(Not case sensitive)
| Place | Date | Entry | Scribe | Appendices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRAS | Sunday 01/Apr/1917 | VISITS To VI Corps H.Q. Arrangements were made for communications in the operation G1/P Station for HQ to be RUSSELL CAVE, RONVILLE, (ADV 3rd Div, G28.d.20.30.) 3rd Division H.Q. This arrangement was confirmed, and an advance report centre for J Company was assayed at 76 Bde H.Q. G.35.b.55.60. in tunnel. OPERATIONS The final 260 projectors were installed without mishap STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sergeants, 35 Corporals, 167 men Total 223 Attached 1 Off, 1 man ('B' Coy) Total 2 8 Off, 8 Sergeants, 21 Corporals, 93 men ('H' Coy) Total 125 | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | See report of operation under dated April 4th. |
| ARRAS | Monday 02/Apr/1917 | CORRESPONDANCE: Orders received from formation as follows Copy No 15 Addendum No 7 and 9 to FUTURE OPERATIONS, VI Corps Part I (OPERATIONS). (INSTRUCTIONS re LIVENS PROJECTORS and Employment of 4" STOKES MOTARS) 3rd Division Instruction No 17 (Addendum No 1). (? for 15 Division front.) By these it was arranged that O.C. 'J' Special Company who was Senior Company Commander in VI Corps operations, should keep O.C. 'O' Special Company (Capt N.P. CAMPBELL) warned as to Zero, re Rocket signals were arranged (Addendum April 4th. See below in report of the operation April 4th) 8.0 pm OPERATIONS. The charge blocks and technical stores necessary for the operation were taken into the store dug outs through the tunnel at St SAUVEUR. STRENGTH. 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sergeants, 35 Cpls, 167 men Total 223 Attached. 3 Off, 8 Sergeants, 21 Cpls, 93 men ('H' Coy) Total 125. Total 348. 1 Off & 1 man of 'B' Coy left. | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | |
| ARRAS | Tuesday 03/Apr/1917 | 10 am. VISITS 20 3RD Div H.Q. to arrange final details of communication. ORDERS RECEIVED VI Corps 0.0. No 100 (Future Operations). 15 Div Instruction 17 (Addendum 2) re Projector arrangements. STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sergeants, 35 Corporals, 167* - Total 223 Attached 1 Off, 8 Sergeants, 21 Corporals, 93 ('H' Coy) Total 125 Total 348 * Includes 5 Lace Corporals. 4.30 pm OPERATIONS The company moved into the line to receive drums expected, and to carry out the discharge of the drums from Projectors. O.C. J Coy and CAPT LAYCOCK went to their stations (see P.21 and below. The drums were late in arriving owing to the shelling of the BAUDIMONT GATE, but they arrived just in time to be placed in position. In the line, pistol heads and fuses had to be fitted. | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | |
| ARRAS | Wednesday 04/Apr/1917 | The report of the operation now follows. | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | REPORT ON OPERATION 4th April 1917 |
| ARRAS | Thursday 05/Apr/1917 | GENERAL The company has been resting. As yet there is no intelligence regarding our operation of yesterday. Appendix 6 re further intelligence on October NIEUPORT attack is appended. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations have been sent to VI Corps in our JG/730 as follows:- 2nd LIEUT VALENTINE FRANCIS FARR R.E., J Special Company R.E. for the MILITARY CROSS. No 129512 Lance Corporal ROBERT SEAMAN R.E. J Special Company R.E. for the MILITARY MEDAL. This Officer and the NCO on the morning of April 4th in the front line near IODINE ST, when they discovered that some of the batteries had not fired owing to the breakage of connections by explosions, they took an exploder into the line and, regardless of all danger, mounted the parados in full view of the enemy (by daylight) in order to get the batteries fired. This was repeated several times and for many minutes each time in spite of expected heavy retaliation. By their action and example the whole batteries were fired successfully. No 147178 Sergeant HERBERT JAGGER R.E. J Special Company R.E. for the MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL. The NCO has shown the greatest coolness and his work was especially conspicuous in this attack. By his energy, courage, and personal example, he has always been a great help to his juniors, and his good work contributed to the absolute success of the operation. On several occasions including the battle of LOOS, Sept 25 1915 at HOHERNZOLLERN he brought back wounded by day under heavy fire from NO MAN'S LAND, though this was not a part of his normal duties. STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sgts, 35 Corporals, 166 men Total 222 Attached 3 Off, 8 Sgts, 21 Corporals, 90 men ('H' Coy) Total 125 Total 347 | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | Appendix 6 |
| ARRAS | Friday 06/Apr/1917 | STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sgts, 35 Corporals, 164 men Total 220. 2 men to Base Attached 3 Off, 8 Sgts, 21 Corporals, 93 men ('H' Coy) Total 125 Total 345 | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | |
| ARRAS | Saturday 07/Apr/1917 | STRENGTH Same as above Nothing of importance has occurred. | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | |
| ARRAS | Sunday 08/Apr/1917 | STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sgts, 35 Corporals, 161 men Total 217. 3 men evacuated sick 'J' Coy Attached 3 Off, 8 Sgts, 21 Corporals, 92 men ('H' Coy) Total 124. 1 man evacuated sick 'H' Coy. Total 341 Orders have been received from C.S.C. R.E. THIRD ARMY that when opportunity offers, (by reason of the expected advance of the line) officer's parties are to proceed to TILLOY to collect information on April 4th attack. | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | |
| ARRAS | Monday 09/Apr/1917 | STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sgts, 35 Corporals, 161 men Total 217. Attached 3 Off, 8 Sgts, 21 Corporals, 91 men ('H' Coy) Total 123 Total 340 CASUALTIES. 'H' Special Coy. 1 O.R. WOUNDED in action. 1 O.R. WOUNDED in action (AT DUTY) 5.30 am. The great attack on the fronts of the FIRST and THIRD ARMIES was launched at 5.30 am. At the time of writing the advance has proceeded with the greatest success and with few casualties from CROISILLES (Right, THIRD ARMY) to GIVENCHY (Left, FIRST ARMY). Many prisoners have been seen coming in. Most of the Officers proceeded to TILLOY with small fatigue parties, but at present very little can be done. Tomorrow there will be more to report. LT LAWFORD reports finding two drums on the western edge of the village, and some dug outs still smelling of gas, which have been walled up. There were also quantities of portions of German Gas-masks about, and much vaceline. | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | |
| ARRAS | Tuesday 10/Apr/1917 | The general line THELUS-FAMPOUX-MONCHY-LE-PREUX has been reached, 11,000 prisoners and 120 guns being taken. Many more drums were found in TILLOY, see Part II of report to be rendered on the technical side of the operation. Under date April 12th. STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sgts, 35 Corporals, 159 men Total 215. Attached 3 Off, 8 Sgts, 21 Corporals, 91 men ('H' Coy) Total 123 CASUALTIES. 'J' Sp Coy. 1 O.R. Wounded in action, 1 O.R. MISSING (believed wounded) 'H' Sp Coy. 1 O.R. Wounded in action, 1 O.R. WOUNDED in act (AT DUTY) | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | |
| ARRAS | Wednesday 11/Apr/1917 | STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sgts, 34 Corporals, 159 men Total 214. 1 Corporal to Cadet School England Attached 3 Off, 8 Sgts, 21 Corporals, 90 men ('H' Coy) Total 122. Total 336 CASUALTY. 1 O.R. GASSED (IN ACTION) dated 8th April (Previously only reported as sick) 2.30 pm. A conference of O.C. Special Companies R.E. THIRD ARMY, O.C. 'J', 'O', 'Q' and 'Z' special companies was held at 'Q' Sp Coys H.Q., ARRAS. Lessons learned from the recent attack were discussed, and suggestions for an establishment of technical 'PROJECTOR' stores agreed on for forwarding to H.Q. SPECIAL BRIGADE R.E. Information has been received from prisoners that between 400 and 500 enemy were killed in BLANGY and ST LAURENT BLANGY on April 4 (probably by 'Q' Coys Discharge), and between 200 and 300 in FAMPOUX (probably by 'J' Coy's Discharge and some of 'O' Coy's). No information yet with regard to TILLOY, FEUCHY, and the trenches, regarding casualties to the enemy. | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | |
| ARRAS | Thursday 12/Apr/1917 | STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sgts, 33 Corporals, 158 men Total 212. 1 Corporal to Cadet School England, 1 pioneer to base. Attached 3 Off, 8 Sgts, 21 Corporals, 90 men ('H' Coy) Total 122. Total 334 Information has been received that CAPT CARPENTER is appointed as CHEMICAL ADVISER, XVIII Corps; CAPT LAYCOCK will become Company Commander, and LT G.I. PAINE R.E. (who arrived April 10th in place of 2LT B.C. BEVAN R.E. transferred to 'L' Special Company R.E.) will be Second-in-Command, on CAPT CARPENTER'S Departure. OPERATIONS. Following the completion of the investigation of TILLOY, the further report of a technical nature has been sent to O.C. Special Coy R.E. THIRD ARMY as below. | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | |
| ARRAS | Friday 13/Apr/1917 | STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sgts, 33 Corporals, 158 men Total 212. (2 Corporals to England, Cadet School). Attached 3 Off, 8 Sgts, 21 Corporals, 90 men ('H' Coy) Total 122. Total 334 | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | TECHNICAL REPORT ON APRIL 4TH OPERATION |
| ARRAS | Saturday 14/Apr/1917 | O.C. Special Brigade R.E. and O.C. Special Companies R.E. Third Army, visited J Company and the line at midday. Continuation of salvage of projectors from the line STRENGTH 8 Off, 1 W.O., 12 Sgts, 33 Corporals, 160 men Total 214. Attached 3 Off, 8 Sgts, 21 Corporals, 90 men ('H' Coy) Total 122. Total 336 (2 ASC Drivers taken on strength, 2LT S.L. LIZIUS R.E., 'H' Sp Coy R.E. ? to 'H' Coy, LT R.M. BEESLEY R.E. arrived in place of above) | Capt J. A. CARPENTER. | |
| ARRAS | Sunday 15/Apr/1917 | COMMAND Capt J.A. CARPENTER R.E. is Departing to be C.A. XVIII Corps The command of the company will now be under CAPT CHARLES LAYCOCK R.E.,and second in command will be LIEUT G.I. PAINE R.E. (Authority H.Q. Special Brigade Letter F416 of 7.4.17) Departures - Capt J.A. Carpenter & two other ranks to XVIIIth Corps H.Q. Wire from VIth Corps to report myself to GS01, 29th DIV at 11 am 16th | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Monday 16/Apr/1917 | Capt C. Laycock R.E. taken command of 'J' Special Coy R.E., at about 8 pm 15th wire came from C.S.C. R.E. THIRD ARMY ordering preparation for removal of 3 sections 'H' Coy attached. Later instructions were received by DR to move these three sections to BIEFVILLERS LES BAPAUMES. These three sections accordingly moved off from ARRAS at 10.30 am 16-4-17 reported to GSO 1, 29th DIV at 11 am. Made arrangement for projector operation against GUEMAPPE along with 'O' Spec Coy R.E. Went to VIth Corps afternoon about the proposal. 29th DIV at 7 pm cancelled the operation. Weather, rainy with fine intervals, wind S.S.W. Departures LT VANDERMIN with 37 section 'H' Spec Coy R.E. 2nd LT Woolner with 38 section 'H' Spec Coy R.E. 2nd LT Beegley with 39 section 'H' Spec Coy R.E. | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Tuesday 17/Apr/1917 | 10 am. Wire from VIth Corps to report at XVIIIth DIV & XVth DIV H.Q's to discuss operations at 11 am. 11 am. Report to XVIIth DIV - not required by them as they are using 'O' Spec Coy R.E. 5 pm. Report to XVth DIV - find they are taking over part of line from 29th DIV. Made arrangements to put 400 projectors, if possible to fire into GUEMAPPE. Proceed with operation. Weather mainly fine, some showers, wind about S.W. to W. Departures 1 O.R with 1 motor cycle on detachment | Capt LAYCOCK | See Appendix 7. proposed scheme |
| ARRAS | Wednesday 18/Apr/1917 | 6 pm. To 12 pm. 160 projectors dug into position at N.12.c.7.6. One O.R. slightly wounded Weather mainly fine, some rain, wind about W. Departures 1 O.R wounded to hospital. | Capt LAYCOCK | See Appendix No.8 Operation C1 |
| ARRAS | Thursday 19/Apr/1917 | 11 am. Operation C1 postponed 24 hours. Men standing by in billets. Weather. Mainly fine, some showers, wind W. to W.N.W. Arrivals. 1 O.R. from ENGLAND (returned casualty). | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Friday 20/Apr/1917 | 10 pm to 12 pm. 226 Projectors dug into position at N.12.c.7.6. at night. Total now in position 386. 9 O.R. wounded whilst carrying out this operation, of which 4 remain at duty. Weather. Fine, Wind W. to N.W. Arrivals. 2 O.R. from hospital. | Capt LAYCOCK | Appendix No.8 Operation C1 |
| ARRAS | Saturday 21/Apr/1917 | Departures. 3 O.R. to hospital wounded, 2 O.R. to hospital wounded, ? (Shell). 1 O.R. to Hosp - total 6. 5 pm. Report to VIth Corps & 15th DIV that wind (being about N) is likely to be unfavourable for operations night of 21st - 22nd. Operation postponed 24 hours, Drums were not carried up to the line therefore. Weather. Fine, wind N.N.W. to N.N.E. | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Sunday 22/Apr/1917 | 12 am. Report to 15th DIV that wind is more unfavourable, operation cancelled unless wind improves. Wind not improved by 10 pm so operation cancelled. Weather. Fine, wind N. by W. to N.N.E. No 129512 Lnce Cpl Seaman awarded MILITARY MEDAL for gallantry in action 4-4-17 | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Monday 23/Apr/1917 | Assault begins by Infantry on the front, Company clearing up, moving stores etc. Weather. Bright & Fine, wind N. to N.N.E. Departures. 2 O.R. to 3rd Army anti gas school on detachment. | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Tuesday 24/Apr/1917 | The company carried on salving projectors used in the firing on Tilloy from the old front line. Weather. Bright & Fine, wind N. to N.E. | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Wednesday 25/Apr/1917 | Company salving projectors & material. Weather. Bright & Fine, wind Northerly. | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Thursday 26/Apr/1917 | Company salving projectors etc. Weather. Fine, wind N.W. to N. | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Friday 27/Apr/1917 | Company salving projectors etc. Weather. Fine, wind N.W. | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Saturday 28/Apr/1917 | 6 pm. Called at VIth Corps H.Q. & made appointment with B.G.G.S. at 4 o'clock pm 29th to discuss operation proposed on BOIS DU SART and BOIS du VERT (E of MONCHY LE PREUX). Company salving projectors. 7.0 pm. Arrivals. - 14 men (new draft from DEPOT Weather. Fine & bright, wind W.N.W. to E. | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Sunday 29/Apr/1917 | 4 pm Reported to B.G.G.S. VIth Corps at 12th DIV H.Q. He told me to report to 3rd DIV 'G' at 6 pm. when G.O.C. 3rd DIV would decide whether we could be of any use to him. 6 pm Reported to G.S.01 3rd DIV who informed me that G.O.C. after a consultation with his Brigade Generals had decided not to use this unit. Weather. Fine & warm, wind N.W. to W. | Capt LAYCOCK | |
| ARRAS | Monday 30/Apr/1917 | Company standing by in readiness to assist 'O' Special Coy if required. 'O' Spec Coy having an operation proceeding with 12th DIV (on left of 3rd DIV) near MONCHY LE PREUX Weather. Fine & warm, wind N.W. to N. Departures. 2 O.R. to Hospital. | Capt LAYCOCK |