The Grenadier Guards in the Great War of 1914-1918, Vol. 1 of 3Ponsonby, Frederick
History
The Grenadier Guards in the Great War of 1914-1918, Vol. 1 of 3
Ponsonby, Frederick
Great Britain. Army. Grenadier Guards; World War, 1914-1918 -- Regimental histories -- Great Britain
On November 1 the 1st Battalion went into Brigade Reserve, and moved
into billets on the La Bassée road. On the 10th Lieutenant G. Wilson
joined from the Yorkshire Light Infantry, and on the 18th Lieutenant the
Hon. P. P. Cary and Second Lieutenant H. V. Cholmeley arrived. On the
16th it went into the trenches at Chapigny with two Companies in the
front line, one in support and one in reserve in Rue Bacquerot, where
the Germans were very quiet, but the inevitable sniping made it
dangerous to any one who exposed himself. A great deal of work had to be
done improving and draining the trenches, but the men were wonderfully
well equipped during the cold weather, for they had high waders, leather
waistcoats, mackintosh caps, and good gloves.
[Sidenote: Dec.]
On the 26th the Battalion retired into billets at La Gorgue, and went up
into the trenches, relieving the 4th Battalion every two days, until
December 20, when it went into Brigade Reserve at Laventie. On the 21st
the 1st and 4th Battalions Grenadiers dined together, the dinner being
arranged by Captain Morrison. On the 23rd Second Lieutenant C. Wilkinson
joined the Battalion. On the 22nd the Battalion returned to the front
line, again taking turns with the 4th Battalion, and as the trenches
were ill suited for Christmas festivities, it was unanimously agreed to
postpone the Christmas dinners until January. Captain G. Petit,
R.A.M.C., who had been attached to the 1st Battalion for over a year,
left to take up another appointment. He had followed the fortunes of the
Battalion, and had fought with it in all the battles in which it had
taken part during the last twelve months. His departure was therefore
much regretted by the officers and men, with whom he was very popular.
The 2nd Battalion.
ROLL OF OFFICERS
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