C.
6th Bde. M.G. Comy.