Blog Archives - LIGHTBOBS

On this day 30th September

30/9/2017

On this day 30th September

1810 – Light Division - commencement of retreat of Wellingtons army after Busaco on the Lines of Torres Vedras. Light Division as rearguard.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
Capt G Field M.C. handed over B Coy to Capt W L Barnard and proceeded on leave to England pending joining for instruction the Senior Officers Infantry School at Aldershot.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CANAL BANK.
Quiet Day.
Relieved 1/4 OXFORDS in Left Subsector at Night.
Started leaving CANAL BANK at 6.30 pm to take over front line Left subsection of BDE front from 1/4 OXFORDS.
Relief complete by 10.30pm.
Ration Strength 22 Officers 549 OR

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Marched to PROVEN whence by rail to BAPAUME.

1918 - 7th and 8th Bns Oxf & Bucks LI Armistice with Bulgaria declared.

On this day 29th September

29/9/2017

On this day 29th September

1790 - 52nd - marched from Coimbatore on Dinaporam (India).

1911 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Left Moore Barracks Shorncliffe and moved to Albuhera Barracks, Aldershot. Strength 27 Officers, 750 Other Ranks, 36 women and 65 children.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
The Regiment less C Coy (which was in Front Line) was employed to the extent of about 110 all ranks, found from A, B and D Coys in carrying up gas cylinders on the front of the Brigade on our right.
Casualties – Wounded = 1 (Sgt Batchelor)

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CANAL BANK.
Quiet Day.
All Coys on Working Parties close to ST JULIEN in evening.
Ration Strength 25 Officers 542 OR

On this day 28th september

28/9/2017

On this day 28th September

1872 – 43rd – embarked at Queenstown (Ireland) for India.

1915 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI engaged Battle of Kut (Mesopotamia)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
The Regiment on relief by 2/HLI took over the normal positions of the Support Battalion less the 1 company North of Canal and with 1 Coy (D Coy) in the Village Line, Wimpole Street and Shaw Cut.
2Lt A J Charge joined for duty on first appointment and was posted to A Company.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CANAL BANK.
Quiet Day.
Ration Strength 25 Officers 545 OR

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To BRISTOL CASTLE SECTOR (Ypres) and on into Front Line trenches.

On this day 27th September

27/9/2017

On this day 27th September

1810 - Battle of Busaco; Pte. James Hopkins, 52nd, in this action took prisoner the French General Simon.

1872 – 43rd – Embarked at Queenstown and sailed for Cannanore East Indies.
43rd Depot was left in Cork attached to 2nd Bn 7th Royal Fusiliers.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
2Lt W H Seale on completion of his period of 3 weeks instruction with 5th Light Trench Mortar Battery was retained for a further period.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES to CANAL BANK (Ypres)
Battn moved at 2am & entrained at AUDRICQUES Station.
Entraining complete by 7.30am.
Arrived & detrained at BRIELEN about 12.30pm.
Marched to CANAL BANK in rear reserve to remainder of Bde who took over front line during night.
Transport travelled by separate train, detraining at PESELHOEK station.
Transport moved to Camp just behind REIGURSBURG CAMP, & QM Stores to MARSHES FARM.
Ration Strength 24 officers 512 OR.

1917 – 1/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To trenches ST JULIEN Front (Ypres)

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To SWINDON CAMP (Ypres)

On this day 26th September

26/9/2017

On this day 26th September

1810 – Skirmish near Martagao during retreat towards Busaco (Peninsula).

1914 – 7th (S)Bn Oxf & Bucks LI formed at Oxford and moved to camp at Codford St. Mary (Wilts).

1914 – 2nd Bucks Bn officially recognised as separate unit (2/1 Bucks).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
Casualties – Killed = 1 (27939 Pte Stevens)

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES.
All Coys Resting Preparatory to Move
Ration Strength 27 Officers 642 OR.

On this day 25th September

25/9/2017

On this day 25th September

1806 – 52nd – 1st Bn 52nd left Plymouth for service in Sicily where it remained until 1808.

1915 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BATTLE OF LOOS; attack made by 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI at Givenchy (casualties, 9 Officers and 226 men);

1915 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI attacked Bellewarde Farm, Ypres
(casualties, 13 Officers and 463 men).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
Lt T W C Foreshew (C Coy) rejoined from duty at the Central Training School, Etaples and was attached for duty to B Coy.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES.
A, B & D Coys Training under Coy Commanders. C Coy fired field firing practice representing Battn in competition for best Coy in the Division.
Ration Strength 26 Officers 598 OR

1917 – 1/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To WATTEN & by rail to BRIELEN nr Ypres.

On this day 24th September

24/9/2017

On this day 24th September

1811 - The Light Division at Horquerra, on the River Vadillo (Spain).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
Active Patrolling, destructive shoots etc were carried out.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES.
All Coys on the range near ARDRINGHEM , A & B in the Morning, C & D in the Afternoon. The practices fired: - 5rds application at 200 yards, ditto at 300 yards and rapid practice at 300yrds.
Ration Strength 29 Officers 635 OR

1917 – 1/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To EASTMONT.

1917 – 2/1st Bucks Bn (TF) Oxf & Bucks LI – To ST NICHOLAS (Arras).

1917 – 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To ST NICHOLAS (Arras).

On this day 23rd September

23/9/2017

On this day 23rd September

1868 – 52nd – left Ireland for Malta.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
Active Patrolling, destructive shoots etc were carried out.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES.
300 OR had baths during the Morning, the remainder of the Battn attending Church Parade.
A Brigade Horse Show was held during the Afternoon.
Ration Strength 28 Officers 622 OR

On this day 22nd September

22/9/2017

On this day 22nd September

1790 – 52nd – formed part of the army which entered Paulighautcherry after 12 days siege. Killed 1 Serjeant. Wounded 1 Officer and 3 men.

1903 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Left Chatham for Southampton embarking on SS Plassy en route to India.

1915 - 7th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI arived at Boulogne from England.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LE PREOL.
Lt Vigars proceeded for duty to the Divisional Draft School.
Notifications received that 5016 QMSgt F Barnes M.C had been discharged to Pension and appointed to a temporary Honorary commission to the Regiment.
The Regiment relieved the 2/HLI in the Arae Posts 1-21 (Canal Right Battalion). Headquarters at Braddell Point.
The tour of duty was uneventful – Active Patrolling, destructive shoots etc were carried out.
Lt Thomas Tyrwhitt-Drake M.C. was awarded Bar to Military Cross. Authority MS 21/1424/AMS of 22.9.17.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES.
All Coys did three hours training in the vicinity of Billets.
The following Officers of the WEST KENT Regt joined the Battalion:-
2nd LIEUT L W G LORNS
2nd LIEUT H C BOCKING
2nd LIEUT L McCRACKEN
Ration Strength 28 Officers 603 OR

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Moved to WOLFE CAMP (MALAKOFF area) with a loss since the 20th of 12 Officers and 200 Other ranks.

1944 - 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - placed into Suspended Animation and finally Disbanded.

On this day 21st September

21/9/2017

On this day 21st September

1790 - 52nd - present at Conclusion of the siege of Paulighautcherry;

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LE PREOL.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES.
Whole Battn on Divisional Exercise near TOURNEHEM.
Left billets about 6.30am returning about 4pm.
Ration Strength 25 Officers 573 OR

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Relieved and moved back to East of Steenbeek (Ypes)

On this day 20th September

20/9/2017

On this day 20th September

1777 – 52nd – American War of Independence - The light Company of the 52nd with a small force under Major General Grey, at night surprised and defeated 1,500 Americans with 4 guns (artillery).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LE PREOL.
Lt E H Vigars rejoined from the Base and was attached to C Coy pending posting.
Capt F W C Chippindale proceeded to Headquarters 11th Division to take up appointment of ADC to Major General H R Davies C.B.
The Centre or Canal Brigade front because what it used to be i.e. Posts 1 (Burbure Alley) to Junction of Wolfe Road into front line.
Right Battalion Posts 1-21 during occupation by 2/HLI.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES.
All Coys did short period of training in vicinity of Billets.
Ration Strength 24 Officers 573 OR.

1917 – 2/1st Bucks Bn (TF) Oxf & Bucks LI – In huts & billets at AGNEZ-LES-DUISSANS.

1917 – 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – In billets at GOUVES.

1917 - 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI heavily engaged in Battle of the Menin Road (3rd YPRES) ATTACK ON EAGLE TRENCH.
Official account by Lieut.-Colonel C. R. C. Boyle, commanding the Battalion:-

At midnight 18th/19th September the Battalion Was disposed as follows :--
B Company (2nd Lieut. Mitchell) holding front line U.23.d.7.4 to U.23.d.4.5, with two platoons. H.Q. and three platoons round Double Cotts (U.23.d.3.8).
C Company (Captain Brooks) in trenches round Au Bon Gite. (U.28.d.7.8).
A Company (Captain Skuce) in trenches round Adelphi (C.3.a.8.9).
D Company (Lieut. Cooke) in trenches near Cork House (C.3.a.3.3).
Battalion H.Q. at Au Bon Gite.

The 19th September was quiet, except for a little hostile shelling. That evening, as soon as it was dark, and companies had got their rations, they moved forward into assembly positions, which had all been taken up by 2 a.m. (20th). A Company lost 10 men in moving up, otherwise there were no casualties in the Battalion.

The disposition of companies was now : A left, C centre, B right, D reserve.
Each of the three front companies formed up in four lines, one platoon in each of the first three lines, and Company H.Q. with one Lewis gun in the fourth line. Each company had a covering party 150 yards to the front.

D Company (in reserve) was formed in columns of half platoons and in two lines ; two platoons in the front line, and one platoon and Company H.Q. in rear.
Battalion H.Q. were at Double Cotts (Twin Cottages).

At 5 a.m. (20th September) 2nd Lieut. Willes (Intelligence Officer) and 8 Scouts took up positions with D Company. 8 Scouts being sent to each of the three attacking,companies.

Touch was obtained with the 12th R.B. on the right, but no touch could be got with the 59th Brigade on the left, and there was a gap of at least 150 yards between.
2nd Lieut. Willes laid out tapes on pegs already provided by the R.E., and led companies to assembly positions.

Zero was 5.40 a.m. 20th September. It was then still dark, dawn just breaking.
At 5.41 a.m. oil drums were discharged at Cemetery (U.14.C.0.0). These lit up the sky and showed my men to the enemy. As soon as the leading lines came over the ridge, into view of Eagle Trench, they came under heavy machine-gun fire from five concrete houses in the trench.

B Company, on the right, caught the worst of this, and soon lost all their officers and most of their N.C.O.'s.

C Company, in the centre, gallantly led by Captain Brooks and 2nd Lieut. Bevington, tried to get on, and were within 60 yards of the trench, when they were finally held up, Captain Brooks being killed on the German wire. 2nd Lieut. Bevington and three or four men succeeded in getting into the trench, but were wounded and could do no more.

A Company got within 70 yards, and were then held up; Captain skuce was mortally wounded.

D Company tried to get forward to reinforce and push on, but were unable to do this, and at 6.30 a.m. all companies were in shell-holes west of Eagle Trench, digging in.

It was impossible to get orderlies back to H.Q., and it was not until 7 a.m. that I learned the situation.

The 59th Brigade, on the left, were held up on the same line, and the 12th R.B. on my immediate right.

The situation remained thus during the day, all movement being under the observation of the enemy, who had snipers, on the look-out.

A fresh attack was ordered for 5.30 p.m., the 6th K.S.L.I, to send one company to help to get on, and another to work round the right with the 12th R.B. I was able to send orders to D Company (Lieut. Cook), but I could not communicate with any other officer.

At 5 p.m. the enemy put down a heavy barrage on the line U.23.d.l.4-U.29.b.2.9, but did not attack opposite me.

At 6.30 p.m. our barrage came down on Eagle Trench, and Lieut. Cook collected all men near him, and, with 2nd Lieut. Tapper, went forward. The enemy surrendered to him, and Lieut. Cook took a party and bombed along Eagle Trench, meeting with little opposition until about U.23.b.3.0.5, where his bombs gave out, and the enemy bombed him back. He then sent forward some riflemen to the right flank to hold the enemy, whilst he collected all German stick-bombs and formed a block in the trench, which he held. 2nd Lieut. Tapper, seeing that this attack was succeeding, pushed forward to Louis Farm, taking with him about 20 men of B Company, under Sergeant Walker. Here they linked up with the 6th K.S.L.I. and the 12th R.B.

A line of posts was then dug from Eagle Trench east, along the edge of the Cemetery, and south of the road to Louis Farm, with another line running east of the Cemetery back to Eagle Trench.

I ordered 2nd Lieut. Tapper to withdraw from Louis Farm, and, with Lieut. Cook, to hold the Cemetery with D Company, B Company remaining at Louis Farm.
A Company (2nd Lieut. Scogings) held the block in Eagle Trench.
C Company was still west of the trench.
This was the situation at midnight 20th/21st September.

On this day 19th September

19/9/2017

On this day 19th September

1857 – 52nd – during the engagements with mutineers from August 14th to September 20th the 52nd lost 1 Officer, 1 Serjeant and 25 men killed. 3 Officers and 82 men wounded. 98 men died of cholera and other diseases.

1915 - 8th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI arrived at Havre from England.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LE PREOL.
A small preliminary Regimental Sports meeting held near Le Preol.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES.
Whole Battn out on Brigade Exercise near TOURNEHEM.
Battn returned to billets about 4.30pm after about 9 hours work.
LIEUT TROUTBECK rejoined from 5th Army School.
Ration Strength 24 Officers 589 OR

1917 – 2/1st Bucks Bn (TF) Oxf & Bucks LI – By rail from ESQUELBECQ to AUBIGNY.

1917 – 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – By rail from ESQUELBECQ to AUBIGNY.

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Moved to assembly trenches preparatory to attack (Ypres).

On this day 18th September

18/9/2017

On this day 18th September

1857 – 52nd – still engaged in the streets of Delhi.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LE PREOL.
Notification received of the award (d/15/9/17) of the Military Cross to 2/Lt R C Warren.
First Lt E F Schmitz, United States Medical Corps joined for temporary duty in relief of Capt S Murray RAMC (for duty in India or Mesopotamia).

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES.
All Companies did Field Firing practise on GUEMY range. Very good show with quite good results. First Company commenced firing at 10.30am – last Company finished about 2pm. C Coy best score with 427 hits, D Coy second with 418 hits.
Ration Strength 27 officers 587 OR.

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To BULFORD CAMP (Ypres)

1917 - 7th (S) and 8th (S) Bns Oxf & Bucks LI present-Battle of Doiran;

1924 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Orders were issued that Buff Belts would be taken into wear for Walking Out, with effect from the 22nd inst.

1944 -7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI-Engaged in the Battle of Ceriano (Italy)
(18th/20th September)

On this day 17th September

17/9/2017

On this day 17th September

1759 - 43rd - Quebec surrendered - 43rd formed part of the garrison of occupation.

1828 – 43rd – Terrible epidemic broke out in the 43rd at Gibraltar.

1857 – 52nd – at Delhi.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LE PREOL.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LICQUES.
All Companies Resting. Billets very scattered A Coy being more than 4 kms from C & D.
Billets quite Good and apparently not used as such before.
Country and Weather perfect.
Commanding Officer, Adj and OC Companies attend conference under Divisional Commander at GUEMY in the Afternoon.
Ration Strength 24 Officers 579 OR.

1917 – 2/1st Bucks Bn (TF) Oxf & Bucks LI – To WORMHOUDT A AREA.

1917 – 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To WORMHOUDT A AREA.

1917 – 7th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To trenches L SECTOR (Salonika)

1944 – 1st Airborne Divisional Defence Platoon incorporating members of 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI flew to ARNHEM.
Also serving with the Division were former Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment including:-
Brigadier Lathbury (43rd) 1 Para Brigade
Major Haig (52nd) Div Provost
Major Wallis (4th Bn) 2IC 2Para Bn
Major Tatham Warter (52nd) OC A Coy 2Para Bn
Captain Moy-Thomas (52nd) Staff Captain 1 Airlanding Brigade
Captain Robson (52nd) Div GSO3
Captain Blatch (Bucks) Glider Pilot Regiment
Lieutenant Grayburn (43rd) A Coy 2Para Bn who was to win the Victoria Cross.
Lieutenant Eastwood (52nd) 21st Independent Parachute Company

A number of former 52nd soldiers were serving with Major “Freddie” Gough’s 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron.

On this day 16th September

16/9/2017

On this day 16th September

1857 - 52nd - engaged in severe street fighting in DELHI.

1917 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To HINAIDI and rail to KARRADA CAMP (Mesopotamia)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
2Lt W A R Ames severely wounded by a Trench Mortar.
The Regiment was relieved by 2/HLI and after a period of 8 days in area of Right Battalion withdrew to position of Reserve Battalion at Le Preol.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion –ST JAN TER BIEZEN to LICQUES.
Battn less transport paraded at 6am and marched to ABEELE station, about eight miles. After some delay the Battn entrained at 10.30am and moved to AUDRUICQ (NW of ST OMER) where they detrained at 4pm. There they were met by a guide and marched to LICQUES area arriving about 10pm after a 12 mile march. Packs were carried on Lorries.
Battn was disposed as follows:-
BATTN HQers & TRANSPORT - LICQUES
A Company - CAHEN
B Company - CANEHY & LE BREUL
C Company - HERBINGHEM
D Company - HERBINIGHEM
Transport moved at 9am to entrain at PROVEN (about 2 1/2 miles). All trains were late and transport was not entrained till 3.45pm moving out about 4.10pm.
Transport detrained at AUDRUICQ at 11.pm. Horses were watered and Transport marched to LICQUES arriving about 6am.
Ration Strength 27 officers 579 OR.

1917 – 1/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To BONNINQUES near CALAIS.

On this day 15th September

15/9/2017

On this day 15th September

1857 – 52nd – took part in severe street fighting in Delhi.

1916 - 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI present at GUEDECOURT - Battle of Flers-Courcellette;(Somme)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
C Coy as Support Company began to dig new Burbure Alley round the North Face of Arthurs Keep.
Casualties – Wounded = 1 (Sgt Boddington)

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROAD CAMP ST JAN TER BIEZEN.
Companies continued training. All companies had baths during the day starting at 11am.
Advance billeting party under CAPT G R CROUCH left at 6.30am for training area NW of ST OMER. The portion of Battn which was not to be entrained left at 9am. This consisted of 2 GS Wagons, Grenade Limber, SAA Limber & spares horses.
In the Afternoon numbers of Officers & Men from 2nd BUCKS Battn visited the camp and a football match was played in which the 1st Battn were successful by 3 goals to 2.
This was the first occasion on which the two battalions had had any good opportunity of visiting each other.
The following awards of Decorations were notified;
CAPT H J PULLMAN MILITARY CROSS
2nd LIEUT L G REEVES MILITARY CROSS

The following Officers joined the Battn on First Commission from 1st Battn ARTISTS RIFLES:-
2nd LIEUT F B BATES Posted to C Company
2nd LIEUT F J A CORFIELD Posted to B Company
2nd LIEUT C B ELLWOOD Posted to D Company
2nd LIEUT V C P COLISHAW Posted to D Company
2nd LIEUT W V STOKES Posted to A Company
Ration Strength 27 officers 580 OR

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To DOULIEU area.

1955 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - General Sir Bernard Paget GCB, DSO, MC, handed over Colonelcy of the Regiment to Major General Sir John Winterton KCB, KCMG, CBE.

On this day 14th September

14/9/2017

On this day 14th September

1857 - 52nd - severely engaged at the storming of the Cashmere Gate, DELHI.
V.C.'s won by L/Cpl. Smith and Bugler Hawthorne.

1914 - 2/4th (T.F.) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI raised at Oxford;

1914 - 6th (Service) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI formed at Old Dean Common (Camberley).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROAD CAMP ST JAN TER BIEZEN.
All Companies Training.
Ration Strength 21 officers 579 OR

1917 – 2/1st Bucks Bn (TF) Oxf & Bucks LI – To MILL CAMP, WATOU (Ypres)

1917 – 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To MILL CAMP, WATOU (Ypres)

On this day 13th September

13/9/2017

On this day 13th September

1759 - 43rd - took part in the Battle of Quebec.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
C Coy was relieved by A Coy in Right Front.
Capt J McTurk RAMC left the regiment being relieved by Captain S Murray RAMC.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROAD CAMP ST JAN TER BIEZEN.
A, B and D Coys Training in the Morning. C Coy on the range. Two practices fired by whole Company: Grouping and Mad Minute.
D Coy carried out the same practices in the Afternoon.
All Lewis Gunners armed with revolvers also fired in the Afternoon.
Ration Strength 21 Officers 594 OR

1917 – 2/1st Bucks Bn (TF) Oxf & Bucks LI – To BRANDHOEK AREA No2 (Ypres)

1917 – 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To BRANDHOEK AREA No2 (Ypres)

1944 -7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - engaged in Attack on Sensoli Ridge (Italy) (13/14 September)

On this day 12th September

12/9/2017

On this day 12th September
On this day 12th September

1777 – 52nd – Battalion Companies 52nd embarked to capture Newark (North America).

1914 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI –Battle of the AISNE commenced (2nd Bn present) .

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROAD CAMP ST JAN TER BIEZEN.
All Companies training according to Programme.
Ration Strength 21 Officers 600 OR

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To MALAKOFF FARM (Ypres)

1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Cpl. W. Wilcox, near Laventie, gained the V.C.
[ London Gazette, 15 November 1918 ], near Laventie, France, 12 September 1918, Lance Corporal Alfred Wilcox, 2/4th Bn, Oxforshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack (near Laventie, France) when his company was held up by heavy and persistent machine-gun fire at close range. On his own initiative, with four men he rushed ahead to the nearest enemy gun, bombed it, killed the gunner, and put the gun out of action.
Being then attacked by an enemy bombing party, Cpl. Wilcox picked up enemy bombs and led his party against the next gun, finally capturing and destroying it. Although left with only one man, he continued bombing and captured a third gun. He again bombed up the trench, captured a fourth gun, and then rejoined his platoon.
Cpl. Wilcox displayed in this series of successful individual enterprises exceptional valour, judgment, and initiative.

Alfred Wilcox was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 26th November 1918.

1918 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI engaged Battle of Havrincourt.

On this day 11th September

11/9/2017

On this day 11th September

1777 - 43rd and flank companies 52nd engaged at Brandywine (American War of Independence).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
Major General H R Davies C.B. Commanding 11th Division visited the regiment in the trenches.
Casualties – Wounded (gas) = 3

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROAD CAMP ST JAN TER BIEZEN.
Companies Training in Field Work according to Programme.
Following awards of decorations were notified:-
265036 SGT A J HART MILITARY MEDAL A COY
265046 SGT G RICHARDSON MILITARY MEDAL C COY
265292 LCPL G W WALLINGTON MILITARY MEDAL D COY
266733 LCPL S G STONE MILITARY MEDAL A COY
285074 PTE F MOORE MILITARY MEDAL B COY
265473 PTE F T CRIPPS MILITARY MEDAL B COY
Ration Strength 20 Officers 592 OR

1917 – 2/1st Bucks Bn (TF) Oxf & Bucks LI – To GOLDFISH CHATEAU (Ypres)

1917 – 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To GOLDFISH CHATEAU (Ypres)

On this day 10th September

10/9/2017

On this day 10th September

1790 - 52nd - present at the commencement of the siege of Paulighautcherry (India).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
Capt (A/Major) R J Brett rejoined the Regiment from being attached to 17th (S) Bn The Royal Fusiliers and took over the duties of Senior Major.
The 2/HLI having relieved No4 Company, 20th battalion CEP on the night 9/10 September, the front was taken over as under:-
By Letter D Coy Posts 29 exclusive to 17 with Headquarters in Coldstream Tunnel, by Letter B Coy thence to Post 11, by C Coy thence to right Boundary as above and A Coy moved up from Le Preol to Area Tower Reserve Trench, and one Platoon in Hunter Street.
Casualties – Wounded = 4

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROAD CAMP ST JAN TER BIEZEN.
Companies Training.
Programme for ensuing week:-
Collective Training 8.30am -1pm.
Monday Platoon Training
Tuesday Company Training
Wednesday Platoon Training
Thursday Company Training
Friday Platoon Training
Classes:-
Junior NCOs Class – 12 NCOs under RSM VINCENT
Observers Class – 16 men under CAPT G R CROUCH
Signallers Class – All partially trained Signallers under SGT ORCHARD
Buglers Class - 8 Buglers under SGT FOUNTAIN
Ration Strength 21 Officers 599 OR

1917 – 2/4TH (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Attacked HILL 35 and lost 4 Officers & 50 men. (Ypres)

1917 – 2/1st Bucks (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Relieved 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI.

1917 - 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Relieved from trenches (Ypres)

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To BARDS CAUSEWAY.

On this day 9th September

9/9/2017

On this day 9th September

1898 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Left Curragh Camp and moved to Mullingar.(Reached 11th Sept).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
A Special Service (CofE) for the Regiment conducted by the Reverend E M Guilford BA CF attached to the Regiment was held in St Andrews Church Le Preol in commemoration of the Storming of the Cashmere Gate, Delhi on September 14th 1857.
Capt (A/Major) C S Barnes D.S.O. left the Regiment to take over Command of the 2/7th Bn The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) in 57th Division after having performed the duties of Senior Major since 29.8.16.
2Lt George Ashplant joined the regiment on first appointment and was posted to C Coy.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROAD CAMP ST JAN TER BIEZEN.
Sunday. Bde Parade Service at 10.30am on camp Football Ground.
Following decoration awards were notified:-
LIEUT COL L L C REYNOLDS DSO BAR TO DSO
2nd LIEUT G A JOHNSON MILITARY CROSS
265094 SGT GOLDING T D.C.M D COY
266100 SGT BRIDGES E D.C.M D COY
266477 LCPL BUCKLAND W D.C.M. A COY
All Coys and hutments were inspected by CO during the morning.
The following Officers joined Battn from 6th Bn the BUFFS:-
2nd LIEUTS CLOTHIER C E, SANDERS C H G, SEASON C W E, STANWAY P A
Ration Strength 18 Officers 107 OR

1917 - 2/1st Bucks (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To WARWICK FARM (Support) on relief by 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI.

On this day 8th September

8/9/2017

On this day 8th September

1857 – 52nd – Siege of Delhi – continued, 52nd at Brinds Battery.

1901 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – occupying blockhouses in Orange River Colony (Boer War).

1914 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI at Ahmednagar received orders to mobilize.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
The Regiment relieved the 2/HLI as Right Battalion.
B Coy and C Coy being in same areas as handed over on 4/5th.
D Coy Village Line with Headquarters in Shaws Cut.
A Coy withdrew to billets in Le Preol.
Regimental Headquarters under orders to move to Braddell Point as soon as that area was ready for occupation, had to remain in Maison Rouge Alley and No1 Siding till relief on 16/9/17.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROAD CAMP ST JAN TER BIEZEN.
Coys remained in Camp for Interior Economy etc.
All Lewis Gunners fired on 30yds range under 2/LIEUT A P DARBY.
Nearly 200 Lewis Gunners now fully trained.
Ration Strength 18 Officers 101 OR.

1928 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – (India)- Army Order 139/1928 reviving the original title of Bugle Major instead of Serjeant Bugler was published in Regimental Orders.

1943 – 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI took part in SALERNO landings.

On this day 7th September

7/9/2017

On this day 7th September

1760 - 43rd - present at Capitulation of Montreal (Canada);.

1807 - Surrender of Copenhagen.

1857 – 52nd – Siege of Delhi- 52nd at siege work during the night within 300 yards of the guns of the fortress.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
Bathing.
Working Parties both Brigade and Regimental on Village and Support Lines etc and in Brigade Carrying Parties.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROAD CAMP ST JAN TER BIEZEN.
Training carried out as per Programme.
25 OR went to seaside by lorry for the day.
Following four Officers joined the Battn from 9th ESSEX –
2/LIEUTs FISHER G A, BROWNE S N, CAULFIELD R C F, SMITH C V S.
Ration Strength 11 Officers 587 OR

1917 – 2/1st Bucks (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To trenches POMMERN CASTLE (Ypres)

September 06th, 2017

6/9/2017

On this day 6th September

1857 - 52nd before Delhi; 340 men in hospital with fever.

1858 - 43rd engaged at Punghattee Pass (Indian Mutiny).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRIN.
Bathing.
Working Parties both Brigade and Regimental on Village and Support Lines etc and in Brigade Carrying Parties.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROAD CAMP ST JAN TER BIEZEN.
Training carried out as per Programme.
Ration Strength 7 Officers 591 OR

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To Reserve positions BRISTOL CASTLE (Ypres)