Rifle Brigade, 1st Batt.

[rhimsl]

Does anyone know where the 1st Batt. Rifle Brigade was located on August 8, 1916? Reasearching a 1st Batt. casualty who was KIA on that date. Any information is greatly appreciated!

[Terry]

Hi,

I checked the Rifle Brigade Chronicle for 1919,which contains the war records for 1916, and came across the following in regard to the 1st Battalion:

Aug.8 - In the evening the Battalion moved up from the Canal in front of Brielen to take over the trench from the 1st Bn. Somerset L.I. The relief was hardly finished when the Germans started to discharge gas on the 4th Division front. This gas was unexpected as there was a fairly strong wind blowing. At the same time the Germans put up a heavy barrage lasting for about three hours, mostly falling on the support line and roads behind. All telephonic communication was cut, including wires to the Artillery. This made getting into touch with the companies in the front line very difficult and it was aggravated by the fact that the few communications trenches were congested by the Battalion of the Somerset L.I. who were on their way out. The Battalion was largely composed of new drafts who had joined since the 1st of July. The moral of the men was very good in spite of heavy casualties. Communication was established by orderlies from Headquarters and the barrage put up by the Artillery and the survivors of the Battalion was very effective and prevented the Germans from making an attack. We heard afterwards from a prisoner that the Germans had brought up a fresh Brigade with a view to penetrate our lines. Had they succeeded in doing this the situation would have been very serious.

2nd Lieutenants Weill, Handford, Haldane and Doyle were killed and Captain Norbury, 2nd Lieutenants Barnes, Hill, Golding and Barton were wounded.

There were very nearly 200 casualties among NCO's and men, with a preponderance of killed.

Hope this is of help to you.

Cheers,

Terry