9th Bn Sherwood Foresters

[Chris]

Can any forum member help me determine where the 9th SF were on the 6th Jan 1917. A soldier i am researching was fatally injured on this date when his pick struck a bomb whilst engaged in clearing a trench, and i am hoping to determine which trench this was.

Chris

[Greenwoodman]

9th SF were with 11th Division, and shortly after that date (11th Jan 17) were involved in Operations on the Ancre during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. 11th Div were with IV Corps, Fifth Army. A start anyway.

[Cliff. Hobson]

The following was taken from the local press.

Issue 1st February 1917, Chums Association, Parcel sent to A. Hobson 9th Sherwood Foresters.

Issue 23rd February 1917. " Gallant Sherwoods -- Good work on the Somme. How took possession of German trenches. Notts & Derby men had 3 days of hard fighting. The trenches were shallow but afforded passable cover and made it possible for the enemy to work up close enough to our position to send over streams of liquid fire and machine gun bullets. Their pressure was not only to our men but to the salient held by the Sherwood Foresters, it was decided the latter should attempt to clear this part of the front.

The Sherwood Foresters left their trench at about 10.0.clock at night and were immediately assailed by machine guns clustered around the shell holes that scarcely an inch of ground was unswept by fire. A continous stream of liquid fire was kept up and strong enemy bombing parties approaced to their positions. The Sherwood Foresters crept steadily forward by a series of rushes and finally got within striking distance of the enemy. Bayonets were fixed and bombs raised aloft, the enemy resisted desperately but in spite of the odds the Sherwood Foresters cleared the shell holes.

The enemy massed fresh troops along the front and counter attacked in waves but by this time the N. & D. men had brought up Machine guns, the wave of oncoming Huns were swept away and the 2nd, 3rd and 4th waves likewise at a distance of some 200 yards. Then the Sherwood Foresters attacked again springing from the craters they swept forward on the enemy, for a few seconds the enemy held their ground then their line broke the retreat became a rout."

Authers name of this somewhat dramatic account illegible, what Battalion was involved not known, where the action took place not known. The action probably took part some 3 to 4 weeks previous. Any suggestions welcome.