Chronology of
Tunnelling in the La Boisselle Sector October 1915
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Date/ Source |
Mining |
Infantry |
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10/15 Pi Bn 13 History p67 |
From October on
the mining activity of the enemy increased substantially, which also forced
us to more active work; but we did not suffer damage. Some casualties
occurred due to the enemy’s bombardment. |
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[Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Germans heard below our workings on our side of Duhollue Trench. No immediate danger anticipated. Shafts
F1, F2, F3, F4, T, S1, S2, being deepened as men are available. Small mine
fired at Sites for new
workings in rear being reconnoitred. |
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… [Bowen
reports Pt 110 sap reached 96 ft to Sites for new
mining operations for new defences in rear of line reconnoitred. |
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Work done in
trenches:- rebuilding parapet of fire trenches which are not bullet proof,
especially along Rebuilding
portions of Ilôt which consists of a network of trenches made practically
entirely of sandbags. The 179 Tunnelling
Company have 5 shafts in & round Ilôt [words struck out]. These shafts
require 5 reliefs of 4 hours each, each relief consisting of 32 men. |
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[5 men of bn att 179 coy have been
gassed in a mine at La Boisselle and are now in hospital [see |
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[1/10 portions
of sandbagged Ilôt rebuilt, damaged by tm fire, and next day fires were
observed in and around La B. Sounds as of a windlass working in a crater n.of the Ilôt caused the bombers to pay special
attention to it, as thought Germans mining there. p146 desc
of trenches; desc of Albert – only a few hundred
inhabitants remain, ample accommodation, many estaminets open, town baths
enable every man to have a wash and change of clothes.] |
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… [Bowen
reports 110 sap reached 116 ft at |
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[Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Nothing special to report. Germans heard as reported
on Work started on
some of the new rear positions, front positions, listening. Report
forwarded herewith regarding two suspicious characters, who were seen in Report just
received from mining officer on duty that he has heard the Germans in the
crater near H [?] shaft. |
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[53 Bde Int Report E3 sub sector.
Working parties.. In crater x 13D52 This is an important point as the mining
section can do nothing to interfere, as the Germans can sink countershafts
from the craters more quickly and easily than our miners can tunnel.] [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] I have to
report that by careful listening it is estimated that the enemy is at least
20 feet and perhaps more below our workings in the F sector. His approximate
line is about ¼ to 1/3 the distance from Duholo
trench towards Quemart. The position of
the F shafts taken over from the French is bad as they are too far advanced.
Attempts at heading the enemy off from them cannot be sure of success, and
at the same time entail considerable risk to any men working in them. In
view of these facts and my report … of 3.10.15 may I have instructions as to
action to be taken. If I may I
would recommend the construction of the new rear defensive line Quemart can
hardly be saved and is somewhat dangerous. [Report A39
Alabaster to 53 Bde (apparently accompanying mining plan although this shows
progress to A. Shaft G5. If
ventilation is good attempt will be made to enter with a view to listening
G6 shaft is inaccessible. B. Shaft F4 Germans
now estimated at a considerable depth. The time taken over sinking would be
too great for us to benefit thereby, as the enemy is advancing, not far off,
Suggest ceasing work and careful listening. C. Shafts F2 F1
F3 Suggest continue sinking with a view to driving a gallery, where
required, at a greater depth in order to head off the enemy temporarily. D. Shafts D5 G6
inaccessible. Shafts D6 no
workings old galleries destroyed. Shafts D1
obliterated E. Shafts D4
and D3 abandoned owing to gas and destruction of workings. F. Shafts
T.E.B. Enemy approaching at deeper level not yet under parapet, Cannot stop
him while he holds the crater Enemy suspected
of having bored down from the crater with a charge ready to blow when any
sound is heard. This he had done already in E and similar preparations have
been heard in T.E. & B. Enemy still working in crater. Careful listening
has been ordered. Should this end of the Ilot be abandoned or the enemy
removed from the crater? G. Shaft H.
Germans heard approaching some way off. No immediate danger. Suggest
continue working towards S2 gallery, and in a few days prepare to load a
mine where enemy is closest. H. Shaft S2.
Suggest deepening to 60 feet and then driving out to meet enemy in required
direction. J. Shaft S1.
Now at 55 ft level, gallery started to right front. K. New work
being carried out Inch St.
approach for drift started. Old Well in Tummel St.
Approach for shaft Becart Trench
S4 Drift. |
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… [Bowen
reports Pt 110 sap 135 ft to 10.0 am CE X
Corps investigated the case of the Cpl Lynch and 6 men killed on |
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Took Lt
Humphreys 178 Tunnelling Company recommended for VC to see Army Commander. |
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Forward C of
enquiry on loss of life in 179 Tunnelling Coy and ordered Lt Thompson to be
censured for not complying strictly to orders & asked for Capt Alabaster
to be replaced by a more senior officer. 10 Corps RO: 3rd
Army RO No 76 of the 2nd inst is republished for information. The Tunnelling Companies
are Army Troops, and will in future as far as personnel is concerned be
administered by the Chief Engineer, 3rd Army. OC Tunnelling
Companies will render a weekly state direct to CE 3rd Army,
shewing the strength on Saturday of their respective Companies, and the
number required to complete the War Establishment. AFB 213 will be
rendered as usual to DAG Base, through the ordinary channel, … Names of
officers and other ranks who are considered suitable and volunteer for transfer
to Tunnelling Companies will be called for as far as circumstances require.
CE, 3rd Army will make arrangements direct with divisions for
their inspection, and from those chosen vacancies in existing Companies will
be filled, or new Companies formed. The selected
men will first be attached to the Companies to which they are posted, and
the OC Company is to take steps to have their transfer documents completed
as soon as possible. All officers
and men posted to Tunnelling Companies can be replaced by drafts (if
available) from the Base, but they are not to be struck off the strength of
their Unit till their transfer is completed, i.e., not until a notification
has been received from RE Records that a Regimental number has been
allocated … All men
employed in assisting tunnelling operations, other than men belonging to
tunnelling companies, must not be struck off the strength of Units, but
drafts (if available) may be demanded from the Base by entering the numbers
so employed on the back of the perforated sheet attached to AFB 213 as
“Employed assisting Tunnelling Companies”… |
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[53 Bde In
report E3 subsector Working parties. At x 13 D 65 where sounds
like that of a windlass heard. In crater left
of Ilot mining appears to be in progress. … [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] … B Shaft Enemy seen working in crater. S4 shaft in
Becart trench lies at the junction of front held by two companies. May
battalion holding this front be requested to direct one company to remove
sandbags. S2. Not yet
approachable above ground since Mangin Trench has been badly damaged by
Trench Mortar fire. G5 Shaft not
accessible for work owing to damage to trench. Tummel St.
Fatigue parties should be supervised in disposing of sandbags. Entrances to
our underground workings have been located in several cases by enemy
probably owing to sandbags being piled conspicuously in the vicinity. |
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… [Bowen
reports Pt 110 sap advanced 154 ft] |
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At Suggested Selections as follows. […] Establishment being 240 T’s } ---
& M’s} 185th 234
Tunnellers & Mates |
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[53 Bde Int Report E3 working parties In crater left of Ilot 30
bombs were thrown by us into this crater and the work stopped.] [Bde Ops
Report. Mines The situation is not improving. Germans are reported below Duhallou trenches and below our own workings. New shafts
have been started by us on a back line to eventually meet the German
galleries to our advantage. Meanwhile the situation at Ilot and Duhallou due to the enemy’s superiority and initial
advantage in mining, and to his large and accurate use of trench mortars is
gradually becoming more disadvantageous to us.] |
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… [Bowen
reports Pt 110 sap 173 ft 6”] [ |
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I’m not
worrying so much now, but wish to goodness we weren’t still kept in
suspense. We’ve been badgered for reports and had brass hats interviewing
us, and goodness knows when they’ll stop. Still it is no good worrying,
we’ve got enough on hand to see to as it is, and so it is no good looking
for more trouble. Only hope Bosche doesn’t make a
nuisance of himself for a bit, as my acting Adjutant in Jones’ place and
myself have been fairly strafing everyone. And given some more peace we’ll
be able to lick the company into shape.
The odds and ends of something like 17 battalions, totalling nearly
500 take some digesting, especially with a raw staff, and while one is
trying to strafe a very obnoxious Bosche. It is extraordinarily quiet this
evening. Just at present one can’t even hear a machine gun, and usually
there is a racket going on all the time. Praps
they’re waiting till I’m in bed, and night shelling isn’t cricket! Rather fine all those Sappers
getting M.C.’s, 8 out of 18 is not a bad
proportion. Most were for mining up North, where it is even more strenuous
than in this part of the line. |
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Visited Querrieux and talked over work with CE X Corps …
Enquired into mining in the area. All is defensive. Dangerous areas La Boiselle & in front of Maricourt.
CE considers mine defenses to be well in hand. |
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… [Bowen reports
110 sap 189 ft 6” to GOC 53rd
Bde decides that no further action is to be taken in the case of Lindell and the incident of |
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[Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] In accordance
with my conversation with BM 53rd Bde I reconnoitred the trenches in front
of La Boisselle this morning and submit the following report (1) old
incomplete trench between Inch St and Tay St Cover from view for nearly 60
yards, after which trench shallows rapidly to less than 1 ft about 20 yards
from Tay St. No work has ever been done, the sods not even being cut. Good
field of fire obtainable if fire trench were made. (2) Tummel St,
require widening and deepening in some places. No fire step. For most of its
length one cannot see over the parapet. (3) Mangin,
South end destroyed by shell fire. With care the trench could be repaired
and parapet rebuilt at night with small loss. The garrison are attempting to
sap up behind, but are making very slow progress. Work at repairs by day
would probably be risky, as one is liable to be seen at close range by the
enemy. [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Enemy quiet.
Progress being made in deepening S1, S2, F1, F2, F3, F4 shafts, and on new
rear defence system. [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] I have to
report the presence of an unexploded trench mortar bomb (sausage) in the old
trench running between |
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I feel fine now
after a glorious hot bath, change, and a cosy fire in our mess, with things
apparently going quietly. I believe the affair of the 26th has
been cleared up and there’ll be no more strafing about it. It will be a
relief when it is all over. I found a Bosche
“sausage” today. Damned thing. They sling any number over and knock the
trenches about in a most annoying manner, as one has to rebuild the tumbled
down sandbags. And the confounded thing is only a beastly 10 gallon oil
drum. I call it an insult to fill up a thing of that sort with about 200lbs
of high explosive and throw it at anyone. The blamed thing even had its
handle still on! I hope you won’t be too awfully
disappointed, dear, at my not coming home this next week. I’m busy licking
the company into shape and preparing schemes for strafing Mr. Bosche. After a bit I expect all will go ahead normally,
but just at present I must be on the spot to start the ball rolling.
Probably a fortnight tomorrow I’ll be home, so it won’t be very long to wait
now, dearie. |
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Recommended
change in command of 178 [sic] Tunnelling Company. |
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[Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Work proceeded normally. Enemy quiet.F1, F2, F3, S1,
shafts now deepened, and galleries at lower level started. |
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[53 Bde Int Report E3 mining suspected from large sap NW of La
Boisselle. Tests are being made by the mining officer.] [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] … Infantry
working party about 90 yards north of S4 working reported sounds of enemy
mining This has been investigated without result. Listening and signalling
will be maintained and a further report submitted when anything definite has
been found out. |
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… Maj Norton Griffiths conferred with OC. GOC 18th
Div holds conference. All officers available attended. Subject General ??
with regard to the arranging for the comfort of the men in billets. [Bowen reports
Pt 110 198 ft to 12 |
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179th
Co.y appears to be in bad order. Probably Lt Ramplin
Jones has been axe grinding & making things difficult for Alabaster. On the assumption that it is more
difficult to put a wrong Co.y right than organise
a new one if any change is made I submit for consideration of EinC a good strong man is necessary. Lt Hance (or Lt Trower) would be the best
man we have to let him command this Co.y instead
of one of the new Coy.s. Since this Co.y was formed Alabaster has been in Hospital twice So
that any faults there may be reflect on his 2nd in Command also
i.e. Lt. Jones. The first step
I suggest is to shift Jones & I have suggested to C.E. to move him to
Major Danford’s Coy 174th. This brings Lt. Humphries to 2nd
in Command, a very good officer & of whom Jones was always jealous. [poss the occasion where NG tells Hump that didn’t matter
if killed] Captain Cash[?] told me when at 1st
Army that Lt Hance was awaiting instructions to proceed to take
Command of a new Co.y may he be sent here at once
& Captain Alabaster either transferred to Base to form a new Co.y unless the EinC has other
things in view. I will report
tomorrow further on this after visiting Coy. In private life I have always
adopted the principal of moving No 2 as well as No 1 if anything goes
wrong. If No 2 has ability it is more
or less obvious he is considering his own chances first & his Chiefs 2nd
& in this case, this should apply as Jones has been acting O.C.
for some time – but Hance or Trower would soon put this Co.y
right. Trower or ???Hance could proceed
to the Base to take up the 250th awaiting an O.C. Afternoon to
179th Co.y Albert with Captain
Alabaster. After careful
consideration I suggest it would be advisable if EinC
did act on Div (& Corps !)
request to change the O.C. of this Co.y
while I think the G.O.C. 18th Div (Genl.
Maxse) has been unduly severe in his judgement of Alabaster & from his
lack of appreciation of the difficulty (from a mining point of view) of the
position handed over by the French the bad luck which has attended this new Co.y I think has had a demoralizing effect on the Co.y as a whole & particularly on the O.C.
himself. The recent accident in
blowing in 6 of their own men in an adjoining gallery has unquestionably got
on his nerves. I firmly believe,
however, if given another Co.y that he will do as
well as any other O.C. given a little care in the selection of the officers
of his new Co.y I therefore confirm my remarks in my Diary of
yesterday that either Lt Hance Lt Trower or another officer be sent to take
over. & suggest the reason given
being that he Alabaster is wanted to form a new Co.y
at the Base. The whole afternoon with this 179th Co.y to which I have promised to revisit & go with
Alabaster to the remainder of his mining area. Proceeded to G.O.C 4th Corps. It appears that the 18th Div is
responsible for the whole of the mining of 174, 178 & 179 [ Apparently the real bad position is Ä Bois Francais
[174 Coy] - & the best remedy here ??? be some of “Foulkes Cough
mixture” in small doses just to push the Gs back & blow in their shafts
– taken once at night time – a Divisional dose. I suggest visiting Danford & going thoroughly
into this position as soon as I am thro with the 12th Corps. |
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Life is getting
quite peaceful just now, was actually able to have a ride again today. Am
getting busy looking to the future and seeing how we can make the men comfy
for the winter. Of course we may move forward or along the line. But we want
to be prepared, in case we take root, that we are in nice comfy quarters
with beds, and baths and dining rooms. Cherry is most useful, and we’ve got
the general lines mapped out already. If Bosche is
good underground and doesn’t strafe us in billets, this place will be the
show spot after the war! But we’d much prefer having a good overland smack
and rolling the blighter up. This sort of game makes one stale. Honey darling, I’m simply longing
for the next fortnight to pass. Time is going pretty quickly, but I wish it
would fly, so that I could be really at home and not wondering when the
telephone will begin to buzz and me have to get out of a comfy bed and beat
it for the trenches to give the beastly Bosche a
bump. If anyone offers me a cushy staff
billet, preferably at home, it wouldn’t take me long to make up my mind.
Fancy refusing the chance of S.O. to Benoit, and then chucking up the job
under Fawkes, to come out and do this silly sort
of mole warfare. Wendy dear, your Peter cusses himself for a consummate
juggins at times! Am not sorry to have seen service, in fact I’d be awfully
fed up not to have, but if things could have been reversed, so that I could
get a nice brass hat billet after having done my time at the front, well it
would be exceedingly pleasant! Never mind we’ll crumple up the last
remaining Bosches before very long, and then, my
word! The whole giddy B.E.F. will paint the continent red on one almighty
gigantic bat; then we’ll embark for home and take hell out of the slackers
who stayed behind. |
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… [ Bowen reports
Pt 110 progress 215’ 9”.] |
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[Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Work proceeding
normally. Enemy heard approaching the Ilot from H workings. Direction and
distance will be verified before further action is taken. No immediate
danger anticipated. Sounds reported yesterday north of S4 not heard again.
The trench from |
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I’ve applied
for leave from 21st to 28th of this month, and if Bosche plays the ass and spoils things, I’ll be very
much annoyed. I hate leaving the show so soon, but really am beginning to
feel cooked. So we’ll hope the blighters don’t give any trouble. It is just
a confounded toss up now, when we shall be having a lively strafe. Not going
to worry though, am just going to look forward to leave and think what a
simply lovely time we’ll have together. Wish it could be longer, but even a
week is something and we’ll make up for lost time won’t we dear? Jones and Kerr have got back from
leave and look lots better for it. Apparently one is pretty certain of
catching the afternoon boat and being in town by |
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… [sap at Becourt now 229’ 6”]… |
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[Report Alabaster
to 53 Bde:] … Nothing
special to report except the following points which are submitted as being
of some importance. 1. B Shaft.
Enemy heard close to right gallery and not far distant for our
parapet. Enemy known to be in crater and probably ready to camouflet
downwards on us. Suggested action is that Ilot be evacuated temporarily and
crater shelled heavily. This will clear enemy away and may destroy his
workings. The garrison could then watch crater for about 2 days, while we
charge up. We should then wait for him and blow him up when he returns. 2. H shaft.
Enemy heard approaching the right gallery. We are now driving out to meet
him and may charge up in one or two days time and then wait for him. 3. S2. Overland
approach must be cleared at once. Any amount of work is going on below and
all spoil has to be evacuated through S1 shaft. This delays work which may
soon be very urgent. The sap being driven by the garrison has made hardly
any progress. |
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General Hickie,
who commands the Brigade in my sector of the line, has approved of my going
away from 21st to 28th. Shall now apply to the CE of
the 3rd Army, who is hardly likely to raise any objection. And
then, provided things work [?] all right at the time, the car will take me
to rail head at Don’t mind if we are going to
have a busy time this week. Shall be able to keep going somehow knowing that
each day brings me nearer to the day when I’ll be with you my Wendy
wife again. |
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[53 Bde Int Report E2 The enemy are mining under trench 119
about X 19 B 88.] [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Work proceeding
normally. Enemy approaching our workings but not close enough for firing at
present. Some delay will be caused in the mining of the Ilot and Becart
trenches owing to the trenches being blocked by the enemy’s retaliation to
bombardment by our howitzers. Miners assisting garrison to clear trenches,
as we cannot reach some of our mines. Bombardment of craters apparently very
successful. Lt Humphreys saw a German climb out of B Crater and run away. OC
Dohollue Coy, reports sound of enemy occupying
craters in his front. |
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… [ 4.00 CE X Corps
here – asks for ?? timber props to be taken from Acheux and taken to Ribemont – for his use and this company’s. |
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Major Norton
Griffiths to see me about tunnelling companies – advises a staff officer for
Tunnelling on staff of CE to advise & keep in touch between CE and
divisions. |
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[Bde Ops
Report. …4. Mining. Latest Reports from mining officer are more favourable
to us. The result of our shelling of the crater NE of the cemetery is
reported to be satisfactory. … 7. Our artillery fire has been reduced to a
minimum. Crater in mine field was shelled by Siege Battery yesterday
afternoon for a specific purpose which it is believed was achieved.] [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Work proceeding
normally. Enemy sounds as usual, approaching but no immediate trouble
anticipated. Bombardment of craters on 11.10.15 apparently had salutary
effect on enemy in craters. Right heading of B Shaft is being loaded slowly
and quietly. |
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… [Creswick
& Humphrys & 25 OR on leave] |
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Saw Army
commander about appointment of Special Staff Officer to CEs
Staff for Mining duties. Recommended Major Danford RE. Wrote E in C GHQ recommending
appointment. Made out a plan of X & XII Corps areas showing areas in
which mining is being out for record. Distribution of Mining Companies,
brigade mining sections and French companies shown on it. [check] |
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… 2pm CRE 18th
Divn advise work
to be stopped at Point 110 – vide letter 408 and letter CRE 408. Lt
Bowen & 25 OR return to Hqrs. |
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[Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Work proceeding
normally. Loading up of B [?] heading proceeding. Enemy sounds as follows:- F. Workings. Between Dohullou
trench and F traverse, gallery, in two or three places. Believed to be about
on level of our new low level galleries. A still deeper level may also be in
existence, but not known for certain. Ilot. Enemy heard at various points between
E and B Workings. H. Shaft. Still at some distance
approaching right gallery. S 1[?] Still at some distance approaching
shaft at level between our old and new workings. My proposed
action is as follows:- F. Workings continue driving out our new
attack galleries till 30 or 35 feet from shaft. Prepare chambers, and
listen. No charge to be put in at present. The sudden cessation of work may
cause enemy to stop and be cautious. When he comes really close, charge up
and fire; this may not be for some weeks. Ilot. Complete charging B. This
should be done during 14.10.15. Then listen in E and B, and when enemy is
hard at work, close in, fire. The
charge should destroy all hostile galleries for some distance and will
probably seriously affect our trenches at the head of the Ilot. M. Listen for the present, and charge
attack gallery on low level in two or three days time probably, and fire
when enemy comes close. S. Listen for the present, and charge
attack gallery on low level in two or three days time probably, and fire
when enemy comes close. When the above
action has been taken, I propose to sink shafts at the ends of the following
inclined galleries on which work has ceased G, Z, R, X, W. These would act
as a further temporary check, while the main defensive line is being
prepared. They would also be useful in locating the enemy’s advance along
the front. The low level workings from S and S2 would continue. D4 is the
only shaft in Dohollue trench which can be reached
above ground and is known to be in serviceable condition. Its only real
value is as a ventilating shaft to the F workings. As regards
protection of the miners, it is not necessary to hold Dohollue
trench, and if I may be permitted t do so, I would suggest that it be only
patrolled so as to prevent enemy patrols coming into Quemart or Ridou. |
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A week
tomorrow, if all goes well, cheers! No strafing for a whole week, my word,
but it will be treat too, I can tell you. Bosche
is making it a rule to chuck dirt over nearly every night at intervals. Last
night he made a horrid nuisance of himself, slightly wounded one man, burst
a water pipe, lots of glass and some cooking pots. It made me quite peeved
and got on my nerves. If they don’t come too near tonight, I’ll sleep like a
top, as I’m very peepy [?]. |
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184th Coy Captain J R Gwyther 185th Coy Captain T T
[sic] Both
these Coys appeared to be shaping well. Men had
been scattered in various Camps. Saw
GOC & arranged that each Coy OC might get his men together in one camp. Gave 3 lectures to Officers and men – i.e. Silent
mining, Listening & general points gained from experience - Taking all
the officers separately. |
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[artillery
report on 120mm shell though building of 179 Coy] [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] [situation
similar] B shaft right gallery charged. High level S, C and H [?] workings
now all connected. [Mining plan at
end of October diary shows progress to |
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[ |
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… 10pm 800 lbs guncotton laid & fired
in chamber of ‘B’. Enemy supposed to have been working till last moment.
Enemy retaliated with 60 trench mortars and shrapnel. No casualties. |
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WO153/904 La
Boisselle Plan |
DSCF0244 [W1
red tunnel, or separate shaft] Camouflet 1,800 lbs GC |
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Only time for a
very short letter again, I’m afraid, dear, as I’m pretty busy. Was up at 5am
and got back at 2pm, lunch, office work, wash, tea, and in a few minutes
I’ll have to get into trench kit again and be out till about midnight. Won’t
I just beat it back to bed then! Jones has got fed up with the shelling and
the telephone, and moved to one of our overflow billets. So, instead of
using the bed as a dressing table between us, It is a
beautifully restful bed, as I slept as soundly as a top last night and don’t
know if any strafing took place or not. |
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We exploded a
mine in Ilot at |
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[Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Work proceeding
normally. Mine fired at I would submit
that the successful firing of the mine under B crater reflects great credit
on 2nd Lt G Rowan, 1/7th Black Watch, attached 179th
Coy RE, who showed great coolness in quietly loading and building up a
charge of 1800 guncotton slabs while the enemy were heard in three places
within a very few feet of him. |
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… Secured a
bomb proof shelter at Bapaume Post as an emergency explosives store. |
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15-22/10/15
8/Suffolk WD |
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[Bn in Bde Reserve] Permanent Fatigues … Three NCOs and
30 men 0Carrying Pty) |
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GHQ approved
Major Danford being SO for mining to CE. |
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[ |
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[ [Int Report enemy explodes mine X 13 d 41 [sic] damaging
mines S 2 & H, and also 20 yds of the left
face of the Ilot. 3 miners were buried in S2. No further report has been
received. [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Inch St. drift
proceeding. G7 shaft
recommenced sinking. F4 high level
seeking connection to G5 for ventilation and also in hopes of opening up
gallery g6 to g5 for listening. Low level proceeding, almost at distance for
chambering. [sic] started. F2 low level,
chamber and turn to right started. F1 Low level,
chamber completed, and new gallery ½ left from shaft started. F3 low level
started chamber. French well,
gallery, dipping, level 70ft. out 50ft. Tummel St.
shaft sinking, 26ft. G[?]5 shaft
sinking 29ft W, shaft at end
of incline started. T, listening,
enemy heard far off. E, listening,
enemy heard approaching, attempt at bluffing will be made. H enemy heard
still at some distance in front of attack gallery, which is being pushed out
at an incline. Sap to S2
Driving under sandbags to reopen communication with shaft S2. S2 enemy heard
approaching in front at intermediate. level between S2 and S1 low level
gallery proceeding. S1 enemy sounds
as reported from S2. Low level attack gallery proceeding. S4 inclined sap
proceeding. No explanation
yet of concussion felt in Cocherau Trench at |
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… |
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4.35pm Germans
exploded a small mine on N side of Ilôt, damaged our S2 & H
shafts and blew in about 20x of left (N) face of Ilôt, buried 3
men in S2 . No further action taken by the enemy…. Enemy very
quiet all night. |
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[2440 Pte J
Goodwin & 2330 Pte J Smith killed by German camouflet while att 179 Coy] |
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[10/Essex –
16/1 enemy explodes small mine on the side of the Ilôt, damaged a couple of
shafts and blew in about 20 yds of the n. face,
burying three men in the process. the rest of the day the men were employed
on replacing the damage, wiring and cutting a new trench from ‘T’ sap
towards the new crater. ] |
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I do feel
upset. Everything seemed so well in hand, and now a message has come down to
say that the Germans have fired a mine and killed three of my men. It is
horrible; I love my men and simply can’t bear losing any one of them. Of
course this is war and we must expect casualties, and we are trying to kill
each other by every means we can. But it doesn’t alter the fact that the
loss of any of my brave men upsets me no end. If it was in a charge where we
were all taking the same risks, it would be all right; but to have my lads
blown in, while I’m not with them, honey love it makes me feel rotten. If it
weren’t for you, I’d go out on my own and have a smack at the brutes in the
open and be laid out and be done with it. Damn the war anyway and mining in
particular. After we’ve wiped out the beastly Bosches,
I’m never going to invest in mining stock, or go below ground or speak to a
German. My men are so splendid too; they simply have no fear and nearly all
are married men. The General was awfully decent to
me today. And has asked me to give him the names of any men who have done
good work since he has been here. Hope they get some recognition, as they
all deserve it. And now, sweetheart mine, I think
I’ll turn in, though it is quite early still, ‘cos
I want to be in the trenches early tomorrow and see about various things.
They may even want me tonight, as I’ve given them orders to send for me at
once if things get sticky. |
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Major Danford
to see me re appointment as staff officer for mining. Explained what was
wanted |
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[Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Work now proceeding
normally. Charges being placed in S, low level attack galley and H right
attack gallery. Charges being large and quietness desirable, work will take
some time. Enemy mine at |
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… casualties … 1 or RE } Killed in enemy
mine explosion 4.40pm 16/x/15 2 or 1/7 Black
Watch } [SDGW no 179
Coy RE killed [2/Lt made
T/Capt |
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I’m afraid our
leave may be held up after all, dearie. Hance has
just appeared with a telegram to say he is to take over this company, and
instructions regarding my disposal follow. I’m afraid, sweetheart, it means Stellenbosching, and, though I don’t mind for myself, it
will be beastly for you, little girl. You see, I should have been there on
the 26th instead of leaving things to someone else. I haven’t any idea where or when
I’m to go, not have any orders come to me about handing over. But it will
probably mean a wash out as regards leave. Shall be very busy for the next
day or so, as we have some jobs on hand, and at the same time, I have to
show Hance round as quickly as possible. Wish they’d say soon what I’m to
do, as I can’t stay on here after handing over. Shall know before long,
though, and in the meantime must get this job handed over quickly. Off to trenches now. |
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[Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Nothing special
to report except as follows:- Charge 3000 lbs
ready in low level attack gallery S1. F4 chamber
being charged From trench by
E shaft enemy can be heard distinctly driving timber in one of small craters
about 30 yards away to left front. |
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… 4pm Major Norton
Griffiths here on inspection. |
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Lt Hance
reported yesterday to C.E. 10th Corps & was taken by him to
179th. Bapaume today to 10th
Corps to see Genl. Tulloch thence 179th
Coy. Also to vet & see some applications for commissions. […] With CE until [ Afternoon to Berthancourt at request of CE 3rd A to see
applicant for commission. To 179th
Co.y Lt Hance arrived who had been up all night
with Alabaster charging mine. 3000 lb
charge, too small a charge for this ground. Alabaster awaiting instructions
to hand over. This was arranged later
on. […]The present
arrangements for dividing up the 5 Tunnelling Coys
i.e. 183/4/5 252-253- do not provide for any possible rest or aggressive
work. |
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Memo to GS on
allocation of tunnelling companies now arriving … 185 Coy to [illeg] |
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[ |
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[ [In Report E3 A
lot of mining timber visible at X 13 D 63.] [Bde Ops
Report… Enemy exploded one small mine
blowing in one of our galleries and killing three men. … We exploded two mines with
satisfactory results. Programme continues.] [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Situation
unchanged materially. Charge prepared
in F4 but without detonators or tamping. Could be fired in about 12 hrs from
receipt of order. Tamping not in yet as the charge can now be inspected
frequently and listening is made easier. Charge of 3000 lbs ammonal fired at Dummy picks at
work in E and H shaft. |
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… |
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[In Report. E3
At X 14 C 2720 fresh chalk has been thrown up.] [Report
Alabaster to 53 Bde:] Nothing special
to report except as under:- F2 to F1 high
level transversal, enemy heard at estimated distance of 25ft and lower.
charge of 3000lbs being prepared in F1 low level. S1 shaft
slightly damaged by our mine but it is expected that it will be opened up
for renewal of work on |
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… |
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5.30am a large
mine exploded away on our right followed by rapid rifle fire for several
minutes. |
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… EinC asks if 253 Tunnelling company can be ?? completed?
replied yes from ?? 22nd Division Company will go in at La
Boisselle. |
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[Report Hance
to 53 Bde:] Nothing special
to report except as under: S1 shaft
appears considerably damaged but air is circulating. (S1 acting as
upcast). Hope to examine lower level shortly approaching from C, or from S2
as soon as sap giving access to shaft is finished. This should hole through
at any time and men are engaged on it. D4 distant
picking heard with naked ear, and clearly with listening apparatus. This
would appear to be as usual. F1 men used to
prepare sandbags full of soft earth for tamping when required. They will now
resume work on F1 lower level. F4 – G5 The
work of driving up from F4 to bottom of G5 shaft has been resumed with a
view of obtaining access to the G5 G6 workings for purposes of
reconnaissance. |
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… [Alabaster,
Young & Bowen on leave & 26 or] |
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[Report Hance
to 53 Bde:] Nothing
abnormal to report save as follows: F1 – F2 Sounds
heard as between F1 and F2 at the lower level, nearer to F1 than F2. As the
purpose to be served by these two drives, off F1 and F2 respectively seems
somewhat obscure all work had been suspended for 24 hours, the period to be
devoted to listening. Failing reasons to the contrary I propose to suspend
this work and to utilise the labour thus set free on the work of the main
defence. F4 – G5 This
connection is being proceeded with. S2 the sap
leading to this shaft has holed through into the trench. I have explored the
lower levels of S2[?]. Both upper and lower levels of transversals S1 and S2
are impassable. Pipes are being laid down into S2 lower levels to ensure
good air and the S2 attack gallery will proceed at once. Distant enemy
sounds heard here but hope to complete this heading in time. Drives to
connect S2 with C and S4 have been ordered as soon as air arrangements
permit. |
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6am Sentries in
Ilôt reported more talking to be heard in German Trench than usual, some
high pitched voices like those of children. |
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[3rd
Army Routine Orders 3rd |
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‘…It was about
10 when the car came so I bid the HQ staff good night, got into the car
& ran back to the Station & got my kit & then away to Albert. It
was a lovely moonlight night & a slight frost & was cold in the car.
It was after 12 when I got to the billet & they showed me a bed on the
floor of a room, so after having had a warm at the fire I went off to bed
feeling very tired. As we came into the town I noticed the church spire or
whatever, it is all overhanging & saw other houses pretty badly damaged
so R------ that I was in a shelled house altho’ I did
not hear gun sound or see any flares.’ |
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[ |
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[Report Hance
to 53 Bde:] S2 Enemy
working heard almost in front of lower attack gallery; estimated to come for
about 10 yards distant and if anything rather below our level. This has been
confirmed by three officers including Lt Humphrey in charge of that sector
of operations. As this brings the enemy with range of our shaft (S2) it is
of the highest importance and I am off now to try and consult Major Danford.
F4 to G5 Holed
through. Exploration of G5 and G6 workings done. nothing heard. Elsewhere
all normal. |
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… [1am Lt E
Lyall RAMC reports for duty] |
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General points noticed
during tour of trenches: … 2. Fatigues required by the Tunnelling company
working in and around Ilôt practically took every man from our Right Res.
Coy. Work in trenches easy owing to fine
weather. … 4. Insufficient knowledge given to Headquarters as to the Schemes
of the Tunnelling Company. |
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[Coy left |
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[185 Coy to be allotted to 18th Div for
work in La Boisselle sector, attached to 18th Div for admin… all
three coys [184, 184 & 253] due to arrive at
12 noon tomorrow (24th)] |
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24/10/15 Lyall
diary 179 |
‘Did not waken
up until |
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[Report Hance
to 53 Bde:] S2 After
conferring with Major Danford arrangements were begun to fire a heavy charge
and the explosive was ordered up pending Brigade sanction. The charge is now
being laid ( [estimated from
20 yds distant. G5 & G6 Enemy sounds heard
here] E & T
Intermittent sounds heard here λ plainly. No anxiety to us at present,
but these sounds require attention a we may be able to do the enemy some
damage here. Will attend to this when S2 is finished with. |
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… Lieut F R Pretyman RE left to join the IWT RE. [10th
Corps order that 184, 184 & 253 Coys to join
10 Corps The 185th
Coy to work in the La Boisselle area. Started to charge No 2 level S2 with
8100 lbs Ammonal – this as a result of a conference between OC and Major
Danford S.O.M. on evening of 23rd. |
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Saw Major
Danford 184 – 185 & 253 Mining Companies have arrived … |
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‘Slept well
& got up about 7.30 . Had a good
breakfast after which Lt Humphreys of the Black Watch who is O.C. No 2 Sec asked me if I was prepared
to go up to the trenches but said they usually rode the 1 ½ |
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[Ribemont: Coy arrived.
also motor transport with 9 NCOs & men of ASC] |
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[1pm we explode
mine at about 1pm (8,000lbs explosive) crater formed about X 13 d 5 1. enemy
replied several TM bombs & shrapnel comparatively small amount of damage
done to our trenches.] [Int Rep. We successfully explode mine at [Int Report [Int Report [Bde Ops Report
[Report Hance to 53 Bde:] S2 charge of
8000 lbs completed and fired today (25th) at C & Mangin
Sap. Sentries posted to forbid anyone entering the shafts or adits until
further orders; (tomorrow) Trenches were
not much damaged by shock Arrangements
made with infantry to remove bags from parados tonight to allow of a new
shaft being sunk behind Mangin. The dirt will go into the old cemetery for
some time. Ilot. This
trench between C and H shafts a bit shaken. May the infantry be asked to
repair these promptly as we should continue to watch H. F1 & F2.
Sounds as of boring heard here at lower levels. Do not think this is very
urgent or dangerous. All the F’s are being watched. G5. As access
to the top of this shaft is difficult owing to the trench leading to it
being blocked, I have had the shaft wired to prevent anyone descending it. I
have also directed that shafts D6 & G6 be wired also, simply keeping
them open for ventilation the entrances at top being inaccessible. Tummel St.
Arrangements made to sink a new shaft part of the new main defensive system
in floor of RE officers present dugout to be made in Methven St work to be
begun in latter tomorrow 26th. [report by Lt
Col J E Dyer Cdg 8/Suffolk on mine exploded in S1
& S2 Saps 25/10/15] … mine was exploded at 1.2pm from the shelter in
Tummel St and blew out a large crater, the western edge of it being in close
proximity to the Mangin (T Sap S1 & S2) and having a diameter of
approximately 40 yards. Our trenches in the southern extremity of Becart and
in the Ilot were considerably shaken by the shock of the explosion. About
eight yards of the former immediately behind the T Sap actually fell in and
the northern side of the Ilot was also destroyed. These portions have been
repaired and the former positions reoccupied except in the Mangin itself
which is considerably worse damaged and will take longer to replace in a suitable
state of occupation. Any approach to
the new crater is under direction observation from the T sap and until the
latter is cleared a closer reconnaissance of the crater cannot be made
without considerable risk. Catapult
positions are being established to bomb the crater if necessary. |
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9am 2nd
Lt Melville left to join the 253rd Co RE for duty. … Lt Cherry
posted to Coy. |
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WO153/904 La
Boisselle Plan |
DSCF0242
[Mangin S1?, blue tunnel] Mine 8,400 lbs Ammonal fired |
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At |
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‘Early morning.
I had to go to another shaft & put the wires in to act as a spare lead.
This was a foul place as I had to crawl on my belly & be absolutely
silent as the Bosh was working near by & we did not want him to hear us.
I fixed the wire all right & then went back to the original gallery
& shaft & pushed on with the tamping for all I was worth & good
progress was reported. The men were changed at 8 hour shifts, at 8.10 I went
to have some breakfast & found that Lightfoot had brought some up for
me. It was a cold drizzly morning & the job was well advanced ---- all
laid to mine entrance & tested. At 11 all were laid from the mine to the
RE officers dugout. At 11.30 all men were withdrawn by |
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[Report Hance to 53 Bde:] Nothing
abnormal to report. C. Have
explored C shaft and gallery for 80, in to a stopping put in before firing
on 25 in S2. have arranged sink another shaft at this level and to deepen C.
Mangin. Arrangements
made and site chosen for a new shaft behind Mangin in the cemetery and also
for another opposite entrance to Cocherau from F.4 Enemy
sounds heard getting close also near E & T. This is only normal. |
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9am Lt Lyall
left to join the 178th Co Re for duty (temporarily). |
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‘Woke at 7
having slept well in spite of the shelling to which the town had been
subjected during the night. Lightfoot said a lot had been screeching over
during the night but also a lot had not burst. Gathered all my things
together again & went in for breakfast. Jones said he would run me over
in his boxcar so that made the matter of movement easy. About |
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[Coy moved to Albert] |
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[Report Hance to 53 Bde:] C. some gas has
come through into this gallery (although I explored the same myself
yesterday) and two men were gassed although not seriously this morning. A
tight stopping has been put in and men are working on the new inside shaft.
The canary was not affected. Mangin. Work
has proceeded (with interruptions due to trench mortar fire) on the approach
to site of new shaft. Cochereau. Men
are allotted for this new shaft and are at present engaged clearing away
sandbags at the approach. All quiet
elsewhere. |
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… [2Lts Kidd
& Stuart leave for 252 Coy] |
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[1652 L/Cpl M
McKinnon & 2479 Pte R Easson gassed while
mining at La Boisselle att 179 coy] |
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[Albert: 2Lt H |
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[Report Hance to 53 Bde:] Nothing
abnormal to report. C. Have had to
suspend sinking here for 24 hours (possibly more) as, although I explored
the gallery and found nothing out of the way several men have been gassed
when breaking ground. Mangin. Here we
started to sink a shaft behind the entrance to this sap, but have found the
ground so foul from dead bodies that I have ordered the shaft not be sank on
the front side of this trench, rather than in the cemetery. F.1.2.3.4.
Enemy heard close here. Intend investigating personally tomorrow. |
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[Report Hance to 53 Bde:] Nothing
abnormal to report. Mangin. The new
shaft in the rear of this trench in the old cemetery has had to be given up
owing to the foulness of the ground. Have started another ron the enemy (East) side of the trench. The time lost
will be more than made up by being nearer to the enemy. C. The new
shaft is going on. No more gas. Elsewhere only
normal sounds heard. Work progressing well. |
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[ |
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[10/Essex 29/10
179 coy explode a mine, protected by a field artillery barrage. A dozen
bombers threw missiles into the newly formed crater, the near lip of which
was occupied by 3 of the |
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[Albert: Horse Transport arrived with 6 NCOs &
men] |
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[10 corps to
Divs. With ref to 10 Corps GS 24 of 23/10/15 allotting T Coys
the attention of Div Cdrs called to 4th
para of 3rd A G.320 issued with 10
corps G.94 of 8/9/15. it does not appear to be fully understood in all Divs that Coys placed at the
disposal of a Div for local defensive ops will act under the orders of the
Div Cder. GOCs 5th
& 18th Divs will report on what
date the 184 & 185 Coys start work on their
sectors.] |
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[In Report:
Wood thrown out of crater X13D53. about 30 TMs
sent over. Material damage done. 4 Miners killed, 2 missing, 5 wounded. Underground
passages in Albert explored this afternoon. Two ends artificially blocked
and one was blocked by old masonry. 179 Coy investigating.] [Report Hance to 53 Bde:] I regret to
have to report that whilst the night shift were going into work last night a
trench mortar shell or an aerial torpedo fell in the trench 100 yards from
the junction of H. As I wish to
keep a listener below ground in this shaft I should be glad could orders be
issued for infantry to occupy the old listening post on the enemy side of
and covering H shaft. G5. At the
bottom of this shaft enemy sounds heard as if caused by a machine cutter of
some sort. elsewhere working normal. |
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… [4 or killed,
7 wounded] Major Danford
here for conference with OC. OCs 253 & 170 Coys here for instructional interviews. |
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Capt Alabaster
reported on return from leave. He goes to a Field Co in 14th
Division. |
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[Bde Int Report: E3 28 TMs sent
over doing great damage to [Report Hance to 53 Bde:] Nothing
abnormal to report. Have visited the lines today with Major Danford RE.
Plans as laid down by Brigade to continue. |
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… [2Lt G Rowan
1/7 B Watch seconded to 179 coy (vide G925/19 d/24 Oct) with effect from |
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… 10am Capt
Alabaster & 1 or (batman) left to form 89th Field Co 12noon OC &
Capt Jones left with 4 lorries for 3.0pm 5 men
commence work of recovering old passages leading from the Moscow T [?] |
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Trenches very
bad. Nearly every available man put on the following work … 5. Mining
fatigue (carrying sandbags from shaft heads 6 shafts). |
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Conference in
GS office 10am. Question of appointment of tunnelling officer to each corps raised.
Recommended present arrangement only recently started should continue. |
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[Mining Report
by Lt Creswick] Work proceeded normally in all our workings. After It is reported
to me that the enemy have occupied the crater made by exploding the S2 mine
opposite Mangin, and also that H shaft in the Ilot is inaccessible. It is in
consequence impossible to continue listening in this mine. |
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… |
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[Mining Report
by Lt Creswick] With the exception of H pit the work has proceeded normally.
F1, 2, 3, 4.
The enemy resumed work again near the F pits at H. Access to
this shaft is still impossible. The consequences ensuing from this shaft
being stopped may be very serious. The enemy has been heard by the men who
work in W but in order to keep in touch with him properly we must
have access to H. |
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… 185th
Co took over work in L K G7 and [10am L/Cpl
sent to base for discharge.] |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] Nothing abnormal to report. Have handed over the F’s, O’s &
D’s G Shaft, Inch St incline, and the French well in Tummel St to the 185
Coy RE. I have however kept my own listeners in the F’s with those of the
185 Coy to accustom the latter to the sounds and give any necessary
assistance. Hope to hand over Z also as from tomorrow. |
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… Lt Ramplen
Jones, with 4 lorries, arrived from |
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Work started on La Boiselle
(No 3 Sector) works. This work was taken over from 179 co RE (OC Cpt Hance). 2nd Lieut
Wilson T joined for duty. After taking over from 179 co. we continued to
work on Gallery from French Well length driven 160’, also Inclined Gallery
at Inch St. length 170’, & shaft at G7 Depth 60’. |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] Nothing abnormal to report. The F’s G7, Inch St Z the French
Well:- These have all been taken over by the 185 Coy RE as from this
afternoon. German
Mining from Y Sap I
have started a gallery at 70’ depth to drive in this direction from S4. Am
also arranging to sink a backing up shaft from [Mining Report by French Well gallery (L) distance driven 5’ 2”.
total length 165 ft. Inch St. Inclined gallery Distance driven 8’ total
length 178 ft. Shaft G7 sunk 5ft. Depth 65 ft. Z Inclined gallery and the F listening galleries
taken over today from the 179th coy. |
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During the
afternoon the 6” Howitzers fired about 75 rounds at the North end of Y Sap.
This was done because it was considered that the enemy had got some
mechanical digger making some large work, thought to be emplacements for
trench mortars. … |
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Z Gallery & the F listening galleries are being
taken over today from 179 co RE. |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] Nothing abnormal to report. S4 gallery at 70’ being driven to test
report of German mining from Y Sap. Largo St.
Excavation for shaft chamber for gallery at 100’ against Y Sap begun. The
position of this shaft will be shown on plan after survey. C2 shaft
proceeding satisfactorily. In three days we should be able to drive out
towards last German sounds under the S2 crater. S2 Crater. I
respectfully submit that the edge of this crater on our side should be
occupied by at least observation posts, with loop-hole covering the interior
of the crater and the German lip thereof. This can easily be done by day
from Mangin trench. I have been onto and up the side of the crater today. A
decent sap under our wire is all that is required. If the enemy were to
occupy this crater they could enfilade Largo St, and make access to our
shafts H, C1, C2, S6, most hazardous. [Mining Report by L Gallery distance driven 7’ 3” Total length 172’
3” Inch St Gallery distance driven 8’ 3”. 186’ 3” G7 Shaft. Z Gallery & F, D, & G listening galleries
were taken over from 179 Coy yesterday evening. |
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… 98 BMs of 51st
Divn returned to their units at 2pm. Sections
equalised after BMs departure. |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] Nothing abnormal to report. [Mining Report by L Gallery distance driven 2’ Total length 174’ Alterations to shaft head and winding gear delayed
work Inch St Incline Distance driven 8’. Total length
194’. G7 Depth 75’ (sunk 5’). Z Shaft 58’deep (Sunk 4’). |
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‘Foggy morning
but it got out a fine day. Had nothing to do so loafed about again &
wrote some letters. Met Cherry of the 179th in the afternoon, had
chat to him - says that leave is reduced for them…’ |
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Shaft head & winding gear have been improved at
L Gallery. |
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[Report on Y
Sap by Lt Col J Radcliffe CO 10/Essex on period in
trenches 30/10-8/11/15. clouds of smoke arising from left end of Y Sap at
regular intervals, as if coming from an engine, well diffused and seemed to come rather as if
gently liberated than forced up. 4.5 & 6” fired at this spot did great
deal of damage. Smoke still reported coming when I left the trenches.
working parties heard in the sap every night after 6” bombardment, 18pdr
fire directed nightly … work checked in sap but probably not halted, enemy
attached a great deal of importance to this sap. His opinion that enemy
constructing a position or platform so can bombard front line on left of sub
sector, sausages do not extend.] [Mining Report
by Hance] C2 shaft down
to a depth of 10’ below level of gallery last blown from S2, and gallery
started in the direction of last enemy sounds. Elsewhere
nothing to report. [Mining Report by L Gallery. Distance driven 9’ 6”. Total length 183’
6”. Inch St Incline. Distance driven 5’. Total length
99’ Very hard going. G7 Shaft. From collar set 80’ deep. Z Shaft Sunk to 58’ below old gallery i.e. about
90’ from surface. |
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… [Thompson
returns from leave.] 10.30am Major
Danford here & discussed N.IV. stores. 11.0am OC
selected 2 officers & 25 or from 53rd Bde to assist with the
mining. 2/Lt H D |
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8-15/11/15
8/Suffolk WD |
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[Permanent
Fatigues 8-11/11/15 inclusive. Bn in Bde Res] … 3 NCOs & 30 men (Carrying Party) 10.30am 179th
Tunnlg Coy RE at Bapaume Post Found by 10th
Essex on Nov 8th. … |
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7 NCOs & men arrived from No 4 GBD. |
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[Mining Report by L Gallery. Distance driven 12’. total length 195’
6”. Inch St. Distance driven 7’. total length 206’. G7 shaft. From collar set 84’. Z shaft. Sunk to 62’ below old gallery. |
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Points noticed
during period in trenches… 4. ??? of working with the tunnelling coy (179)
greatly improved, because one officer came to HQ every night and explained
exactly where he wanted fatigue parties. |
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… [Bde miners
arrive. Lt S R Jones to hospital. 2Lt L D Ford arrived from leave. 2/Lt Fox
8/ Norfolks arrived for duty with bde miners.] |
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185th Coy To 185th Coy Albert. Strength 285 this
Coy is being put to work alongside of 179th not time to visit
their work. […] Have promised
to revisit both 185th & 179th shortly & go
& look at their work. 179th
Coy. Captain Hance up at trenches.
Strength 390 of which 72 are Brigade miners attached. A request was
made to transfer Lt S Ramplen Jones to 173 Coy. But no news yet received of
this by the Coy. […] To 183.
Full strength except for RE personnel quartered at Froissy.
OUT at present. If two Coys
are brought out for 2nd A 183 should relieve 179th
(Alabasters that was) as that Coy has been knocked about considerably and a
change would do the miners good. |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] [normal] Have
visited trenches today in company of OC 8th Suffolks, and, to
meet his convenience, have arranged to start the largo St shaft a few yards
away from the position hitherto worked on. K Down to 100’
level, driving out started. [Mining Report by L Gallery
distance driven 8’. Total length 203’ 6”. Inch St. Distance driven 8’. Total length 214’ G7 Depth below surface 94’. Commences driving
gallery which is now 4’ in. Z Shaft. Depth 66’ below old gallery. |
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… [OC with OC
79th Field Coy & OC 8 Suffolks and fixed dumping grounds for
waste material from mines. Site of one shaft changed. |
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A good deal of
rain fell. Trenches in a bad state. it is difficult almost to the point of
impossibility to keep the trenches in anything like good repair, with the
numbers of men employed on miing fatigues etc. |
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[Mining Report by L Gallery. Distance driven 8’ 6”. Total length
212’. G7 Depth 94’ Distance driven 6’. total length 10’. Z Shaft Depth 68’ New shaft in |
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… [Pte… RE
[sic] tried by FGCM sentenced to 3 months? F P No 1. |
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New shaft in |
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[Mining Report by L Gallery. Distance driven 6’. Total length 218’ Inch St Incline. Distance driven 6’. Total length
227’ G7 distance driven 4’ 6” ? [sic] Total length 14’
6” Z Shaft. Enlarging shaft head and entrance gallery. New shaft in Lochnagar St. Forming shaft head. |
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The new mine in
Lochnagar Street progressing. The old difficulty of dumping the mine “dirt”
exists & every effort is being made to cope with this & to avoid
blocking the trenches. |
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Forming shaft head & entrance in |
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[Mining Report by L Gallery. distance driven 4’ total length 222’ Inch St. Distance driven 6’. Total length 235’ Z Shaft. Improving entrance and shaft head. G7 gallery. Driven 6’. Total length 20’ 6” New Shaft in Lochnagar St. Forming shaft head and
entrance. |
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[3rd
Army Routine Orders [now Allenby] allowance of gum boots increased to 50
pairs per tunnelling coy] |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] [normal] W. enemy heard
getting within range. Chamber being prepared. [Mining Report by L Gallery. Driven 4’. Total length 226’. Very hard
ground. Z Shaft. Improving shaft head and entrance. G7. Distance driven 9’. total length 29’ 6”. Lochnagar Shaft Sunk to 22’. |
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[GOC & SGSO
to E3 to witness bombardment by 6” Howsof Y Sap
& other places in La Boiss where TMS located,
about 120 rds fired, excellent … |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] [normal] K. temporarily
stopped to supply S5 with fatigue party. [Mining Report by L Gallery. Driven 4’. Total length 230’. Inch Z Shaft. Finished new shaft head. Preparing to
drive Making trench for dump behind shaft. G7. Distance driven 7’ 6”. Total length 37”. Lochnagar Shaft. Sunk to 28’ deep forming shaft
head chamber. Cutting trench close to shaft between |
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… [11.10am Lt
Cherry left with box-car for |
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[Major NG in
charge of mining operations visited Div HQ] |
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179th
Coy. Left Geophone. |
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‘Stayed on duty until |
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Finished new shaft head & preparing to drive at
Z shaft. |
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[Mining Report by L Gallery. Driven 1’ 4” – only worked for 8 hours
having no carrying party. Total length 131’ 4”. Inch Z Shaft began to drive at 80’ deep. Distance in 4’ Putting in new winch and improving entrance. G7. Down 9’. Total length 46’ Lochnagar Shaft. Entrance 54’ long completed. Shaft
head chamber nearly completed at depth of 30’. Sunk 9’ 6” of shaft on
incline 1 in 1. |
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… [4 new
lorries arrive…] |
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‘Wakened often in the night by the man sleeping
next to me snoring so I disturbed him until he stopped. I got up at 7.45
& found that it was snowing heavily again. I had to wash & shave in
an upstairs room of the house which had been shelled a bit, did not like it
so after breakfast went & saw the Town Mayor & got his order to find
another billet - this one is in a large fine house near the railway & 4
minutes walk away so I told Lightfoot to get the things transferred &
after lunch I rode off on Jess to Meault & saw
Lush about some things & got some of my letters. It came on a dense fog
very rapidly & I heard an aeroplane somewhere lost in the fog. When I
got back I went to the new billet & got my writing paper & wrote
some letters.’ |
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16-24/11/15
8/Suffolk WD |
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[Permant Fatigues 16-24/11/15 Bn
in Bde Res…] 2 NCOs & 30 men (carrying party)
10.30am 179 coy Bapaume Post. Found by 8th Suffolk Regt from 16th
Nov inclusive |
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Z Shaft, began to drive forward at 80’ depth, Lt E
Lyall arrived from 178 Coy RE, putting in new winch at Z. |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] [normal] K. Resumed work
on gallery. Infantry fatigue party being re-supplied after having been
withdrawn for 48 hours from |
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…[Allen short
leave |
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‘Had a good night’s rest but it was a cold foggy
sort of morning. Loafed round a bit & read & answered some letters,
then had a walk in the afternoon as far as the stables & made
arrangements for Jess to be looked after if Lightfoot comes up to the
trenches. A great discussion rose at night about mess accounts & Shute
got into a muddle - he is a noisy chap & always shouting or clattering
& has a gramophone going constantly - think he is a bit of an empty
canister. Off to bed early.’ |
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Working [?] back drive at Lochnagar Shaft, under
Kingsgate St, & out inot open for dumping
purposes. 30 men arrived from No 4 GBD. |
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No 1 Coy {…
Mining Fatigues on 7 Saps from No 4 Coy {Whole
coy except 9 trench men employed on mining fatigues (from |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] [normal] W. chamber in
forward gallery should be finished by [Mining Report by L Gallery driven 7’ 4”. total length 245’. Very
stiff ground. Inch Z shaft driven 8’. total length 13’. G7. Driven 13’ 6”. Total length 68’ Lochnagar Shaft Driven 12’. total length 12’
towards |
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… Work of
recovering old tunnel leading from the Chateau Albert temporarily suspended
as the bottom of the shaft had been reached. |
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‘Very cold frosty foggy morning but felt better
after a real good night’s rest. After breakfast O.C. sent for me to go &
investigate cause of sounds heard underneath a dugout in gun emplacement.
Went away across allotment gardens & fields to the place & made a
careful examination, returned before lunch & made report, then O.C. said
I had better go up to the trenches & look after listening galleries as
he was not satisfied with the reports coming in so got changed into pit
clothes & set off with the motor lorry to entrance to communication
trench which will be about 2 |
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[5 RFA drivers arr for
Batmen from No 2 GBD] |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] [normal save:] The chamber in
forward attack gallery is finished. Enemy heard working at a point estimated
by consensus of opinion from all available points as 15 yards distant. I
have spent 6 hours today investigating this point. I have begun charging a
mine in this chamber but before firing same will obtain Brigade sanction and
will also give my opinion as to when it should be fired, not just yet.
Meantime can do no harm and will expedite matters when it is really
necessary. Left Hand
gallery. Sounds heard but I do not consider it necessary or desirable to
stop this gallery at present. It is arrived at getting below H, round which
point the enemy have been heard for a long time. We are now within 45 ft of
H, but I think it well to go forward
until we are quite sure we can do the enemy some harm. [Mining Report by L Gallery. Driven 4’ 6”. Total length 246’ 6” Inch Z Shaft. Driven 9’ 9”. total length 22’ 9” G7. Driven 11’ 6”. total length 79’ 6” Lochnagar Shaft. Driven 7’. total length 15’ on
Inclined shaft. On back drive to Kingsgate St. Distance driven 30’ |
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… OC visited
trenches at |
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‘Was up at 7.30 & wrote report to O.C. then had
breakfast & arranged with Cutts to make tour of galleries but as he did
not meet me in time I went alone at 10.30 & did not finish until 12.30.
Came out & had a snooze afterwards. Whilst coming from saps to lunch,
found a dead Frenchman sticking out of trench side, frost had disclosed him.
Cutts went down in the afternoon & Tomlinson took his place, then I had
an hour’s rest & after dinner went off again round the galleries with
Tomlinson & did not get back to dugout until midnight - it had been a
fairly fine day - one man shot. Was tired so rolled in a blanket & laid down on a 9” plank & fell
asleep. Tomlinson was startled ? about the sounds of the Bosh.’ |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] [normal] W. Charge of
6000 lbs ammonal will be completed, ready for tamping when required, by Special Report Today[20/11/15],
in our K shaft, being sunk in Tummel St, (sub-sector E2 150 yards west of a
line drawn from points 119 and 120) water has been struck at a depth of 118
ft below the surface, the shaft having been sunk in chalk. Soft ground was
reached, and water came in almost at once. In one hour it had risen 5”. As
far as I know this is the first time water level has been reached in our
mining operations in the chalk, and for that reason this information would
appear to be of importance. If the contours
shown on trench map No 57 D.S.E. 4 are correct, the horizon of the water is
at 209’ above sea level. [Mining Report by Lt P B Shute 185 Coy] L Gallery. Driven 5’ 3”. total length 254’ 9” Inch Z Shaft driven 9’ 6”. total length 32’ 5” Traverse progressed 2’ G7. Total length 80’. Drive to right started and
progressed 8’. Drive to Z commenced. Lochnagar Shaft. Driven 11’. total length on
inclined shaft 26’. On back drive to Kingsgate St. Driven 12 ½”. Total
length 42 ½”. |
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… 6000 lbs
Ammonal sent to trenches and placed in W. |
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‘I slept well, even on the 9” plank & woke up
about 6.30. Tomlinson sadly wanted me to go down to catch O.C. before he
went on leave so collected listening reports & arranged them &
showed him how to fill them up in future then put on all my regalia &
finally set out for Albert at 10am. Got half way down the trenches when found
a sentry posted making us go by another roundabout way. Was vexed &
could have said something as I had plodged through
rivers of mud. This delayed me so that I missed seeing O.C. However when I
got down I went over to my billet & had a bath with a bucket of warm
water. After lunch rode over to Meault & saw
some of the officers there & was sorry to learn that Macilligan
servt? had had his hand shot off at the wrist as
he was coming out of the sap - hard luck on him & he was a fine chap.
Got some letters & information off Lush & then rode back. It had
been a fine morning but was raw & cold now. Wrote home in afternoon. New
regulations as to leave come out & think I may get away on 4? Dec for 14
days.’ |
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Started traverse to G7 from Z. Inc [?] G7 also
started traverse to Z this is to use our Main line of defence. Drive to
Right from end of gallery at G7 started. |
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[Mining Report by Lt P B Shute 185 Coy] L Gallery. Driven 6’. Total length driven 260’ 9” Z Shaft. Main gallery driven 10’ 1” total length
42’ ½” Traverse to G7 driven 8’. Total length 10’ G7. Right hand drive off main gallery driven 9’ 6”
total length driven 17’ 6” Drive to Z Shaft driven 4’. Total length 4’. Lochnagar Shaft. Forward gallery advanced 12’.
Total length 38’. On back drive to Kingsgate |
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‘Woke up after sleeping like a top. After breakfast
went to Meault on a motor cycle & got letters.
I did not feel keen? on it. When I got back, saw Tomlinson who said that
alarming reports had come in from the mines that men had heard the enemy
talking & shoveling. This rather disturbed me
so I went to the store & got all the apparatus gathered together for
sending up to the mines for charging & firing & decided to go up at
night & see to things myself. Wrote a letter home & to Eggleston
then after dinner went & got changed & went up to the trenches &
made enquiries on the spot & found that there had been unecessary alarm. I was just about to go into the mines
at 1.40 when the dugout shook from head to foot. I knew what it meant &
at once went off to the saps but found that all our men were safe, the mine
having been fired on our left in 179 district who lost 7 men. Made another
tour of saps at |
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[2Lt A R Knox arr from No
4 GBD.] Enemy exploded a mine on our left at |
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[enemy explodes
mine at about X.13.D.5.1 at Evening Report:
enemy busy at work on their front line trenches opp
Ilôt & thought mine damaged these trenches. thick mist all day v largely
prevented observation.] [Int Rep: enemy explode mine at about X 13 D 5.1 [ Mine explosion.
I visited the scene of the explosion this morning, and herewith enclose two
rough plans [DSC0319] of present state of affairs which were executed by
Captain Wyeth. I have ordered Capt. Wyeth to occupy the lip of the enormous new crater by 3
posts on our side which will, in my opinion, prevent the Germans from
crawling up and overlooking us. Captain Wyeth had
commenced these immediately after the explosion on his own initiative. I
have also ordered a fourth post to be constructed marked (4) on plan. These
four posts should, in my opinion, make the whole front of my sub-sector
safe. I think, however, that the points marked * * on the plan just above Duhollo should be similarly treated. As it now stands,
if the Germans get to the edge of this crater they could do considerable
damage to the main portion of my Ilôt line. I am sending a written message
to OC Norfolks to ask him to do this. There is no
difficulty in making any of these posts, and the explosion seems to me to
make the E3 Sub-sector of Ilôt simpler to hold than before. Later on wire
should be placed between “work now in progress” and lip of new crater. At
present I cannot do this, but will when we are available. The trenches are
being cleared as rapidly as possible. [Mining Report
by Hance] Enemy blew mine
near H, 50 yards north of point 120. Regret that one NCO and 5 sappers of
this coy killed, also 7 men of 10/Essex. Time 1.30am This to form
subject of special report. Elsewhere…
Enemy heard in several places and arrangements being made accordingly. [Mining
Report by Lt P B Shute 185 Coy] L Gallery Driven 5’ 1”. Total length driven 266’ Z Shaft. Main gallery driven 7’ 6”. Total length of
main gallery 50’ Traverse to G7 driven 7’. Total length of traverse
17’ G7. Right hand drive off main gallery driven 7’ 9”.
Total length 25’ 5” Drive to Z shaft driven 9’. Total length driven 13’ Lochnagar Shaft. Forward gallery advanced 17’.
Total length driven 55’ On back drive to Enemy exploded a mine on our left at |
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X.13.d.6.1 E3 Enemy mine exploded at |
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… Enemy fired a
mine & killed 6 men & 7 infantry. 2 of our galleries closed and Ilôt
trench also damaged. Probably our charge at W was detonated by the enemy
explosion. [killed: Walker, Lane, Gavin, Glen, Taylor, Parker] |
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WO153/904 La
Boisselle Plan |
DSCF0244 [W
blue tunnel] Destroyed by enemy Blow |
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… the enemy exploded a mine in the vicinity of La Boisselle, causing
13 casualties. The greater defensive part of the salient called the Ilôt is
now a mine crater; the defensive situation has, however, been improved. The
Western lip of this crater has now been occupied by our posts.
… Our mining operations continue normally and good progress is being
made in all cases.
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[10/Essex, enemy explodes lge mine. forms
huge crater, obliterates the front of the Ilôt, then held by d Coy, killed 5
bombers in a bombers dugout. the near lip immed
occupied & a snipers post formed. The RE had arranged to blow in an
enemy shaft at 4.30 and the men were being withdrawn, when at 2.30, the
enemy got his blow in first. The pltns in charge
of the Ilôt suffered severely and Lt G J Thompson, IC, had a narrow escape. He
was returning from the forward post when the ground opened up and the debris
rolled up to his very feet. He was thrown down by the concussion and when he
recovered himself, to his amazement, there lay between him and his company a
huge crater. Situation quickly appreciated at Coy hq
& aid hurried up, result that remnants of pltn
quickly released from their dilemma. in daylight, realised that crater made
holding the line easier- formed vg
cover from view and gave snipers a point of vantage over LaB.
…
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At
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‘Was up at
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Hance report to
HQ 53 Bde |
I have to report that the enemy blew a very
heavy mine at 1.30am [22/11] from
a point in sub-Sector E 3 about 50 yards North of point 120, killing, I
regret to say, a Cpl. and 5 sappers of this Company, and, I am informed, 7
men of the 10th Essex Regt.
I was informed that our W. shaft (entrance at X 19 b 5 8) and
galleries had been wrecked. I arrived at the spot shortly after
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[Int Rep: cas from enemy mine
blown morning [Mining Report
by Hance] W. bodies of
three men killed on morning of 22nd recovered. Straight in
gallery found tightly
closed 20 feet from the side of the shaft. The electric leads leading to our
charge show circuit to be broken. These two facts point to our charge having
been detonated. This I think accounts for the galleries having been so
quickly filled with gas. Right hand traversal. Only very slightly damaged and work
resumed. Left hand
gallery. Considerable
debris has fallen from the roof pointing to the charge having been fired
from above. Gallery should be clear of debris as far as the first corner by C1. Air good, shaft and attack gallery
undamaged. C2. Air good. Transversal to S4 undamaged.
Attack gallery slightly damaged. From half way in to the face the right hand
side of the gallery has been bodily pushed about 6” towards the left. Roof
fallen in places, also pointing to a shock from above. East heading
round big crater. Enemy
heard here, estimated from 20 -25 yards away; chamber accordingly begun. M. new shaft in
[Mining Report by Lt P B Shute 185 Coy] L Gallery. Work in this gallery has been stopped to
rearrange air apparatus and refix fan. total
length driven 266’ Z Shaft. Main gallery driven 5’. Total length 55’ Traverse to G7, work has been stopped here for the
last 24 hours. Men are employed on making excavation for winch chamber. G7. Right hand drive off main gallery driven 9’1”.
Total length driven 34 ½’ Drive to Z driven 6’. Total length driven 19’ Lochnagar shaft. Forward gallery advanced 10’.
Total length of drive 65’. At 45’ below surface level horizontal gallery has
been commenced forwards towards enemy. It has been reported that the enemy are
endeavouring to occupy the crater produced by the explosion of one of their
mines yesterday (22/1/15) This crater commands the entrance to our F
galleries, and it is therefore necessary that the enemy should be driven from
this place, and not allowed to occupy it. |
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… [Hawtrey
short leave to |
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WO153/904 La
Boisselle Plan |
DSCF0244 [to
right of C1] Approx position of German Blow DSCF0244 [W1
blue tunnel] Destroyed by German Blow from point X |
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‘Got up at 7 feeling a bit stiff after sleeping on
the table. Went out & saw to the men digging explosive store. Had a walk
round outpost trench to try & locate where Germans had been working
during the night. When I got back one of the |
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Horizontal gallery has been commenced towards enemy
at Lochnagar Shaft. |
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[GOC 53 Bde
(Brig Gen W B Hickie) to 18 Div] [report by OC
179 Coy on German blow of The legacy left
to the Tunnelling Coy by its predecessors was such that all operations here
were fraught with danger, and it is possible that the mine exploded on the
22nd had been laid some considerable time. Although the
greater part of the Ilôt is now a mine crater, the defensive situation has
been thereby improved. The Western lip
has been occupied by our posts. The explosion
of this mine is no “set back” to our mining operations. I have only to
regret the loss of 13 men – 6 miners and 7 10th A noteworthy
point is that the Germans appear to have copied us by increasing very
largely the size of the charge. From our experience there must have been
10,000 lbs of explosive used, in addition to a charge of ours which probably
was fired by the explosion. [Mining Report
by Hance] W. Rt. Hand
Transversal Work resumed going well. N E Attack
Gallery. Have not been able to do any work on this yet. N Attack
gallery cleared to within 6 ft of bend. This work is being continued. S.6 Connection
made to C2 transversal as shown on sketch:
ventilation
excellent. S6 downcast, C2 & C upcasts. Distance from
S6 to transversal 72’ Distance from
intersection to C2 39’ Both these
shafts S6 and C2 have been sunk and connections driven since we blew the big
charge in S2 on 25th October, i.e. less than one month. S4 (a)
Transversal will reach its turning point towards C2 within next 24 hours and
an attack gallery started therefrom towards centre
of S2 crater at once. (b) Being
chambered, enemy estimated 20 yards away. (c) going
normally. (d) in 90 ft
from S4 inclusive at 100’ an attack gallery straight towards enemy and
parallel to S4 (c) will be started. [Mining Report by Lt P B Shute 185 Coy] L Gallery. Work on this gallery has been stopped.
Men are working on the construction of a magazine. Z Shaft. Main gallery driven 6’2”. total length
61’2” Traverse to G7. Driven 4’6”. Total length driven
21’6” G7. Right hand drive off main gallery driven 9’5”.
Total length 44’ Drive to Z. Driven 7’. Total length driven 26’ Lochnagar Shaft. Driven forward 9’. Total length
driven 74’. Back drive to surface and embankment made to cover operations of
dumping by day. |
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… |
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‘Fine day - after breakfast went with Shute to see
Brig Gen & tell him about the working parties of enemy & the danger
if they are not checked then prepared to go into Amiens with boxcar but as I
expected Shute never got ready to go & the day was more or less wasted.
I wrote several letters & went off early to bed. When I had just got in
I heard a shell screeching in the air & it burst somewhere near by but I
was sleepy, I just fell asleep. Had a look round the church today, it is
built astride the river & next to it have been fitting shops but they
have been burnt down & all the lathes & drills are junked up in a wrecked
state. It is all very pitiful.’ |
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Work started on construction of magazine. |
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[Mining Report
by Hance] W. Right
hand transversal. going
well. Left hand
attack gallery. Opened up as far as bend and the body of the man engaged
there recovered. Gallery badly smashed (from above). Exploration continuing.
S4 (a) being
continued to connect with C2 transversal. Attack gallery towards enemy
started. (b) attack
gallery being chambered. Enemy 15 – 20 yds away. I
hope to complete this chamber within the next 36 hours. Enemy heard by me
working, and, of course, he may blow, but if he does he will not blow up our
trenches. The maximum damage he can do is to catch the sappers engaged in
making our chamber, and, possibly, damage our transversal, but after
listening myself, I feel justified in ordering men to complete the chamber
at that point. If we can do so, our blow in S2 has held the enemy long
enough to enable us to sink the C2 shaft and drive the transversal so far
that we will be through to S4 within a week, to also drive the C2 attack
gallery and the S4 (b) attack gallery so far out that our own chamber will
be in the same horizon as our old S2 attack gallery. In other words the
enemy will not have advanced one yard. Elsewhere
everything normal. [Report by
Hance to 53 Bde] I respectfully
beg to draw the attention of the General Officer commanding the 53rd.
Brigade to the following:- There is a big
crater opposite the Mangin. There is a big
crater almost, if not quite joining up with the former. There is a
third big crater, or series of craters, blown up the French [sic], or the
Germans, opposite Dohollu. There is a
fourth series of craters, now one big crater, opposite the F’s series of
shafts off The only gap in
this line of craters is, roughly round about the E and T shafts. The enemy
undoubtedly snips across this interval between the craters. The sentries
drew my attention to this today, and I was convinced by what I saw and
heard. The enemy has
frequently been heard underground between T and E. T shaft is 50’ deep. I
respectfully submit that it would be good tactics to blow a charge in the T
mine system:- (a) to damage
his system below ground, and (b) to for a
crater connecting his last big crater with the French craters opposite Dohollu, and (c) to blind
his field of fire for sniping. To do this the
approach to T shaft, off old Dohollu would have to
be improved, as it would be practically impossible to charge whilst the
approach trench is in the present condition, but a dozen infantry could do
all that is required in a very few hours. Accordingly I
respectfully submit that this approach trench should be improved so that a
sappers working party could tackle the job of charging T, in which case I would
arrange for this to be done should the G.O.C. 53rd Infantry
Brigade agree. [Mining Report by Lt P B Shute 185 Coy] L Gallery. Work on this gallery recommenced, driven
5’. Total length driven 271’ Inch Street. Driven 9’, Total length driven 333’ Z Shaft. On main gallery driven 6’10”. Total length
driven 68’ Traverse to G7. Driven 2’6”. Total length driven
24’ Men were taken off traverse G7 to open up entrance
to F1 which had caved in. G7. Right hand drive advanced 10’. Total length
driven 54’. Left hand drive started and advanced 5’3”. Total length driven
5’3”. Drive to Z from shaft advanced 8’. Total length
34’. Lochnagar Shaft. Main incline is driven 74’. Upper
level is driven 14’ working having started here yesterday. Back drive to |
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…[2Lt J W Reid
RE arrives for duty] |
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‘Up as usual this morning & a very fine day.
After breakfast went in to |
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