1/4TH (TF) BATTALION. 1914-1919
Extracted from : A short history of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 1741-1922 for the young soldiers of the Regiment By R.B. Crosse.

Somme, 1916. Albert, 1916. Pozieres. Ancre Heights. Ancre 1916. Ypres, 1917. Langemarck, 1917. Menin Road. Polygon Wood. Broodseinde. Poelcappelle. Piave. Vittorio Veneto.

The Battalion had just commenced annual training at Marlow when war broke out, and was at once recalled to Oxford and ordered to mobilise. On August 9th it joined the 145th Infantry Brigade, 48th (South Midland) Division at Swindon. After seven months’ training at Writtle, Essex, the Battalion proceeded to France on March 29th, 1915, underwent a period of instruction, and took over the line near Ploegsteert on April 17th, remaining in this area till July, when it moved south to Hebuterne. Trench routine continued till the Somme battle of July, 1916, when the Battalion was soon in action, on the 19th near Albert and again about Pozieres on the 23rd, while on August 13th it beat off a heavy attack by the Prussian Guard near Ovillers. In March 1917, in the British advance, the Battalion captured Roisel, helped to take Ronssoy, and made a gallant but unsuccessful attack on Guillemont Farm on April 19th. On August 16th it took part in an attack north of St. Julien (Langemarck), and on November 23rd proceeded with the 48th Division to Italy.

For six months the Battalion was holding the line, and at rest, and in support. It was in the trenches opposite Canove when the Austrian attack burst on June 15th, 1918, and though driven out of the front line, held on to the position, and completely restored it at nightfall, capturing hundreds of prisoners and much material, and earning a Mention in the Despatch of the British Commander-in-Chief in Italy.

On September 10th a most successful raid was carried out at Sec, and in November the Battalion took part in the advance into Austria; and then, returning, left Italy in March, 1919, to come home to Oxford.