Diary of Harold Edward 'Pompey' Elliott, November 1916 - March 1918 part 4

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Status:
Finalised
Accession number:
AWM2018.19.95
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 13

with us. pleded larget waited 27t yo. Ill wih Bronchity complicated with Iofluerza- Remaned in Bed 28th Jan do 24 fou to 303or Do. Much annoyed yesterday by hearing that oe of theL.S. dethet the 60 had not ake advuntage of an opportunity to fire at party of eneong Had delachment. O.C. Evy & O.C pentons put under arreat. on your mi accidenently shot by 4t Brigall snnery 31 yo. In Bed stt. Give yevy called our L.T.M.B Kupo Frity well & truly last night 200 winds find damaging Trenches ladly. Very cold shit, mowing Tet In lell still. Cooperatest with 4 Brigade who attacked saliont in mesting lin. Attack quite succerful 50 prisoners captuned inclitting two ofpcers loth wearing you Homs Mth advive me that I will have bo to foult of 7 ranc for clange bet rill of Bronchitis willchoder the esher we more out of Line whih ought to for alont a weeks time
2n Jet. Bad new the morning. Booche counter attack drose out our men por the salient at 430am (attack took place act 7. p dartnight) + it is feared we lost heavig present report indicate that our Hitetlen gunt fulell to respond to S.O.S rocket fr atleast walf are how after it went up during which our wer were poincedout Less l fout take jot too earil Have supports really to aplace camaltis as wor as captined (3) bout ther out too quickly y) where barted w not cast have parters of mywit told of scut it & put it or other ride. W hinden returnent if lift where it p (5 Wokes pashed frard also wkers opyjarer porti of Mll that levis gur are not allowed t Greze hipply of knop wsts Frowd Glaw my pth Yveng parties N am pattoes asmt
2 (21. Have reiforciments land o) Have plar to repel countiers attack. Yet soue in Bed but feeling rather better No fresh developments t report a ofpen Stt Parsons 58 Bn in clarge of Garrioor witel truch instead of going up to gront gine when time came ordered hisboy ttutcherbearers to carry him to Field Bobelarcs. He had reported sick in the morning & ben examine but heed nothin hore wthuri of the Doctor Wan a bad cold. This looks srows. If it is not desirter it is certainly aforce without leave. 4 Fet - Preparations to penew attact or enerry palient. Last night 14t Brygade made an advancesrtout opportion occupying Fincl Tiel + neighfourhood 5 Feb. Attack made by y Mryade or dnemy salint Pontion captiees 2ofpenn 20 or prisoners & M. Fur. ProCounter attack repulved. We coopated with LT.B.B. machre ejuns & ufle guaader & cut rop to cmonct with rightyf ned porliri memo- should have bad leavn ofpenenth alack to get more trpt coopiatinn with hin
6 fet. According to admission of e Bryade then lave wow lem puted dack on theright of the orelvent bast to to eadent itralf Mantly o te ael e i epe o sorte ploned aone f ten etete te athene & wod my Bryade t attock & entene aptind portion &f the right. the atore wtrnation maten the srstoned an tne should have lott our fhanks in tair & a party of the Broche would be betwien the tho Brigadl. Hhe is pretty chaky too as a pline Mours gong out to apn d palunt ane fi on a ded by the eatire sipt parly pooeres. This all lears out my conlidtion throughout that bot rides of this Valler would lave been captured simuttancour This would lave given the Rooche lots more to stunke about + lave tended to diperse both his Artillery Fire and his lounter Hetacks I am still in lied but much improved. Dap Lyge of Brigade H. G Ce Dingan 6.0.60. Capt Kowr 00M &other lave all had tgo to pospital sungor being soriously ill. We all cave bronchitis is some forn or another & if I manage topwell round without a turn in Hospital I shall be very fortunatondeed 7 Feb. Still in bed but much blter. Senl Hobls called regarding proposed new offensis against tunray trench in our sector 8th Jeb. H9 2 Fet. Do. Sent-Wieck to recDic
about parposed attack. In order to effectually guard against conmerattack I proposed to portpone the attack until kaps pushed us neaily to evemys live whch would be abut the 20th Mot Deo decilled to with draw us from the time about 16 we t do a raid about 15 Mot I was much annoyed about this as as inmense amount of work is now being done in this pector which will suffer great incerrupitor or tarding over to new officent me unfamiliar wil t ground of Fet. Byamre the Labor member called But he did not seem anxious to go, to front line. He is discharged you H.J.F. medically unfit & is going home without any service Feb. Up again today which is a great Blessing. Brig Genl Robertoos foor Bregade nom liftcalled in. they are bdo a bombire attack up Seinray French might. 1 ft. Stilt able toget up. Hnd cofences with Col Bewill Bromour new C.R.A. with new to raid or our firnt
With Col Clarke who is acting for feve Fircy of Bryade regarding our proposed relief or the 26th Yont & with Col Waystap of 5h Dir regarding the said & also handing over of our works policy intact the enconng Brigade. Jack falmon Bobi brother Called. Bot is the attached t5 our stat as from tomorrow-tmpomrily for the time being only 13-. Was able to inspect wwitth Irevel this morning. Atterdad confirnce will J.O.C. Di Col Wogstop. Lol Bewll Brown & lol terart or hubjecty proposed paid tomorrow night Sen Hoto is a terrible chapt worry. After he had got back to his quarters he Lad Hogstaff rnge up or a subject we sad already jully diocumed at the copince wished t with Avrela ofthad all fear peed and agreed to wit promounced than thostay. 14 fet. I Remained in doors. Raid to later place tonght. All preparatons will in hard. 15 Feb. Raid looke place marked
mecess. We lost only tnowen killed 1 moning lyt in wo nam laid ladly hit) & 5 wounded One of killed belonged to attached Engareer 15 Tlbay. We brought in I puonsers out of 23 who purrendered & started back across no man land. Sinten broke away scared I think by their oun Barrage Iwer either killed by the excort oprennt then eslape or killed by thewon shell fire. In addition a number were killed in the Terct one large duyous also whose occupant repured to come out fmrrender has nt or yre with a Phooponis oh & blowin with ke Shells. which proved driedfully effective for this purpose. We made one blight error This was pening fou with the Stakes before me as it evalled the inemy to belt said where the pe was comningo their farrage came don in the ight place 16 Set. Handergo to 86 Bryade today. We 1 catl got the buried were down exceptaton it crossed the wetal road which require Hartirg) from Roor Tunch o Millersson Prished nt our right flank port 2 ooyds into n wars land burgng is
u is live with monoow Tench. We also raided the part of the Booche line is continuation of that held by the Bryadeo our left; Killed 5 Bosches suffered only I slight camalties ourlves Renlt New Bood llock exatlutenwell above the place wher Hoopers lop will cut. This latter was pusted or withbut insteart of seqningonly 657 do bcut through by heasor of the necessity of keying on the contrin of the hill & not goig done it t girlly thes by thered $150 yas Renilt that sill 30 yds 6do. I am leavng a party of my ow men to complete the tonight & the hard over tho new live as exoltuted to 8t Bregade although the full relief should have berr complete at 10 an today or a about or hom time but noe we cannot work o the say or doulyte thels impovibl so I am leaving our mer on, makerg it a posnt of honor t have completed they rap+ the widergrouding of the telephone SMillin son bu seavg Genl Birdwood called yerterday after rndryme a very nice were of Congratulation
bent to Field Ainbulance by De Doie but 3 weeks leave br granted Gen Hoks tok me to his H.Gx gave me a very mee lunch, afterward a motos car to take me to Bouldgsie when we avired aboutt 10 pr Met Genl Jevey at Folkes tome Hotel I on his return jouncy from leave but did not stay there as full Went & wrlit do Pans 17t Went to teamer found but not youonn jog & reported presence of mineh. Ment to Hotel de Lourie 18 5 do 19 do. I evening met Madam gean 28th got across to England all right today reported t Borockery Road am ogo before a fourd orf Thursday Rany up Mrs Durgar sut she was out. Rarg a Mrs Chas Brickley & witet D Dec fo 21 ak 1.30 pr. dates Mrs Buckley ranger & appointed for me to come H Denner O 7.30. Met Col Darvall from Kcton arrized Ordered ner Uniform 21 - Met Major Wordy fow tushale yor
all ar staying with me at Berners Hotel. 22d Went before medical Board & given 14 days wst. Finshed with Devtet 00 93 went to Harrow & ree Mrs Dear 24 Went donn to Welwys 28 Surday. Welion 20t Monday. Remuined to Fror 27 Tenrday. Entrance to neron thence dive to BynBerog 28 24 28th went to Chester wis old homres ets 3d t. Sunday. Geodie cam u to Bynbeik. Wednesday. Returned to Wur went to Hindor 8t Thursday. Pared fit. 90 Fiday. 10t Saturday. Attended Brickingham Palace I naten bM 11t Surday. Went to hunnrgdale mnotored t mindro & Mrs H Scoyis Chapel (2 Monday. To entran at tharing Crons at 1.38 pm & Intrained - Landed Boulogue 13- Tuerday. lar to prnt line. Lunch Amiers. Tea Fir H.O. - 5p.n rejoined Myade
14 Wednesday, Genl Birdwood called. Had confrnce with Br Commanders. on prishing forward. 15th Thursday. Our patrots last night rerealed that fell French wilt held in thergtt. This was confuned by peroplan observatels this indication afternoon. There that he will commerce to fall lack wortty & we are tcontinue vigoious patrolling w as to keep close truck with him, Corperence with yerl Hofl inituation the morning 11t Friday. Our Patiols last night a worther warm reception go Live had 11 casnaltie & had to withdraws to our trende at daylight without as I intended establishing ports in the meens the eney 1 Saturday outt nightour Patiols were active but could detect in creakness in the enemys less until sam when he anr noticed flling tack. wo at once misted or by I am had secdred
Banpaune-Leronne Road. Treys une at the Brigade Bregads hoverei some to 14 were very now & cantious & did not I am until some honrs get a Mrs after. The every fiell lack wiftly beng no doubt lightly equipped & known tt what oas. on arrival Bangaun sood ou 9 Patrols who had len d it that it as bing hearily shelled by 5.9 shells from a pontion in kepn rder Received from Dr- er Adrancea Gd into 2 Bro) & 1 Brlleiy 1 tear of Light Horn. I inred orde accordigg 10 not. mored nt at 8a.m. Dutports had wad good Barcout duny night. we excountered renoc at Hnecourt & Haphvenit but enemywen die lack Killed 2 Coptied Could have coplined ther only for load of Mntanlyna enbaurtin mer & P.H. Saade acony of 7omer. In afteroin
prished or & Coptined Delranafon. peeyny afteracho resislares killed 5 enery includingo8 boy holdry beloonn you from whose body weoblaned Valuable doenments ay. Late 19t 195 dast cerg ou occuged reonciquere & velu after stiff skermin & estallesd hes line a left as will but contined no nocked poent 20 puach. Continued Dattack Left attock got in well nemed muchies but prigade or lefthad a neverse + a had t lure lock the entince lett. The night wre i on the terge of a good success but wre buthflanked by the enemy + we had Vtur ton origial positin tur the night pore the enery exocded thvillage peanety which we immedidely occupied. 2ct Riceived ordrsnt t advance feying the tine we had already recivved as it was

with us. Splendid targets  
wasted

27th Jan. Ill with Bronchitis complicated 
with Influenza. Remained in Bed.  

28th Jan do 

29th Jan do 

30th Jan Do. Much annoyed yesterday  
by hearing that one of the L.G. detachment 
of the 60th Bn had not taken advantage 
of an opportunity to fire at party of enemy 
Had detachment. V.G. Coy & O.C platoon put 
under arrest. One of our men accidentally shot  
by 4th Brigade sentry.  

31st Jan. In Bed still. Genl Tivey called. 
Our L.T.M.B Strafed Fritz well and truly 
last night 200 rounds fired damaging 
Trenches badly. Very cold still, snowing 

1st Feb In bed still. Cooperated with 
4th Brigade who attacked salient in  
Enemys line. Attack quite successful 
50 prisoners captured including 
two officers both wearing uniforms 
M.Ds advise me that I will 
have to go to South of France 
for change to get rid of Bronchitis 
Will consider this when we move 
out of Line which ought to be in 
about a week's time

 

2nd Feb. Bad news this morning.  Bosche
counter attack drove out our men from 
the Salient at 4:30am (attack took place at 7pm 
last night) & it is feared we lost heavily 
Present reports indicate that our Artillery
quite failed to respond to S.O.S rockets for
at least half an hour after it went up
during which our men were Bombed out
Lessons (1) Don't take job too easily 
(2) Have supports ready to  
replace casualties as soon 
as captured 
(3) Don't thin out too quickly 
(4) Where barbed wire not cut 
have parties of support 
told off to cut it & put it  
on other side. It hinders 
retirement if left where it 
is.
(5) Stokes pushed forward 
also Vickers to prepared 
position 
(6) See that Lewis guns are  
not allowed to Freeze 
(7) Supply of Knife rests 
(8) Ground flare very little
set. Enemy parties & 
action patrols useful
[*over*]

 

(9) Have reinforcements handy
(10)  Have plan to repel Counter - attack. 

3rd Feb Still in Bed but feeling rather better 
No fresh developments to report. An officer 
Lt Parsons 58th Bn in charge of Garrison of 
switch trench instead of going up to Front 
Line when time came ordered his Coy 
Stretcher bearers to carry him to 
Field Ambulance. He had reported 
sick in the morning & been examined 
but had nothing worse in the opinion 
of the Doctor than a bad cold. This  
looks serious. If it is not desertion 
it is certainly absence without leave. 

4th Feb - Preparations to renew attack on enemy 
salient. Last night 14th Brigade made an  
advance without opposition occupying 
French Trench & neighbourhood

5th Feb.  Attack made by 4th Brigade on 
enemy salient. Position captured 
2 officers 70 as prisoners & 1 M. Gun. 
Two counter attacks repulsed. We 
cooperated with L.T.B.B. machine 
guns & rifle grenades & cut way to 
connect with right of new frontline 
Memo - Should have had liaison officer with OC 
attack to get more prompt cooperation with [[ front?]]

 

 

6th Feb. According to admission of 4th Brigade they 
have now been pushed back on the right of the 
 salient back to the Salient itself. Mainly by 
4.2 shell fire in enfilade & the Bosche followed 
down after them. Yesterday Genl Hobbs called 
& ordered my Brigade to attack & extend 
captured position to the right. The above 
information makes this awkward as we 
should have both our flanks in the air 
& a party of the Bosche would be between the 
two Brigades. He is pretty cheeky too as a patrol 
of ours going out to apex of salient was fired 
on & bombed by the extreme left party of 
Bosches.  This all bears out my contention 
throughout that both sides of this Valley 
should have been captured simultaneously 
This would have given the Bosche lots more 
to think about & have tended to disperse 
both his Artillery Fire and his Counter 
Attacks. I am still in bed but much 
improved. Capt Legge of Brigade H.Q. Col Duigan 
C.O. 60th Capt Kerr 60th Bn & others have all had 
to go to hospital Duigan being seriously ill. We 
all have bronchitis in some form or another 
& if I manage to pull round without a turn 
in Hospital I shall be very fortunate indeed. 
7th Feb.  Still in bed but much better.  Genl Hobbs 
called regarding proposed new offensive against Sunray 
Trench in our Sector. 
8th Feb. Do 
9th Feb. Do.  Sent Wieck to see Div. 

 

about proposed attack.  In order  
to effectually guard against 
counter attack I proposed to postpone 
the attack until saps pushed out 
nearly to enemys line which would 
be about the 20th Inst. Div. decided to 
withdraw us from the line about 
16th we to do a raid about 15th [[March?]]
I was much annoyed about this 
as an immense amount of work 
is now being done in this sector 
which will suffer great interruption 
on handing over to new officers & 
men unfamiliar with the ground

10th Feb.  [[Oganne?]] the Labor member called 
But he did not seem anxious to 
go to Front line. He is discharged 
from A.I.F. medically unfit & is 
going home without any service. 

11th Feb.  Up again today which is a great 
Blessing.  Brig Genl Robertson from Brigade 
on our left called in.  They are to do a 
bombing attack up Sunray Trench 
tonight. 

12th Feb.  Still able to get up. Had conferences 
with Col Bernell Brown our new 
C.R.A. with view to raid on our front.

 

With Col Clarke who is acting for Genl 
Tivey of 8th Brigade regarding our proposed 
relief on the 26th Inst & with Col Wagstaff 
of 5th Div regarding the raid & also handing 
over of our Works Policy intact to 
the incoming Brigade.  Jack Salmon 
Bob's brother called.  Bob is to be attached 
to 5th Div Staff as from tomorrow temporarily 
for the time being only.  

13th -  Was able to inspect Switch Trench 
this morning. Attended conference with 
G.O.C. Div Col Wagstaff. Col Bernell Brown 
& Col Stewart on Subject of proposed 
raid tomorrow night. 
Genl Hobbs is a terrible chap to  
worry. After he had got back to his 
quarters he had Wagstaff ring me 
up on a subject we had already 
fully discussed at the conference & 
wished to interfere with Artillery Plan 
after it had all been fixed and  
agreed to. Quite pronounced thaw
today. 

14th Feb.  Remained in doors. Raid to take 
place tonight. All preparation well in 
hand. 

15th Feb.  Raid took place marked 

 

success.  We lost only two men killed 1 missing 
(left in No mans land badly hit) & 5 wounded. 
One of killed belonged to attached Engineers 
15th Field Coy.  We brought in 7 prisoners out 
of 2B who surrendered & started back 
across no mans land.  Sixteen broke 
away scared I think by their own Barrage 
& were either Killed by the Escort to prevent 
their escape or killed by their own 
shell fire. In addition a number 
were killed in the Trench, one large dugout 
also whose occupants refused to come out 
& surrender was set on fire with a Phosporus 
Bomb & blown in with Stokes Shells. 
which proved dreadfully effective for this 
purpose.  We made one Slight error
This was opening fire with the Stokes before 
time as it enabled the enemy to tell 
where the fire raid was coming & their barrage 
came down in the right place. 
16th Feb. Handing over to 8th Brigade today.  We 
got the buried cable wire down 7ft except where 
it crossed the metal road (which requires 
Starting) from Ross Trench & Millerson 
Pushed out our right flank front 
200yds into no mans land bringing it

 

up in line with Munson Trench.  We  
also raided the part of the Bosche line 
in continuation of that held by the  
Brigade on our left;  Killed 5 Bosches & 
suffered only 3 slight casualties ourselves. 
Result New Bomb block established well 
above the place where Hoopers Sap will
cut. The latter was pushed on with but 
instead of requiring only 65 yds to cut 
through by reason of the necessity of keeping 
on the contour of the hill & not going down 
into the gully this lengthened to 150 yds 
Result that still 30 yds to do.  I am leaving 
a party of my own men to complete 
this tonight & then hand over the 
new line as established to 8th Brigade 
although the full relief should have  
been completed at 10am today or in 
about an hours time but since we cannot 
work on the Sap in daylight this is impossible 
& I am leaving our men on making it a 
point of honor to have completed this sap & 
the undergrounding of the telephone at Millers 
son before leaving. 
Genl Birdwood called yesterday after  
sending me a very nice wire of Congratulations.  

 

Sent to Field Ambulance by Dr Derig 
but 3 weeks leave being granted 
Genl Hobbs took me to his H.Q. &
gave me a very nice lunch afterwards 
a motor car to take me to Boulogne 
where we arrived about 10pm. 
Met Genl Tivey at Folkestone Hotel 
on his return journey from leave. 
But did not stay there as full.  Went 
to Hotel de Paris. 

17th. Went to Steamer found boat not  
Going away they reported presence 
of mines. Went to Hotel de Louvre 

18th do 

19th do. In evening met Madam Jean 

20th Got across to England all right 
today reported to Horseferry Road 
am to go before a board on Thursday 
Rang up Mrs Duigan but she was  
out. Rang up Mrs Chas Buckley 
& invited to lunch for 21st at 1.30 
pm. Later Miss Buckley rang up 
& appointed for me to come to Dinner 
at 7.30. Met Col Darrall from Victoria 
just arrived.  Ordered new Uniform. 

21st Met Major Hardy from Australia point

 

All are staying with me at Berner's
Hotel.

22nd Went before Medical Board & given
14 days rest. Finished with Dentist £5-10
23rd Went to Harrow to see Mrs Duigan
24th Went down to Welwyn
25th Sunday Welwyn
26th Monday. Returned to Frons
27th Tuesday. Entrained to Trevor &
thence drive to Bryn Oerog
28th 
29th  1st
30th 2nd went to Chester saw old houses etc
3rd
4th Sunday. Geordie came up to Bryn Oerog. 

5th 
6th
7th Wednesday. Returned to Frons went to Hendon
8th Thursday. Passed fit.
9th Friday.
10th Saturday. Attended Buckingham Palace invested C.M.G.
11th Sunday. Went to Sunnydale motored to
Windsor & saw St Georges Chapel.
12th Monday. To entrain at Charing Cross at
1.30 pm - Entrained. - Landed Boulogne
13th Tuesday. Car to front line. Lunch
Amiens. Tea Div H.Q. - 5 pm rejoined Brigade

 

14th Wednesday. Genl Birdwood called.
Had conference with Bn Commanders.
on pushing forward.

15th Thursday. Our patrols last night
revealed that Tell Trench still held
in Strength. This was confirmed
by Aeroplane Observation this
afternoon. There are indications
that he will commence to fall
back shortly & we are to continue
vigorous patrolling so as to keep
close touch with him, Conference
with Genl Hobbs on situation this
morning.

16th Friday. Our Patrols last night
got a rather warm reception
& we had 11 casualties & had
to withdraw to our trenches at
daylight without as I intended
establishing posts in the Vicinity
the enemy's line.

17th Saturday. Last night our Patrols
were active but could detect no
weakness in the enemys line until 
5 am when he was noticed falling
back. We at once pushed on &
by 7 am had secured the line of the 

 

Baupaume-Peronne Road. Tivey's
Brigade got into Baupaume at the
same time.  The 14th Brigade however
were very slow & cautious & did not
get a move on until some hours
after. The enemy fell back swiftly
being no doubt lightly equipped &
knowing exactly what to do. On 
arrival at Baupaume road our
Patrols who had been forbidden to cross the
road reported that it was being  
heavily shelled by 5.9 shells from a
position in Rear.
Received from Div. orders to form
Advanced Gd with(Brgde Gens 2 Bns) & 1 Battery &
1 Sqdn of Light Horse. I issued orders
accordingly. W

18th Mch.  Moved out at 8 a.m. Outposts
had made good Bancourt during
night. We encountered resistance 
at Fremicourt & Haplincourt
but enemy were driven back 1 Killed &
2 Captured. Could have captured
others only for load of Infantrymen
exhausting men & L.H. Squadron 
only consisting of 75 men.  In afternoon 

 

pushed on & Captured Delvaux farm & 
Beugny after active resistance Killed
3 enemy including O.C. of a Coy holding
Delvaux farm from whose body we obtained
Valuable documents & maps.  Later on
19th Mch Orders received to again advance

19th March. Received orders for advance &
occupied Lebucquiere & Velu
after stiff skirmish & established
new line on left as well but
captured no marked point

20th March. Continued to attack
Left Attack got in well secured
Morchies but Brigade on left had
a reverse & I had to turn back
the extreme left. The right
wing were on the verge of a good
success but were outflanked
by the enemy & we had to
return to our original position.
During the night however the 
enemy evacuated the village
(Beaumetz) which we immediately 
occupied.
21st March. Received orders not 
to advance beyond the line we had
already secured as it was 

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Jacqueline KennedyJacqueline Kennedy
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