War Diary - 33rd Brigade, R.F.A.
This is an excerpt from the War Diary of 33rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery for the period December 1915 to July 1916.
33rd Brigade was part of 8th Division and in 1915 included 32nd Battery, 33rd Battery and 36th Battery; 55th Howitzer Battery was added in May 1916. My grandfather William Baynham joined 32nd Battery on 1st March 1916 and served with them during the Somme Offensive and afterwards until he was wounded at Laventie on 18th July 1916.
[ square brackets are mine ]
1915, December
BLARINGHEM
5th – 2nd LT. K. N. W. GILBERT 8th D.A.C is attached to 33rd Brigade RFA with effect from 5/12/15.
19th – CAPT T H DAVISON from 18th DIV is posted to 8th D.A.C. and attached to 33rd Brigade RFA.
[ Davison became second-in command of 32nd Battery in which my grandfather’s served and his personal war diary provides a compelling insight into the life of an officer at this time, including his own account of the first day of the Somme Offensive ]
20th – The 33rd Brigade RFA took part in Divisional manoeuvres which lasted until 23/12/15 on which date the Brigade returned to their billets at BLARINGHEM.
24th – The 33rd Brigade HQ and AC took part in a relay race, competing against other batteries and units of similar strength, which they won. The 36th Bty having reached the final of the Divisional R A Football competition, played and were defeated by 5th Bty RFA (0-4).
L Graham, Col RA Cmdg 33rd Bde RFA. 31/12/15
1916, January
8th – Col L GRAHAM C.M.G. O.C. 33rd Bde RFA having left for England is struck off the strength of the Division.
12th – The Brigade moved from their rest billets at BLARINGHEM, one section per battery moving to S of DOULIEU (L17 – Map: Belgium, Sheet 36A, 1/40,000) and were billeted in that locality for the night.
13th – The sections of batteries relieved 91st Bde 20th DIV as follows: 1 sect 32nd Bty relieved 1 sect C/91 at H 28 a 3.0; 1 sect 33rd Bty relieved 1 sect B/91 at H 28 a 6.7 and 1 sect 33rd Bty relieved 1 sect D/91 at H 28 b 6.7 (Map: Sheet 36, 1/40,000). The remaining two sections of batteries moved to billets referred to above.
14th – The two sections of each battery now completed the relief, the Brigade HQ marching direct from BLARINGHEM to H 22 c 0.4.
FLEURBAIX
22nd – Lt Col T. St A. B. L. NEVINSON RFA having joined the Division in command of 33rd Bde RFA on 22nd JAN is taken on the strength with effect from that date.
29th – Capt LE FAGAN 33rd Bde AC is posted to D.A.C with effect from today’s date.
T Nevinson, Lt Col OC 33rd Bde
1916, February
Officers Postings –
20th – Capt. C. A. E. CADELL 36th Bty having left on posting to Guards Division is struck off the strength with effect from 20th Feb 1916
21st – 2nd Lt S SIMMONS 32 Bty is posted to 8th Divisional Ammunition Column and attached to Royal Flying Corps; 2nd Lt K N GILBERT 8th Divisional Ammunition Column is posted to 32nd Bty vice 2nd Lt S SIMMONS
23rd – 2nd Lt F E FRITH attached 36th Bty, posted to 33rd Brigade RFA; 2nd Lt T E BULTEEL attached 36th Bty, posted to 33rd Brigade RFA; 2nd Lt E S FLETCHER attached 33rd Bty joined from 175/D Bty 34th DIV
The situation remains unchanged. Retaliation for hostile shelling has been systematized. No damage to batteries or personnel has been occasioned by hostile shelling. Organised shelling of enemy’s roads has taken place with satisfactory results.
22nd – Snow fell during 22nd and 23rd and owing to frost from 22nd to 25th and a thaw beginning on 26th precautions were taken to avoid carrying ammunition during the thaw by having ammunition dumps at the gun positions.
T Nevinson, Lt Col RFA, Comde 33rd Brigade R.F.A. Feb 29/16
Casualties –
7th – 56598 Gn RENWICK G died in 26th Fd Ambulance 8.2.16
26th – 81138 Dr DAWSON D bullet wound in groin; 43306 Sgt BATEMAN J very slightly by rifle bullet in side.
1916, March
FLEURBAIX
26th – The Brigade left FLEURBAIX for BLEU G 19 b (Map: 36A 1/40,000). The Bde HQ and me, section each of 33rd & 36th Btys arriving at 6.30pm. The remaining sections of 33rd & 36th Btys and the whole of 32nd Bty arrived at Midnight 26/27
28th – The Bde HQ and 36th Bty entrenched at LESTREM leaving the station at 10.30 PM followed by the 33rd Bty at 12.30 AM. The 32nd Bty entrenched at MERVILLE.
29th – The Bde arrived at LONGEAU (M 35 a 1.1)(Map: Sheet 62D, 1/40,000) during the day and marched to LA CHAUSSEE (1 B)(Map Amiens 17, 1/100,000) where they were billeted in the village. The Brigade was fortunate in having fine weather during this move.
30th – Capt R O POWELL joined the Bde and was posted to 36th Bty; 2/Lt G L DAWSON joined the Bde and was attested to 32nd Bty.
A C Blake ? for Lt Col RFA OC 33rd Bde RFA 4/4/16
1916, April
LA CHAUSEE
5th – Advanced sections from each battery and the Headquarters staff left LA CHAUSEE at noon and marched to FRANVILLERS (Map: AMIENS 17, 1/100,000, 1 G) and arrived at this place at 6.30 PM.
6th – The advanced sections marched from FRANVILLERS to ALBERT (Map: AMIENS 17, 1/100,000, 1 H) arriving at ALBERT at about 7 PM. The remaining sections of the batteries marched to FRANVILLERS.
7th – The remaining sections of the batteries and the HQ staff marched from FRANVILLERS to ALBERT. The Brigade Ammn Col marched direct from LA CHAUSEE to BAIZIEUX (Map: FRANCE Sheet 62D 1/40,000 C 12 a). The positions now occupied by the units of the Brigade are as follows:- 32nd Bty E 4 d 7.6, 33rd Bty W 29 d 5.6, 36th Bty W 29 C 4.5 and Headquarters E 16 d 4.4. Wagon lines are situated as follows:- 32nd Bty LAVIEVILLE, 33rd Bty at DERNANCOURT and 36th Bty at LAVIEVILLE.
10th (10:45-11:05) – An organised bombardment took place of our trenches opposite LA BOISELLE (X 14 C)(Map: FRANCE, 57D & 62D, 1/20,000) with trench mortars, 150mm and 105mm Howitzers and 77mm field guns. We fired about 100 rounds in retaliation.
The Brigade together with O Bty RHA and 55th Howitzer battery formed the Right Artillery Group of the Division, having on its right the 21st Division and on its left the Left Group.
ALBERT
11th (7pm) – A bombardment of our trenches opposite LA BOISELLE (X 14 c)(Map: FRANCE, 57D SE, 1/20,000) began at 7.0 PM chiefly with field guns to begin with. Batteries at once opened a slow rate of fire on the enemy’s trenches opposite in X 20 a central. Shortly afterwards the bombardment was increased by the addition of 105 and 115 mm Howitzers. (7.27) – The FOO reported gas suspected, (this proved to be from gas shells). (7.30) – Gas message received from 8th DIV ARTY and sent to batteries, wagon lines and Bde Ammn Col harnessing up. (7.40) – S.O.S. X 20 3 and X 19.1 received from F.O.O from observation of red rockets, and sent to all batteries. (7.55) – Section fire 2 min ordered. (8.0) – Infantry report bombardment dying down. (8.2) – Retn of fire ordered. (8.10) – Stopped firing except for 36th Bty which fired at Section fire 3 mins until 8.30 PM on request of Infantry. About 172 HE and 273 Shrapnel were fired. It transpired that a raid had been made on our trenches and 24 men were unaccounted for.
20th – The Right Artillery Group made a small bombardment of the hostile trenches in the neighbourhood of LA BOISELLE (Map: Sheet 57D SE, X 13 d, 14C 20 a) which lasted about an hour, one period 4.30 to 5 PM the other 5.30 to PM the 33rd and 36th Btys being the 33rd Brigade Btys involved
22nd (10.46) – The Right Group Artillery assisted by various heavy batteries took part in offensive operations consisting firstly in a preliminary bombardment of the enemy’s batteries from X 20 d 7.21/2 to X 26 b 8.7 (Map: Sheet 57D SE). Upon fire being lifted onto the support trenches and a barrage made round the position of trench referred to, a raid was made by the Royal Irish Rifles, and fire was maintained until all the raiding party had returned, with the exception of 1 man who was missing. Wire had previously been successfully cut opposite the point above referred to by the 33rd Bty, who move a gun forward for the purpose. (2.20am) – Bombardment of our trenches at X 20 a 2.5 (Map: Sheet 57D SE) started, and was replied to at once by our batteries. (2.45) – Close barrage ordered after consulting infantry. (3.0) – 32nd & 36th Batteries ordered to slow down. (3.5) – Those batteries stopped. (3.15) – The left batteries (“O” & 33) slowed down and stopped. Expenditure of ammunition was 152 HE and 245 Shrapnel. The infantry reported attempted raid.by enemy stopped.
T Nevinson, Lt Col RFA, OC 33rd Bde RFA
1916, May
ALBERT
11th – On 11th & 12th the batteries which were in the area E5 & W29 (Map: France ALBERT 1/40,000) moved to positions as follows
32nd Bty to W 18 a 3.7 (Map: France, 57D SE, 1/20,000) , 33rd Bty to W 29 b 1.2, 36th Bty to W29 b 4.9. Headquarters to ALBERT W 28 b 5.8
15th – The Brigade was re-organised as follows :- Brigade Ammunition Column was merged into No. 3 Section D.A.C. and renamed to form part of the Brigade.
18th – On breaking up of 128th Brigade Howitzer Brigade into 3 4 gun batteries the 55th Bty came into 33rd Brigade, to complete its formation as a Mixed Brigade, and was in position at W 17 d 7.6 (Map: France, 57D SE, 1/20,000).
No. 23647 Gr KINSEY A wounded on 8th Inst, died of wounds on 9th Inst
T Nevinson, Lt Col RFA, OC 33rd Bde RFA
1916, June
ALBERT
8th – Wagon lines moved from LAVIEVILLE to E 2 a 7.6
9th – Wagon lines moved to HENENCOURT WOOD
23rd – Wagon lines moved to near quarry in W 27 b
24th – Commencing at dawn, wire-cutting was carried out by the 18 pr batteries until 8 AM and again in the afternoon from 4 PM to 6 PM
25th to 30th – Wire was cut on each of these days in front of the 1st 2nd and 3rd lines assisted by the trench mortars on the front line. Periodical bombardments were made of enemy’s trenches, and during the nights his roads and communication trenches were searched with shrapnel. Up till the 29th little retaliation was made by the enemy. On morning of 28th gas was liberated at 5.30 and accompanied by an intense bombardment of hostile trenches.
T Nevinson, Lt Col RFA, OC 33rd Bde RFA
1916, July
ALBERT
1st – (6·25AM) Bombardment opened. The morning was hazy and this combined with the discharge of smoke on the left made a clear view of operations impossible until later on. Shortly after opening our bombardment the enemy bombarded both our front and support lines with 77mm, 105mm and 150mm, some lachrymatory shells being fired. (7·18AM) The Middlesex, Devon Regt, Lincolns and Berks first waves went over followed by others at short intervals. (7·29AM) Heavy hostile machine gun fire from the bank at X 14 a cent, from the trench running from X 14 b 0·7 to X 14 c 7·9 and from about X 8 a 0·6. There was only a slight 77mm barrage on NO MANS LAND. The first two waves of the Devons were checked on the German parapet and the succeeding waves were mown down by machine gun fire in crossing NO MANS LAND, which fire appeared to come from X 14 b 0·7 to X 14 c 7·9 on the right of the 23rd Bde. The Middlesex had their three first waves checked, but the fourth wave succeeded in carrying some 30 men into the German front line trench, where they repelled all bombing counter-attacks and remained until night-fall (Map referred to is FRANCE, 57D SE, Ed 2B, 1/20,000). (7·45AM) News was received that Lincolns had gained a footing in front-line trench and were advancing on second line. The Berkshires having been driven back by enfilade fire at 7·50 AM the Lincolns reported that they must fall back as being heavily enfiladed but were ordered to continue as 23rd Bde were reporting some progress. (8·23AM) The West Yorks were ordered to support but on advancing were met with the same enfilading machine gun fire as the previous regiments. During the whole of the above period the Right group was carrying out the programme of barrages as laid down. (9·5AM) A bombardment of OVILLERS by heavy Howitzers was asked for and also a barrage to cover the left of the attack of the Middlesex. This was reported to 8th DIV ARTY and the Bdes were informed that the heavy Howitzers would commence bombardment at 10·15AM for half an hour, this was subsequently cancelled. (10·50AM) A slow barrage was maintained outside and to the E of OVILLERS (On the “green line” between points 94 b and 87 b as shown by operations map). The hostile barrage had almost ceased. Batteries not employed in carrying out the barrage were used for silencing machine guns which were causing casualties, and much good work was done by 32nd, 36th & 55th Btys (“O” D/5 and 33rd Btys being employed on the barrage). No further attempt to attack was made during the day and during the night batteries fired on roads and communication trenches.
2nd – During the day, batteries formed a barrage to prevent reinforcements from OVILLERS pushing to LA BOISELLE and other batteries not employed in this assisted the 19th Division in their advance by firing on hostile machine guns and bombing parties with success, during the night roads and communications trenches were again bombarded.
3rd – (2·15AM) A bombardment opened as per programme, preliminary to an attack by the 12th DIV. (2·30AM) Germans retaliated with heavy bombardment of our front system. (3·15AM) The 12th DIV attacked but owing to dust and haze it was impossible to see anything till 7·45 AM. The batteries shortly after this commencement of bombardment were shelled with lachrymatory shells. The assault was checked again by machine gun fire from X 14 a and from the trench X 14 c 0·8 to X 14 c 2·91/2. The Suffolks, Berks and Essex were on the front line. The former entered OVILLERS with the leading waves, but the rear waves were stopped by machine gun fire. The Berks were checked at the front line and an officer and about 60 men dug themselves in about X 7 d 8·8 to X 7 d 8·3. The right of the Essex lost direction in the dark and entered part of LA BOISELLE still occupied by the Germans capturing some wounded prisoners. (4·59AM) Information was received that the attack had failed and a barrage encircling OVILLERS was asked for. Various barrages were employed during the day and night and several machine guns and bombing parties were destroyed and dispersed. One section per battery was relieved by 12th DIV ARTY at night.
4th – Barrages were continued the object being to isolate OVILLERS and prevent support being brought by the enemy in their counter attacks on LA BOISELLE. We were assisting the 19th DIV by dispersing bombing parties, local counter attacks and destroying machine gun emplacements, and during the night we continued a barrage on communication trenches and night firing on roads. Remaining sections of Batteries were relieved by 12th DIV ARTY during the night.
5th – (10AM) Command of Right Group 8th DIV ARTY was handed over to OC commanding Right Group 12th DIV. The section of batteries withdrawn on night 3/4 marched to LE MESGE (A1)(Map: 1/100,000, AMIENS). The remaining sections withdrawn on night 4/5 marched to FRECHENCOURT (F1)(Map: 1/100,000, AMIENS) and left at noon to form the advance sections at LE MESGE (Map: 1/100,000, AMIENS).
LE MESGE
6th & 7th – The batteries left LE MESGE during night 6/7 marched to LONGEAU (E2) where they entrenched and arrived at DIEVAL (F1)(Map: 1/100,000 LENS) during 7th Inst, marching from there to MARLE-LES-MINES (G1)(Map: 1/100,000 LENS) where the Bde went into Rest Billets, in 1st Army Reserve.
LAVENTIE
14th to 17th – 33rd Brigade RFA left MARLE-LES-MINES and marched to near LAVENTIE. Batteries went into positions as follows: 32nd Bty at M 18 a 3.7, 36th Bty at M 17 b 8.2, 33rd Bty at M 17 d 3.9, 55th Bty at M 21 b 7.8. Bde HQ were at M 4 c 3.2 (Map: France, sheet 36, 1/40,000) and in the same house at Right Gr map 61st Divisional artillery. The 18 pr batteries were employed for the purpose of wire-cutting on a front of about 800 yards. The front extended from the “Wick” N 13 d 2.5 to a point N 19 a 3.7 close to TRIVELET (Map: 36 SW1, AUBERS, 1/10,000). The 18 pr batteries came into hastily constructed positions well in view of the AUBERS RIDGE, with the result that when fire was opened on morning of 16th the 32nd and 36th batteries were heavily shelled many casualties being caused. On 16th 32 Bty had 1 NCO killed and 18 NCOs and men wounded, 36th Bty had 4 NCOs and men killed and 4 wounded, but a considerable amount of the wire was cut. On evening of 16th the 32nd and 36th Batteries moved out to new positions at M 16 b 9.8 and M 16 b 91/2.91/2 where they constructed new emplacements.
18th – On 18th shortly after fire had been opened the 32nd and 36th Btys were again shelled further casualties being caused 32nd Bty losing Capt ARCHER HOUBLON wounded, also 3 men killed and 8 wounded, 3 in addition suffering from shell shock. [ one of the men wounded was my grandfather, Bombardier William Baynham ]
19th – The Brigade took part in offensive operations and were assisting the 61st Divisional artillery firstly by cutting wire which task was predominantly finished by 19th July and secondly by taking part in the bombardment prior to the assault and forming barrages after the assault had taken place. The 18 pr batteries completed their wire cutting from 1 to 3 PM after which they put up a series of barrages on the front and support lines returning again to firing on the wire, at 6PM the attack was launched and the infantry were back in our trenches by 7.30PM 30 prisoners of 17th Bavarian Regiment being captured.
21st – The Brigade left LAVENTIE and marched to its billets at BEUVRY (E18)(Map: FRANCE, BETHUNE, Ed 6, 1/40,000).
23rd – The Brigade took up their position in the line as follows :- HQ Chateau NOYELLES L 11 b 1.1, 32nd Bty G 8 a 3.0, 33rd Bty G 8 a 4.7, 36th Bty L 6 a 4.8, 55th Bty G 1 b 4.7, with wagon lines 32nd Bty L 3 a 5.8, 33rd Bty L 2 b 4.5, 36th Bty F 20 a 0.0, 55th Bty L 2 b 2.8.
Note
During the operations at LAVENTIE the brigade had the following casualties:- 32nd Bty Capt R. A. Houblon wounded, Lt Stanford evacuated (shell-shock), 4 NCOs & men killed, 29 wounded, 11 evacuated shell shock; 36th Bty Capt R O Powell killed, 3 NCOs and men killed, 2 died of wounds and 4 wounded, also 2 evacuated (shell shock).
T Nevinson, Lt Col RFA, OC 33rd Bde RFA