War Diary - October 1918

Total Number of Prisoners captured during operations .....298

Wounded & Sick Prisoners in Hospitals ..............................239

.......................................Grand Total ................... 537

Total of Field Guns captured.................................................42
..."....."..Machine.."............"...................................................53
..."....."..Trench Mortars...."...................................................44...
...".....". .Rifles................. .".................. ............................3000...

Total number of casualties;-
.........................Killed...........................................................8
.........................Wounded...................................................33

During this month, the health of the Battalion was good, prevailing deseases being;- I.C.T.

(Signed) S D Rumbold
Lieutenant-Colonel
Commanding 9th Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment

31st At 10.00 hours the Battalion advanced towards SACILE By 12.30 hours we had established a line along the western bank of the LIVENZA but were unable to cross to the eastern side as the bridge had been destroyed and enemy machine-guns in the church steeple , also snipers in houses, kept up incessant fire. After a bombardment of houses etc. by 6" Newton Mortars, Stokes Mortars and Machine Guns, the section of 18 pounders obtained three hits on the church steeple, and no further trouble was caused by hostile machine guns. The pioneers then prepared a bridge over which Companies crossed the LIVENZA - almost in darkness, and by 19.00 hours our objective had been gained: an outpost line was immediately established on the whole front, touch being obtained on either front.
30th The objective for the Battalion was SACILE. On reaching the ORSAGO - SACILE road at point 47, information was received from the cavalry who were then in SACILE that the enemy had counter- attacked and were advancing towards ORSAGO. This Battalion held the Western bank of the river MESCHIO astride the main road, and the bridge-head at point K65. As the enemy counter- attack did not develop, the Battalion took up a defensive position for the night, manning the western side of the river on the southern side of the ORSAGO - SACILE road. Patrols were sent out towards SACILE during the night. 7 prisoners, 2 small field guns and 8 machine guns were captured. There were no casualties in the Battalion during the day.
29th The Battalion crossed the PIAVE at 0900 hours and commenced the advance towards VASSOLA . On reaching the MONTICANO the Battalion moved forwards to support the 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment who were held up by hostile shelling & M G fire. Later in the day the Battalion captured the village of CIMETTA and established a line of posts forward of the CAMPO - CEVARO - BGO di SOPRA road.
About 150 prisoners, 10 machine guns and 2 small field guns were captured. Our casualties numbered only 31.
27th,28th Battalion remained at C. BARCHESSE near CATENA under orders to move at half - an - hours notice.
26th The Battalion marched from S. GIUSEPPE to billets near CATENA.
25th The Battalion returned to Billets at S. GIUSEPPE.
24th The Battalion marched from S. GIUSEPPE to billets at CARITA.
23rd Route march during the morning. At night the Battalion supplied a working party of 400 men to unload shells under orders of C.A.R.O. TREVISO.
22nd The Battalion moved by march route to billets at S. GIUSEPPE near TREVISO.
21st Company Training in Arms Drill, Musketry, Physical Drill and Ceremonial Drill during the morning. Officers reconnoitred the line in the vicinity of PALAZZON.
20th Church Services were held during the day.
19th Owing to exceptionally wet weather, men were confined to billets for the day.
18th The Battalion route marched 15 Kilometres: Men carried full marching order.
Note the distances in Kilometres. Harry would be carrying in excess of 30 Kg. This is the day after his letter reported that the marching "as just about knocked me out," Tough times. BL
17th The Battalion rested during the day. Billets & environs were cleaned.
16th The Battalion marched from TREVISO to C HOGARIN near TREVIGNANO.
15th The Battalion entrained at THIENE and detrained at TREVISO occupying billets in the latter town for the night.
14th The Battalion marched from CORNEDO to THIENE.
13th Church Services were held during the day.
12th Battalion Tactical Scheme with sections of 18pds Battery, M.G. Battalion and L.T.M Battery attached.
11th Owing to very wet weather, indoor training was carried out.
10th Platoon and Company training during the morning. Specialist classes were held in the afternoon.
9th Lt Col. S D Rumbold D.S.O. M.C. returned from Brigade and resumed command of the Battalion.
8th The Brigade Rifle Range at MADONETTE was allotted to the Battalion. When not firing practices, companies carried out musketry training in the vicinity of the range.
7th Battalion parade for inspection by the Commanding Officer. Billets and environs were cleaned. Specialist classes were held in the afternoon.
6th The Battalion moved by march route to CORNEDA.
5th The Battalion moved by march route to BEREGENA camp near THIGNE.
3rd, 4th Owing to very wet weather, indoor training was carried out and lectures delivered by O.C's Coys and Detachments.
2nd Platoon and Section training was carried out.
1st The Battalion occupied billets in ST BARTHOLOMEO near VICENZA. Battalion ceremonial Drill, Platoon and Section training was carried out.

War Diary - September 1918

During the month the health of the battalion was good. The prevailing desease was I.C.T.
(Signed)
L Crampton Major

Commanding 9th Battalion York & Lancaster Regt

30th Section & Platoon training was commenced. 'D' Company gave a demonstration - witnessed by the other companies of a "Company in the Attack." - open warfare.
29th The Battalion rested during the day. Church services were held in the afternoon. Lt. Col. S.D. Rumbold D.S.O., M.C. took over the temporary command of the 10th Infantry Brigade. Major L. Crampton M.C. took over temporary command of the Battalion.
28th The Battalion moved by march route from BERGANA camp to billets in vicinity of VICENZA, arriving at 11 pm.
27th The Battalion moved by motor lorries from SERONA camp to BEREGANA camp near THIENE, arriving in latter camp at 12 noon.
25th, 26th The Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Battalion, 49th Italian Regiment and a portion of the 2nd Battalion, 50th Italian Regiment, and on relief, moved to SERONA camp.
20th- 24th Reciprocal artillery fire day & night. The trench system was improved and a considerable amount of wire erected on forward slope of STAFFORD HILL.
19th The Battalion relieved the 8th Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment in the left front sub-sector, right Brigade left Divisional front. 'A','B' & 'C' Companies relieved during the morning and 'D' Company (Outpost) at night.
18th Officers and n.c.o's reconnoitred the left front Battalion sub-sector, right Brigade. Inspections of kit and clothing were held during the day, The Commanding Officer held a conference for all officers at 6 pm.
17th All men were bathed during the day.
16th The day was at the disposal of O.C. Companies for interior economy and improvements of hutments &c
15th The Battalion was relieved by the 8th Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and moved to Brigade Support. Battalion H.Qrs were on Mt. LEMERLE: 'A' and 'B' Companies were in POLDERHOEK TRENCH and 'C' and 'D' Companies in LEMERLE SWITCH. Relief was complete by 8.30 pm.
14th Patrols recconnoitred VAISTER SPUR and GUARDS TRENCH.
13th Very fine weather prevailed. The trench system was improved.
12th The trench system was improved during the day. Reconnoitring patrols were sent out between 9.30 pm and 3am- 12/13th.
Our artillery registered on S.O.S. lines.
11th At 1 am, 'A' Company plus one platoon of 'D' Company left BRUSABO camp and proceeded to take over the outpost line of the right front Battalion sub-sector, right Brigade, left Divisional front. At 9.30 am, the remainder of the Battalion proceeded to relieve the 12th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry in the aforementioned sector. Relief was completedby 1 pm. Defensive patrols (?) each consisting of one officer and twenty other ranks were out between the hours of 9.30 pm and 3am - 11/12th
(?) was in the War Diary scan. It isn't my query. BL
10th Baths at FORAORA were allotted to the Battalion. 'C' and 'D' Companies were on the Battalion range during the day.
9th The following programme of work was carried out:--
'A' Company - Battalion range and night operations.
'B' Company - Discipline parade and Battalion range.
'C' Company - Practice attack and Battalion range.
'D' Company - Practice attack and lectures.
The Battalion Signallers took part in a Brigade Scheme.The Medical Officer held Scabies Inspections during the day. At 6pm an Officers ' Lewis Gun Class was held.
8th Baths at FORARA were allocated to the Battalion during the day. Church services were held in the morning. Officers reconnoitred the defensive system on Mt PAU. A rifle shooting competition - open to the best ten shots per Company - was held during the afternoon.
4th, 5th, 6th, 7th Three Companies fired on the range at alloted times during the day; discipline parades. platoon and company schemes were held . instruction was given in musketry, bayonet fighting, grenades and the Lewis Gun. Short lectures were delivered by O.C. Companies. One Company each night carried out a practice raid. A Lewis Gun class for L.G. n.c.o's was held each afternoon. An officers Lewis Gun class was held each evening.
3rd The battalion was relieved by the 9th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, and moved to BRUSABO camp., being in Brigade Reserve to Division. Relief was complete by 5 pm.
2nd Very bad weather during the morning. Work on SEESAW camp was continued.
1st SEESAW camp on Mt MAGNABOSCHI was improved. Officers reconnoitred the front system of trenches in the right battalion, right Brigade, left Divisional sector. Two companies provided working parties on the communication trench and new Battalion H.Qrs in the vicinity of CESUNA SWITCH.

War Diary - August 1918

note:- During the month the health of the Battalion was good. Prevailing diseases being I.C.T. and Dysentry.
(signed) G.A. Rumbold, Lieut.- Colonel Commanding 9th Battalion York & Lancaster Regt.

27th to 31st The day was devoted to work on the new camp. Each night two Companies worked on the communication trench and new Battalion Headquarters in the vicinity of CESUNA SWITCH.
26th The Battalion moved to a new camp on MT MAGNABOSCHI.
25th Billets and environs were improved during the day. The Commanding Officer reconnoitred a new position for the Battalion in which to concentrate. The Brigadier General and Brigade Major accompanied the Commanding Officer round the post line in CESUNA SWITCH.
24th Battalion was relieved by the 8th Battalion K.O.Y.L.I. Relief was complete by 11.30 pm. Battalion H.Qrs moved to MAGNABOSCHI. 'A' and 'B' Companies to the vicinity of POLYGON TRENCH on MT LEMERLE. 'C' and 'D' Companies to CESUNA TUNNEL.
23rd Considerable increase in enemy artillery fire during the day, a large number of shells falling on the N.W. slope Mt LEMERLE.
22nd Artillery quiet during the day. Working parties were continued at night.
21st Hostile artillery fire again active, in consequence of which two companies of the 8th Battalion K.O.L.I. moved down to CESUNA TUNNEL from MAGNABOSCHI.
20th Hostile artillery very active during the day, a number of shells falling in the vicinity of CESUNA. Work on PERGHELE TRENCH was continued.
19thLittle artillery fire during the day: At night the Brigadier General and Brigade Major accompanied the Commanding Officer round the post line in CESUNA SWITCH.
18th C. of E. Service was held at 3 pm in the CESUNA TUNNEL.
17th & 18th Reciprocal artillery fire during the day. At night a working aprty from 'A' Company improved PERGHELE TRENCH, and repaired camouflage on CESUNA ROAD.
16th The Battalion relieved the 1st battalion , South Staffordshire Regt. in the CESUNA SWITCH (left Brigade, left Divisional sector): relief was complete at mid night. Battalion HQrs and 'A' Company were in the CESUNA TUNNEL, the remaining three Companies occupying the SWITCH.
15th The Battalion proceeded by mule track from CAMISINO to MT. SERONA.
14th Khaki - drill clothing was withdrawn and service dress clothing issued. The Battalion marched from BERGANA to CAMISINO.
13th The Battalion moved by march route from MONTECCHIO - MAGGIORE to BEREGANA.
1st -13th Battalion in rest billets in MONTECCHIO - MAGGIORE, where a programme of continuous training was arranged and carried out on the following general lines.At 6am daily, Battalion paraded for inspection by the Commanding Officer, after which, Companies trained independently in Arms Drill Physical Drill and Bayonet Fighting, gas Drill, Musketry Drill, Close Order Drill, Hill Training by Platoons and Companies, attack Formations & c. Grouping and Application Practices were fired on the Range. Lectures were delivered by O.C. Companies and by Specialists. Tactical Exercises without troops were carried out by Officers. Occasional working parties on new rifle range.Various sports were held and concerts arranged in the evenings

War Diary July 1918

Note. During the month the general health of the the Battalion was good. The prevailing diseases being I.C.T. And diarhoea.
(signed) G. F. Cobbold Major
For Lt. Col. Commanding 9th Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment

23rd -31st Interior economy and inspections throughout the day. Battalion inspection daily at 6am, after which, under company arrangements training was carried out in the following:- Musketry, Bayonet Fighting and Physical Drill, Gas Drill, Platoon and Company Drill, Ceremonial Drill &c. Men rested during the heat of the days and in the evening, lectures were delivered by the O’s C. Companies. Specialist classes were held , and a short tactical exercise for officers was carried out.
22nd Interior economy, and inspections throughout the day.
21st The Battalion moved to MONTECCHIO - MAGGIORE: route:- CHILISOTTO - COSTABISSARA CREAZO - SOUIZZO.
20th At 4 am, the Battalion moved to VILLA VERLA: route:- S. FORTUNA - bridge over river ASTICO - PREARA - LEVA.
19th At 4 am the Battalion moved to FARA area via CAMPANA.
18th The Battalion paraded in drill order at 6am, after which training was carried out under Company arrangements.
17th Training was carried out under Company arrangements. The Commanding Officer lectured to all Officers and n.c.os.
16th The Battalion paraded in full marching order, for inspection by the commanding Officer.
15th Interior economy. The 7th Divisional front was again reconnoitred.
14th Church services were held in the morning. Khaki-drill clothing was issued. The Commanding Officer, accompanied by O.C. Companies, recconnoitred the 7th Divisional front.
13th The day was devoted to cleaning up clothing, equipment and to internal economy
12thThe Battalion was relieved by the 11th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment and, on relief, moved to MARZIELE CAMP (near TEZZE SCIESSERE). Relief was complete by 11am.
5th to 11th - Battalion in the line. By days, work on the defensive system was continued, and by night our outpost positions were improved, a considerable amount of wire being erected in front thereof. Patrols were sent out by night. Hostile shelling was intermittent during our tour in the line.
4th The Battalion relieved the 8th Battalion K.O.Y.L.I. in the right front line, lefty Brigade sector. Relief was completed by 11 am
3rd Bathing, under Company arrangements was carried out during the day.
2nd Working parties improved the second line: the remainder of Companies improved their shelter trenches.
1st Tactical Exercise of withdrawal to the M. LANGABISA - M. CORNO LINE was practised in skeleton formation. Shelter trenches in the vicinity of the billets were improved.

War Diary - June 1918

Routine orders dated 25-6-1918 and 28-6-1918 contained the following awards for gallantry and distinguished conduct in the field during the operations of the 15-6-1918 :-

Military Cross
Captain J.P. Shaw R.A.M.C. attached York & Lancaster Regiment
Captain L. Lester
2/Lieut. A. Hirst
2/Lieut. J Ferguson

Distinguished Conduct Medal
12/1246 C.S.M. J.A. Willoughby
241359 L/Cpl. E Naylor M.M.

Bar to Military Medal
240660 L/Cpl E. Brock M.M.

Military Medal
17068 L/Cpl West J.
34879 L/Cpl Stead H.
34582 Pte Dalenay
235466 Pte. (A/Cpl) Boon J.R.

Sickness During the month of June, admissions to hospital were normal, the general health of the Battalion being good. Prevailing diseases were IMPETAGO and BOILS.

30th Work was continued on the shelter trenches around billets, and on the improvement of the second line.
Officers and N.C.O's reconnoitred the right front line Battalion sector, left Brigade.
29th Companies worked on shelter trenches around billets and the general improvement of positions. Working parties maintained the condition of the second line.
28th The vicinity of the billets was improved. 'A' Company was moved into camp near Battalion Headquarters: 'D' Company moved from LANGABISA into hutments vacated by 'A' Company. Night working party improved the second line trenches.
27th Very heavy rainfall during the day. Billets and environs were cleaned. Lectures by O.C. Companies on the present situation in Italy.
26th Proposed offensive was postponed, and Battalion took over right support, left Brigade Sector, at KABERLABA, tw Companies remaining at LANGABISA.
25th In view of the proposed offensive, Brigade took our battle positions: this Battalion, being in Divisional Reserve, moved to CLUB CAMP, GRANEZZA. (H.70.01)
24thTraining in physical drill, bayonet fighting, gas drill and musketry was carried out during the day.
23rdChurch Services were held in the morning: during the afternoon, inter-company football matches were played.
22nd The Battalion was inspected by the Divisional General. Excellent weather conditions prevailed.
21st Working parties to the 102nd Field Companys R.E. The remainder of Companies carried out Arms Drill Company Drill and Bayonet Fighting. During the day, officers and N.C.O's reconnoitred tracks to the front system.
20th Working Parties to the 102nd Field Company, R.E. The Divisional Baths were alloted to the Battalion from 11am until 2 pm.
19thThe Battalion was inspected by the Commanding Officer. Training in physical drill, bayonet fighting and box respirator drill during the day
18th The day was devoted to cleaning clothing , equipment &c.
17th Prisoners, wounded and otherwise, were brought in during the day, making a total of three officers and ninety one other ranks. Relieved by the 10th Battalion Duke of Wellington Regiment. Relief was completed by 5pm. Battalion marched to hutements in GRANEZZA.
16th 6am Two hostile light field guns were brought in to our lines from the vicinity of GUARDINALTI. Later four machine guns, three flammenwerfer, one case of gas shells, ammunition etc, were brought in by our small reconnoitring parties. Situation quiet throughout the day.
9.45pm Enemy S.O.S.followed by artillery barrage on our lines. At the same time, hostile M.G's in advanced positions opened fire on our lines.
10pm Small parties of the enemy getting within 100 yards of our wire in centre of Battalion front fired rifle grenades and Very lights , in large numbers, into our trenches. Cheering was heard from "no man's land".
10.15pm Battalion on our left fired S.O.S. artillery barrage opening on line POSLEN - GUARDINALTI - VLA DAL BRUN.
11.30pm Situation became quieter; hostile Very lights in large numbers, showed enemy parties retiring between MORAR and AVE.
15th 3am Enemy opened bombardment on our front system, lachrymatory gas being used. Our patrol of one officer and twenty other ranks was suprised by the enemy, only two men escaping to our lines.
5.30am to 7.30 am Enemy advanced to the attack, but only succeeded in getting within 100 yards of our wire, where he was disorganised and checked, enemy bombardment was continued.
8.30am enemy in artillery formation, advanced between S.W.of ASIAGO and EDELWEISS SPUR forming up in line on reverse slope of GUARDINALTI ridge. M.G's were pushed well forward and opened rapid fire at intervals.
10.30am Situation became normal. Reciprocal artillery fire was maintained. Enemy casualties were apparently heavy, stretcher bearers carrying back their wounded during the day.
6pm Enemy, numbering more than one thousand, advanced in artillery formation between RODIGHIERI and OBA, forming up under cover between ASIAGO and SILVEGNAR.
9pm Approximately 200 enemy retired in scattered parties from GUARDINALTI ridge
10pm Up to this hour, forty of the enemy were brought in to our lines. Desultory artillery fire throughout the night.
14th Increase in reciprocal artillery fire throughout the day. By night the outpost line was held by patrols.
13th Considerable improvement in weather conditions. At night, our defensive patrol was engaged by hostile rifle fire, bombs and mortars from the vicinity of S. AVE, one casualty being sustained.
12th The front line trenches and support positions were improved.
11thThe Battalion relieved the 8th battalion, K.O.Y.L.I. in the left sector, Right Brigade front: relief was complete at 8 am. Very heavy rainfall during the day and night. By night, the outpost line was held by patrols.
10th Physical training and assault teams, for forthcoming competitions were judged during the morning. Remainder of the Companies improved their shelter trenches.
9th Church Services were conducted during the morning. In the afternoon, officers and n.c.o's reconnoitred the line (left Battalion, Right Brigade sector). At 6 pm a practice stand-to in battle positions was carried out.
8th Reserve Lewis Gun teams were trained during the afternoon.
7th All companies worked on their respective shelter trenches.
6th Shelter trenches in the vicinity of the billets were improved by two platoons from each Company; remainder of Companies carried out hill training.
4th, 5th Systematic training in Physical drill, gas drill, musketry and hill climbing was carried out. Shelter trenches were reconnoitred by by O's C. Companies
3rd Battalion moved by mule back from MARE to hutments in PRIA dell 'ACQUA, relieving the 13th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, 68th Infantry Brigade. Relief was completed by 4pm.
2nd Church services were held throughout the day.
1st Battalion in reserve billets at MARE. Training in wood fighting, outposts and hill climbing was vigorously carried on.

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.

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.