1st Battalion Leinsters - Palestine 1918

[Trevelyan]

Hi,

If anyone has the Regimental History of the Leinster Regt., I would greatly apprecaite any details of the events surrounding the 1st Bn in Palestine during their advance and capture of 'Follies Hill' and then Furqa (Furkhah) Ridge on Sept 19th 1918. Also, I'd be interested to hear if it mentions anything about the 2/151st Infantry captureing Furqa (Furkhah) Village ahead of the 1st Leinsters.

Thanks & Best Regards,

Christopher

[curranl]

Hello Christopher,

You may have this already, but from Tom Johnstone's book " Orange, Green and Khaki" p. 406/407

"At noon on 19th September, Gen Longley recieved the order to attack that night. 10th Division launcehd its attack at 1945 and found the enemy's new line of defence well organised and strongly held. 29 Brigade advanced with great determination. 1st Leinsters on the right and 2nd/151st Infantry on the left met dogged resistance from German troops almost from the first, but made steadt=y progress. On the right, 1st Leinsters also met stiff opposition from German troops and brought forward its support company. The advance slowed, then lost the barrage, but co-operation with the artillery was such that it was easily brought back and the advance continued. The objective was carried with a bayonet charge. Despite the delay caused by German resistance, all objectives were gained by 0200 on 20th September. 1st Leinsters captured the trenches covering Furkah and an Indian company took the village of Furkah itself. The 101st Grenadier's then passed through to fight their way to the second day's objective. Over Furkah Ridge, 101st Grenadiers got into difficulties, and two companies of Leinstermen went forward to help."

Hope that helps,

Regards,

Liam.

[Trevelyan]

Liam,

Thanks for the response - its much appreciated. This info fits with what I have - it seems the 2/151st Indian Inf was overly zealous in the attack - they captured two objectives meant for other units, and came very close to being blow to bits by their own artillery by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Best Regards,

Chris