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7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs)    7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) was raised at Canterbury as part of Kitchener's Second New Army in September 1914. They served with 55th Brigade, 18th (Eastern) Division and saw action on the Western Front. 26th Dec 1941 Wedding 25th Mar 1915 Sports 16th Jun 1915 Thanks Extended 20th Jul 1915 Reorganisation 26th Jul 1915 Transport Departs 27th Jul 1915 On the Move 28th Jul 1915 On the March 29th Jul 1915 On the Move 30th Jul 1915 In Billets 31st Jul 1915 Training 1st Aug 1915 Training 2nd Aug 1915 Training 3rd Aug 1915 Training 4th Aug 1915 Training 5th Aug 1915 Inspection 6th Aug 1915 On the March 6th of August 1915 Quiet Night 7th Aug 1915 On the March 8th Aug 1915 On the March 9th Aug 1915 Instruction 9th of August 1915   Bridges Guarded   10th Aug 1915 Instruction 10th of August 1915  Relief of French   11th Aug 1915 Instruction 12th Aug 1915 Instruction 13th Aug 1915 Instruction 14th Aug 1915 Instruction 15th Aug 1915 Trench Instruction 15th of August 1915  3 Salvos Fired   16th Aug 1915 Instruction 17th Aug 1915 In Billets 18th Aug 1915 In Billets 19th Aug 1915 On the March 20th Aug 1915 In Billets 21st Aug 1915 In Billets 22nd Aug 1915 On the March 23rd Aug 1915 Orders 24th Aug 1915 Reliefs Completed 24th Aug 1915 Orders Received 25th Aug 1915 Reserve and Support 26th Aug 1915 Reserve and Support 27th Aug 1915 Reserve and Support 27th Aug 1915 A Patriotic Family 28th Aug 1915 Reinforcements 29th Aug 1915 Orders Received 30th Aug 1915 Reliefs 31st Aug 1915 Snipers 1st Sep 1915 Mine Exploded 2nd Sep 1915 Trench Work 3rd Sep 1915 Shelling 4th Sep 1915 Reliefs 5th Sep 1915 In Billets 6th Sep 1915 In Billets 7th Sep 1915 In Billets 8th Sep 1915 In Billets 9th Sep 1915 On the March 10th Sep 1915 In Billets 11th Sep 1915 At Rest 12th Sep 1915 At Rest 13th Sep 1915 At Rest 14th Sep 1915 At Rest 15th Sep 1915 Reinforcements 16th Sep 1915 On the March 21st Sep 1915 Inspection 24th Sep 1915 Reinforcements 26th Sep 1915 Reliefs 27th Sep 1915 Shelling 28th Sep 1915 Shelling 29th Sep 1915 Enemy Active 30th Sep 1915 Enemy Transport 1st Oct 1915 Quiet 2nd Oct 1915 Stand to 3rd Oct 1915 Some Shelling 4th Oct 1915 Some Shelling 5th Oct 1915 Some Shelling 6th Oct 1915 Reliefs Complete 7th Oct 1915 Quiet 8th Oct 1915 In Billets 9th Oct 1915 In Billets 10th Oct 1915 At Rest 15th Oct 1915 In Billets 16th Oct 1915 Reliefs 17th Oct 1915 Quiet 18th Oct 1915 Some Shelling 19th Oct 1915 Some Shelling 20th Oct 1915 Patrol 21st Oct 1915 Shelling 22nd Oct 1915 Some Shelling 23rd Oct 1915 Quiet 24th Oct 1915 Mystery 25th Oct 1915 Very Cold 26th Oct 1915 Artillery Active 27th Oct 1915 Working Parties 28th Oct 1915 Working Parties 29th Oct 1915 Working Parties 30th Oct 1915 Working Parties 31st Oct 1915 Working Parties 1st Nov 1915 In Billets 2nd Nov 1915 In Billets 3rd Nov 1915 In Billets 4th Nov 1915 In Billets 5th Nov 1915 Relief Complete 6th Nov 1915 Poor Conditions 7th Nov 1915 Quiet 8th Nov 1915 Quiet 9th Nov 1915 Quiet 10th Nov 1915 Quiet 11th Nov 1915 Quiet 12th Nov 1915 Heavy Rain 13th Nov 1915 In the Line 14th Nov 1915 Quiet 15th Nov 1915 Reliefs 16th Nov 1915 In Billets 22nd Nov 1915 Quiet 23nd Nov 1915 Reliefs 24th Nov 1915 Snow 25th Nov 1915 Quiet 26th Nov 1915 Quiet 27th Nov 1915 Quiet 28th Nov 1915 Quiet 29th Nov 1915 Quiet 30th Nov 1915 Reliefs 1st Dec 1915 Fatigues 2nd Dec 1915 Fatigues 3rd Dec 1915 Fatigues 4th Dec 1915 Fatigues 5th Dec 1915 Inspection 6th Dec 1915 Training 7th Dec 1915 Reliefs 8th Dec 1915 Instruction 9th Dec 1915 Instruction 10th Dec 1915 Instruction 11th Dec 1915 Holding the Line 12th Dec 1915 Artillery Active 14th Dec 1915 Wet 14th Dec 1915 Heavy Rain 15th Dec 1915 Reliefs 16th Dec 1915 Training 17th Dec 1915 Training 18th Dec 1915 Training 19th Dec 1915 Training 20th Dec 1915 On the March 21st Dec 1915 Working Parties 22nd Dec 1915 Working Parties 23rd Dec 1915 Working Parties 24th Dec 1915 Working Parties 25th Dec 1915 In Billets 26th Dec 1915 Reliefs   27th Dec 1915 Holding the Line   28th Dec 1915 Straffing   29th Dec 1915 Shelling   30th Dec 1915 Quiet   31st Dec 1915 Celebrations   21st Jan 1916 Songs for the Front 1st Feb 1916 Effects of Gas 2nd Feb 1916 Shelling  Germans fired few rounds on 7th Buffs 2nd line trenches, our aeroplanes active. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 3rd Feb 1916 Some Shelling  Midday enemy fired H.E. shrapnel over Chateau, no damage in 7th Buffs area. very active at night with Machine Guns 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 4th Feb 1916 Reliefs  7th Buffs are relieved by 7th Queens from D 3. they were on our right. 7th Div taking over D s/sectors. Returned to billets in Buire. Billets fairly comfortable but need lot of improvements. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 5th Feb 1916 Training  Major Birch left on leave. Capt. R.T. Monier-Williams in command of 7th Buffs. Training carried on. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 5th Feb 1916 Training   7th Buffs are In billets. Nothing to report. Training continued., commenced to dig copy of German trenches in front of E 1, Pt. 7025 etc. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 14th Feb 1916 Leave  Major Birch returned to 7th Buffs from leave. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 15th Feb 1916 Training  Training continued by 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 16th Feb 1916 Reliefs  7th Buffs relieved 8th E Surrey Regiment in E 1. quiet day. M.Gs very active during night. Signed F Phillips Capt. Adj. 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 17th Feb 1916 Shelling  Intermittent shelling of 7th Buffs front line trenches; Machine Guns active at night. Extremely bright moonlight preventing patrolling. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 18th Feb 1916 Quiet  Very quiet except for a few rifle grenades. 2 O.R. of 7th Buffs wounded. Much rain at night. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 19th Feb 1916 Very Wet  7th Buffs report, Very wet. enemy registered on Becourt Chateau buildings. Slight damage. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 20th Feb 1916 Quiet  Very quiet for 7th Buffs, nothing to report. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 21th Feb 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report by 7th Buffs. Sector on right heavily bombarded during morning presumably on the Tambour. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 22th Feb 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report by 7th Buffs, no activity on enemy’s part on this sector. D3 was heavily shelled from 5.30 pm, 8 pm, enemy left their trenches during bombardment and attempted to enter D 3 but were driven off, Our Machine Guns co-operated with enfilade fire. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 23th Feb 1916 Snow  Quiet day for 7th Buffs, snowing hard, a lot of extra wire put out in front of our trenches. 1 O.R. wounded. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 24th Feb 1916 Inspection  Divisional General inspected the 7th Buffs Battalion, manning Becourt Redoubt after relief by 7th Queens. A Coy left as Redoubt Coy. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 24th Feb 1916 In Billets  7th Buffs returned to billets in Dernancourt after relief. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th Feb 1916 Working Parties  Whole of 7th Battalion Buffs on fatigue, with exception of specialists, weather very bad. Snowing all day. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th Feb 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report by 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 27th Feb 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report by 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 28th Feb 1916 Message  7th Buffs received phone message from Brigade Major at 5.30 pm that the Battalion would leave Dernancourt at very short notice, destination not given. Major A. L. Ransome arrived to take over command of the Battalion. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 29th Feb 1916 Orders Received  News received by 7th Buffs at 11. am probable place to which we have to move St Gratien. Received orders 1 pm, moved 2 pm. and arrived St Gratien about 7 pm., very bad weather, raining and cold, billets not good. Signed Frank Phillips Capt. Adj 7. Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 1st Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 2nd Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 3rd Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 4th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 5th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 6th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 7th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 8th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 9th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 10th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 11th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 12th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 13th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 14th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 15th Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 16th Mar 1916 On the Move  7th Battalion Buffs left St Gratien for Corbie at 11 am arrived Corbie 2 pm all men in billets 2.30 pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 17th Mar 1916 On the March 18th Mar 1916 Reliefs  7th Buffs Commenced relief of 18th Manchester Regiment in Y 3 s/sector at 7 pm relief complete at 9.45 pm. Enemy shelled our transport. Lt F.M. Stoop and 3 O.R. wounded whilst off loading, the force of the explosion knocked Lt Whitefield off the bank, he is suffering from shock. 2 O.R. wounded by shell fire in 13 trench. Frank Phillips Capt Adj 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 19th Mar 1916 Poor Conditions  Trenches very bad condition, work of cleaning taken in hand by 7th Buffs. Enemy shelled transport on arrival at Battalion HQ. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 20th Mar 1916 Quiet  7th Buffs have Nothing to report. 1 O.R. wounded. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 21st Mar 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report, heavy rifle and artillery fire heard on right, of 7th Buffs, presumably Y. 1. (This has since been confirmed as the enemy attack on the Duck Post. New trench connecting 14 and 15 saps commenced Lt Whitfield sent away suffering from shell shock. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 22nd Mar 1916 Reliefs  7th Buffs Inter-Coy relief took place, Nothing to report 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 23th Mar 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report by 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 24th Mar 1916 Shelling  7th Buffs report Enemy shelled our front line very lightly, we retaliated 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th Mar 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report, by 7th Buffs except 1 sniper slightly wounded. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th Mar 1916 Reliefs  7th Buffs are Relieved by 7th Queens relief started at 2 pm., all men in billets 8.30pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 27th Mar 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report by 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 28th Mar 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report by 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 29th Mar 1916 Working Parties  1 Coy from 7th Buffs are employed making tramway from Bray 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 30th Mar 1916 Working Parties  1 Coy from 7th Buffs are employed making tramway from Bray 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 31st Mar 1916 Working Parties  1 Coy from 7th Buffs are employed making tramway from Bray. Signed. Frank Phillips Capt. Adj 7 Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 1st Apr 1916 In Reserve  7th Buffs are in Brigade Reserve at Suzanne 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 2nd Apr 1916 In Reserve  7th Buffs are in Brigade Reserve at Suzanne 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 3rd Apr 1916 Reliefs  3pm. 7th Buffs commenced to relieve 7th Queens in Y 3 Subsector (S.E. of Maricourt) Relief delayed by presence of hostile observation balloon which overlooked Suzanne, Maricourt Valley. Relief completed by dark. Distribution of Battalion A and B. trenches. C, ‘R’ and ‘S’ works. D. Battalion Reserve 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 4th Apr 1916 Quiet  Quiet day for 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 5th Apr 1916 Quiet  Very quiet day for 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 6th Apr 1916 Quiet  Very quiet day for 7th Buffs. Enemy shelled ‘S’ works slightly but did no damage 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 7th Apr 1916 Reliefs  Very quiet day, C Coy relieved A Coy, 7th Buffs and D Coy relieved B Coy, A Coy to R and S Works, B Coy, Battalion Reserve 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 8th Apr 1916 Quiet  Quiet day for 7th Buffs Slight shelling of ‘S’ works, Our guns active against enemy trenches about ‘Y’ wood and Peronne Road 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 9th Apr 1916 Some Shelling  7th Buffs report, 9.30 pm To 10.30 pm Slight hostile shelling of left of Subsector Enemy shelled Suzanne, Maricourt Road 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 10th Apr 1916 Quiet  Weather misty, quiet day for 7th Buffs. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 11th Apr 1916 Reliefs  7th Buffs relieved by 7th Queens Commencing 7 am. Weather turned very cold and wet 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 12th Apr 1916 In Reserve  7th Buffs remained in billets as Brigade Reserve at Suzanne and was employed finding working parties, practically 3 Companies being detailed daily, At 2 am on 13th enemy shelled Suzanne with lachrymatory shells for one hour doing no damage 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 19th Apr 1916 Reliefs  Commencing 6 am 7th Buffs relieved 7th Queens in Y 3 Subsector Relief complete, Distribution A and B trenches, C Coy Bn Reserve, D Coy ‘S’ works, Weather very wet and trenches very muddy. Note- ‘R’ works Has now been taken over by Battalion holding Y 2 subsector 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 20th Apr 1916 Rain  Wet weather continued. 7th Buffs report trenches in bad state Enemy bombarded centre of subsector intensely for 2 minutes with 77 mm and 10.5 cm, not much damage done and no casualties 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 21st Apr 1916 Bombardment  12 noon Another intense bombardment lasting about 3 minutes with 77 mm and 10.5 cm Enemy again bombarded subsector as yesterday, Damage done to New Street and King Street. 4.30 pm Two killed and two wounded in B Coy, 7th Buffs by second bombardment, Enemy appeared nervous at night, firing more than usual and sending up flares, This may be accounted for by our registration of ‘Y’ wood and vicinity, weather still very wet 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 22nd Apr 1916 Artillery in Action  7th Buffs report, Our supporting batteries fired on “Y” wood for 2 minutes at 4.30pm there was no retaliation otherwise quiet day, except for one short hostile bombardment 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 23rd Apr 1916 Quiet  Easter Sunday. Quiet day for 7th Buffs no artillery activity on either side, We shelled enemy wiring party in front of Y Wood about 9 pm. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 24th Apr 1916 Artillery Active  Enemy’s artillery very active against 7th Buffs Subsector.Two intense bombardments lasting 3 to 5 minutes, 77 mm and 10.5 and 15 cm Howitzer being used, 15 cm howitzer battery also fired24 rounds in registration of our communication trench, also damaging our wire opposite junction of A 23/2 and A 23/3 trenches, Much damage was done to our trenches, H.Q. of left Coy (D Coy) hit directly by 15 mm shell, and damaged, Captain Neame slightly wounded 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th Apr 1916 Artillery in Action  12 noon 7th Buffs report, Our artillery bombarded ‘Y’ wood for 2 minutes, 12.8 pm Enemy retaliated by intensely bombarding left of Subsector. 5 pm Enemy again bombarded intensely this time more to right of Subsector. There was also hostile registration of Dalton St. during morning, Much damage again done 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th Apr 1916 Bombing  7th Buffs report less artillery activity, weather much improved and trenches quite dry, ‘S.O.S’ signals received from A Sector, but signals soon withdrawn. 1.30 pm Two bombing parties from 7th Buffs sent out to bomb Enemy saps at S. end of Y wood as soon as our bombardment in connection with raid at Carnoy A Sector commenced Left hand party all wounded, right hand party under 2/Lt McColl returned safely after throwing bombs. L/Cpl Stewart A Coy and Pte Manning C Coy distinguished themselves in bringing in wounded men. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 27th Apr 1916 Bombardment  2am Enemy opened two short bombardments, first with 77mm and 10.5 howitzers and later with 15 cm howitzers, It had been intended to commence relief of Battalion by 7th Queens, but as hostile observation balloon was up, relief had to be postponed. 10.20am Conference of Battalion Commanders at Bde H Q, Very hot day, Enemy artillery inactive. Relief of 7th Buffs by 7th Queens commenced and was completed by 10.55 pm, Battalion to billets at Suzanne. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 28th Apr 1916 In Billets  7th Buffs remained in billets at Suzanne. Note. During tours of duty the Battalion occupied the following trenches, A 29/6, A 23/1, A 23/2, A 23/3 and A23/4, reference Trench Maps Maricourt 1/10,000, During these tours of duty, Battalion on right was 7th R West Kent Regiment 55th Brigade Battalion on left was either 8th Norfolk Regiment or 8th Suffolk Regiment) of 53rd Brigade. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 29th Apr 1916 In Billets  7th Buffs remained in billets at Suzanne. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 30th Apr 1916 In Billets   7th Buffs remained in billets at Suzanne. Signed. A N Ransome Lt Colonel Comdg 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 1st May 1916 On the Move 11th May 1916 On the March   7th Buffs Marched from Corbie to Etinehem Camp less ‘B’ Co y who were doing piquet duty in Amiens 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 12th May 1916 Working Parties   7th Buffs are Digging cable trench for heavy artillery Bronfay Farm Billon Wood. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 12th May 1916 In Camp  “B’ Coy rejoined 7th Buffs at Etineham Camp 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 2nd May 1916 Training   7th Buffs are Training at Corbie 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th May 1916 Working Parties   7th Buffs finish Digging cable trench for heavy artillery Bronfay Farm Billon Wood. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th May 1916 On the March   7th Buffs Left Etineham Camp 4 a.m. marched to Mericourt and entrained for Picquigny 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 27th May 1916 At Rest   7th Buffs are at Picquigny at rest,  cleaning up 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 28th May 1916 Brigade Sports  Brigade sports held.   BRIGADE SPORTS HELD IN THE FIELD MAY 28. 1916. Event 1st Place 2nd 3rd Time 1. 1 Mile race Pte. Parkins M.G.C. Pte. Wood. R.W.K. L/c. Edwards E.S. 5.46 3/5 2. ½ Mile L/c. Wickington. BUFFS L/c. Edwards. E. SURREY. Pte. Wood. BUFFS. 2.36 4/5 3. ¼ Mile L/c. Edwards E Surrey. L/c. Wickington. Buffs Sgt Whipps. Buffs. 1.8 3/5 4. 220 Yards Pte. Thacker. Buffs L/c Edwards E. S. Pte Jackson. Buffs. 31 1/5 5. 100 Yards. Sgt. Guest M.G.C. Pte. Thacker BUFFS Pte. Smith BUFFS .13 6. 50 Yards Sack. Tothergill. M.G.C. Pte. Russell R.A.M.C. L/C. Gunner QUEENS. 7. Three legged L/C. Browne. F/ L/C. Browne. G BUFFS Pts. Southwell/ “ Harris. BUFFS Sgt Killick/ “ Halliday. BUFFS. 8. Obstacle. Cpl. Stubbins. T.M.B. Pte. Moore. Buffs Pte. Barton. Buffs. 10. High Jump. L/c. Stewart. Buffs Cpl. Turner. R.W.K. Pte. Jarman. Queens. 4’11” 11. Band Race Pte Wood. Queens. Pte. Mills. Queens Cpl. Bonner Queens. 12. Wheel barrow Pte. Gilbert/ “ Seymour Queens Pte. Lewis/ “ Curtis R.W.K. 13. Jockey Race. Pte Ashford/ “ Dalton. E. Surrey Cpl. Thomson/ Pte. Preed. M.G.C. 14. Sack fight BUFFS SURREYS 15. Hurdles L/c. Stewart. Buffs Pte. Smith E.S. Cpl. Turner R.W.K. 16. Pillow Fight Pte. Hanton A.S.C. Pte. Dennington E.S. Pte. Marney BUFFS. 17. Drilling 25 men All blindfolded BUFFS QUEENS W. KENTS. 18. Tug of War. E. SURREYS. QUEENS. W. KENTS. 19. Officers 220 yd Handicap Lieut. Tindal. R.W.K. Lieut. Hett. Buffs. Capt. Black. Buffs. .32 20. “ 100yds. Lieut. Tindal. R.W.K. Capt. Bowen. E.S. Lieut. Hett Buffs. .13 ----------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------ 1st Places 2nd 3rd Total BUFFS. 7 5 8 20 QUEENS. 2 3 3 8 SURREYS. 3 6 1 10 W. KENTS. 2 3 4 9 T.M.B. 1 1 A.S.C. 1 1 M.G.C. 3 1 4 R.A.M.C. 1 1 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 29th May 1916 Training   7th Buffs are Training over special trenches. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 30th May 1916 Training   7th Buffs are Training over special trenches. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 31st May 1916 Training   7th Buffs are Training over special trenches. Signed A N Ransome Lt Col. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 7th May 1916  Training   7th Buffs Church parade in Market square, Corbie. Lt Gen W. Congreve V.C. was present with his staff. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 1st Jun 1916 Training 2nd Jun 1916 Training 3rd Jun 1916 Training 4th Jun 1916 Training Trenches 5th Jun 1916 Training 6th Jun 1916 Training 7th Jun 1916 Training 8th Jun 1916 At Rest 9th Jun 1916 At Rest 10th Jun 1916 On the Move 11th Jun 1916 On the March   12th Jun 1916 Working Parties   13th Jun 1916 Working Parties   14th Jun 1916 Working Parties   15th Jun 1916 Working Parties   16th Jun 1916 Relief Complete 17th Jun 1916 Reliefs 18th Jun 1916 Working Parties 19th Jun 1916 In Billets 20th Jun 1916 Reliefs 21st Jun 1916 Artillery in Action 22nd Jun 1916 Artillery in Action 23rd Jun 1916 Reliefs 24th Jun 1916 In Billets 25th Jun 1916 In Billets 26th Jun 1916 In Billets 27th Jun 1916 In Billets 28th Jun 1916 In Billets 29th Jun 1916 In Billets 30th Jun 1916 Move Up   1st Jul 1916 Attack Made 1st Jul 1916 In Action   13th Jul 1916 Attack Made 14th Jul 1916 Wood Captured 1st Aug 1916 Training  7th Buffs are Training, parades under Coy arrangements, training of specialists continued, weather very fine Received 55th Brigade Operational Order No 32 re relief of 3rd New Sealand Rifle Brigade. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 2nd Aug 1916 Training  Training continued by 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 3rd Aug 1916 Training  7th Buffs Marched to Erquinghem, Starting point Fletre Church 6.15 am. A halt was made at 9 am at La Creche (S.E. of Bailleul) until 5 pm. Arrived Erquinghem 7 pm. Marching very hot and roads dusty, only 3 men fell out. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 4th Aug 1916  Recce  Major Monier-Williams visited huts to be occupied by 7th Buffs at H17.d.2.2 and H23.a.8.6 and found 6 had been destroyed by shell fire on the 3rd. Others were being used as gun emplacements. Weather very fine. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 5th Aug 1916 On the March  7th Buffs Moved to forward area, leading Coy moving at 7.35 am Battalion disposed as follows: H.Q. La Rolanderie Ref. Map A Coy In farm at H.11.a.5.4 Bois Grenier B and D Coys In huts at H.23.a.8.6 36 N.W 4 C Coy In farm at H.5.c.2.3. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 6th Aug 1916 Recce  Day spent in reconnoitring area and finding best approaches to trenches (etc) Visit to the trenches by C.O. and several other officers to look round sub-sector the 7th Buffs Battalion is going to take over. Very hot day. Specialists did training. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 8th Aug 1916  Conference  C.O. had a conference of Coy Commanders to explain defence scheme and tell them how the Battalion would be disposed when they took over the line. 11Pm Orders were received from 55th Inf. Brigade that the Battalion would take over the right sub-sector from the East Surrey Regiment. the next day. Arrangements for relief to be made by O.C. units concurred. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 9th Aug 1916 Reliefs  Major R.T. Monier-Williams and Coy commanders went up to the trenches in the morning and made arrangements as regards relief. 2.15pm Specialists including Lewis Gunners, Snipers, Signallers, Bombers proceeded to the trenches and took over from the 8th East Surrey Regiment. in daylight. 9.15pm The first Coy, D Coy moved off and the remainder followed in the order C, A, B, H.Q. Companies moving by platoons at 5 mins interval. Starting point H17d54 D Coy took over from C Coy 8th East Surrey on the left C Coy took over from A Coy 8th East Surrey on the right. A Coy took over from D Coy 8th East Surrey in support. B Coy took over from B Coy 8th East Surrey in reserve. Relief of all Coys was reported complete at 12.15 a.m. (the 10th inst.) Ref: 36N.W4 Bois Grenier 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 10th Aug 1916 Holding the Line  On completion of relief 7th Buffs Battalion was disposed as follows: C Coy on front line from 36.I.31.c5.4 to I.31.b.4.1 D Coy in front line from I.31.b.4.1 to I.32.a.15.90 2 platoons of A Coy at the White City, 1 platoon of A Coy less 1 section at Stanway Post (I.31.b.3.8) 1 section of A Coy at Emma Post (I.31.a.7.7), and 1 platoon of A Coy at Jock’s Joy, I.25.d.7.2. B Coy at Moat Farm (I.25.a.1.9) in Battalion reserve. Bn. H.Q. at the White City I.31.a.4.7. Very quiet day except for a few enemy light trench mortars which fell in the right Coy’s front. Light West wind. Brigadier Gen. Jackson and Brig. Major came up in the morning. Very quiet night, slight rifle and machine gun fire. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 11th Aug 1916 Warm Day  Day exceptionally quiet and very warm. Light South wind. Orders were issued for two sections of A Coy 7th Buffs from White City Post and one Lewis gun to go and live in support trench running from I.31.c.5.7 to I.31.c.75.90 to be in close support to C Coy. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 12th Aug 1916 Very Hot  Quiet day and very hot. At 11.10a.m. enemy put 12 4.2 cm shells over 7th Buffs apparently ranging on trench 51, the first of these set some hay near Water Farm alight. Between 10 p.m. and 12 midnight enemy artillery and trench mortars were active on subsector on our right. Telephone message received from 55th Brigade. saying gas helmets were to be worn in the alert position as wind was favourable for German Gas. Wind Fresh S.E. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 13th Aug 1916 Quiet  Quiet day for 7th Buffs except from 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. trenches 49 and 50. Queer St and Safety St were shelled with light and heavy trench mortar bombs. At 7 p.m. Water Farm was shelled with 5.9 cms and 4.2 cms, no damage done. Our 18 pounders retaliated and shelling died down. Wind S.W. gentle. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 14th Aug 1916 Quiet  Quiet day for 7th Buffs. Except at 6.30p.m. when enemy’s T.M. bombs fell near the heads of Queer St and Safety Alley and at the back of the salient. 5.9 shells fell near Safety Alley (behind Support Trench) and also between there and Stanway Alley. Earlier in the afternoon a few shells fell in the front line in Sector 49. A bombardment of the enemy’s lines from I.26.b.8.8 to I.16.d.3.5 took place. The enemy did not retaliate on our front at all. Showery in the middle of the day. Wind S.W. Quiet night. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 15th Aug 1916 Quiet  Very quiet day indeed for 7th Buffs. Hardly any rifle or shell fire the whole day. 9.30pm A Coy 7th Buffs went up to the right subsector to relieve C Coy B Coy went up to the left subsection to relieve D Coy. 10.30pm C Coy came back to the Support line at White City, Emma Post, Stanway Post and Jock’s Joy. D Coy came back to reserve at Moat Farm. A draft of 191 West Kent Cyclists joined the Battalion in the line. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 16th Aug 1916 Reliefs  10.15pm 7th Buffs commenced to relieve 7th Queens in Y 3 Subsector (S.E. of Maricourt) Relief delayed by presence of hostile observation balloon which overlooked Suzanne, Maricourt Valley. Relief completed by dark. Distribution of Battalion, A and B. trenches. C, ‘R’ and ‘S’ works. D. Battalion Reserve 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 17th Aug 1916 Shelling  7th Buffs report 10am Enemy shelled White City end of Queer St. with about 5 rounds of 10.5 cm. Our T.M.B. fired a few rounds on trench opposite 50 trench. Enemy replied with 12 T.M. bombs in vicinity of trenches 49 and 50 and Queer Street. 7.15pm 12 15cm. shells fell around trenches 50 and 51 and two rifle grenades. 12 midnight about 9 light T.M. bombs and rifle grenades fell behind 50 trench. Otherwise quiet night and day. Fine day and misty night. Wind gentle S.W. 7th Buffs report 9am Our 60 lb. mortars registered with four rounds on enemy’s trenches opposite the salient. Enemy replied with several pineapple bombs and two heavy T.M. bombs. Our Stokes gun very quickly answered with about 50 bombs and Enemy then shelled in front of Tui Road and Support Line 50 with about 16 rounds. All quiet by 9.45 a.m. 5.25pm We exchanged about 9 light trench mortar bombs with the enemy on trenches 48 and 49. Germans sent about four 10.5 cm. shells into 50 trench. Showery all day and night. Wind gentle W.S.W. Very quiet night. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 18th Aug 1916 Artillery in Action  7th Buffs report About 3.15 p.m. our guns opened rapid firing on enemy’s front and support lines. Enemy replied with about 12 pineapples and 1 heavy mortar afterwards shelling road from White City to salient. About 3 shells fell on 50 Support Trench. About 5.40 p.m. 1 heavy mortar bomb and about 30 “pineapples” fell on Right Coy’s front. Not much damage done. 2/Lt C. Debon was slightly wounded in shoulder. Otherwise quiet day and very quiet night; wet off and on all day. Fresh West wind. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 19th Aug 1916 Aeroplane  An aeroplane passed over our lines going from South to North. When over 51 trench it shut off its engine and when over German trench in front of 52 trench, it dropped five or six white lights. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 20th Aug 1916  Shelling  8am About 20 light trench mortar bombs and about six heavy bombs fell along 7th Buffs right Companys front, one of the latter fell on the cook-house, no material damage done. 1 pm Enemy started shelling with 10.5 cm and 15 cm all round White City and Battalion H.Q., one 15cm. landing right in the trench wounding five men. At about 2 p.m. they shortened on to right Coy’s sector being fairly intense from 2.25 p.m. to 3 p.m. Our artillery replied at 3.10 p.m. A good deal of damage around Queer St and Support line 48 and 49 and salient. Shelling stopped about 4 p.m. At 4 p.m. Battalion H.Q. shifted from the White City to Moat Farm. After 4 p.m. quiet for the rest of the day and night. Wind West. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 21st Aug 1916  Reliefs  During the morning the C.O. and representatives from the 16th Royal Scots came up to look around the line prior to taking over from 7th Buffs. At 4 p.m. Specialists e.g. Snipers, Signallers, Lewis Gunners (etc.) came up to relieve our specialists. 8.30pm The 16th Royal Scots started to relieve us and the relief was carried out by platoons. Relief being complete by 12.25 a.m. on the 22nd inst. Very quiet day throughout. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 22nd Aug 1916  On the March  12.25am Coys of 7th Buffs moved from trenches to Divisional Baths for the night H.5.a.4.7 Ref Map sheet 36 NW at Erquinhem. The morning was spent by the whole battalion having baths and generally cleaning up. 1.40pm The 7th Buffs moved from the Divisional Baths to Estaires passing the starting point bridge at H.4.c.1.5 (Ref. Sheet 36 N.W.) at 2.15 p.m. Route Croix du Bac, Estaires. The Battalion was all in billets at Estaires at 5.30 p.m. being billeted in farms round the Steenwerck road area of Estaires. H.Q. were situated at G.19.d.0.5. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 23rd Aug 1916 Company Inspections  Day spent by 7th Buffs in Company inspections of kit, smoke helmets, (etc.) and generally cleaning up. The Commanding Officer motored over to inspect new area with the Brigadier General. Major Monier-Williams took the billeting party over to allot billets in the new area. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 23rd Aug 1916 Kentish Gazette Sixpenny Fund 24th Aug 1916 Inspection  The Commanding Officer of 7th Buffs inspected the new draft of 191 West Kent Cyclists in the morning. Rest of the morning allotted to Coy. parades. 5pm The Commanding Officer had a conference of the Coy. Commanders to discuss Scheme of training in the New Area. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th Aug 1916  Entraining  6.30pm 7th Buffs Battalion transport and D Coy. marched from Estaires to Merville Station where they loaded transport on the train. 8.15pm The Battalion less D Coy and transport marched from Estaires to Merville starting point road junction just West of B in Meteren Becque, reaching Merville at 10.20 p.m. where Battalion entrained. Train left at 11.50 p.m. from Merville. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th Aug 1916 On the Move 27th Aug 1916  Training  7th Buffs report Parades under Coy arrangements in the morning near billets. Dinners were ordered early, and the Battalion marched out afterwards by Coys. to B2 area (Square U 10 a, b, c and d) where they did Coy training; such as wood fighting, musketry, coy drill, coy in attack (etc.) Coys. took teas up to the area and came back to billets at 7 p.m. Raining intermittently the whole day. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 28th Aug 1916  Training  Companies of 7th Buffs went out to the C2 area for Coy. training leaving billets at 7 a.m. Work done was practice bombing, company in the attack, fire orders, use of covering fire, bombing tactics (etc.) Coys took dinners with them and returned to billets after. Company Commanders and the C.O. reconnoitred Bois de la Carnoye in the afternoon. Lt Gold took a party in live bombing. C.S.M. Parmee gave a demonstration in physical drill (etc.) All Coys went out in the evening to C2 area where they practiced patrols at night and inter-communication. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 29th Aug 1916  Training  Coys. Of 7th Buffs Paraded at 8 a.m. and went to the Bois de la Carnoye where they did coy training in the morning 10 a.m., 1 p.m. Attack and defence of wood. In the afternoon B Coy defended Eastern edge of wood while A, C, and D. Coys attacked, the Brigadier General was present and acted as umpire, but only half the scheme took place owing to a very heavy thunderstorm which took place. Coys returned to billets about 6.30 p.m. Very wet especially afternoon and evening. Ref: Sheet 36 B. SW. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 30th Aug 1916  Training  Coys of 7th Buffs spent morning in billets doing physical drill, kit inspections (etc.) from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It was pouring with rain all day and the targets blew off and only miniature ones could be used and so a practice of 15 rounds rapid in a minute was fired. Conditions very difficult. D Coy. did wiring in the afternoon under an R.E. specialist. C Coy. lecture in billets. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 31st Aug 1916  Musketry  C and D Coys. 7th Buffs went down to the range and fired from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Practices were 5 rounds slow and 15 rounds rapid in 1 minute. A Coy. went to Magnicourt for baths from 8, 10.30 a.m. and then did practice in wiring. B Coy. did live bombing and went to the baths from 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. In the afternoon Coys. practiced Coy. attacks on the A 1 area. Signed R.T. Monier-Williams Major Comm. 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 1st Sept Training  8.50am 7th Buffs marched out to wood in U 10 a to witness a Flame projector demonstration by Capt. Hartley 3rd Army Expert. The whole brigade was present. After the demonstration the Battalion marched to the Bois de la Carnoye where they had dinners. After dinners there was a scheme for an attack on the wood. A and D Coys 7th Royal West Kent Regiment. defended the section edge and B and C Coys 7th Royal West Kent Regiment. and 7th Buffs attacked. The Commanding Officers of both regiments umpired and Maj. Monier-Williams was in command of the attack. After the attack the Battalion marched back reaching billets about 6.15 p.m. 8.45pm The Commanding Officer had a conference of all officers to discuss the afternoon’s attack and the scheme for the next day. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 10th Sep 1916 On the March   8am 7th Buffs started from Road Junction South of R in Maizieres at 8.0 a.m., the order of march being B, C, Drums, D, A, Companies. Battalion marched via Magnicourt Sur Canche, Moulin Mouvigneul to cross-roads at East end of Canettemont (the Brigade Starting Point). The Battalion was third in order of march, following the 7th Battalion Queens W. Surrey Regiment. The Brigade and attached Troops marched via Rebreuviette to Le Souich, marching past Gen Maxse at the entrance to Le Souich. The Battalion were reported to have occupied their Billets at 1.15 p.m. Lieut Col Ransome and Lieut Burnside returned from leave. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 11th Sep 1916 On the March  6 am 7th Buffs started from Road Junction one quarter mile S.W. of L in Le Souich to march to Puchevillers. Route Halloy, Thievres, Marieux, Raincheval, Puchevillers. The march was carried out by the Brigade as a Brigade march. Very close day: 12 men fell out. We reached huts at Puchevillers at 1.35 p.m. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 13th Sep 1916 Training  Training was carried out by Companies on ground adjoining the camp. Times 7 a.m., 8 a.m. 9 a.m., 12.30 p.m. 2 p.m., 4 p.m. Programme of Work (a) Physical Drill (b) Bombing, tactical use of bombing parties, use of Lewis Guns with bombing parties followed by criticism. (c) Intensive Digging and insertion of frames for Dug outs. (d) Lewis Guns, tactical handling of. (e) Following up a barrage. (f) Exercises for Platoon Commanders in tactical schemes, consolidation of ground gained and map reading. 9.45am The Commanding Officer went up to the trenches to look round the line held by the Reserve Army, with the Brigade Commander. The adjutants of the Brigade. went round training area allocated to the Brigade. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 13th Sep 1916 Training  7th Buffs Training as per programme of the 12th inst.T he Commanding Officer held a conference of Company Commanders at 9.45 a.m. and Platoon Commanders at 12.15 p.m. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 14th Sep 1916 Posting  Lt. H. A. Dyson took over command of A Coy 7th Buffs from Capt. Wood. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 15th Sep 1916  Posting  2/Lt. Clapperton took over command of C Coy 7th Buffs from Lt. Hands. Capt. Wood was transferred to B Coy as Second in Command of Coy. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 16th Sep 1916 Posting  Capt. Foxell was transferred to A Coy 7th Buffs as Second in Command of Coy. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 17th Sep 1916 Posting  2/Lt. Carman took over duties of Second Captain of D Coy. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 18th Sep 1916 Wet Day   Poured with rain all day, morning spent in giving lectures to N.C.O.s and men of 7th Buffs in bombing, Lewis Gun, tactics, and battle of the Somme, (etc.) Afternoon lectures as in morning. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 19th Sep 1916 Training  7th Buffs Training in the morning as per programme on the 12th inst., but owing to the rain Companies had to come in and lectures were given in the huts, lectures again in the afternoon and training. Commanding Officer, 2nd in Command and Adjutant went out to make up a tactical scheme for following day. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 2nd Sep 1916  Training  7.10am 7th Buffs marched out to Magnicourt where the rendezvous was at road junction at O35a.0.0. reaching there by 8.30 a.m. The Commanding Officer and Adjutant rode on and met the Brigadier at road junction ¼ mile N.E. of the N in Houvelin where the Brigade scheme was read and orders issued. Coy commanders were then assembled and told the scheme. The Brigade. was detailed to attack and capture the three woods on square U 10, the 7th Buffs on the right, the 8th East Surrey Regiment. on the left and the 7th Queens in support. B and C Coys 7th Buffs were the leading Coys. with D Coy in support and A Coy in reserve. 7th Royal West Kent Regiment. acted as Enemy. Maj. Gen. Maxse held a conference of all officers at the close of operations, the Battalion having had dinners and marched back under Coy. Sergt Majors. 6pm A Coy 7the buffs gave a bombing demonstration in Tactics of Bombing Parties at Rocourt. Lt. Col Ransome went on leave. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 20th Sep 1916 Heavy Rain   As it poured with rain most of the morning, lectures, musketry (etc) were practiced in the huts. In the afternoon the Adjutant gave a lecture on map reading to all the officers of 7th Buffs in the mess. Section Commanders took all the men in their sections in the huts. Programme of work 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Physical training 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Bombing Tactics, Intensive Digging including siting of trenches and following up barrage. Special training of patrols. Tactical Training including tactical handling of Lewis Guns. 2 p.m. A Coy Tactical exercise for platoon and section commanders under the Commanding Officer. Remaining N.C.O.s and men live bombing under 2/Lt Gold. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 21st Sep 1916  Route March  7th Buffs B. C. D. Coy Commanders, platoon Commanders and platoon Sergeants attended a demonstration under C.S.M. Parmee. Remaining N.C.O.s and men went out for a route march under their C.S.M.s 2/Lt Scott tore the muscles of his left leg doing physical drill and had to be sent to hospital. L/Cpl Charles James Crame 7th Buffs was awarded the Russian Medal of St. George 3rd Class for gallantry near Trones Wood on 13th July 1916. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 22nd Sep 1916  Baths  C and D Coys and 2 platoons of B Coy went to baths at Toutencourt in the morning. A Coy and 2 platoons of B Coy did bombing (etc.) as per programme of 21st inst. In the afternoon C and D Coys and 2 platoons of B dug intensively for two hours practice against the other Battalions. Of the Brigade. A Coy, H.Q., Transport, and 2 platoons of B went for baths. B Coy’s Officers and Section Commanders went for a tactical scheme on the ground under Major Monier-Williams. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 23rd Sep 1916 Training  Training in morning as per programme of work of 21st inst. In the afternoon all officers and N.C.O.s who had not seen C.S.M. Parmee’s demonstration attended one, remaining N.C.O.s and Officers and Battalion went to a demonstration of Stokes Mortar Battery to watch the demolition of a strong point. Maj. Monier-Williams and Capt. Brice went on a reconnaissance round Reserve Army Area’s trenches. Capt. Allen met with an accident on horseback and sustained severe concussion. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 24th Sep 1916  Tidying up  Morning spent by Coys of 7th Buffs in filling in trenches dug and doing bombing, bayonet- fighting (etc.) and in the afternoon the whole Battalion filled in the Brigade trenches dug by the four battalions of the Brigade. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th Sep 1916 Billeting Party  Capt. Wood and billeting party moved off to Hédauville. The following went on a reconnaissance round the Reserve Army trench area. Capt. Brice, 1 Officer per Coy., Lewis Gun Officer, Bombing Officer, Signal Sergeant, and several N.C.O.s and men. The following went to report to the A.P.M. 18th Divn. at Acheux for looking after cages for German prisoners; 2/Lt Watson, 2/Lt Kerr, 8 N.C.O.s and 44 men. 2L/t H. Fine proceeded to the Divn. School at Varennes. Coys. Spent the morning in tidying up huts and ground about huts and filling in trenches and foot slits dug whilst training. The Battalion moved from Puchevillers to Hedauville. Route Arqueves, Varennes. Starting point cross roads in N. 22 c at North end of Puchevillers. Order of march D. A. Drums. B. C. Time of start 1.17 p.m. All packs were carried by lorries. The Battalion were all in billets at Hedauville at 4.50 p.m. 3 men only fell out on the march. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th Sep 1916 Orders Received  Orders received from 55th. Brigade said 7th Battalion Buffs must be ready to move any time within an hour after 1 p.m. Orders received from Brigade at 12.50 p.m. said Battalion to be clear of Hedauville by 1.30 p.m. or as soon after as possible and move to open ground about W 8 central. Battalion moved at 1.35 p.m. and reached ground at 3.30 p.m. where they bivouacked for the night. Major Monier-Williams went to Brigade as Liaison Officer at 12.30 p.m. Verbal orders received from Brigade by Major Monier-Williams that the Battalion was to move to dug outs at Crucifix Corner W.11 d 85 and be there by 7 a.m. 1st line Transport and personnel to remain at W.8 central. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th Sep 1916 Award 27th Sep 1916  Standing by  7th Buffs paraded at 5.30 a.m. and marched to W.10.c.24 from which point it went by platoons to Crucifix Corner W.11.d.85. Order of march B. C. D. A. The Battalion was all in dug outs at Crucifix Corner at 7.26 a.m. 7th Buffs remained throughout the day in their dug outs standing by. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 28th Sep 1916  Standing by  7th Buffs remained throughout the day in their dug outs at Crucifix Corner W.11.d.8.5 standing by. Major Monier-Williams rejoined Battalion from Brigade. All Officers at 1st Line Transport were sent up to join Battalion. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 29th Sep 1916 Dugouts  7th Buffs remained for the morning in dug outs, at 3.50 p.m. message was received from Brigade that Battalion was to go up to Wood Post X1 Central and occupy dug outs vacated by 8th Suffolk Regiment. which would be vacated at 4.30 p.m. Battalion was all in dug outs by 5.30 p.m. A. and C. Coy in dug outs at Wood Post. B and D Coys in dug outs in old German front line in Lemburg Trench R.31.d. 1 platoon of A Coy was ordered to be held in readiness for carrying to Thiepval for 8th East Surrey Regiment, and proceeded on carrying party at 1.30 a.m. on 30th Sept. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 3rd Sep 1916  Inspection  9am Major Monier-Williams O.C. 7th Buffs inspected all Companies and H.Q. Details. 5 pm 2 L/t Gold instructed A and C Coys in practice with live grenades. 6 pmC.O. held a conference of O.C. Coys to discuss the scheme for the following day. Lieut Burnside, Adjutant, went on leave. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 30th Sep 1916 In Action  7am Message received by 7th Buffs from Brigade “S.O.S. on Northern edge of Schwaben redoubt 7th Buffs to ready.” Verbal message from Brigade said “1 Coy to be sent to occupy Northern defences of trench.” D Coy was accordingly ordered up and reported its arrival without any casualties at 10.35 a.m. Casualties up to 12 noon 30th Sept. O.R. killed. 3. O.R. Wounded. 5. 1.25pm Orders received from Brigade. stating “2 platoons 7th Buffs in conjunction with the 8th East Surrey Regiment. were to attack and recapture Schwaben Redoubt. Objectives of the 2 platoons 7th Buffs were points R.19.d.39.80 and R.19.d.1.9.” Zero time was 4 p.m. 2 platoons of D Coy under 2L/t Carman, nos. 15 and 16, were detailed for the attack. 3.35pm Orders were issued for A Coy 7th Buffs to stand by ready to move up to Thiepval at a moment’s notice. Major Monier-Williams ordered to report to Brigade H.Q. 4pm Verbal orders received from Brigade. “1 Coy to report to O.C. 8th East Surrey Regiment. at Thiepval at once.” A Coy 7th Buffs was ordered to proceed up. 8.50pm Verbal orders received from Brigadier who came up to Wood Post were that 1 Coy and H.Q. were to move up to Thiepval and reinforce the 8th East Surrey Regiment. who were to collect and withdraw back to Wood Post. 9.15pm H.Q. and B Coy moved up to Thiepval reaching there at 10.45 p.m. B Coy moving into dug outs about R.25.b.6.0. H.Q, going to 8th East Surrey H.Q. at R.25.d.0.4. C Coy ordered to move up to Joseph trench R.32.a.2.6 to 7.7. 12 midnight. Message received from A Coy saying nos. 1 and 3 platoons had been sent to reinforce 8th East Surrey Regiment. left near point R.19 d 65. Nos 2 and 4 platoons sent to help 7th R.W. Kent Regiment. Also report attached received from D Coy with reference to the attack at 4 p.m. by nos. 15 and 16 platoons by 2L/t L. G. Carman who was in command of the party. A.W. Monier-Williams Commanding 7th Buffs 10th Oct 1916 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 4th Sep 1916  Training  In the course of the morning all Officers of 7th Buffs visited the training area to examine the ground at U.1.d.74, which was to be used for the afternoon’s Scheme. They also witnessed a Demonstration of Intensive Digging. During the morning B and C Companies were instructed in wiring by an N.C.O. provided by 92nd Field Coy R.E. for the purpose. 1 pm The Battalion marched to the training area at U.I.d.74 and practiced a Brigade Attack on 2 lines of trenches. Cooperation with a Contact Aeroplane was practised and Intensive digging in the Captured positions. At the Conclusion of the Scheme the Battalion returned to billets for tea. Orders were issued for the Battalion to move with the 55th Infantry Bde to Maizieres. This was subsequently cancelled just before midnight. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 5th Sep 1916  Training   The move having been postponed at the last moment, the day was given up to Company Training. A and B Companies 7th Buffs utilized the Bombing Redout at Rocourt during the morning, while the remaining Companies during the morning and the Battalion after dinners include Intensive Digging in their programme. The Southern half of B area was used by the Battalion. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 6th Sep 1916 Training   Companies marched to A Area for training: including Drill, Intensive Digging, Bayonet fighting, etc 9am The C.O. examined the Platoons of A Company. 4Pm All Officers and Company Sgt Majors witnessed a Demonstration of Intensive Digging, and the erection of Cave Shelters and of Low wire entanglements. At the conclusion General Maxse held a Conference of Senior Officers, including Company Commanders. The Demonstration was under arrangements made by the 54th Infantry Brigade. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 7th Sep 1916 Training  9am 7th Battalion Buffs marched to C Area for Training. Dinners were taken out. The Companies in turn practiced the Attack, closely following a Barrage; and consolidation of captured position. The remainder of the day was spent in Physical Training etc. C Coy and Hd Qtrs Details went to the Baths at Magincourt. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 8th Sep 1916  Training  Battalion marched to A Training Area. After an hour’s Physical Training they witnessed a Demonstration of Field Works by 92nd Field Co. R.E. A and B Coys marched back to Billets for dinners while C and D ate theirs on the area. 2.15, 4.30 p.m. C and D Coys practised attacking with Artillery Barrage, and also the throwing of live bombs. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 8th Sep 1916  Musketry  A and B Coys marched to the Rifle Range on A Area. During the day, orders were received Companies from 55th I. Bde., and re-issued to Companies i.e. relative to the march to Maizieres on the following day. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 9th Sep 1916 On the March   The Battalion started from the Road Junction West of Monchy Breton Church at 9.45 a.m., the order of march being A, B, Companies, Drums, C, D, Companies. The Battalion passed the Brigade Starting Point (Cross-roads South of E in Monchy Breton) at 10.15, being rear Battalion in the Brigade. The attached troops of the Brigade and Echelon B of Transport followed. The route was by Bailleul Aux Cornailles, U in Le Haut Barley Fm, Averdoingt to Maiziéres; which was reached at 12.20 p.m. Major General Maxse watched the Brigade march past him just outside this village. Orders were received for the march of the following day. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 18th Nov 1916 Advance 21st Nov 1916 Reliefs   3rd Aug 1917 Heavy Rain   4th Aug 1917 Enemy Active   5th Aug 1917 Recce Patrol   6th Aug 1917 Reliefs   7th Aug 1917 Strong Points   8th Aug 1917 Reliefs   9th Aug 1917 At Rest 10th Aug 1917 Advance 10th Aug 1917 Attack Made   11th Aug 1917 Reliefs   12th Aug 1917 Difficult Relief 13th Aug 1917 In Billets 14th Aug 1917 In Billets 15th Aug 1917 Orders   16th Aug 1917 On the March   1st Sep 1917 Training 2nd Sep 1917 Musketry   3rd Sep 1917 Exercise   4th Sep 1917 Exercise   5th Sep 1917 Exercise   6th Sep 1917 Training 7th Sep 1917 Training and Football   8th Sep 1917 Exercise   23rd February 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 5th March 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 6th March 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 10th March 1918 Dayfield Body Shield 14th March 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 18th March 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 20th March 1918 In hospital 21st March 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 23rd March 1918 Received head injury 25th March 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 28th March 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 4th April 1918 In hospital 6th April 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 7th April 1918 In hospital 10th April 1918 In hospital 11th April 1918 In hospital 15th April 1918 In hospital 19th April 1918 In hospital 30th April 1918 Missing son 13th May 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 19th May 1918 Air raids 22nd July 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 5th August 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 6th Aug 1918 In Position 20th August 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 11th September 1918 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). 9th November 1918 Letter 9th Feb 1918 Parcels for Prisoners If you can provide any additional information, please add it here. Want to know more about 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs)? There are:5625 items tagged 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) available in our Library   These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Great War. Those known to have served with 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) during the Great War 1914-1918. Bohannan William George. Pte. (d.23rd Oct 1918) Box Frank Charles. Pte. (d.12th Feb 1916) Butcher Frederick Charles. Pte. (d.27th Aug 1918) Carter John Henry. Pte. (d.27th Oct 1916) Clifford Thomas. Pte. Clifford Thomas. Pte. Corke James. Pte. (d.3rd May 1917) Darrell George. L/Cpl (d.1st Jul 1916) Darrell George. L/Cpl. (d.1st Jul 1916) Dundas Roy Stuart. Drmr. (d.16th Nov 1916) Eddon Joseph Edwards. Pte. (d.2nd October 1916) Eddon Joseph Edwards. Pte. (d.2nd Oct 1916) Glover George. Pte. Goatham Reginald. Pte. Hodges James. Sgt. Jarvis Ophir Alfred. Pte. (d.30th Nov 1916) Jones Cyril Frank Vivian. Pte. (d.30th Sep 1916) Kerman MM Frank. Sgt (d.8 April 1918) Kitchingham Thomas. Pte. Machon Charles John. Pte. (d.7th Aug 1917) Morris Reginald Ernest. Pte. Munro George Robert. Sgt. Priest James. Pte. (d.22nd Aug 1918) Scuddan Alfred. Pte. (d.5th Oct 1916) Seager Lewis Richard Turner. Pte. Simpson George David. Pte. Teeson Arthur. Pte. (d.18th Nov 1916) Treversh Thomas Henry. Sgt. (d.12th Oct 1917) Treversh Thomas Henry. Sgt. (d.12th October 1917) Tritton Edward Henry. Sgt. Vousden Charles Robert. Pte. (d.7th Aug 1918) Watson Robert Charles. Pte. (d.3rd May 1917) Wilbur Thomas. (d.7th August 1917) All names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed, please Add a Name to this List Records of 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) from other sources. The Wartime Memories Project is the original WW1 and WW2 commemoration website. 1st of September 2023 marks 24 years since the launch of the Wartime Memories Project. Thanks to everyone who has supported us over this time. Want to find out more about your relative's service? Want to know what life was like during the Great War? Our Library contains many many diary entries, personal letters and other documents, most transcribed into plain text. Looking for help with Family History Research?    Please see Family History FAQ's Please note: We are unable to provide individual research. Can you help? The free to access section of The Wartime Memories Project website is run by volunteers and funded by donations from our visitors. 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If you have any unwanted photographs, documents or items from the First or Second World War, please do not destroy them. The Wartime Memories Project will give them a good home and ensure that they are used for educational purposes. Please get in touch for the postal address, do not sent them to our PO Box as packages are not accepted. We are now on Facebook. Like this page to receive our updates, add a comment or ask a question. If you have a general question please post it on our Facebook page. World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great battalion regiment artillery Did you know? We also have a section on World War Two. and a Timecapsule to preserve stories from other conflicts for future generations.   Pte. Ophir Alfred Jarvis 7th Btn. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) (d.30th Nov 1916) Ophir Alfred Jarvis died on the 30th of November 1916, aged 36. He is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery in France. Husband of Selina F. Jarvis, of 9, Cranworth Rd., Hadleigh, Suffolk. Father of Evelyn and Margaret. s flynn Add to this record.   Pte. Charles Robert Vousden 7th Btn East Kent Regiment (d.7th Aug 1918) Charles Vousden served with 7th Btn. The Buffs. David Klein Add to this record.   Sgt. George Robert Munro 7th Battalion East Kent Regiment My grandfather, Bobbie Munro, was born in 1891. He joined up on the 27th of October 1914 and was assigned to the the 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment. He was promoted to Sergeant and served through various theatres mainly around the Somme. Including battles around Albert, Delville Wood, through 1st and 2nd Passchendaele and god knows how many other battles before ending the war at Pommereuil on Armistice Day. He was wounded badly in 1917 but returned to service and thankfully he survived and I'm here to remember the sacrifices these men (and women) endured. Ive been to the battlefields and cemeteries which are, strangely, beautiful and peaceful. He was transferred to the army reserves on 28th of March 1919 after demobilization. During WW2 he served as a fire warden around the East London docks. So proud to have known him in his later years and touched the history. Ian Yarham Add to this record.   Pte. John Henry Carter 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment (d.27th Oct 1916) John Carter was born in 1869 in Rushett Common, Surrey to parents Mr and Mrs Carter of Heathfield Sussex. He died of wounds on the 27th of October 1916 aged 20 years. Add to this record.   L/Cpl. George Darrell 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment (d.1st Jul 1916) My Great Uncle, George Darrell was aged 23 when he died during an offensive on The Somme. He was my grandmother's favourite younger brother. He Lived in Wye Kent in Bridge Street and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial and the war memorial in Wye Church Yard in Kent. Rosemary Bunn Add to this record.   Pte. George David Simpson 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment My Grandfather George Simpson was captured on 22nd of March 1918 in St Quentin having been shot through the shoulder. He was reported missing and it was 3 months before his family were informed on 29th of June 1918 that he had been found. He was sent from Maubeuge to Dulmen and then to Munster I on 23rd of July 1918. Barbara Campbell Add to this record.   Pte. George "Jack" Glover 7th Battalion East Kent Regiment My grandfather Jack Glover survived that horrific war and went on to become a regular soldier in 1919 and was demobbed on the 14th of October 1924. He served in Ireland between 1919 and 1922, in Constaninople 23rd April 1922 to 29th September 1923 where on 10th June 1923 he was relieved of his Lance Corporal stripe for being drunk!! He was at Gibralter 30th September 1923 to 29th September 1924 where on 11th August 1924 he was drunk in the Barracks and spent 8 days confined to Barracks and fined 10/-. He was gassed during WWI and suffered with bronchitus and pneumonia up to his death in 1972. He refused to say much about his war years although I did get a few snippets. During WWII he served as a Special Constable. Chris Glover Add to this record.   Sgt. Edward Henry Tritton 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment Diaries of Maria Charlotte Tritton (mother of Edward Tritton, known as Teddy). Background: these are a wonderful vernacular social history from a small village community in Kent. They start in August 1914, and actually continue until her death in 1948. They also give similar detail of Teddy's brother who enlisted shortly before Teddy and spent his war in Turkey, Mesopotamia and India. In abridging these diaries I have just followed Teddy's career removing a great deal about his brother and day to day events except where this adds to the mood and the way the war was affecting small communities like Brabourne. His army career spans the duration of the war and his rank changes, finishing as Sergeant. Also whilst starting with 2nd/5th Battalion East Kent Buffs, Southern Army School of Instruction, he ended up in 7th Battalion Buffs, British Expeditionary Force. Until 1918 he had remained in UK as a physical training instructor. The most interesting section of the diaries relates to the big Spring Offensive in March 1918. From my researches I believe his battalion was positioned close to Venteuil in France which saw some of the heaviest fighting. The account recorded in the entries for March 1918 (particularly letter entry 1st April 1918) detail his wounding albeit in rather scant detail. Like many involved in this war he was severely traumatised by these events and never spoke about them. However, a year or so before he died my mother had a conversation with him regarding events which added a little more to the story and its outcome. It seems with the German advance after very heavy bombardment for 5 or 6 hours overnight, at dawn in thick fog the Germans advanced and overran their positions but continued advancing leaving the Buffs to hold out in various redoubts for the rest of that day. 25, including Teddy, were captured and imprisoned in bunkers along the German positions. They overheard that the Germans planned to throw grenades into the bunkers to avoid the problem of prisoners. When an opportunity presented they managed to overcome the guards, cutting their throats, and escaped. They fell back to the 7th Queen's Regiment that was behind them and fought with them for a day and a half. However, Teddy took a wound to the head and was rendered semi-conscious. The story is a bit hazy here. It seems they remained in a trench waiting for relief but with the German advance they found him lying apparently in a graveyard covered in blood. He feigned death and his wounds were such that he was left for dead. He was found by local French and was helped to a dressing station and the diaries pick up his subsequent travails through various hospitals, including the Royal Herbert in Woolwich. Abridged diary entries: 26th August 1914 - 11th November 1918. On a news cutting at front of first diary entitled 5 Questions to men who have not enlisted is written "Teddy only 16 years and 4 months when he enlisted" 12th November 1914 "Teddy enlisted at 5.30pm. Came home, went to shop next day till 9.30 then into Ashford to get on or two things, then home to dinner and caught the 2pm train to Ashford. Never came home the weekend, came home for 3 hours the next Thursday, had got his clothes so him and Jack M had to go to Ascot, the rest went as soon as they got their clothes. Teddy was billetted at Sunninghill Park." 30th March 1915: "Sent letter to Teddy. Len came in for a little while. News in paper, 2 of our battleships sunk in the Dardanelles, one French and two British the Bouvet the French and the Irresistible and Ocean. Crews of the British saved, the crew of the Bouvet all lost." 13th April 1915: "Letter from Teddy and a photo of himself and two chums taken together. Arthur and Ted Thornby in hospital with German measles but some distance from Teddy." Friday 23rd April 1915: "Letter from teddy. He signed on for the Foreign Service but was not taken as those that were examined by the Dr when Ted and some more were on guard were taken as there was not enough without having to examine any more, but Teddy and the rest that were going have all got an Imperial Service Medal because they volunteered. Teddy very much put out because he is not going." Thursday 27th May 1915: "Jack Stride killed." Friday 28th May 1915: "Fine day. C. George dead spotted fever." Saturday 5th June: "Letter and washing from Teddy. I saw in paper Mrs Smiths son over at Bilsington died of enteric fever at Kamptee. Taking the names of men under 40years of age." Friday 11th June 1915: "Card from Teddy, been made full corporal and Gym instructor. I went down to Mrs Collins. Wrote a few lines to Teddy so did George." Friday 30th July 1915: "Letter from Teddy, not got his parcel yet. Stan Marsh dead, shot through head." Friday 6th August 1915: "Stan Marsh dead. I have sent Ted a medical certificate to see if he will get Dr to sign it so as to get his sick pay." Saturday 7th August 1915: "Had a letter from Teddy, he is at Maidstone, so never had letters. Going to be on inspection by Lord Kitchener today and going on to Sevenoaks, Sunday, 18 or 20 mile march." Tuesday 10th August 1915:- "Letter from Teddy, he is at Sevenoaks, marched from Trent Lodge, Robin Hood to Maidstone, 7 miles, on Friday, on Saturday 19 miles to see Lord Kitchener. On Sunday marched from Maidstone to Sevenoaks, 18 miles. One of the 4th and one of the NW Kents died on the march. Sent Teddy's washing and a letter. Teddy at Orderly room Sevenoaks." Thursday 14th October 1915: "Wrote to Teddy and have just heard there are 14 poor soldiers and 8 horses killed at Otterpool Camp with the bombs all the windows in Mrs Chain house broke and Westenhanger station glass all broke. Kate and Queen went over to the camp to see." Thursday 13th January 1916: "Letter from Teddy. A lot going on Foreign service wrote to Teddy telling him not to put his age up." Thursday 17th February: "Letter from Teddy. Dreadful bad news today at noon, poor Chris (Teddy's brother in Middle East) wounded, on notice from War Office. Stayed up with mother, went to church with Laura." Saturday 19th February 1916: "Teddy here. A card from the hospital where poor Chris is and a letter from him. Dear old Chris was shot in the right cheek, the bullet coming out under the ear, entered his neck and came out in his back. So glad Teddy was at home when letter came. He went round to all and down to let Miss Simons know." Tuesday 22nd February 1916: "Mother died about 4. I stayed there the night, snowing hard." Saturday 26th February 1916: "Mother buried. Teddy went back. Alice to station with Rose." Thursday 24th February 1916:- "Ground still covered with snow, has not snowed much today. Letter and field post card from Chris. His wound's going on very well, talks of soon going back to the fighting line. I bullet that got him, a soft lead one about twice the size of an ordinary rifle bullet. After it had gone through his cheek and out under his ear, in his neck and out of his back it went in his canteen and a tin jam that was inside it and that's where he found the bullet in what was left of them. Most wonderful he was not killed. Susie brought down a note from Len to say he was sorry about Chris. Poor old Chris his back and cheek are healing alright, but his neck is not doing very well as he said in George's letter, has had to have it lanced twice. Dad and Mary also had a letter each this morning, he had also heard from Len. Chris has lost another mate and has got 4 photos belonging to him, his sister, mother, brother and his girl." Sunday 19th March 1916: "Nice post card from Teddy. The Mistle thrush has her nest in the garden again this year in the next tree this time, makes 7 times she has built there and I wonder if it is the same bird. Len came in, the three Little Court farmers and Kate and Norman to tea. I wrote to Teddy and sent him Chris's letter and card." Thursday 6th July 1916: "Guns very heavy. Posted letter to Teddy." Friday 14th June 1916: "Fine haying." Sunday 16th June 1916: "Teddy's birthday, somewhere on the march between Seal and Canterbury. Came on to rain about 4 o'clock." Wednesday 19th July 1916: "Teddy just had a 30 miles march from Seal to 2 miles out of Canterbury. First day from Sevenoaks to Maidstone, 18 miles, slept in schools alright. Next day pouring with rain to Charing, 18 miles, slept in the open fields pouring all the time. Then started again next day and marched 20 miles and got to Canterbury. They are now at Old Park in huts. I have sent his cake and a letter today. He had my birthday card at Maidstone. Letter from Mrs Hunt." Tuesday 15th August 1916: "Letter from Teddy coming this week end also card by same post to say he is made L/Sergeant. Letter to Dad from poor old Chris. I am very pleased about Teddy. Chris's letter dated July 21st." Wednesday 18th October 1916:- "Letter from Teddy. 1st class shot and 5 marks over. Going back to Canterbury Friday. I sent him some apples etc.. Teddy disappointed as his gun exploded so he don't know what he might have got, its hard luck." Wednesday 29th November 1916: "Alice sent Mary's boots. I wrote to her and sent Bonnet. Mary and D.P. came from shop about 8 o'clock brought news that Charly Wood was dead. He had trench foot first and was going back when he got wounded in 6 places by shrapnel." Monday 18th December 1916: "Teddy went Rabbiting down at Wilson's, got home about 3. Queenie down. Rained." Sunday 18th March 1917: "Fine day. Eddy and us looked for violets in garden, could not find any and we have generally had them. Hear the Zeps dropped bombs at Winchelsea and Lydd. Teddy went back by 8 o'clock bus. Goes to Brentwood tomorrow. (No 240541 Sgt Tritton E.H., 2/5 Buffs No 9 Squad, Southern Army School of Instruction)." Friday 4th May 1917: "Got up this morning to find that George Thomas's ferret that dad had got here, got out in the night and had killed 10 Buffs Chickens and the hen with them and 2 more hens one with chicken and one sitting on eggs and a pigeon. Letter from teddy and he has strained the muscles of his right leg and run the bayonet in his right shin bone. Can't walk poor old Ted done it I think when they were trenching. Alice sent her photo to Marg. Letter from Mrs Gower. I wrote to Teddy." Friday 25th May 1917: "Post card from Aunt Pat. Air raid, I counted 15 German Aeroplanes and the noise they made. They looked like white birds and we could hear the bombs drop. Some in Bond st and Christchurch Rd Ashford and two at Merstham and no end at Folkestone. Killed 76 and 174 injured nearly all at Folkestone, 10 in one shop and 14 injured, three of the aeroplanes were shot down at Dunkirk." Wednesday 30th May 1917: "I wrote to Teddy, a letter from Chris to Teddy I sent on." Thursday 21st June 1917: "Spudding till dinner time then came on to rain, could not go again till 3, so stayed till 5.30. heard that Arch Dryland is killed and that Lil Thornby's husband is wounded, don't think Mr Pestill is killed." Sunday 19th August 1917: "Letter came from Teddy from Chris. Went to Barham and Jim Parsons sent it on here. So Aggie wrote a note and sent it to Teddy and Mary biked up and caught post." Thursday 23rd June 1917: "Letter from Aggie. G's father died at 5am." Wednesday 22nd August 1917: "Letter from Teddy, went on a course of Rifle Grenades, Monday. Finish Saturday then Sunday going to Hounslow gym for a fortnights gym course and on Sept 21st going on a course of Machine guns. I went to Sellindge. He was very bad. I wrote to Teddy. It isn't the thing you do dear, It's the thing you leave undone, That gives you a bit of a heartache, At the setting of the sun. The flower you did not send dear, The kind word you did not speak, The letter you did not write, Are your haunting ghosts tonight. Wednesday 31st October 1917: "Queenie down. Jenny down, brought spudding and haying money.. I went to 6 o'clock service, wrote to Chris. Big air raid before about 11.30pm, the gun barrage was wonderful, the shells wizzed through the air at the Gothas. A lot of shrapnel fell, thought a piece fell in the garden but could not find it, it was moonlight as day." Monday 12th November 1917:- "3 years today dear old Teddy joined up, and the war don't looks no more like ending than it did then. The longest three years I have ever known, and three years last August dear old Chris went. Seems that Mrs Marshall happened to tell Mrs Harris that a shell was in Weekes's orchard and there really is a set out, no one seems to have known it, just seen the Super go by and another policeman. I don't think Weekes wanted the orchard dug about but I expect it is a live shell. I went to Kate's. Letter from Teddy. At 5.30pm about 18 soldiers have come to the Paddocks. Its taken over by the military." Tuesday 20th November 1917: "Sir Stanley Maud dead, one of best commanders out in Mesopotamia. Sent 6 pigs in kept small one for Mr Barton. Better morning. Laura in. Pigs weighed just over 30lb each at 18s a score, so fetched 27s each." Friday 25th January 1918: "Letter from Len. Very nice day. Jack B & Lydia in, J to say goodbye as they are going from the Paddocks tomorrow to Ashford for a few days then to Rye and then to Se-- and then over I expect but whether here or there they have to go where the Government sends them. I hope those that have not joined up think and see that those who have are giving the best years of their life when they could be looking out for themselves and will come back undermined in health, that they are doing it to keep England and those that have not joined up safe and saddest of all are those that will never come back but are in a lonely grave with no one near at the last for one word or to give one word of comfort or to hear one last wish. Who thought it was for a death like that that the mothers of England were rearing her children. Three long years of war and all its horror and still it goes on." Saturday 23rd February 1918:- "Letter from Teddy thrown out at Smeeth asking on envelope that whoever picked it up if they would deliver it or post it. It was posted at Aldrington so some one done it, so poor old Teddy went through Smeeth some time last Thursday night. My letter to Teddy at Crowborough returned." Monday 25th February 1918: "Letter from Teddy from France, got wet through going over. A very, very rough journey, went straight in a lorry and to where he wrote from, only going to stay there a day and so as can't send any address. I went to Kate's. Mary had a letter from Nell." Tuesday 26th February 1918: "Letter from Teddy with his address in France (7th Batt Buffs, B.E.F. France). I was so pleased, now I can write to him. He has been so good in writing it is jolly thoughtful of him, I expect he knows I should worry but he could not send an address till today. I have wrote and registered it, do hope he gets it." Tuesday 5th March 1918: "Letter from Teddy, he had a 20 hours train ride to where he is about as far from here as he could be in France, still with the same lot." Wednesday 6th March 1918: "Saw in The Daily Mail that the Germans have been having a lot of raids where we think poor old Teddy is, do hope he is safe, sent him a letter today, wrote to Chris." Sunday 10th March 1918: "I wrote to Chris and Teddy to ask Teddy about the Dayfield Body Shield, price 32s 6d by post to British Isles, 1s extra to the B.E.F., France 2s 6d extra, can be seen at all London stores and military outfitters or may be had direct from Whitfield Manufacturing Co Ltd, 5 Vernon House, Sicilian avenue, Southampton Row, London WC1 (wrote for illustrated Book of Testimonials ) It is worn under tunic, protects back and front, weight 53/4lbs, size 17 + 12." Thursday March 14th 1918: "Letters from Teddy he put all my letters on the day he wrote, the 9th, which was the first mail he had had. He had 10 letters and one P.C.. Its nice weather out there, when he wrote but had snow last week. He writes very cheerful has a lot of Rum about 9 and Ned Andrews says they don't have that unless something extra is on. He sent the letter he had from Chris. I am sending it to Aggie. I sent Ted a writing pad small one by return as they can't get anything up where they are, not before thay go back to rest, I wrote to Ted . Mary wrote to him and to Dora and dad posted them before post time. I sent Mr Lockyears card." Sunday 17th March 1918: "Very nice day. U Ted and Queenie down after tea. I wrote to Chris and Teddy, Mary got a new silver and blue hat." Monday 18th March 1918: "Chris's birthday J & I finished papering his and Ted's bedroom. Jenny just called in. Kate and Norman down. I had a letter from Teddy, dated 13th in one of the green envelopes to tell me not to worry if I don't hear from him for two or three weeks as he may be in a place where he cannot write. He may get one or two through if he's lucky. Wants me to explain to Aggie. He has also met Charly Thornby, he's a stretcher bearer in C company in that Batt. Teddy has met some chaps he knows and some that were with Nutty when he got hit. He will get our letters just the same up there so we can keep writing. I wrote to Aggie. Mary wrote Aggie, Nell Eva." Monday 25th March 1918: "Dry but a very cold up hill wind. Letter from Aggie. I went to 8.30 communion Mother's Union only 12 there. Saw in todays paper where the Buff's are praised and said which adds another page of glory to their records. Lucie and Bert down, Mary better. It looks as if the Buffs are where the battle is fiercest." Thursday 28th March 1918: "Field card dated 25th March from Teddy and being sent to the Base. Mary and I went to Ashford but it came on wet before we got far and worse when we got there so Mary is staying the night at Roses. They can't do Teddy's watch anywhere I tried. I wrote to Alice. Teddy had got my letter dated 13th March so as not got parcel as that and a letter was sent 14th. Spec of Smeeth to guard bridges tonight, its thought a lot of soldiers going through." Monday 1st April 1918: "Post card from hospital in France from Officer in charge dated 28th. Letter also from France from Teddy to Dad all about the battle dated 30th March from Southampton and my word he has been through something. 25 of them got taken prisoners and Ted and 9 more escaped and the first regiment they got to was the 7th Queens and he fought there (after they had some food and got rigged out again) for a day and a half. Then poor boy got hit on the head, it crumpled his tin hat and got a wound in his head. When he came to himself he was smothered in blood. They had been in the trench a week and were expecting relief and instead of that the German's came, he was wounded on the 23rd and then had to get to the dressing station himself. Then had to clear out as the Germans were still advancing, sent to the base and then to England. Mary and Aggie been to Ashford, a run in the bus. Came home by 6 o'clock. Alice came up in afternoon but could not stop as her sister and a friend were home. I packed up Teddy's parcel so as Aggie can post and register at Tonbridge as he will get it quicker." Thursday 4th April 1918: "A wet morning so Rose has not come. Letter from Teddy going on well, is in a room with 11 others, are able to get up out of bed and dress each other for they are mostly head and arm cases. (D3 Ward, 3rd western general hospital, Newport, Monmouth, Wales.) Ted's wound is on left side of crown of his head. Also letter from Aggie and Aunt Pat. I wrote to Teddy and enclosed dad's he wrote last night, also told Teddy about Chris." Saturday 6th April 1918: "Letter from Teddy from Newport and one from France dated 27th March been delayed somewhere. He was wounded at 1.30pm on the 23rd March 1918. News came in one of the green envelopes, also letter from Aunt Alice, Madge and letter Norman been bad went up to Fred's boys gone in to Roses. Queen heard from Teddy." Sunday 7th April 1918: "Letter from Teddy. Can't write much as the nurse won't let him. His wound has affected his eyes a bit. Jenny also heard." Wednesday 10th April 1918: "Letter from Teddy to dad. His eyes are very queer and his head is worse than he says, I am sure of that. I sent letter by return. A wet day again. I wrote to Chris. Queenie in. I and Mary went to church. I called at Laura's. Marj sent Aggie photos." Thursday 11th April 1918: "Postcard from Teddy. He is moved to another hospital. (Ward 3B Block, Aux Military Hospital, Griffithstown, Monmouth, Wales.) I wrote him a short letter and enclosed the letter Dad wrote last night. They are very clever with his eyes at this hospital. It is right up in the hills, heard that Tom Hooker is dead. Charly Thornby has written home to say Teddy is a prisoner. U Frank came. Been to Mary's father's funeral." Monday 15th April 1918: "Letter and postcard from Teddy. One eye is almost better and the other still a dud but the doctor says when the nerve gets better he thinks it will come right. I heard that Ted Spice is missing. Posted Teddy's parcel and Chris's letter, a cold windy day." Friday 19th April 1918: "Cold and windy, showers of snow. Letter from Teddy. Eyes getting better. A telegram sent in a Registered letter from London from Chris. He was gazeteered Good Friday, I called at Laura's. Mr Sheer died of wounds." Saturday 20th April 1918: "Letter from Teddy, eyes getting on well. I wrote to teddy and enclosed note that he wrote last night and sent Telegram and a letter that came here this morning for Teddy from Chris, posted all at dinner time, wrote and told Chris and Alice. Letter from rose. 3 rabbits from Mrs Hopkins." Tuesday 30th April 1918:- "Washed curtains etc, took bags for carrots to Kate's. Letter came for Teddy from a Mrs Axtell asking Ted about his son Sam as he went to France with Teddy and they have not heard from him since the battle of the 21st, so I sent it on and also wrote to Mrs Axtell, 53, Mount Pleasant Rd, London, N15." Monday 13th May 1918: "Dreadful wet morning. Teddy walked in about 1pm. Marj was just making dinner so I soon got him some. He looks very thin and we think worn. After tea Teddy went to Court Farm. Then took Barney home and saw Ted and Laura." Tuesday 14th May 1918: "Letter from Jim Parsons wanting to know about Teddy. He heard he was dead, then heard he was wounded. Teddy went and saw Queenie." Monday 19th May 1918: "Heard there were 4 bombs dropped at Westen hanger and a lot in London Sunday night. D. Addy got a daughter. Dora P down. Teddy went to station with Aggie to catch the 7.20 train, saw Alice then Teddy went by 12 bus to Ashford. So has to go by train to Shoreham. Very hot." Monday 22nd July 1918: "Letter from Teddy. (Hut 3, J company, Eastern Command Depot, Shoreham By Sea, Sussex). Had to give up Gym because of his head. Letter from Aggie and Rose. I wrote to Teddy and Aunt Alice." Wednesday 31st July 1918: "Letter from Teddy, his head seems very queer. He may come home on Friday. I wrote to him, also to Aggie." Saturday 3rd August 1918: "Men started at 3s 3d per week. Letter came for me that I ought to have had Thursday from Teddy. Miss Edwards came with Telegram for Ted about dinner time to tell him Aggie was coming. Dorothy came about 3.30pm. Ted went to Doctors by 5.30 bus, home by 8.40." Monday 4th August 1918: "Bank Holiday, a wet day. Teddy and Aggie gone by 5.30 bus to pictures. Mary gone with Dorothy part of way to station, then to Woman's Club and Miss Hammon brought B. Ted and Aggie came back by 8.40 bus. Air raid on after they got home. Marjorie home a little first." Tuesday 5th August 1918: "Aggie went by 7.20 train. Nice morning, but cold. Teddy got back from station about 9, then packed his own things up. Went to station on Mary's bike. He had just started when Mr & Mrs Frank Philpot biked along and she asked which of the boys it was and asked if he was going up the line. It seems dreadful here now Ted has gone again. I wish he could have stayed longer as he is very far from being well. Jenny down." Tuesday 20th August 1918: "Letter from Teddy, been written since last Thursday. Teddy walked in with Marj tonight. Has heard nothing about Harold. Got to go to Crowborough (A2 Hut C Company, 4th (K) Buffs, Crowborough, Sussex) as thinks he is going to an O.T.C. Have marked him B2, but he is far from well." Sunday 11th September 1918: "Fine day but cold. Letter from Teddy, they would not grant him leave as they are on the move. Sgt M Hardyman gone on his draft leave, he volunteered for France. Letter from Brother Frank. Dorothy and Gwen down in afternoon." Tuesday 15th October 1918: "Letter from Teddy. I wrote to him. A dance on to night for soldiers, the first this year, for soldiers parcels. I wrote to Aggie. Went to Court Farm called at Harry's and Queenie's. Frank and Marj gone to dance." Sunday 3rd November 1918: "Poured hard all day, so Alice did not come. Frank's Frank called in afternoon. Marj came in. Letter from Teddy, Aggie, Mr Bennet and Nutty. I wrote to Chris and Teddy. Just heard That Mr Rogerson is dead." Saturday 9th November 1918: "Letter from Teddy. Bill Ward is dead. Sid Thornby home. Letter from Nutty. I wrote to Teddy, Marj posted it with Frank at dinner time. Teddy says Major Ben Buss has died from wounds received in battle that Chris was in, had an eye shot out and is going to be buried at Horsmonden that day Wed 6th November. Kate Bean married today at Ashford." Monday 11th November 1918: "Rather damp. Postcard from Nutty, went to Tonbridge Sunday. News came through that it's peace at last. I went to Kate's." Nick Vaughan Add to this record.    Thomas Wilbur 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) (d.7th August 1917) Thomas Wilbur was blinded whilst sheltering in a farmhouse which came under attack. He died from his horrendous injuries. Married to Annie and had 1 daughter, Maud. His brothers and father also fought in this war. Jane Harrison Add to this record.   Pte. Thomas Clifford 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment My maternal grandfather, Thomas Clifford joined the East Kent Regiment in 1916, despite being only 17 years of age. Also, he left home in Marylebone London, and travelled to Kent to join up, so that he could be sure his family would be unable to trace him. He was captured on 16th September 1917 at Poelcapelle and spent the rest of the war in Friedrichsfeld POW Camp, near Wesel in Germany. Terry Lomax Add to this record.   Pte. Arthur Teeson 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment (d.18th Nov 1916) Arthur Teeson was born in Ramsey, Huntingdonshire. He served in the 7th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). He died on Saturday, 18th November 1916 during the Battle of the Ancre. Bryan Teeson Add to this record.   Drmr. Roy Stuart Dundas 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment (d.16th Nov 1916) Roy Dundas was a Drummer with the 7th Btn, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs). He was killed in action near Grandcourt, the Somme, France on 16th of November 1916, aged 19. Hugh Dundas Add to this record.   Pte. Reginald Goatham 7th Battalion East Kent Regiment Reginald Goatham was my Great Uncle, my paternal grandfather's older brother. He signed up to serve in November 1914 and was killed in action on the Somme in October 1916. Reginald has no marked grave, but is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. I inherited a large number of letters that he wrote home to his parents and siblings during this period, and also have the robe that he was christened in in 1893 or 1894. Due to ill health and some spells in hospital, he remained in southern England with Kent Cyclists Battalions until July 1916, when his Battalion was sent to France. Not long after arrived, these Cyclists seem to have been transferred to the 7th Battalion, East Kent Regiment. My favourite letter is one that he wrote to thank his mother for sending him some of her home-made jam and a pair of boots. The only problem is that she packed the jam inside one of the boots, but the lid came off and he received one very sticky boot. Add to this record.   Pte. Thomas Kitchingham 6th Battalions East Kent Regiment Thomas Kitchingham was born on 20 April 1897 at Place Farm, Hartlip, Kent. Unfortunately, we do not have the Service Records to confirm precisely when he joined and his precise service information, and we only have the medal card and medal roll to refer to. It would seem he initially joined the 6th Battalion East Kent Regiment before being transferred to the 7th Battalion, dates and details not known. It is understood from what his younger brother has mentioned, he was at the Battle of the Somme. Tom survived the war and eventually died in 1978 in Gillingham, Kent. Peter Kitchingham Add to this record.   Pte. Cyril Frank Vivian Jones 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment (d.30th Sep 1916) CyrilJones was my uncle and his death had a devastating effect on the family. His mother went mad and my father had to take over the family business for which he was ill-equipped. My mother used to use the expression "steady the Buffs" to settle us if we were too excited - now I know where it comes from. Shelagh Duffy Add to this record.   Pte. Joseph Edwards Eddon 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment (d.2nd Oct 1916) Joseph Eddon served with the 7th Battalion, The Buffs. Craig Porritt Add to this record.   Pte. Thomas Clifford 7th Battalion East Kent Regiment My maternal grandfather, Thomas Clifford, ran away from his home in 1916 at the age of 17 to join up. To avoid being traced, he travelled by train to Kent where he joined the Buffs, whilst still under age for military service. He was captured during the misjudged advance through the quagmire at the Battle of Poelcapelle on 12th October 1917 and remained a prisoner of war until his release at the end of hostilities some 12 months later. My research turned up his POW record at Friedrichsfeld Prisoner of War camp, near Wesel in Germany. It shows that he was not wounded. Also his date of birth, 7.5.1899. He never spoke about his experiences in the War, but had a lasting dislike for Earl Haig which never left him. He would spit on the floor outside the Earl Haig pub in Hounslow and no amount of free porter would ever have been enough to tempt him inside. On a personal note, he never had any contact with the family he left and to this day I know nothing of them. I guess he was one of the lucky ones, to survive and see his grandchildren. Terry Lomax Add to this record.   Pte. Lewis Richard Turner Seager 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment I have no knowledge of my father Dick Seager's service other than he was POW in Germany. Eric Seager Add to this record.   Pte. Joseph Edwards Eddon 7th Battalion East Kent Regiment (d.2nd October 1916) Joseph Eddon was my great uncle. He first enlisted in Stockton-on- Tees on 22nd June 1915 into the Royal Fusiliers. This regiment together with the 11th were bought into the Buffs. I think the losses were so great these men transferred to keep numbers up. Thanks to the Imperial War Museum I have been able to find out about Jo's short life in the army. Joe landed in Boulogne in July 1915 where his training continued. First day of the Battle of the Somme. Joe's battalion were given the task of clearing the Carnoy Craters. He would have seen heavy fighting many were later found coupled together with a German, each man transfixed by the others bayonet. Jo's battalion continued to fight & on the 26th September were involved in the capture of Thiepval village & Schwabon Redoubt. The 7th battalion relieved the East Surreys. For the next few days until 5th October it was impossible to describe what took place in this disputed area. There were heavy bombing attacks from both sides. The Germans made use of both gas & flame guns. The trenches were knee deep in slimy mud with British & German dead. It took 10 hours to get rations from just 3000 yards away. On the 2nd of October 1916, the Germans attacked, but with the skilfully placed Lewis gun & the bravery of the 7th, they were held back. The ground was so torn & shattered almost every land mark had disappeared. Shelling continued day & night together with the constant rain half of the 7th were killed or wounded. Joseph never returned & was posted missing presumed dead. His body has never been found & his name is on the Thiepval Momument. Joe was just 22 years old. Josie Reynolds Add to this record.   Pte. Alfred Scuddan 7th Btn. East Kent Regiment (d.5th Oct 1916) Alfred Scuddan was my grandfather's brother. His family name was Scaddan, and it has always puzzled us why his army records misspell his name, including on his dead man's penny. He was killed during the Battle of the Somme on the 5 October 1916. We believe that he was a gunner. David Harrison Add to this record. Recomended Reading. Available at discounted prices.

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