War Services of the 62nd West Riding Divisional ArtilleryAnderson, Austin Thomas
History
War Services of the 62nd West Riding Divisional Artillery
Anderson, Austin Thomas
Great Britain. Army. Division, 62nd; World War, 1914-1918 -- Regimental histories -- Great Britain
5th Brigade R.H.A. East of Havrincourt, moving into action.
310th Brigade R.F.A. In column of route moving forward.
77th " " Two batteries in action south-west of
Havrincourt, and two moving into
action in the same area.
} Still in original positions, 93rd
93rd " " } and 153rd awaiting orders
153rd " " } from 36th Division, to whose
312th " " } command they had now passed.
_2 p.m._ It was ascertained that the 51st Division (on our right) had
not captured Flesquières. As this position exposed the right of the
attack of the 62nd Division, the 310th Brigade were ordered back to
their former positions; this order did not, however, take effect, as on
receipt of later information they were allowed to continue their former
movement.
_2.30 p.m._ The 77th Brigade was in action complete S.W. of
Havrincourt.
_4.10 p.m._ The 5th Brigade R.H.A. and 310th Brigade R.F.A., in action
east of Havrincourt, were grouped under Colonel West, R.H.A., to
cover the line gained by the 186th Infantry Brigade in the vicinity
of Graincourt. The 77th Brigade was ordered to cover the part in the
direction of Flesquières. The 312th Brigade, still in its original
position, was ordered to be prepared to cover the brown line as a
defensive measure in case of necessity.
_6.50 p.m._ Orders were issued for the 62nd Division to continue the
advance on Bourlon on the 21st, and for a further advance of all
artillery brigades in support of this attack. Owing to the state of
the ground it was found impossible to get the guns forward during the
night. Brigades therefore advanced as early as possible on the 21st to
positions S.W. of Graincourt, with the exception of the 5th Brigade
R.H.A., which remained N.E. of Havrincourt. The four brigades, as their
batteries were able to get into action, were placed at the disposal of
the G.O.C. 186th Infantry Brigade for his attack on Bourlon Wood. Owing
to bad going and damaged roads the difficulties of getting guns forward
proved very considerable, but all brigades were in position by the
afternoon of the 21st, with communication established with the Infantry
Brigade headquarters in Graincourt.
_21st November._ Bourlon Wood and village were attacked, under a
barrage fired by the 5th R.H.A. and 310th Brigades. The attack was held
up by machine gun fire from the Marquion trench. During the remainder
of the day the artillery forward moves were continued, and a fresh
attack on the Marquion line was organised for the 22nd.
_22nd November._ The 62nd Division again attacked under a barrage
provided by all four artillery brigades. The attack succeeded in
gaining a hold astride the Marquion line, south of Bourlon Wood.
The 40th Division then relieved the 62nd, the artillery, however,
remaining in action under the former division.
* * * * *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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