War Diary May 1918

29th-31st Interior Economy. Training in hill fighting etc. With the exception of the fever already referred to, the health of the Bn has been exceptionally good. A few cases of IMPETIGO and BOILS alone being reported.
28th Bn Moved to MARE. In billets by 4 p.m.
26th, 27th Mt CAVALLETTO- The 8th Bn York & Lancaster Reg allotted their baths to the 9th BN. General Cleaning up of equipment, camp etc.
25th Battn relieved by the 11th West Yorkshire Regt. Moved off at 6 p.m. to Mt. CAVALLETTO. Bivouaced in Italian shelters by 9.30 p.m.
12th to 25th Battalion in the line. New positions selected and constructed. Patrols - offensive and defensive - were sent out nightly; also reconnaissance patrols. and much valuable information was gained with regard to the enemy's work and disposition. In spite of this continuous activity, the Battalion was fortunate enough to have NO casualties of any kind. About the middle of the month, a fever which had already attacked the 8th Battn, broke out and spread rapidly from Bn H.Q. to 'B' and 'C' Coys. then to 'A' Coy and finally to 'D' Coy. At no time dangerous, the illness was marked by sudden very high temperatures lasting from two to four days followed by a period of lassitude from six to ten days. Isolative camps were established and every hut and bivouac thoroughly disinfectedand fumigated. By the end of the month the sick list was becoming normal. On the 15th of the month, the well which had been supplying washing and cooking water was reported to have run dry but the Commanding Officer immediately instituted extra sections? of water carrying mules and practically no inconvenience was felt.
I am afraid that the dates just don't quite make sense. I was quite comfortable that the "12th" was a mistake for the "17th" until I got to the bit about the well running dry on the 15th. I have reproduced the War Diary as accurately as possible. The reader must interpret. The "fever" is probably the well-reported 'flu epidemic of 1918. "Sections?" is very indistinct. It may well actually read "sessions". BL
17th Bn Relieved the 5th Royal Warwick Regt in Right Bn front; left sub-sector. Left GRANEZZA 9.30 a.m. Relief complete 11.30 a.m. Dispositions -
A Coy Right Front LIne
D " Centre " "
C " Left " "
B " Support
Back in the Front Line. Letters could be difficult. BL
16th Bn moved off at 9.15 a.m. for GRANEZZA using the mule tracks up the mountains and arriving in billets at 3 p.m.
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.