La Boisselle August 1915

Chronology of Tunnelling in the La Boisselle Sector August 1915

Date/ Source	Mining	Infantry
1/8/15 1/7^th B Watch WD		[6.53pm Germans fire mine, destroy part of parapet, wounding one man.]
1/8/15 153 Bde WD		[6.30pm Mine opp 457 exploded by Germans trench damaged & blocked in places. 3 men knocked over, one of whom was buried; 4 large TM bombs fired. No cas.]
2/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[War Diary begins] Strength 2 officers, 80 ORs. [officers [Eric Osborne] Alabaster and apparently Lt S Ramplin who probably writes War Diary]
2/8/15 1/7^th B Watch WD		[2/Lts G Rowan & Boothby join]
3/8/15 1/7^th B Watch WD		[4.20am French blow mine in enemy’s trench with object of destroying two adjoining saps.] It was quite successful [2/Lt Rowan slight wound [remains at duty]]
3/8/15 153 Bde WD		[4.20am French sappers exploded mine opp. left of centre Batt. (Dohollou) to block two German Saps. – Quiet day.] [Progress Report to 6am 3/8/15 mine in Sector B 7/BW] Repairs to fire trench damaged by German mine explosion carried out by day but stopped by night at request of French Engineers. [Sector C 6/BW:] French engineers report that they expect German mine at N. end of Ilôt to be exploded shortly.
3/8/16 Pi Bn 13 History p67	On 3 August 1915 Pioneer Metzger was unfortunately buried by our own blow. [also earlier info]
3/8/15 Norton Griffiths Diary Nat. Archives WO158/129 Nat. Archives WO158/129	Took Capt Wellesley to RE Park 1^st A 8 Lorries arrived & were to proceed early on the 4^th to 3^rd A with Capt Wellesley taking stores obtained from Parks.
3/8/15 178 Coy WD	Nucleus of company 120 O.R. left Rouen for III Army. Capt E V Wellesley posted as O.C. St Omer OC took over much transport 4 lorries, 8 M B & proceeded to RE Park Berguette.
4/8/15 179 coy WD	… No 102938 Sapr E [Edwin] Aubrey signed confession of desertion from Tidworth . forwarded to CE 10^th Corps.
4/8/15 178 Coy WD	Reached HQ X Corps at 9am with transport. Company allotted to Xth Corps for work at Tambour Duclos, near Fricourt. OC visited CE Army.
4/8/15 153 Bde WD		All French troops being withdrawn except Mining Engineers. [Progress Report to 6am 4/8/15. Sector b 7/BW.] By day the blocked Dohollou trench was worked on, sandbags filled by men with their hands; by night gaps were closed and obstacles cleared. Work here is being carried on in consultation with the French Mining Engineers and it is necessarily slow owing to very little being possible by day and work having to be stopped at night at intervals for listening. [… Cas. 7/BW 2Lt G Rowan very slightly wounded by splinter from HE shell in firetrench]
5/8/15 178 Coy WD	Querrieux. Strength 3 Officers 120 OR. Arrivals CSM, CQMS from 59^th Coy RE…. Company organisation started. No stores or horse transport arrived yet.
5/8/15 153 Bde WD		[Progress Report to 6am 5/8/15 Centre Sector 7/BW] Sentries in front line reported hearing digging but were informed by French engineer that it was the sound of work in French mines.
6/8/15 153 Bde WD		[Progress Report to 6am 6/8/15. Cas. 7/BW] 1 man killed in Doholllou Trench, stood up to let an engineer pass.
8/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	Capt ALABASTER with OC 178^th Coy RE proceeded by motor to MEAULTE, where interviewed Commdt Thomas, Corps de Génie, concerning mining operations at FRICOURT and BOISSELLES. These officers then visited the mining system at FRICOURT. Arrangements made to visit BOISSELLES if possible on 10.8.15. … [2Lts J Young & J Bowen report for duty at 4pm] … [diary written by Alabaster]
8/8/15 178 Coy WD	OC visited mines in Tambour Duclos. At present mines are worked by 1 French Coy RE, 1 Coy Auxiliaries, & infantry fatigue parties. Commandant Thomas, 6eme Genie 1/c. no accommodation in the way of dug-outs for men in trenches. Arrangements for disposal of spoil from mines v. bad.
8/8/15 51 Div GS WD	[enemy explode two mines between 11pm & midnight opp La Boisselle. Both somewhat short of our trenches but damaged our front lines trenches & shelters considerably. About 10 men wounded but enemy did not attempt attack.] [Report of Mine Explosion Opp La Boisselle on Night of 8/9 August 1915 by GOC 51 Div. Details recd from OC 6/BW.. 10.50pm German mine explodes at NE corner of trench opp 444, but owing to it exploding into the gallery of a French counter mine, little damage was done. 11.45pm a second German mine exploded at 444, where the opposing trenches closest, causing complete wreckage of the whole front and left side of the salient, and levelling the parapets almost to the ground. Two dugouts demolished and garrisons buried, while the trench paths were badly blocked. … [more on infantry measures to defend area] Casualties from explosion 1 killed [1548 Pte Donald Ross, age 22 from Avoch], 1 missing & 8 wounded. 4 of wounded in a shelter which collapsed and had to be dug out. OC 153 Bde reports that chief force of explosion expended in front of the trench and although the trench was much shaken, it was repaired during the night and is still tenable.]
8/8/15 GS 51 Div WD	[enemy explodes two mines between 11pm & midnight, opp La Boisselle. Both somewhat short of our trenches but damaged our front line trenches & shelters considerably. About 10 men wounded but the enemy attempted no attack.]
8/8/15 6 Black Watch WD [see also history 132-3]		10.50 Germans exploded mine at NE corner of Ilôt. Exploded into gallery of French counter mine & did little damage. 11.45 another mine blown up. Whole front wrecked. parapets levelled. Two dug-outs demolished & garrisons buried. – No. 3 coy. Parties working all night repairing damage & digging out men. Enemy made no attempt to attack. Crater shelled by enemy’s trench mortars, rifle grenades and aerial torpedoes. Casualties – 1 man killed, 1 missing 14 wounded or crushed. [pseudo see Biog SDGW 1727 Pte William Nicholson, 6/BW, b: Crieff, Perthshire, enl: Crieff, died F&F 12/8/15]
Black Watch History		[Shortly before midnight, just as Ilôt sector had been taken over by C coy, German explode 2 large mines, at same time bombarding whole sector with intense artillery fire and aerial torpedoes, which exploded in the trenches with a tremendous crash, causing some confusion. As a result of former mine explosion, trenches gave little protection in some places, while in others the front line was blown out of existence. One man, Pte Nicholson, was blown right out of the front trench, captured by the enemy and afterwards died a prisoner in German hands. The most serious effect of these explosions was the collapse of a large dug-out occupied by whole platoon of C coy. .. More on rescue. ]
8/8/15 153 Bde WD		11.45pm [?] a small mine was exploded on right from T of Ilôt … 11.45pm [sic] Very large mine exploded on left of Ilôt blowing in parapet & burying men in two shelters. This mine also blew in & destroyed part of German trench opposite. Mine was followed by Whizz bangs, Bombs & Rifle grenades, but trench was cleared of debris & men dug out. Result 1 killed, 1 missing, 8 wounded. The wounded were all injured by shelters wh fell in thro force of explosion. No warning was given by French Sappers.
8/8/15 5/ Gordons WD		On the 8^th a French and German mine was exploded between 11 and 11.59pm.
8/8/16 Pi Bn 13 History p67	A strong blow by us on 8/9 August caused much damage to the enemy and gave a patrol of Res. Inf. Regiment 109 opportunity to determine the enemy facing us now as Englishmen.
James Young ‘Notes on 179 Company R.E.’, Tunnellers’ Old Comrades Association Bulletin, No. 13, 1938.	‘We took over from a French tunnelling company some time in August 1915, and found Jerry pretty well on top. … The French shafts were fairly shallow and they were located along the old front line. The galleries were, I think, 60 cms. Square, and all close timbered. They were very much to small to make much progress in comfort. [Young fairly tall, difft to turn around in them]. [System not connected underground] but we soon remedied that, and we had a thin time for the first few months. The French miners could not get the footage in their galleries our men did. The French officers stayed on for a day or two after their men left, and I can remember their astonishment when the shift NCOs reported the distances driven in a shift. It averaged just three times what they had been getting.
9/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	… [CSM appointed] …
9/8/15 153 Bde WD		Germans reported by French sappers to be advancing a sap round the north edge of mine crater but nothing could be seen of this by 6/B Watch. 9pm Very heavy thunderstorm about 9pm making some trenches knee deep in water. [Progress Report to 9am 9/8/15. Sector D.1 7/GH] About 10.40pm after the explosion of a mine, the enemy’s artillery at once opened fire on Becourt: about 20 rounds were fired, some hitting the Chateau but no casualties. … [Sector D2 5/GH] …mine at Ilôt damaged left of fire trench. Another mine shaft appears to be approaching the front of the left company. [Sector D3 6/BW] 10.50pm a German mine was exploded at NE corner of Ilôt salient but owing to it exploding into the gallery of a French counter mine little damage was done. 11.45pm A second German mine was exploded at Ilôt where the opposing trenches are closest, causing complete wreckage of the whole front and left side of the salient and levelling the parapets almost to the ground. Two dug-outs were demolished and garrisons buried while the trench paths were badly blocked. In order to prevent attack by the enemy while parapets were being restored and casualties dug out, the following precautions were taken. [TM & HE shells frequently fired into the Ilôt; bombing party arranged along the front; parapet lined with garrison & start made to rebuild; supporting coy ordered to stand ready. MGs at Festie bursts of fire between our trench & German every 5 mins. … Cas. 6/BW] 1 killed, 1 missing, 8 wounded, by mine explosion. 5 wounded by rifle grenades.
9/8/15 10 Corps GS WD	[evening of 8/8/15] The enemy exploded two mines – one at Ilôt (where trench cuts S. boundary of L.20) at 11.45pm which blew in about 20 yards of parapet; killed 1, wounded 8 men and 1 missing. the other was exploded at 11.15pm.
10/8/15	OC 179^th Coy with Lt S Ramplin RE visited mining operations at La Boisselle in company with Capitaine Piraud, C. de G., in charge of operations. Latter officer desirous of 179^th Coy, as soon as possible, working with his French company, instead of taking over altogether at first. Suggestion reported verbally to CE 10^th Corps at 2pm. …
10/8/15 153 Bde WD		[Progress Report to 9am 10/8/15. Sector D1 7/GH. Heavy rain filled trenches in places knee-deep with water. [D2 5/GH] The enemy can be heard mining towards our listening post about centre of D.2. [D3 6/BW] With reference to the report by French Engineers that enemy were sapping round the far side of the big mine crater, a careful watch was kept and no evidence of this could be traced.
12/8/15 51 Div GS WD	[French blow mine 4pm opp La Boisselle, demolishing about 70 yds of German parapet]
12/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[2Lt H J Humphrys 7/BW arrives & drafts] … Requirements for billeting wired to Capt Piraud … at Albert.
12/8/15 Norton Griffiths Diary Nat. Archives WO158/129 Nat. Archives WO158/129	[inspects various Bns IIIrd Army for recruits, lists Bns and numbers but no officers, 14 from 1/7 Black Watch]
12/8/15 1/8 A & S WD		[12-17 Aug Furnished working parties of 1 officer & 50 men every 4 hours throughout the day and night for clearing mine heads in E.2 and E.3 Sectors (Dhollu & I Sectors) also parties for carrying stores for Tunnelling Company. 3 men wounded by shell fire]
12/8/15 10 Corps A&QMG	[NG inspects applicants for TCs]; [10 Corps ROs 14/8/15 2 light draught horses lost by 179 coy at Querrieux desc DSCF0037]
12/8/15 5/ Gordons WD		[GOC 153 Bde to CO 5 Gordons] A mine will be exploded by the French Engineers in front of the Doholou trench in the sector occupied by your battalion. The explosion will take place at about 4am tomorrow. You will be informed by the French Captain of Engineers in charge of the operation as to what precautions are necessary for the safety of your men. The Officer Commanding the Battalion of French Engineers has informed me the absolute necessity of immediately clearing the debris of stone which will probably fill up parts of the Doholou trench & of rebuilding any part of the parapet which may be ???ed. Please ascertain tonight[?] from the French Officer in charge what working parties he considers likely to be necessary. These parties will be held in readiness to commence work as soon as the explosion has taken place & they must continue & do so in spite of any opposition by the enemy. Arrangements will be made by you to keep down the enemy’s rifle fire, bombes, trench mortar fire &c by your own bombing parties & rifle fire from their posts [?] ?? the parapet. The Brigade Machine Gun officer, Trench Mortar officers, & Lt Elles? in command of Rifle? Grenade party, have been ordered to report for orders. The French Commandant is most emphatic as to the absolute necessity of repairing & ?? the trench without the least delay so otherwise the work of the French Miners may be inevitably [?] impaired. PS Sandbags, gabions, & reveting material should be prepared & placed in readiness in a convenient position for passing up the trench.
12/8/15 153 Bde WD		8.0 Fatigue party 250 from Bde Res (7/BW) to carry explosives to Dohollou. [Progress Report to 6am 12/8/15] [D1 7/GH] The sound of picks has been heard at different times during the last three days and as they are suspected of mining going on in front of their trench, the French Engineers have been asked to investigate.
13/8/15 153 Bde WD		Quiet night – except for rather more rifle fire & MG fire opposite D.1. Mine explosion wh should have taken place 4AM postponed. 10.35AM Mine exploded in front of Dohollou destroying about 70yds of enemy’s trench – very little damage to own. The explosion was followed by up by [?] Art [?] from Trench Mortars & MG fire also rifle grenades, which prevented the enemy interfering with our men repairing our parapet. [German fire trench apparently filled in..] [Progress Report to 6am 13/8/15] [D1 7/GH] A French Sapper sounded the trench West of 477 for mining and reported that he could hear nothing.
13/8/15 5/ Gordons WD		French mine was exploded on the right of our left sector of the line at 10.30am causing considerable damage to the German front line trench. The Germans retaliated with a heavy bombardment of our front line, during the night with trench mortars and aerial torpedoes, causing few casualties but a great deal of damage to our parapets.
13/8/15 6 Black Watch WD		Mine exploded by French. Heavy artillery fire by our guns into crater.
13/8/15 10 Corps GS WD	The French miners successfully exploded a mine near point 457 just S. of La Boisselle. About 70 yards of the enemy’s trenches were reported broken up.
13/8/15 10 Corps A&QMG	178^th & 179^th Tunnelling Coys completed by attachment of NCOs & men selected from units [?].
14/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	… Indents submitted for approval for issue of canvas clothing for tunnellers and mates as saving serge clothing from being worn away prematurely. Received copy of report 10^th Corps G.53 dated 13.8.15 on explosion at LA BOISSELLE 8/9.8.15. 2Lt Humphreys and 31 o.r. proceeded to Albert as advanced party in anticipation of receipt of formal orders to billet there. Billets chosen in consultation with Mayor and Capt Piraud…
14/8/15 WO153/904 La Boisselle Plan	DSCF0249 D1 Shaft{ Mine fired by French 3,000 Kilos ammonal 14/8/15
15/8/15 [CHECK]War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[billet & transport issues] … O.C. visited 10^th Corps HQ and billet site in Albert, 9am till 12.30pm; then visited trenches and mining system at LA BOISSELLE with Capt Piraud and 2Lt Humphries, returning to Querrieux 7.30pm. Some of the front line trenches require repair and guarding for safety of mining operations. 2Lt E W Mackay-White reported for duty.
14/8/15 153 Bde WD		[Progress Report to 6am 14/8/15] [D1 7/GH] After the explosion of our mine everything remained quiet on this front. [D2 5/GH] [sep report as to mine] Owing to the activity of our trench mortars and artillery after the explosion, we were at once able to build up our parapet where it had fallen in.
15/8/15 153 Bde WD		Capt McDonald 5/GH personally reconnoitred alone the effects of mine on the German front trench: he found it completely obliterated for 30 yards – no repairs had been done to it. Two mounds of chalk & c thrown up conceal one side from the other & might be und [?] for preparation to reach the trench by either side. [also DSCF0179]

8/16 Pi Bn 13 History p67	The second half of August and September 1915 were quiet times; therefore granting leave could take place. [resting on laurels]
16/8/16 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[move to Albert billets, then ordered to evacuate owing to billets being in shelled area, despite good cellar accommodation… [OC visited 10^th Corps & 51^st Div HQs to whom coy now attached. … Humphreys promoted Lt & seconded to RE] spent day with the French in the trenches; OC warned not to go by 51^st Div HQ.
16/8/15 153 Bde WD		Night. Capt MacDonald & Lt Roberts 5/Gordon H went out & brought in a flag placed by the enemy on their side of mine crater to mark their position for their Artillery. They found the enemy’s front trench was not totally destroyed & partly occupied & returned with flag under heavy fire. [also DSCF0180]
16/8/15 10 Corps A&QMG	179^th Coy RE attached 51^st Division and moved to Bray.
17/8/16 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[new billets occupied… OC] had conference with Capt Piraud and Commdt Thomas in afternoon regarding combined mining operations. Arranged to provide two officers for 24 hrs at a time and 30 men every 8 hours from 7.30am on 18.8.15. … [2Lt C F Calvert 3 S Staffs arrives & ORs
18/8/16 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[Humphrey & Young in trenches on 24 hr relief, reported for duty to Capt Piraud at 11am] Parties of about 30 men in each relief reported for duty 7.30am, 3.30pm, 11.30pm. … Report sent to CRE 51^st Division requesting retention of French mining company till 179^th Company RE is up to strength, in order to ensure safety of trenches.
18/8/15 5/ Gordons WD		Early on the morning of the 18^th there was another mine exploded opposite Dohollou trench, reports as to whether it was a French or German mine being rather conflicting.
18/8/15 51 Div GS WD	[enemy exploded mine opp Dohullo trench. V little damage to our trenches.]
18/8/15 10 Corps GS WD	Enemy exploded a small mine at La Boisselle at 6.15am; the only damage was one man killed and one wounded, both French miners.
18/8/15 3^rd Army GS WD	[Report on Ops of X Corps… ] In the early morning 18^th, the Germans exploded a mine opposite La Boisselle without doing much harm to either the garrison or the parapet.
19/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	… Lt S R Jones and 2Lt J Bowen on duty in trenches. Work by Germans heard by listeners in D₁ shaft at about 12 m.n. 18/19.8.15. French officer in charge warned Cmmdt Thomas, senior French officer of the district. Charging and tamping took till 7.00pm. work continuing in other shaft at the same time. OC coy with Capt Piraud visited officers in charge of the trenches and arranged for evacuation to a place of safety; system adopted: - orderlies from companies reported to Mining Dug-out at 6pm, when mine was ready, written messages sent by each to O’s C companies who reported by same orderlies when evacuation was complete; mine then fired. Word taken by Capt Piraud with Capt Alabaster to Artillery Observation Officer at same time as Infantry orderlies moved off. Charge 3000 kg Ammonal, depth 11 m, crater about 50 m. overall. Own trenches partially damaged but no casualties owing to evacuation. Debris fell on German trenches. [plan DSCF0268 & DSCF0251 show D1 ‘Mine fired by French 3,000 kilos ammonal 14.8.15 [sic]]
19/8/15 5/ Gordons WD		[GOC 153 Bde to OC 5 Gordons, 1AM 19/8/15] The Commandant French Engineers informs me that his listeners report that the Germans can be heard working very near our Saps. He therefore proposes to explode a mine in front of Doholou tomorrow evening. He has asked for five fatigue parties of 50 men each – 250 in all – to carry explosives from the Mangin Post on the Albert-Bapaume Road, starting at 7am tomorrow & following at half hour intervals. These parties will be formed by the 6/Black Watch & Divisional Cyclist Company. 2. As this work will be carried out in daylight the utmost care must be taken to avoid the enemy becoming aware of it. 3. You will make arrangements to bring rifle fire to bear on the enemy’s trenches should he make a definite attempt to interfere with the work. Please arrange with the Brigade Machine Gun Officer, Trench Mortar Officer & the Officer i/c of bombers to be ready to retaliate on the enemy if necessary. Great Care must be taken, however, not to draw his fire by any premature demonstration. This is very important. 4. The garrison of Doholou trench need not be increased & the normal number of sentries by day only will be posted. In view of the proximity of the German saps, arrangements will be made to withdraw the garrison of the trench at any moment should the French Engineer Officer so advise. 5. Preparations should be made at once to have sandbags, revetting material & tools ready for immediate use in repairing any part of our parapet which may be damaged by the explosion. [also BM 152 Bde to CO 5 Gordons, about 7pm. re mine] WD: The last [mine] was on the 19^th about 7pm when a French mine was successfully exploded opposite Dohollu causing considerable damage to the German front line trench, but at the same time filling our own trench with debris for a distance of about 10 [?] yards.
19/8/15 3^rd Army GS WD	[Report on Ops of X Corps…] On the evening ... our miners exploded a mine in the same neighbourhood [as German blow of 18^th] and accompanied the explosion with machine gun, trench mortar and artillery fire on the German trenches in the neighbourhood.
19/8/15 1/7^th B Watch WD		[in trenches Bapaume Post, mine exploded to our right, followed by artillery, tm & grenade bombardment. enemy made a vigorous reply. Explosion damaged about 15 yds of our trenches nr the I.]
19/8/15 153 Bde WD		7AM 250 men paraded for carrying explosives from Bapaume Post to French mine in Dohollou (200 6/BW & 50 Cyclist Coy). French Miners concluded that German mine was getting too close to our parapet. 7.30pm Mine was exploded followed by 20 5” How HE & Shrapnel from 83/Bde. Trench Mortars. Rifle Grenades & MG fore from both flanks. No attempt by enemy to leave their trenches. … Mine damaged our trench as follows I – 20 ft impassable on right flank Dohollou – 120 ft impassable 90 ft difficult to pass Communication trenches & support trench in rear damaged chiefly by enemy’s Mortars after explosion. [also DSCF0181]
19/8/15 10 Corps GS WD	The 51^st Divn exploded a mine opposite Pt. 456 at 7.30pm. The explosion was successful and the 5-inch Howitzers and 18-pounders shelled the enemy’s trenches. The explosion slightly damaged a length of our own parapet.
20/8/15 51 Div GS WD	[our miners exploded large mine in front Duhollu trench, as the enemy’s gallery was thought to be approaching ours. Explosion knocked down a length of enemy’s parapet, but at the same time did considerable damage to our own]
20/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	… Informed by Capt Piraud that responsibility now rests with RE according to his orders. CRE 51^st Div directs that no notice be taken till officially informed. [CRE visits 9am] he states that he has applied for retention of French for the present. [… 2Lts Mackay-White and Calvert in trenches….] Capt Alabaster directed by CRE 51^st Div to inspect on 21.8.15 condition of trenches near crater at D₁, reporting recommendations. [informed 8.20pm French have no more mining cases ]
20/8/15 153 Bde WD		[Progress to 6am 20/8/15] [D2 5/GH] Quiet during the day. Separate report has been made as to the mine exploded. The work of clearing has proceeded steadily. In one place the mound formed by the explosion stretches right across Dohollou trench. The support trenches and communication trench damaged have been repaired and the Dohollou trench will soon be made passable (with difficulty). As yet, only a pathway one foot broad, is being made in the trench with a sloping mound for a parapet.
21/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	… Lt Humphrys and 2Lt Young in trenches with parties of RE, average strength 40 to 50, and French. Progress made in all shafts and headings where condition of air is permissible. Capt Alabaster reconnoitred I and DOHOLLUE trenches. Recommended to CRE 51^st Div that sap be driven to D₁ shaft explosion and listening post established, as this crater dominates part of our line. Also recommended repair of parts of line. … 51^st Div directs that information as to state of mining operations be not given to Infantry Battalions. Reference generally to be made to Division. In emergencies communicate with Brigade and Battalions, reporting action taken to Division. Questions as to state of trenches to be taken up direct with Brigade Commanders. …
21/8/15 153 Bde WD		[Progress Report to 6am 21/8/15] [D2 5/GH] Major MacDonald went out about 1.30am to ascertain damage done by mine to German trench. He found the trench to the right of all the chalk mound formed by the mine, occupied. He observed a German working party building up the front trench, which for a length of 30x appeared to be completely destroyed, while another 15x was badly damaged…
21/8-2/9/15 5 Seaforth WD & Sutherland		[relieve 1/7 Gordons in E1. Sutherland pp37-38:] The British and German trenches in the vicinity of La Boiselle are in some places only 10 yards apart, and to speak above a whisper brings over a hand grenade from the watchful Boche, while, the chalky ground being admirably adapted for tunnelling, the digging and exploding of mines under each other’s front lines is the order of the day, and one never knows when the ground may heave and rise under one’s feet, hurling all in the vicinity to destruction. It was of this sector that the battalion poet, the late Lieut. E. A. Macintosh, M.C., wrote in his book War the Liberator: What are you doing, Sentry, Fresh-faced and brown? Waiting for the mines, sir. Sitting on the mines, Sir, Just to keep them down. Mines going up, and no one to tell for us, Where it will be, and may be it’s as well for us, Mines going up, Oh! God, but it’s hell for us, Here with the bloody mines. Where are you lying, sentry? Wasn’t this your place? Down below your feet, Sir. Below your heavy feet, Sir, With earth upon my face. Mines gone up, and the earth and clod on us – Fighting for breath – and our own comrades trod on us, Mines gone up – have pity, oh God! on us, Down in the bloody mines.
22/8/15 51 Div GS WD	[179 Coy att to Div & took over from the French miners] The enemy’s miners have been ahead of the French in this section, and as the 179^th Co was only about 300 strong, compared to the 500 miners that the French employed, 60 men were called for from each Brigade to assist the Tunnelling Company.
22/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	… [Bowen & Mackay White in trenches, with parties 40-50…] Collection of stores and plans. Discussion of scheme with Capt Piraud. French plans supplied do not agree. Survey essential as soon as stores arrive. Germans heard near D₂, D₃, D₄. As our countermines are short, it is considered better to make progress with our galleries and to keep careful listening at frequent intervals. A charge would destroy our own trenches and our own imperfect defensive mining galleries, thus playing into hands of enemy. If they can be compelled to fire prematurely, it will be better for us. Apparently Germans have attained a great superiority in progress of mining operations near LA BOISSELLE, due to the forward 2^nd KOYLI [added] trench taken over from the French having been captured from the Germans whose shafts were probably started in rear some time previously. [night 21/22.8.15 & 6pm 22/8/15 some shells near billets.] No harm done. … [OR slightly gassed…]
22/8/15 3^rd Army GS WD	[Report on Ops of X Corps …] The French miners who have been attached to the Corps will be relieved on the 22^nd inst by our miners.
23/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[Humphrys & Calvert in trenches, with parties ave 60] Reported recommendations regarding 1 Coy of infantry for permanent duty, to CRE 51^st Div. meantime endeavouring to maintain position as left by French, though unable to proceed with offensive scheme. [interviews GOC 152 Bde re fatigue parties and repairs of Quemart trench which is enfiladed. Pte Feaks wounded]..,
24/8/15 51 Div GS WD	[we explode a camouflet to stop a hostile gallery that we being driven very near our parapet at Dohollu trench.]
24/8/15 152 Bde GS WD	[our miners explode camouflet at 2.45pm about 120. considerable damage done to our front line and CTs at I and Duhollo.]
24/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[Bowen & Young in trenches. Mackay White notified on General List for duty RE authority 1^st Canadian Routine Orders …] Old French gallery struck at head of gallery in D₆ shaft about 12 ft in front of Dohollue trench. Investigated by Capt Alabaster and Lt Humphreys between 3am and 7am 24.8.15. Reported by men in shaft that Germans heard very close and had ceased work at 2am. Infantry Company Commander warned that a German mine might be expected under our trench during the day; fatigue party of 40 infantry obtained at 8.30am. OC 179^th Coy RE decided on firing a camouflet and reported decision by phone to CRE 51^st Divn about 9am. Stores sent up from company store at once. Loading of mine carried on under rifle grenade fire from Germans. While testing and tamping Capt Alabaster and Lt Humphrey heard Germans at about 1pm very close, apparently under Dohollue trench. Delay in firing for a few minutes caused by an enemy grenade cutting our leads. Camouflet of 300 lbs ammonal fired at 2.40pm. Shock felt in our own trenches which had been cleared. No second explosion; it is probable that Germans were forestalled in charging their mine, and their gallery probably damaged for some distance. [283 Sgt Robert Kirk severe wound rifle grenade]
24/8/15 10 Corps GS WD	A camouflet was exploded at 2.45pm at L.26 A.10.B into old French gallery, which the Germans were charging.
24/8/15 10 Corps A&QMG	[179 Coy wounded? OR 2]
24/8/15 1/6 A&S WD		[Bn in fire trenches. Mine exploded by our men , damaging German trenches.]
24/8/15 3^rd Army GS WD	[Lt Gen T L N Morland Cmdg 10^th Corps to HQ 3^rd Army] I should be glad if another Mining company could be attached to the Corps under my command. I understand that the French 11^th Corps employed in this area nearly 1,200 miners. At present there are, in the 10^th Corps, three mining companies with a total strength of just under 900 men, and in the La Boisselle Section one (newly formed) company has replaced some 600 Frenchmen. This company is barely sufficient to keep the defensive work going, even with the assistance of Brigade Mining Sections, (2 Officers and 60 men per Brigade), which in the present state of the 51^st Division can ill be spared. If another Company could be placed at my disposal for work in the La Boisselle Sector, I think that we could soon get on even terms with the enemy, who at present undoubtedly have a lead, and might shortly be able to undertake offensive mining operations in this neighbourhood. The companies in the Carnoy and Fricourt Sectors are both fully employed. [Munro endorses on 28/8, see below]
25/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[…] Germans reported working between A and H shaft workings and deeper than us. Approved by GOC 51^st Divn that as large a charge as possible should be fired. consistent with least damage to trench. Working party obtained and ammonal 630 lb taken to dugout in readiness. At 9pm 2Lt Mackay White reported no sounds from A and very distant from H. Decided though to push workings ahead and hold explosives in readiness, so as to have charge as far as possible from our trenches. [Mackay White & Calvert in trenches] [I Winterbotham 3^rd Army arranges to survey to produce plan onto which to tie the mine surveys] French maps inaccurate, two of same ground being 90˚ different in some of the headings and so not reliable for driving cross galleries to meet. GOC 51^st Div issued orders to infantry about repair of trenches, some of the mine workings being now inaccessible.
26/8/15 51 Div GS WD	[miners heard the enemy mining very close to one of our galleries from I trench, and another camouflet mine was charged & exploded.]
26/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	… Arrivals Capt L D G Hutchison 1/8^th Irish King’s Liverpool 2Lt G Rowan + 1 OR 1/7^th Black Watch 2Lt J W Slorach + 31 OR 1/6^th Scots Rifles [& other ORs total 114] [see NG diary 12/8/15] Casualties… gassed Sjt Paterson 1/7^th Black Watch 9553 Cpl MacLaren 2^nd Seaforths 16751 Pte McHone [McHoul] 2^nd KOSB wounded: [Alabaster] About 2am on 26.8.15, all appeared quiet in A and H. But working and sound of voices in left branch of E low level. Depth below our face about 30 ft. Camouflet decided on by Capt Alabaster on own responsibility. Reported proposed action to GSO 51^st Divn, and warned commander of infantry companies in vicinity. Charge about 400 lbs ammonal. Fired 10.20am. 2Lt Humphry and 2Lt Young in trenches; Lt Bowen proceeded at 7pm to assist, as Lt Humphreys had been employed on night of 25/26 late and for part of early morning of 26.8.15, and was inconvenienced by gas when rescuing gassed men.
26/8/15 CRE 51 Div WD		[179 Coy fired camouflet successfully. Capt Alabaster slightly wounded.]
26/8/15 10 Corps GS WD	A small mine was exploded with success at 10.20am at SE corner of the trench opposite La Boisselle to destroy a German gallery in which enemy were heard working. It has not been possible yet to reconnoitre damage under ground. The surface was purposely not broken.
26/8/15 LG 9/10/15	[DCM 22944 Pte J H Richardson, 2/Yorks LI, att 179 Coy RE] For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at La Boiselle on 26^th August, 1915. A corporal and a private had been overcome by gas at the bottom of a mine, and a Sergeant who had attempted a rescue had also been overcome. An Officer, who arrived shortly after, lowered a canary in a cage to test the air, and although the canary collapsed within two feet of the surface, he descended and rescued one of the men. The Officer then called for a volunteer to rescue the other. Private Richardson, although no safety apparatus was available, at once went down the mine and succeeded in bringing up the other man. [also RHS bronze medal see 24/3/16] 1176 Serjeant J. Paterson, lst/7^th (Fife) Battalion, Royal Highlanders, T.F (attached 179^th Company, Royal Engineers). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at La Boiselle on 26^th August,1915. A Non-Commissioned Officer and private descended a mine, but the Non-Commissioned Officer, overcome by gas, fell to the bottom of the shaft. The private went to his rescue, but himself collapsed. Serjeant Paterson at once descended to attempt their rescue, but he also collapsed, and, though he succeeded in regaining the surface, had to be taken to hospital badly gassed.[see biog]
LG MC [30/3/1916] p3429	Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) Herbert John Humphr[e]ys, l/7^th (Fife) Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), attached 179^th Company, Royal Engineers. For conspicuous gallantry. When two men had collapsed at the bottom of a mine shaft, and although a canary lowered in a cage had collapsed within 2 feet of the surface, Lieutenant Humphreys, on arrival, at once descended without any safety apparatus and succeeded in rescuing one of the men. A few days [31/8] later he attempted a similar rescue, but on this occasion he collapsed and had to be removed to hospital. [recommended for VC for this]
Royal Humane Society Bronze Medals Citations Taken From The Annual Report For 1915	Humphreys, H.J. Lieut. Case 42127 Richardson, J.H. Private. On the 26^th August 1915, Pte. McHowe and Corpl. M’Laren were in a mine at La Boiselle, France, when M’Laren was overcome by foul gas. McHowe at once went to his help but was also struck down. Sergt. Paterson then went to their help but was so affected that he had to come out. Humphreys then went down and rescued Corpl. M’Laren, Richardson doing a like service for Pte. McHowe. Testimonials on vellum to McHowe and Paterson.
27/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	… [Humphreys & Mackay White in trenches… work proceeds normally … arrivals… departures Capt Hutchison]
28/8/15 51 Div GS WD	[repairs to parapet damaged by our mine of 20/8 constantly hindered by enemy rifle grenades & large trench mortar bombs & aerial torpedoes. the last two sorts having a very large charge, have reduced the front & support trenches opp La Boisselle (where most of the mine shafts are) to such an extent that passage along them had become dangerous. only one 1½“ mortar battery available to reply as 4” Bty had no ammo. Sanction obtained for an expenditure of 5” & 6” How and 18 pr ammo to keep down the enemy’s fire & enable working party to work on demolished trenches.] Work was continued all day with only 8 casualties.
28/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[Humphreys, Calvert & Slorach in trenches] Camouflet prepared for firing. Survey of trenches being continued. Lt Salmon in charge. L/Cpl Lander & 3 others training in use of French life saving apparatus (Fernez)….[telephone orderlies instituted at office & dugout, but out of order]. Arrivals Lts [Frank Remington] Pretyman RE + H R Kerr 5^th Norfolks [& ors].
28/8/15 1/6 A & S WD		[About 8.30pm heavy thunderstorm burst and continued during part of night. Trenches flooded and work stopped. Enemy nervy… sends up many flares]
28/8/15 10 Essex WD		[cas 13864 Pte Tebb L C Coy Killed 28/8/15 Att Bde Mining Sect – not clear if La Boisselle; 6 wounded gassed 29/8/15 not att Bde Mining Sect]
28/8/15 3^rd Army GS WD	[Gen C C Munro Cmdg 3^rd Army to GHQ, forwards & endorses Moreland’s letter of 24/8/15] I attach the greatest importance to preventing the enemy from gaining the upper hand in mining operations on this part of the front. To do this another tunnelling company is required, and I hope that an additional one may be allotted to the 3^rd Army at the earliest opportunity. We want more. It is essential that our miners should be sufficient to reduce the German activity. if they are allowed to get above themselves there is always trouble and that is the situation now.
29/8/15 51 Div GS WD	[in early morning our miners explode camouflet opp Dohullou to stop enemy gallery which was getting dangerously close.]
29/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	… Camouflet fired at 5am from Shaft A. No casualties or damage done to our trenches. 600 lbs guncotton used. At 2.10pm enemy exploded a mine. [2 OR reported buried] [SDGW Wm Gouldsborough KiA but on Le Touret Mem; Atherton] Other sections reported quiet and work proceeding normally. [Pretyman, Bowen & Mackay White in trenches. Alabaster to sick leave on instructions of MO …return galvanometer to 51^st Div sigs, telephone still out of order.. SRJ writes & initials war diary]
29/8/15 Norton Griffiths Diary Nat. Archives WO158/129 Nat. Archives WO158/129	Visited 49^th W.R. Div to meet officers nominated for T. Cs Saw Capt. Creswick ¼ Bn KOYLI. Recommended.
29/8/15 CRE 51 Div WD		Capt Alabaster sent down sick [?] he blew up camouflet successfully in morning Germans did ditto in afternoon killing 2 men of 179^th Coy
29/8/15 Intelligence 51 Div WD		[… German mine exploded at 2pm at L.20.O?.5.2]
29/8/15 1/6 A & S WD		[heavy rain again floods communication trenches]
29/8/15 10 Corps GS WD	Enemy exploded a small mine at 2pm near L.20 C 5.2 destroying advanced galleries of our mine but not damaging our trenches: the parapet was slightly damaged by trench mortars.
29/8/15 10 Corps A&QMG	[cas 179 Coy wound OR 4 ?]
30/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	[Kerr, Calvert & Slorach in trenches] Work proceeded normally. [finally get telegraphic communication. attached inf apparently shoots self in foot in billets]
30/8/15 10 Corps A&QMG	[cas 179 Coy K. OR 2]
30/8/15 wife to Alabaster	I was so relieved to get your letter this morning of the 27^th, & now I find there was one written on the 26^th waiting for me when I got back here & also the official War Office telegram which came yesterday saying you were wounded slightly but remaining at duty. Poor old Peterkins I’m afraid your head must be awfully painful. You must promise not to do any work until you really feel fit & there is no buzziness left. It was jolly plucky of you to carry on when you knew the risk, will it leave a nasty scar I wonder, wish they’d send you home for a rest. I say its rather strange, part of your prophecy has come true, wonder if the coming home part will come true too -! Its lovely dear, that the G.O.C. is so pleased with the company. I expect they did jolly well as I’m sure they are all keen to wipe out the Bosches, & it really wonderful that you got off without any casualties.
31/8/15 War Diary 179 Coy Nat. Archives WO95/244	Humphreys, Bowen & Young in trenches. Humphreys gassed at 4pm attempting to rescue Pte Mason [1/4 Kings Own att], killed when gassed & falls down shaft. Humphreys to hospital. Otherwise work proceeds normally. .. Hartley re life saving apparatus, promises to issue sets, 2 Proto sets arrive]
31/8/15 wife to Alabaster	It was very nice of you to send me the second telegram yesterday. It came as soon as the post office was open this morning, & also your letter of the 28^th. So glad you really are better but you must take things easily for a little time longer. It’s jolly hard I know, especially when you are still in the middle of it all. I think it would have been much better if you had gone done [?] to the base for a short time. That was a jolly fine thing that Humphrys did, I do hope he gets the M. Cross, has he got a wife?