War Diary May 1918

15th Battn moved off at 9.30 a.m. and marched to the MARE AREA. Arrived 11.30 a.m. bivouacing on the hill side fort N of LUGO.
14th Battalion moved off at 4.30 a.m. and marched to FONTANELLE (Near S. MARIA.) Arrived at 12.15 (noon) and bivouacked for the night.
13th Battalion marched to CASTELGOMBERTO and camped on the Italian Aerodrome Ground. Moved off at 4.25 p.m. arriving in camp 8.20 p.m.
12th Brigade Church Parade
8th The Band commenced a course of instruction as stretcher bearers under Capt P Shaw M.O.
6th A successful tactical scheme of attack & consolidation was carried out on the slopes of Mt MAIN.
1-12 Battalion in billets at ARZIGNANO from 1st to the 12th. During this period training in hill fighting was carried on assiduously. A large field opposite the H.Q. mess of the 9th York & Lancaster Regt. was leased. Col D S Rumbolt of the 9th and Col Watford of the 8th York & Lancaster Regt defraying the expense. The companies were able to drill and exercise, and during their stay, a highly successful inter Battalion Sports Meeting was held. All the men were bathed and supplied with complete 'changes' at the Brigade Baths on two occasions. rifle ranges were constructed and all men practised in MUSKETRY. A special programme of work for scouts was drawn up including five nights for weak night operations. A Recreation Room was established, games , concerts provided.

War Diary - April 1918

30th The commanding Officer accompanied by his Os.C. Coys and the I.O. recconoitred the back area, and noted possible contingencies that might arise in connexion with the 'Line of the Hills', 'the Loop Line' and 'the Intermediate Line'
Sickness, Admissions to hospital were the LOWEST on record for the past SIX months. Sick parades have been above the average. The prevailing diseases being IMPETIGO and BOILS.
22nd to 30th Battn in billets in ARZIGNANO. Training in every branch carried out with the greatest energy. Two rehearsal parades prior to the Inspection of the Brigade by GENERAL MANTOURI, commanding the 6th ITALIAN ARMY one carried out at TRISSINO under the Brigadier, the second under the Divisional General. On the 28th the 70thBrigade -less L.T.M.B. and transport - was inspected by GENERAL MANTOURI at the Flying Ground CASTEL GOMBERTO. 2nd/Lt F FLORY received the ITALIAN Silver medal 'for valour'
L.T.M.B. ??? BL
Roger O'Keeffe said...LTMB is Light Trench Mortar Battery (see http://www.westernfrontassociation.net/thegreatwar/articles/individuals/hunter.htm )
04 May 2008
Thank you Roger. BL
22nd Battn moved off at 10.45 a.m. and marched to billets in ARZIGNANO. Arrived in billets at 1 p.m.
21st Battn moved off at 9.45 a.m. and marched to billets at GRUMO taking the route over the mountains from ISOLA VICENTINA - Very heavy rainstorm during the whole of the march but the Commanding Officer arranged for fires to be lighted in all billets on arrival & special drying rooms were allocated in addition so that all men and their clothes were thoroughly dried and no ill effects were experienced. Arrived in billets at 5.30 p.m.
20th Battn moved off at 9.30 a.m marching to camp at VILLA VERLA. Battn in camp at 1 p.m.
19th Battn moved to FARA area using the mountain mule tracks. Battn in billets by 3 p.m. having moved off at 8.45 a.m.
16th to 19th at GRENAZZA. In spite of very inclement weather, training was carried on continuously.
15th Battn moved off at 9.30 a.m. to hutements at GRENAZZA taking the mule track. Battn in hutements at GRENAZZA by 2.15 p.m.
I have just realised that the War Diary uses the 12 hour clock and, to me, it sounds very "unmilitary." Does anyone know when the army switched to the 24hour clock?
14th Battn at MARE. 2/Lts F FLORY and W MEAD were awarded the MILITARY CROSS for conspicuous gallantry on the night of the 9th, 10th of April. on the same date
17558 Pte J Shillington received the DCM.
10983 a/s V.G. Stokes received Bar to MM
15819 Pte R. Morgan received the MM
235382 Pte W Knight received the MM
DCM = Distinguished Conduct Medal, awarded for "Distinguished Conduct in the Field" and is second only to the Victoria Cross as a medal for gallantry. MC = Military Cross, MM = Military Medal. The MC is awarded to Officers, the MM is the equivalent for the other ranks. The Military Medal follows the DCM in order of rank and is awarded for "Bravery in the Field". Acting Sergeant Stokes' Bar, means that he has been awarded the medal for a second time. BL
13th Battn at MARE. Divisional baths allotted to Battn. 90 men per hour bathed.
12th Battn moved off at 10.15 a.m. from GRENAZZA following the road route to MARE. Battn - Some Coys in billets and some in Bivouacs - by 4 P.M.
11th The Battn was relieved by the 12th Durham Light Infantry. On relief, Battn withdrew by platoon at 200y intervals to GRENAZZA taking over billets from the 12th Durham Light Infantry. Battn in hutements at GRENAZZA by 1.30 pm.
8th t0 11th Battalion in the Line. Our patrols were very active nightly and on the night of 9 -10 a fighting patrol consisting of 2 Officers and 20 O.R. succeeded in capturing 2 prisoners - just outside the enemy's wire at MORAR. The patrol returned safely with the two prisoners without loss. 2/Lt F Flory was slightly wounded in the foot.
7th Battn in Line. 2/Lt Ward A B (& n0 4??) proceeded for attachment.
6th The Battn relieved the 8th K.O. Yorkshire L.I. in the Right Sub Sector (left Brigade). Companies marched off at 5 min intervals as follows-
D, C, A, B and HQ commencing at 10 a.m. Relief completed at 2.25 p.m.
D)
C )- Support
B)
A - Reserve
5th 'D' Coy plus 2 platoons of C Coy took over accommodation occupied by 'B' Coy plus 2 platoons of 'D' Coy of 8th York & Lancaster Regiment in the second line. 'C' Coy less 2 platoons took over accommodation occupied by 'A' Coy 8th York & Lancaster Regiment on N.W. slopes of Mount TORLEY. 'B' & 'D' Coys and Hd Qrs removed at LANGABISA.
1st -4th Bn in reserve in hutments at LANGABISA. During this period training in HILL FIGHTING was carried out in its various phases.

War Diary - March 1918

31st Bn was relieved by 11th W Yorks, moving to huts at LANGABISA, and becoming Reserve Bn.
SICKNESS;- During March the average daily attendance at Sick Parade was 25, the prevailing disease being I.C.T.
Can anyone decipher I.C.T? I know it's nothing to do with computers! BL
Anonymous said...Perhaps I.C.T. a reference to influenza, which was pandemic during 1918. Not sure about the c.t. though! Common type????
I don't think so. The war diary records the influenza epidemic, quite clearly, in May. I think that this is something different. BL

Matthew said... there are two possible definitions specified on the following website:http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=78766

One is: "inflammation connecting tissue" which would seem common enough for folks marching all day.

The second is: "I.C.T. was a general term for suppurating skin diseases (Pyodermia), caused mainly due to parasitic disease, but did not include scabies"
Hope that helps, Matt 03 April.

Thanks Matt. There is a mention of "Impetigo and boils" being a problem in the April War Diary entry. The second sounds likely. BL

28th -30th Bn relieved the 28th? Italian Regiment in the line, becoming Right Battalion. 'A', 'C' & 'B' Companies were in the front line and 'D' Company in Reserve. The whole of the town was very quiet - little work was done apart from cleaning up and improving sanitary conditions which were very bad. Two patrols were sent out nightly, sometimes three; on two occasions they came in contact with the enemy; much useful information was obtained both by patrols and observation. Major D Lewis D.S.O. M.C. left the Bn on 29th inst to proceed to England to attend a Senior Officers Course at Aldershot.
27th Bn. moved by motor lorries to Italian hutments at GRANEZZA.
Click to view the route
25th to 26th Bn. moved by motor lorries to Italian hutments at GRANEZZA.Battalion moved by march route to SARCEDO - the following day was devoted to interior economy.
Click to view the route
17th - 24th Bn in Billets in BOLZANO - the whole Bn was bathed on 17th inst. A Junior N.C.Os class was formed at Bn Hdqrs. instruction being given in Musketry, Lewis Gun, Map Reading and Drill. The class was successful chiefly in increasing the specialised knowledge of the young N.C.Os. The Bn concentrated on Company Drill, Physical Training, Bayonet Fighting and Musketry; each day's programme terminated with 15 minutes ceremonial drill. Specialists were trained by their own officers - the Scouts were instructed in Semaphore Signalling daily. Subaltern officers were similarly instructed by the Signalling officer. A successful Sports meeting was held on the 23rd inst. On 24th inst. the Bn attended a Brigade Church Parade. (Sunday - BL)
15th to 16th battalion moved by march route to Castlefranco on 15th inst & proceeded to BOLZANO the following day. The second day's march was long & tedious but no man fell out on either day. Click for Jono's topographical view of the route.
13th to 14th Bn. relieved on 13th inst by 3rd Bn 45th Italian Regiment, moving into Billets at MONTEBELLUNA. The following day Companies held Interior Economy inspections.
6th-12th Bn. relieved the 9^th Yorkshire Regt in the line on the MONTELLO (Right Sector, Divl. Front), becoming Support Bn in the Brigade. Musketry, live bombing, grenade throwing, firing the Lewis Gun and training in Bayonet Fighting Course were carried out whilst in those billets.
Specialists were trained under their own officers. A Cross Country run was held on the 10^th inst and various football matches were played between companies and platoons. On 10^th inst Working Parties were supplied to the Right Front Line Battalion, to improve the Second Line.

1st- 5th Battalion in billets at PEDERIVA (MERCATO-VECCHIO) This period was devoted chiefly to Hill Training on the MONTELLO and Musketry on the Divl. Rifle Range. Brig. Gen. H. Gordon C.M.G., D.S.O. lectured to all officers of the Brigade on the 4th inst;- subject of lecture "Organisation of a Zone"
Capt G.F. Cobbold M.C. joined the Bn on the 1st inst.

War Diary - February 1918

Topographical Views of the Piave Front, February 1918

28th 'B' and 'C' Coys training in hill fighting on the MONTELLO. 'A' and 'D' Coys at Os. C. Coys disposal for Company training. Field Firing Range allotted to 'A' and 'D' Coys from noon to dusk. Specialists under their own Officers. During the month a marked improvement has taken place
in the men's shooting.
Map showing Route back to MONTEBELLUNA area.
27th Battalion in billets at PEDERIVA. All men in Battn. fired Parts 1, 2, & 3 of the musketry Course on the Range at BIADENE.
26th Battn. moved to billets in PEDERIVA (Mercato-Vecchio) - Battn. moved off at 9.50 a.m. Arrived in Billets at 12.30 p.m. Found village and billets in very dirty condition. C.O. at once started men cleaning billets and streets. Marked change by evening.
25th Battn. moved off at 8.15 am to ALTIVOLE. Arrived in Billets at 1 pm.
24th Battn did NOT move. Church Services.
23rd 'A', 'C' and 'D' Coys digging. 'B' Coy at disposal of O.C. Coy. Junior N.C.O's class and in the afternoon a lecture. Stretcher bearers under the M.O. Specialists under their own officers. 'B' Coy Lewis Gunners and 'C' Coy indifferent shots on the Miniature Range. Baths for 'C' Coy. Warning order received that the 23rd Div would relieve the 41st Div in the line and that the Battn. would probably move on 24th.
22nd 'B', 'C' - 'D' Coys digging. 'A' Coy at O.C. Coy's disposal. Specialists under their own officers - 'A' Coy & Lewis Gunners practising on Miniature Range - Junior N.C. O.'s class and lecture.
21st 'A', 'B' & 'D' Coys digging. 'C' Coy at O.C. Coy's disposal. Stretcher bearers training in Hill Work under the M.O. Specialists under their own officers. Junior N.C.O.s under the R.S.M.. Baths for C Coy.
20th 'A', 'B' and 'D' Coys digging - Specialists under their own officers. 'D' Coy at O.C. Coy's disposal. Baths for D Coy & Scouts.
19th 'A' 'C' and 'D' Coys moved to the digging area at 8.30 am - Haversack rations to be carried. 'B' Coy at disposal of O.C. Coy for drills training etc. Specialists under their own officers.
18th Coys at Os. C. Coys' disposal for inspection & thorough cleaning of billets and equipment. Signallers under their own officer. The Scouts under the Scout Officer climbed Mount GRAPPA where a detachment of Italians (65th Div) made them welcome and gave them a loaf of bread each!
17th Battn. moved to VILLA FIETTA near CRESPANO. Taking over billets from the 19th Battn. Middlesex Regt. (Pioneers) Dinners on arrival in billets. battn. in billets at 3pm.
16th Battn. marched to LORIA and took over billets from the 12th Battn EAST SURREY Regt. Battn. moved off at 8.30 am . Route Posmo?- C. MORA- BUSTA. Dinners on arrival in Billets. Battn. in billets at 2 pm.
Click here for Maps showing the route including MOUNT GRAPPA
15th Coys at Os. C. disposal for interior economy. Inspections of men in full marching order during the morning. Lewis Gunners & Scouts with their Coys. The Divl. Rifle Range allotted to the Battn. during the afternoon. Practices in the Musketry Course continued - Brigade Baths alloted to the Battn. from 9am to 10am for all those who had not previously bathed.
14^th Divl. Rifle Range allotted to the Batn. Practices in the musketry course part 1 continued. Remainder of the morning Coys at disposal of Os.C. Coys for Arms Drill, Saluting Drill and Platoon Drill. Lewis Gunners into Coys for range practice, arms drill etc. Signallers and Scouts under their respective officers. In the afternoon one good instructor and twelve men per Coy. (worst shots) reported to the Miniature Range under L.G.O. The 3^rd re-play for the Divl. Championship between 69^th & 70^th Brigade took place on the Divl. Football Ground MONTEBELLUNA, resulting in a victory for the 70^th Brigade. Score 70^th 3 goals 69^th 1 goal. 10 N.C.O.s previously detailed, reported with 2^nd/Lt W DARRELL to the 128^th Field Coy R.E. for instruction in knotting and lashing. On the evenings of the 12^th and 13^th of this month, a party of artistes styling themselves ‘THE TIMIDS’ gave two excellent performances in the large hall of the Hd. Qrs Billet. The troop was entirely composed of members of the 70^th Field Ambulance.
13^th Divl. Rifle Range allotted to the Batn. Practices in part 1 of musketry course continued. Lewis Gunners firing on the Range. Other Specialist under their own Officers. In the afternoon, lectures by O.Cs. Coys.
12^th Coys HILL TRAINING. Scouts hill training with Coys. Lewis Gunners firing on the Range. Revolver practice for Officers. All officers of ‘A’, ‘B’ Coys and Nos 1 and 2 of their Lewis Gun teams attended. Baths at BIADENE allotted to Batn from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2^nd Lt W DARRELL and 10 N.C.Os. proceeded to 128^th Fld Coy R.E. for instruction in Knotting and lashing.
11^th Coys on Coy Parade Grounds for Arms Drill, Squad Drill, Bayonet Fighting. 4 Officers and 4 N.C.O.s per Coy. Proceeded for attachment to units of the 41^st Divn, working on the Castelcucco Defence Line. Lieut. C Danet M.C. and 7 O.Rs. proceeded on leave.
10^th Morning Church Parade- afternoon. Second Re-play for the Divl. Football Championship – between the 70^th and 69^th Bgades. Result a draw. Score 0 -0.

2 Officers and 40 O.R’s reported to Divl. Range (Running man Targets) for firing practice. The undermentioned were awarded the BELGIAN Croix de Guerre –

No 15394 C.S.M Oldfield G.
“ 16854 L/c Stanniforth C
9th Divisional Rifle Range (B & C targets) allotted to Battalion. Practices;- Five rounds application - five rounds rapid- Specialists under their own officers. Baths allotted to the Battn.
8th Coys at Os. C Coys disposal for Company Training. Specialists under their own Officers. Junior N.C.O.s class under the R.S.M. Tactical scheme for Officers at Bn Hd Qrs in the afternoon.
7^th Coys at Os. C Coys disposal on Company parade grounds for Squad Drills, Arms Drill, Musketry and Bayonet Fighting. Specialists under their own Officers. Junior N.C.Os. class under the R.S.M. Divisional Rifle Meeting. Results as affecting the 9^th Y and L Regt.
"Batallion" Comp' 9th York & Lancaster Regt. - 3rd
"Evelyn Wood" Comp' " - 6th
"Lewis Gun" Comp' " - 6th (with 'B' Coy's team)
"Company" Comp' " - 3rd (with 'A' Coys team)
6^th Coys at Os. C Coys disposal on Company parade grounds for Physical Training, Bayonet Fighting, Musketry and Saluting Drills. Specialists under their own Officers. Divisional Rifle Meeting.
5^th Coys at Os. C Coys disposal on Company parade grounds for Saluting drills, Squad Drills, Arms Drill and Gas Drill. 2^nd /Lt J NANKERVIS joined the Battalion
4^th Bn in billets at BIADENE. Coys at Os C. Coys disposal for interior economy. Equipment taken to pieces and scrubbed. Lt R C M DOUTHWAITE and 7 O.Rs. proceeded on leave.
2^nd & 3^rd In the line. All works, competitions and general cleaning up referred to in final part of January diary maintained with unabated energy until relieved by the 11^th NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS on the evening of 3^rd. Platoons moved independently by route CIANO – BUSCO thence to billets in BIADENE. Bn in billets at 11 p.m.
February 1^st 1918 Battn in the line. Left Bn Right Brigade
Disposition.
B Coy Right Front Line Coy
C Centre
D Left
A Support Coy

January 1918

21^st - 31st Bn in the line. This period has been distinguished for the great deal of work done in the connection with the improvement and strengthening of our trenches and dug outs also for the nightly patrols. Officers & men have been continuously practised in patrol the river bed at night and the negotiable spots of the various streams have been pointed out to each officer and man. Enemy posts have been engaged but we have suffered no casualties up to date. A miniature range has been built and every man has been trained and practised with the rifle whilst the promotion of Inter Company and Inter Platoon Competitions has interested and encouraged the men tremendously.

MENTIONED IN DISPATCHES (London Gazette supplement
December 21^st 1917
Lt Col. D Rumbold D.S.O. M.C.
Major D Lewis M.C.
Major F Colley D.S.O. and bar
Capt. R.J.M. Leakey
Capt N. Macleod
Capt L Tester

No 15394- C S M Oldfield

21^st 2/Lt A T Hughes and 7 O.R. proceeded to ENGLAND on leave.
20^th On the night of the 20/21^st Bn relieved the 8^th KOYLI on the left of Bn Front. Relief complete at 8.30 P.M.

Disposition. B Coy Right Front Line Coy
C Centre “
D Left
A Support Coy
January 19^th Church Services.
Church Parades are on a Saturday. Any ideas why?
18th Coys at O.C Coys disposal for training and Baths at H.Q.
17th A & C Coys at O.C. Coy’s disposal for extended order and practice in attack formation. Range practice for “B” Coy during the morning and the Evelyn Wood party during the afternoon. Officers assembled at Bn H.Q. for discussion of and instruction in tactical schemes.
16th Physical Training, Bayonet Fighting, Musketry & Saluting Drills. Range practice for 'A' Coy. Specialists under own Officers. Medical Officers inspected 'A' Coy for vaccination marks.
15^th O.C.s inspection of A,B and C Coys, Scouts and Lewis Gunners. Evelyn Wood Musketry Party, H.Q. Details and Signallers. All Corporals and L/Corporals paraded under the B.S.M. Junior N.C.O.s Class. Companies after inspection were taken in Saluting Drill, Arms Drills, Squad drills and Box Respirator drill. Range practice for C Coy. A Coy did Physical Drill and Bayonet Fighting. Lt Col. S D Rumbold D.S.O., M.C proceeded by rail train to ENGLAND on fourteen days leave. Major F. Colley? D.S.O. assumed command.
14th Bn in reserve at VENGAZZU. Coys at disposal of of Os. C. Coys for a necessary inspection and interior economy. Specialists under own officers. Junior N.C.O.’s class. Baths at Bn H.Q. Working parties provided was:- 1 Officer & 50 O.R. to R.S.O. VOLPAGO. 1 Sgt & 20 O.R. to 193^rd Coy A.S.C.
The Q.M. and 8 O.R. proceeded on leave to England.
13th Bn was relieved at 2 am by the 8th KOYLI. Bn relief A,B,C Coys and HQ moved via CIANO and BIADENE to billets in VENEGAZZU. D Coy moved to billets 200 y S.E. of the junction of Road 16 with the MILITARY ROAD via Road 16. Relief complete about 5 am.
5th - 12th Bn in the line. During this period in spite of snow and exceptionally cold weather several attempts were made by patrols to cross the river and to reach the enemy's line but owing to the swiftness of the stream its depth and the lack of any chart, no crossing could be effected for some time. Towards the end of our tour in the front line however 2/Lt Flory with a patrol succeeded in definitely locating a sufficiently shallow spot in each stream to enable a continuous crossing to be made and this route has been definitely established. On the first occasion of a patrol crossing the entire bed of the river it was heavily fired upon by a post and withdrew but this post as was ascertained later was removed to a position further East.
12th Capt J W Cook and Lt. A J Ellison proceeded on Italian leave to Rome.
4th Bn at MONTEBELLUNA. In the evening Bn relieved the 9th Yorkshire Regiment in the LEFT front line RIGHT sub sector. Relief complete at 8 pm

Dispositions "A" Coy Right front line Coy
"B" Coy Centre " "
"C" Coy Left " "
"D" Coy support Company

3rd Bn at MONTEBELLUNA. Range practice on No 1 Div range - Revolver practice for officers. The working partieswere;- 1 officerand 25 other ranksunder D G O MONTEBELLUNA. 1 sergeant and 10 O.R. MONTEBELLUNA station.
2nd Montebelluna. Physical Drill. Saluting Drill. Box Respirator Drill and musketry. The working parties supplied were:- 1 officer , 25 men for D.G.O. Montebelluna. 1 officer and 30 men at MONTEBELLUNA station unloading flax. 1 N.C.O. and 20 men under O.C. Sanitary Section, MONTEBELLUNA. Loading party of 1 sergeant and 10 O.R. to report to 128 Fld Co Corps R.E. Dump. The Armourer Sergeant inspected rifles of Companies. Bgde Football Championship Final. 8th Y & L v 9th Y & L .

Result 9th 2 8th 0
Baths. Lecture by G.S.O. of the Division, in Bgde Recreation Room BIADENE. All Platoon Comders. attended. Identification Cards issued to all officers.
January 1st 1918 Bn in billets in MONTEBELLUNA. Baths. Coys at disposal of Os C Coys for training on Coy Parade grounds. Specialists under own officers. Working parties. 1 officer, 25 men working under D.G.A. constructing training trench.
1 officer , 1 N.C.O. per Coy reconnoitred the portions of the front line occupied by the left Battalion, Right Brigade sub sector.

December 1917

31st Companies at O.C. Coys disposal for training on Coy Parade grounds. Specialists under their Own officers. Working parties supplied as on 23rd inst by C and D Coys.
One Officer and 25 men reported to D.G.O. MONTEBELLUNA for work.
Capt JW Cook, one officer and one N.C.O. from D Coy & two officers and one N.C.O. from A & C Coys reconnoitred the left Battalion right Brigade Sub Sector.
Lecture by A.D.M.S. to all officers of the Brigade at the Medical School in MONTEBELLUNA.
30th Church Service in Theatre in MONTEBELLUNA at 11.30 A M.
29th Companies at disposal of O C Coy for training on Company Parade grounds. Specialists under their Own officers. Working parties supplied as on 23rd inst.
2nd Lt S. H. Vents and 2nd Lt H.S. Eckett joined the Battalion.
28th All Companies - range practices. Revolver practice for all officers. Specialists under their own officers.
'C' Match of the 2nd round of the Brigade Football Competition was played between :-
9th Y & L v 70th Machine Gun Coy Kick off 2.30 P.M.
Result 9th Y & L three goals - 70th Machine Gun Coy One goal.
27th "B" and "C" Coys Route March. Deployment and practice attack on training ground. A Coy at disposal of O.C. Coy. Specialists under their own officers. Lecture in the afternoon on "Outposts". Working Parties supplied as on 23rd inst.
2nd Lt F. R. Florry and 2nd Lt W. R. Mead joined the Battalion.
26th Battalion training as follows, Close Order Drill, Saluting Drill, Extended Order Drill. Guard Duties and Lectures. The Following Classes assembled at the Brigade School:- Signalling Class 10 O.R's. Lewis Gun Class N.C.O. and six men. General Class 20 untrained men. In the evening hostile aeroplanes bombed MONTEBELLUNA but cause no casualties in the Battalion
December 25^th Church Service in the morning.
First Round (Match “B” of the Brigade Football Competition was played between:- 9^th Y & L & Brigade Head Quarters and 70^th Light Trench Mortar Battery. Kick off 10.30 A.M. Result 9^th Y & L, 7 goals. Brigade Head Quarters etc. 1
The men had their Christmas dinner in their billets which consisted of roast pork, Christmas pudding, fruit and wine.
The Battalion had a concert in the Medical School in MONTEBELLUNA in the evening.
24th Range Practises for A & D Coys
B & C Coys. Company training on Coy Parade Grounds at disposal of O.C. Coys.
Specialists under their own Officers.
23rd Church Parade. Following working parties were supplied :
(a) 1 Officer & 50 O.R's for O.C. Sanitary Section.
(B) 1 Officer & 30 O.R's for Montebelluna Station.
(D) 31 O.R's to CORNUDA for tree felling.
I have no explanation for the strange lettering of the working parties. I've just transcribed the War Diary faithfully! BL
22nd Physical Exercise, Saluting Drill, Extended Order drill and Musketry was carried out by Company Specialists under their own officers.
21st Running drill. Companies at O.C. Coys disposal. Baths.
20th In billets at MONTEBELLUNA
Rifle, Bayonet, SAA, Clothing, equipment, box respirators, P.H. Helmet, iron rations and Field dressings inspections. C.O. inspected N.C.O's of battalions under C. S's M. Specialists trained under their own officers.
13th-19th Battalion in new dispositions. Draft of 98 th O.R.s joined at transport lines on 14th inst. 2nd Lt Park M.C. and 2nd Lt Lewis joined on the 14th inst. Whilst in the line, the defence scheme was prepared. Line patrols were out nightly along the PIAVE river bed. Brigade was relieved by 68th Brigade. The Battalion was relieved the 11th N.F. Relief as follows;
A Coy Y & L relieved by A Coy 11th N.F.
B " -do - " " B " - do -
C " -do - " " C " - do -
D " -do - " " D " - do -
After Relief Companies moved independently by road junction G.84.07, G.76.06 thence by road CROCETTA - BIADENE to MONTEBELLUNA.
12^th Battalion relieved the 8^th K.O.Y.L.I. and became the Left front line Battalion of the Left Brigade. Relief complete at 7.30 P.M. Dispositions were as follows;- A Company Left Front Company. ‘D’ Company, Centre Front Company. ‘B’ Company Right Front Company. ‘C’ Company (Harry’s Coy, BL) Support Company. Courts Martial Promulgated on:- N0. 16968 Sgt McGowan J, and No. 16210 Sgt Boyes J W .
11^th Battalion should have been relieved by the 8^th York & Lancasters, but owing to continuous shelling of our front during the day and the change in the weather, the Brigade Commander cancelled relief. Warning Order received in the early hours to the effect that Austrians were massing, the Battn “stood to”. Casualties:- 6 O.R’s wounded.
8^th, 9^th 10^th Battalion in support. Whilst in support Companies worked on defences, and improved sanitary conditions etc. and made hurdles.
7^th “A”, “B” and “D” Coys and Battalion moved to new billets as follows;- A Company to a group of cottages 300yds North of “S” in SERNAGIOTTO. D Coy to the cottages 200yds to the South of “S” in SERNAGIOTTO. B Coy to the cottages in the vicinity South of “A” in CIANO. Battn Head quarters 250 yds South of E in NOGARE. Relief completed about 7.30. Promulgation of F.G.* Courts Martial No. 12799 Sgt Davies No. 19773 Pte Perkins O. P M.
* F.G. = Field General Note: No mention of Harry's "C" Company BL
Map showing dispositions - click here
4^th,5^th, 6^th Battalion in Support in CIANO
3^rd The 70^th Brigade relieved the 136^th Regt of the 70^th Italian Division in the left sub-section. (MONTELLO SECTOR). The Battalion moved off at 9.45 A.M. and marched to CIANO where it relieved the 1^st Battalion 136^th Italian Regt; and became support Battalion. After one hours marching the Battn halted and dinners and teas were served in a field. Sports were held in the afternoon. The march was resumed about 4.0 P.M. to CIANO. Relief complete about 8.0 P.M.
2^nd Battalion moved off at 11 A.M. and marched to billets at BARCON arriving there at 2.40 P.M.
1^st battalion in billets at SONTREIA. Company training in Running Drill, Musketry: Bayonet fighting, Arms Drill and Company Drill was continued with.

November 1917

30 Bn in Billets- the C.O. inspected Companies in Drill order and was satisfied with the smart appearance of the Bn. The majority of the men were bathed.
29 At 9am Bn moved off to SONTREIA ( 7miles) and were in Billets by 12 noon. The march discipline throughout the march was excellent, and very few men were carried on the Ambulance – no men fell out throughout the march.
28 The march resumed at 8am to ISOLA ROMOLO (12 miles), the Bn arriving in Billets by 4pm
26 & 27 inspections were held on the 26^th & training resumed the following day. The sick parades were large, the chief complaint being blistered feet, but the rest benefitted the men greatly.
25 Moved off at 7am to ISOLA di CARTURO (6 1/2 miles) and in Billets by 11 am. During the last three days the march discipline was still very good, and no men fell out. The men were in good condition and their feet were sound.
24 At 7 am the Bn moved off to ST MARIA (10 miles), arriving there at 1 pm.
23 The march was resumed at 9 am to PONT du BARBARANO (7 miles) and the Bn was in Billets by 1 pm.
22 Bn moved off at 7 am to Noventa (16 miles) arriving in Billets at 1430 pm. The men marched very well and not a man fell out. Several men's feet were blistered.
21 Bn moved off at 6.30 am to LENAGO (12 miles), arriving in Billets at 3 pm. The marching was again good, and the transport was very clean & smart.
20 The march was resumed at 7 am to NIGARA (8 miles) the Bn in Billets by 11am. The high standard of marching was still maintained and very few men had blistered feet.
19 The Division commenced its march forward to concentration area. The BN moved off at 8.30 am by march route to SUSANO CORTA CHIAVICHE (about 12 miles) arriving in Billets at 3.30 pm. The marching was good, no men falling out.
16 to 18 Billeted in good billets at CERESA, where satisfactory training was carried out. On the 18th a church parade was held. Whilst in the area the condition of the men was good, although the sick parades were a little larger than usual several men suffering with boils.
11 to 15 Train through the RHONE valley to MARSEILLES and along the coast via CANNES, NICE & VINTIMILLE (Ventimiglia) into ITALY. Halts repas? were carranged at various stations, where men were exercised and hot water tea coffee were available. The train discipline was excellent and the men were interested throughout the journey. The Bn was warmly welcomed en route. On the 15th the Bn detrained at MANTOVA (Mantua) and marched to CERESA.
10 The Bn entrained by half Battalion at WIZERNES STATION - train no. 51 departed at 10.30 am. Lt Col Rumbold DSO MC being OC Train; Train no 54 left at 2.40pm with Major Lewis MC as OC train.
Wizernes
1st to 9th During this period the Battalion carried out a satisfactory training programme, and the specialists were trained by their own officers.
Range practices were fired on the 1st 3rd 4th 6th & 7th the shooting was very satisfactory, and the men of the new drafts showed improvement. The Divl Gas officer inspected SBRs on the 2nd and lectured to all officers and Platoon Commanders on the 6th. A Church parade was held on the 4th. A draft of 50 ORs joined on the 5th inst and were inspected by the G.O.C. on the 8th. Whilst in this area there was very little sickness in the Battalion and the men benefitted from the rest.
Capt G A Crowther & 2Lt R C M Douthwaite returned from leave on the 1st having been recalled by wire. 2nd Lt A.C Doc & E H Thompson MC rejoined from hospital on the 2nd. Lt Col Rumford DSO MC proceeded on leave to England on the 3rd and returned on the 6th. 2Lts L A Floyd, N A Dixon and AB Ward joined the Bn on the 3rd.
No.15431 L/C Walker F was awarded the MM for gallantry in the field. (DRO 3027 1/11/17). The G.O.C. remitted suspended sentence of 3 years Penal servitude in the Case of No 3141 Pte (a/ L.Cpl) G R Worthington for an act of gallantry for which this man was awarded the MM and for continuous good behaviour & devotion to duty during the past three ms.