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On this day 30th November

30/11/2016

On this day 30th NOVEMBER

1843 – 52nd – a Regimental Savings Bank opened in the 52nd.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FONTAINE-SUR-MAYE.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – MIDDLE WOOD CAMP
Battn in Camp.
Moved to SHELTER WOOD CAMP NORTH in afternoon.
300 men on Working Parties at Night.
B Coy moved to 8 huts in SCOTTS REDOUBT.

1916 – 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Marched to Mansell Camp.

1917 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BATTLE OF CAMBRAI – Battalion heavily engaged in repelling German counter attacks

On this day 29th November

29/11/2016

On this day 29th NOVEMBER

1818 – 1st Bn. 52nd landed at Ramsgate from France (after 2 years service in France).

1866 – 52nd – left Aldershot for Ireland.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FONTAINE-SUR-MAYE.
The following officers of the Territorial Force joined for duty :
2nd Lieuts W. G. Bacon (A Company), T. A. Coffin (B), J. N. Chappie (D), E. S. Fold (C).
The 65th reinforcement (1 Sergeant and 58 men) joined for duty.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – MIDDLE WOOD CAMP
Battn in Camp.
Worked on camp during day. 300 men Working Party at Night.
Brigadier inspected A, B & C Coys at 3pm and met all Officers afterwards.

1916 – 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To Scotts Redoubt Camp.

1916 – 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To the Citadel.

On this day 28th November

28/11/2016

On this day 28th NOVEMBER

1853 - 43rd - left South Africa for India.

1905 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – Intimation received that sanction has been given for the Gorget Button to be worn on Officers Service Dress Coats.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FONTAINE-SUR-MAYE.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – MIDDLE WOOD CAMP
Battn in Camp.
Worked on camp during day. 300 men Working Party at Night.

1916 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – In Mouquet Farm trenches.

1916 – 2/1st Bucks Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – In Mouquet Farm trenches.

On this day 27th November

27/11/2016

On this day 27th NOVEMBER

1859 - 43rd - with Nagode Force in pursuit of rebels (India).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CANCHY to FONTAINE-SUR-MAYE.
This last place is evidently the permanent place detached from the remainder of the Brigade; moderate billets, which could be much improved Regimentally if material were available.
2nd Lieut. R. Blackwell took over command of Letter C Company from 2nd Lieutenant P Booth (to Hospital)
The following officers of the Territorial Force joined for duty :
2nd Lieut. H. E. Mann (D Company) and 2nd Lieut. J. J. G. Clarke (B), both of the Essex Regiment;
2nd Lieut. J. E. Ellis (B), 2nd Lieut. J. H. Piperno (C), A. O. W. Kindell (C), D. G. Rydings (A).
Brigadier-General A. J. F. Eden, D.S.O., 24th Infantry Brigade, visited the Regiment.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – MIDDLE WOOD CAMP
Battn in Camp.
Worked on camp during day. 300 men Working Party at Night.

On this day 26th November

26/11/2016

On this day 26th NOVEMBER

1899 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Moved from Ramilies Barracks to Oudenarde Barracks.

1901 – 1st Bn Oxf LI - repulsed Boer attack on Blockhouse Line. (Boer War)

1914 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI reached Mesopotamia.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CANCHY.
Lieut. J. B. Slade-Baker rejoined from attachment to H.Q. 2nd Division, and took over command of Letter D Company from 2nd Lieut. R. Blackwell.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SCOTTS REDOUBT HUTS
Battn in Camp.
Moved to MIDDLE WOOD CAMP
Working Parties cancelled due to wet.

On this day 25th November

25/11/2016

On this day 25th NOVEMBER

1800 - 52nd - landed at Lisbon (after Ferrol).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MAISON-PONTHIEU to CANCHY.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SCOTTS REDOUBT HUTS
Battn in Camp.
300 men on Working Parties by day.

1916 – 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Returned to trenches in front of Le Sars.

On this day 24th November

24/11/2016

On this day 24th NOVEMBER

1813 – Light Division – after Nivelle the Light Division went into position at Arcangues forming part of a defensive line of posts on the frontier of France.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –LE MENAGE (CRAMONT) to MAISON-PONTHIEU.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SCOTTS REDOUBT HUTS
Battn in Camp. –
300 men on Working Parties (250 8am to 3pm)(50 8pm to 3am)
Moved to new camp at SCOTTS REDOUBT.
NISSEN HUTS

1917 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI transferred by rail from Ypres to Cambrai area.

On this day 23rd November

23/11/2016

On this day 23rd NOVEMBER

1874 – 52nd – The Martini-Henry Rifle was issued to the Regiment and replaced the Snider breechloader with which it had been armed since January 1866.

1899 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Moved to Aldershot and occupied Ramilies Barracks.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ST OUEN to LE MENAGE (CRAMONT).

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES N of LE SARS
Battn in Camp.
No fatigues.

1916 – 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To Hill 420 Trenches, lost 38 men.

1917 - 1/1st Bucks Bn - Left France for ltaly.

On this day 22nd November

22/11/2016

On this day 22nd NOVEMBER

1813 – Light Division – slightly engaged near Bayonne. (Peninsula)

1915 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - heavily engaged Battle of Ctesiphon - (casualties,13 Officers and 450 men).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ST OUEN.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES N of LE SARS
Battn in Trenches.
At about 5am an enemy patrol that seemingly had lost its way in the night approached one of our posts at M.15.c.80.62 was driven off by our fire, they again returned and were driven off.
2LT DARBY & 2 OR went out to look for any bodies or traces of the enemy patrol but could find none.
A fairly quiet day.
At night the Battn was relieved by the 1/4 R BERKS.
The relief was uncomfortable owing to the enemy placing a barrage of lachrymatory shells along the South of LE SARS and another along the Northern side of MARTINPUICH up to the MILL (M.27.c 1.7).
MARTINPUICH itself was heavily shelled with 15cms especially in the region of the CHURCH.
On relief the Battalion marched back to PEAKE WOOD SOUTH.

1917 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - left France for Italy.

On this day 21st November

21/11/2016

On this day 21st NOVEMBER

1853 - 43rd - marched from King William's Town to East London, South Africa, prior to embarkation for Madras

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CANAPLES to ST OUEN.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES N of LE SARS
Battn in Trenches.
Apart from the usual shelling nothing out of the way occurred.
At 3.30pm however SCOTLAND TRENCH & CHALK TRENCH were heavily shelled for 10 minutes.
A thick mist lasted all through the day & night & no patrols were sent out owing to this.
An Inter-Company relief took place.

1916 – 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To Peake Wood Central Camp.

1916 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To trenches about Mouquet Farm and Ovillers.

1916 – 2/1st Bucks Bn – To huts at Ovillers.

On this day 20th November

20/11/2016

On this day 20th NOVEMBER

1776 – 43rd – engaged at New York Island (America).

1813 – 52nd – engaged at Arbonne.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –AMPLIER to CANAPLES.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – MARTINPUICH 70TH TRENCH 26TH AVENUE
Battn in Dugouts & Trenches.
At 6.30pm the Battn moved up to the Front Line and relieved the 1/4 OXFORD & BUCKS LI, after handing over to 1/4 GLOSTERS the MARTINPUICH dugouts. Dispositions. –
“A” took over the Left Front & “D” the Right Front.
“C” the Left Support & “B” the Right Support.
The 1/8WORCESTERS were on our Right, the CANADIANS on the Left.
A Patrol consisting of 2LT P A COATES & 1 OR left the CHALK PIT at 1am and proceeded in a NW direction along AQUADUCT ROAD, they could hear talking at a point about M.9.c.7.1
2LT J G CLARKE & 3 OR left SCOTLAND TRENCH & CHALK TRENCH about M.15.b.7.8 and moved in a NE direction and then patrolled the Battalion front.
No sign of the enemy was seen or heard.

1916 – 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Relieved by 1/1st Bucks Bn.

1917 - 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI engaged Battle of Cambrai.

1947 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - All number V rifles and bayonets exchanged for number IV rifles and bayonets.

On this day 19th November

19/11/2016

On this day 19th NOVEMBER

1812 – Light Division – arrived at Ciudad Rodrigo and went into Winter quarters.

1909 – Sir John Moore’s memorial unveiled at Sandgate near Shornecliffe.

1914 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (Indian Expeditionary Force 'D') embarked at Bombay for Mesopotamia.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –BERTRANCOURT to AMPLIER.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – MARTINPUICH 70TH TRENCH 26TH AVENUE
Battn in Dugouts & Trenches.
At night A, B & D Coys found R.E. Working Parties, C Coy carried Rations.

1916 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To Billets in Albert.

1916 – 2/1st Bucks Bn – To Billets in Albert.

1935 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – The Regiment moved by rail from Bordon to Colchester and took over Hyderabad Barracks.

On this day 18th November

18/11/2016

On this day 18th NOVEMBER

1810 - The Light Division - at Valle (Portugal) went into winter quarters opposite the French Army under Marshal Massena

1812 – Light Division - Retreat from Salamanca continued; after a nights bivouac in flooded land, continued march knee deep in water.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –MAILLY MAILLET to BERTRANCOURT.
The Regiment now began a series of marches, with a view to ultimately reaching the place of "Rest and Training";
The moves as under were effected without incident. A few men fell out but rejoined, on several days, but in view of the recent operations in my view the men marched excellently.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – MARTINPUICH 70TH TRENCH 26TH AVENUE
Battn in Dugouts & Trenches.
At night A & D found large R.E. Carrying Parties, C Coy carried Water for the 1/4 OXFORD & BUCKS LI.

On this day 17th November

17/11/2016

On this day 17th NOVEMBER

1812 – Light Division – action on the Hucbra.

1915 - 8th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - sailed from Marseilles for Salonika.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –To Billets MAILLY MAILLET.
On the afternoon of the 17th November the 52nd Light Infantry and 17th Royal Fusiliers were withdrawn to billets in MAILLY MAILLET.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES N of LE SARS
Battn in Trenches.
Usual enemy shelling of front line, OG1 & 2 LE SARS, DESTEREMONT FARM.
26TH AVENUE was persistently shelled during the afternoon with 15cm shells.
At night the Battn was relieved by 1/4 OXFORD & BUCKS LI.
Bn HQ, A & D Coys moved to MARTINPUICH, C Coy to 70TH TRENCH, & B to 26TH AVENUE.

1918 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - commenced the march to the Rhine.

On this day 16th November

16/11/2016

On this day 16th NOVEMBER

1776 – 43rd and 52nd – engaged at Fort Washington (America).

1903 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – Disembarked at Southampton on return from India.
Moved to Chatham.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –REDAN SECTOR.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES N of LE SARS
Battn in Trenches.
A Quiet Morning, in the Afternoon the enemy fired salvoes of 15cms & 77mms into DESTREMONT FARM, LE SARS & GILBERT ALLEY.
At 6pm a hostile barrage was put on to our Trenches in front of EAUCOURT L’ABBAYE.
At 1.45am 2LT R HILLMAN & 3 OR left SCOTLAND TRENCH at the head of JOCK TRENCH and moved due North encountering a strong enemy patrol when they had gone about 100 yards from our trenches.
At 1am 2LT DARBY & 3 OR left CHALK PIT and reached a point about M.9.c.9.5 i.e. the gap in GALLWITZ TRENCH and found no trace of either a trench or wire.
The DRY DITCH about this point was much damaged by shell fire.
No hostile movement or flares were noticed in this locality.

1916 – 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To Corbie.

1916 – 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To Doldzeli Trenches.

1918 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - to Preur-au-Sart to join Army of Occupation in Germany.

On this day 15th November

15/11/2016

On this day 15th NOVEMBER

1812 - The British Army, which had moved from Madrid to Salamanca, commenced its retirement on Portugal, covered by the Light Division.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –REDAN SECTOR.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ACID DROP CAMP
Battn in Huts.
In the Evening the Battn relieved the 1/8th R WARWICKS in Trenches on the NE of LE SARS on the Left of the Divisional front.
The 1/5 GLOSTERS were on the Right, the CANADIANS on the Left.
At 2am a patrol of 5 OR under 2LT PIPERNO left our lines about M.17.B.7.8. & proceeded in a NE direction through M.10.C. when close to GALLWITZ TRENCH they encountered a strong hostile patrol of about 15 men and withdrew.
An enemy post was located in the bank at M.15.a.4.8 by 2LT D FALLON & a patrol of 3 OR, 2LT D FALLON was Wounded.
At 2am 2LT BORE & 2 OR left the CHALK PIT (M.15.B.) and moved in a Westerly direction – owing to enemy flares the patrol could not get nearer the German Front Line than about M.15.a.6.8 – an enemy post was discovered at M.15.a.50.25.

1916 – 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Returned to the Trenches.

1947– 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (52nd Light Infantry) reduced to token cadre of 1 Officer , 1 WO and 2 NCOs.

On this day 14th November

14/11/2016

On this day 14th NOVEMBER

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –REDAN SECTOR.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ACID DROP CAMP
Battn in Huts.
The Battn supplied Working Parties for R.E. & for work in camp.
CONTALMAISON was shelled during the Morning & in the evening with lachrymatory shells.

On this day 13th November

13/11/2016

On this day 13th NOVEMBER

1900 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – engaged with Boers near Helibron.

1915 - 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI sailed from Marseilles for Salonika.

1916 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI engaged in Battle of the Ancre (Somme) at Redan Ridge.
1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MAILLY MAILLET.
Z" day. All these preparations made and dispositions taken up by 3.45 a.m.
Operation Orders and Instructions in full, in their amended form, with all appendices are filed with the regimental Office copy of this diary and will show every detail of the preliminary arrangements and plans.
Objective.-The 24th Royal Fusiliers on the left of the 5th Infantry Brigade, having on their right the 2nd Highland Light Infantry and on their left the right battalion of the 6th Infantry Brigade, were to take and consolidate that part of the German Front System opposite them as far east as a trench referred to as the GREEN LINE. This to be attacked by that Regiment (24th Royal Fusiliers) in four waves, with the 52nd Light Infantry following in support, ultimately to pass through the 24th Royal Fusiliers and capture that part, to its front, of a trench referred to as the YELLOW LINE, but to be prepared to afford all possible support, if and when required, to the 24th Royal Fusiliers.

On at any rate the 5th Infantry Brigade front, the attack, which began at ZERO 5.45 a.m., by a short and very heavy bombardment of the German Front Line System, came as a complete surprise to the enemy, and within the GREEN LINE very little (if any) resistance was encountered.

Considerable inconvenience and some casualties were, however, caused by a party of about 40 Germans, who remained for nearly 48 hours "unmopped-up" in the German Front Line about the point to which it was intended to dig the CAT STREET TUNNEL—possibly because they happened to be just at a point of junction between two attacking brigades, for which the troops of neither felt directly responsible.

The thick mist made the keeping of direction very difficult.

Watched from the CHATHAM TRENCH near its junction with BUSTER TRENCH, the attack appeared to go very well on our own front but soon after dawn it became obvious that on our left it was going far from well.

According to the programme the joint Headquarters of the 24th Royal Fusiliers. and the 52nd Light Infantry were to move across to approximately selected positions in the German lines as soon as definite information was received that the GREEN LINE was taken; but, owing to the uncertainty of the situation on the left, and the ultimate necessity of forming a defensive flank facing northwards, orders were received to delay this move.

Headquarters 24th Royal Fusiliers therefore, remained stationary throughout until relieved, and Headquarters 52nd Light Infantry moved forward about midnight, 14th/15th November, to the position approximately selected for Brigade Headquarters had they moved forward.

Presumably the failure of the 3rd Division, attacking on the left and north of the 2nd Division, in front of SERRE was responsible for the failure of the 6th Infantry Brigade on our own left. Elements of this Brigade, with parts of the 24th Royal Fusiliers and the Regiment, combined to form this defensive flank until it was finally taken over on the night of 13th/14th November by the 22nd Royal Fusiliers, of the 99th Infantry Brigade in Divisional Reserve.

The Regiment sustained a certain number of casualties in the advance, including Captain KITE, from our own artillery, due to an attempt to follow too closely our own barrage, but otherwise the casualties west of the GREEN LINE were inconsiderable.

There was considerable bombing of German dugouts west of the GREEN LINE, and altogether , one soldier being seen by an Officer to throw 21 bombs in succession down the steps of a German "Regimental Command Post" in MUNICH TRENCH East of the GREEN LINE.

In the advance forward from the GREEN LINE the leading waves appear to have lost direction, and to have wheeled Northwards in the mist into a communication trench known as LAGER ALLEY, running East and West between the GREEN and YELLOW LINES, and so parallel to the real and correct line of advance. This mistake was discovered, and the GREEN YELLOW LINE was penetrated by elements of all companies who had by now become thoroughly mixed up.

In the YELLOW LINE no British troops could be found right or left, although on the right, elements of the 17th Royal Fusiliers had also entered it. These also, however, failed to get touch on either flank, and withdrew.

Considerable fighting ensued in the YELLOW LINE, in MUNICH TRENCH, and in LAGER ALLEY, our forward parties being at one time all but surrounded. After some difficulty and numerous casualties, a withdrawal, covered very well by bombers and Lewis-gunners on the night of the 15/16th November

2nd H.L.I, and the 24th Royal Fusiliers were withdrawn to billets in BERTRANCOURT, the 52nd Light Infantry and 17th Royal Fusiliers returned to the O W British Line.

Casualties for the period 13.11.16 – 17.11.16 inclusive:
OFFICERS
Killed on 13.11.16 :
2nd Lieut. A. 0. W. Webster-Jones (A Company).

Wounded on 13.11.16 :
Captain W. J. Littledale (C Company),
Captain R. B. Kite, M.C. (D Company).
Captain N. W. Hill (A Company).
2nd Lieut. F. C. L. A. Lowndes (A Company),
2nd Lieut. O. H. M. Sturges (B Company),
2nd Lieut. H. Vernon (C Company).
2nd Lieut. T. A. Ionides (died of wounds on the 16.11.16.).

Missing 13.11.16 :
2nd Lieut. H. Davies (C Company),
2nd Lieut. R. A. Creswell (D Company),
2nd Lieut. J. D. C. Holland (D Company), (known to be wounded badly.)

Killed 14.11.16:
Lieut. V. E. Fanning (B Company).

Killed 15.11.16:
Captain H. W. H. Rawson.

OTHER RANKS
Killed: 10
Wounded: 149
Total: 235

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ACID DROP CAMP
Battn in Huts.
The Battn supplied Working Parties for R.E. & for work in camp.

On this day 12th November

12/11/2016

On this day 12th NOVEMBER

1813 - The Light Division - encamped near Arbonne, after the Battle of the Nivelle.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MAILLY MAILLET.
Y" day. G.O.C. 2nd Division met all Commanding Officers at 5th Infantry Brigade H.Q. at 10 a.m. The rest of the day, until the Regiment moved up to the trenches after dark, was spent in equipping, issuing stores, etc.

The Regiment moved off by companies from billets, so as to clear MAILLY MAILLET by 10.15 p.m., taking up assembly positions as under:-
A Company, in VALADA TRENCH, North of 6th AVENUE;
D Company, thence southwards.
These two companies in column of half companies, forming the first two waves of the Regiment in the attack.
C Company, in the north end of MOUNTJOY TRENCH;
B Company, thence southwards towards WHITE CITY.

All these positions were occupied without incident, the night being singularly quiet, with a thick mist.
Regimental Headquarters moved to joint Headquarters with the 24th Royal Fusiliers. in BUSTER TRENCH.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ACID DROP CAMP
Battn in Huts.
The Battn supplied Working Parties for R.E. & for work in camp.

On this day 11th November

11/11/2016

On this day 11th NOVEMBER

1901 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – occupied Rhenoster River line of Blockhouses.

1914 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Attacked and routed the Prussian Guard at Battle of Nonne Bosschen. (First Battle of Ypres)
Killed=2nd Lieutenant J JONES and 4 men=5. Wounded= Lieutenant C S BAINES and 18 others =19. Missing=3. Total=27

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – REDAN SECTOR.
“X" day (according to the Scheme), or the day next but one before "Z" day or the day on which “ZERO” was ordered
The Regiment was relieved in the evening by the 2nd Highland Light Infantry and
took over the “HOTEL de VILLE” area of MAILLY MAILLET.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ACID DROP CAMP
Battn in Huts.
Companies occupied all the Morning having Baths at BECOURT.

1918 - Armistice with Germany declared

1931 – The Regimental Memorial Chapel was dedicated in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford by the Bishop of Oxford at 12 noon. The Colonel of the Regiment handed over to the Dean the Chapel and the Roll of Honour.

On this day 10th November

10/11/2016

On this day 10th NOVEMBER

1813 – Light Division - Battle of the Nivelle.(Peninsula)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – REDAN SECTOR.
Another fine day like yesterday.
The wet condition of the trenches changing to one of heavy sticking mud, which made progress even more difficult.
Conference of Commanding Officers at Brigade H.Q. at BEAUSSART at 3 p.m.
Amended Scheme of Operations, now becoming probable, made known.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – 26th AVENUE
Battn in Support Trenches.
A Quiet day& night.
At 5.30pm the Battn was relieved by one Company of the 1/8 R WARWICKS & moved back to ACID DROP CAMP just outside CONTALMAISON.

1916 – 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Moved back to bivouacs in Bazentin-le-Petit Wood.

1943 - 7th Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - in Italy are engaged in the attack on MONTE CAMINO.

On this day 9th November

9/11/2016

On this day 9th NOVEMBER

1813 - The Light Division engaged with the Army near the Pass of Vera, forcing the mountainous frontier of Spain and France, moved out silently at night from its camp and got into position within 300 yards of the French redoubt on the heights of La Petite Rhune, and surprised the enemy.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – REDAN SECTOR.
The Regiment Relieved the 24th Royal Fusiliers on the whole REDAN Sector, normal frontage of two battalions, the disposition of companies being:
Right Front:-C Company, Captain LITTLEDALE.
Left Front:- B Company, Captain PEPLOE.
Support:- (distributed along CHATHAM LINE).-A Company, Captain HILL.
Reserve:- (VALADI LINE, MOUNTJOY and 6TH AVENUE).-D Company, Captain KITE, M.C.
Headquarters:- in the Advanced Brigade Headquarters at WHITE CITY.

The relief began up 6TH AVENUE about 4 p.m., and was effected without incident.
The day was very fine and sunny.
The trenches were found to be, on account of the weather, in an appalling condition, in many places impassable, so that traffic was generally overland after dark.

About 9.20 p.m. Captain PEPLOE was very badly wounded by a sniper said to be lying out in "NO MANS LAND " at quite short range, in the leg near the thigh, and died a few minutes afterwards while being brought in.
This occurred while he was on his way to visit the Bombing Post on the north face of the REDAN. Lieut. V. E. FANNING succeeded to the command of the Company (B).

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – 26th AVENUE
Battn in Support Trenches.
The enemy shelled 26th AVENUE during the day & in the afternoon scored a direct hit on Bn HQ.
At 5pm he put up a barrage between 26TH AVENUE & DESTREMONT FARM & then put salvos on the BAPAUME ROAD.
Parties carried up rations to the front line at night.
Casualties 4 OR Killed, 20 OR Wounded.
German aeroplanes were more active, one firing a machine gun into 26th AVENUE during the afternoon.

On this day 8th November

8/11/2016

On this day 8th NOVEMBER

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MAILLY MAILLET.
In billets and on working parties.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – Front Line Trenches at LE SARS
Battn in Trenches.
The enemy appeared nervous and shelled LE SARS, DESTREMONT FARM, O.G.1 & 2 & MARTINPUICH.
At 5.30pm the enemy sent up multitudinous coloured rockets & opened a barrage on SCOTLAND TRENCH but more especially on our trenches opposite the BUTTE DE WARLINCOURT.
At 9.30pm the Battn was relieved by the 1/4 R BERKS & moved back into Support Line.

1916 – 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To Bare Hill trenches (Doiran Front).

On this day 7th November

7/11/2016

On this day 7th NOVEMBER

1812 - 43rd - joined Wellington's Army at Alva prior to the march on Salamanca.

1882 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – “Horse Gurads G.O. No 252 of 1882” was received and contained the following announcement:-
“Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned Regiments of Cavalry and Line Battalions of regiments of Infantry being permitted to bear on their Standards, Colours, or Appointments, respectively, in commemoration of the gallant behaviour of the Corps specified, when engaged in operations in South Africa during the years 1835, 1846 and 1847, and 1851, 1852 and 1853, the words SOUTH AFRICA,
Followed by the date of the operations in which they took part:
The Oxfordshire Light Infantry (43rd Foot), “1851-2-3.”

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MAILLY MAILLET.
In billets and on working parties.
64th Reinforcement of 43 other ranks joined for duty.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – Front Line Trenches at LE SARS
Battn in Trenches.
LE SARS & DESTREMONT FARM & OG1 & OG2 shelled with 10.5cm & 15cm shells at intervals during the day.
At 11.45pm 2ndLT J.D.TUCKER & 2 OR left the CHALK PIT (M.15.g.2.8) & worked Eastwards along GALLWITZ TRENCH, locating two enemy posts at about M.9.c.75.55. & M.9.d.15.60.
2ndLT JOHNSTONE & 2 OR left SCOTLAND TRENCH & explored the small wood at M.10.c.95.15 to about M.10.c.6.7.
On moving Westwards a party of about 30 of the enemy were discovered repairing their wire about M.10.c. 6.7.
During the night 5 men of the 64th R.I.R. were taken prisoners.

1916 – 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Moved to Reserve area near Martinpuich.

1958 - The Regiment became 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd.
New cap badges were taken into use.
Private soldiers were now styled Rifleman.

On this day 6th November

6/11/2016

On this day 6th NOVEMBER

1838 - 52nd - disembarked at Barbados (West Indies).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MAILLY MAILLET.
In billets and on working parties.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – 26TH AVENUE
Battn in Support Trenches.
The enemy shelled LE SARS & DESTREMONT FARM intermittently throughout the day, also O.G.1 & O.G 2. in M.15.a.c & d.
At 9.30pm relieved the 1/4 OXFORD & BUCKS LI in the Front Line.
The 1/6th GLOSTERS were on our Right & the 47th CANADIANS on our Left.
A & D Coys took over the Left & Right respectively of the Front Line (SCOTLAND TRENCH & CHALK TRENCH).
C & B Coys the Left & Right of the Support Line (O.G.1. & O.G.2.)
Battn HQ were in 26TH AVENUE about M.27.a7.7.
Casualties during Relief were: Killed 3 Wounded 4.
During the Night 2ndLT S WISEMAN took out a patrol of 2 OR and explored the DRY DITCH which he found to be obliterated by Shell Fire (M.9.c & 15.a)
2ndLT J JACK & 2 OR left our lines about M.15.g.9.8. & explored the enemy wire in front of GALLWITZ TRENCH which was found to be abundant.

1916 – 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Moved back to Support Trenches on relief by 1/1st Bucks Bn.