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- 1st Cavalry Division during the Great War -


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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment

1st Cavalry Division



   1st Cavalry Division went to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force in August 1914. Originally titled as the Cavalry Division, it was re-titled as 1st Cavalry Division on 16th of September 1914 when a second division was formed. It remained on the Western Front in France and Flanders throughout the war. The Division took part in most of the major actions where cavalry was used as a mounted mobile force, and also many others where the troops were dismounted and effectively served as infantry, including:

1914

  • The Battle of Mons (23 August, with subsequent Action of Elouges and Rearguard Action of Solesmes)
  • The Battle of Le Cateau (26 August, with subsequent Rearguard Affair of Etreux, Affair of Nery and Rearguard Actions of Villers-Cotterets)
  • The Battle of the Marne
  • The Battle of the Aisne (12 - 15 September and subsequent Actions on the Aisne Heights)
  • The Battles of Ypres 1914

1915

  • Winter Operations 1914-15
  • The Battles of Ypres 1915

1916

The Battle of Flers-Courcelette

1917

  • The First Battle of the Scarpe
  • The Tank Attack (20 - 21 November, Cambrai Operations)
  • The capture of Bourlon Wood (24 - 26 November, Cambrai Operations)
  • The German counterattacks (30 November - 3 December, Cambrai Operations)

1918

The Battle of St Quentin

On 24 March 1918 each brigade and the machine gun squadron furnished a regiment to be constituted as a Dismounted Division. These units returned to 1st Cavalry Division two days later.

  • The Battle of Bapaume
  • The Battle of Rosieres (8 - 10 August)
  • The Battle of Albert
  • The Battle of Cambrai 1918
  • The Pursuit to the Selle
  • The Final Advance in Picardy

The Division was selected to advance into Germany as an advance screen for Second Army and form part of the Occupation Force. The move began on 17 November, and brigades reached the Rhine at Cologne and Bonn on 12 December.

Divisional Order of Battle of the 1st Cavalry Division

1st Cavalry Brigade

  • 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queens Bays)
  • 5th Dragoon Guards
  • 11th Hussars
  • 1st Signal Troop RE
  • I Battery, RHA joined 17 September 1914
  • 1st Cavalry Brigade Machine Gun Squadron MGC formed 28 February 1916

2nd Cavalry Brigade

  • 4th Dragoon Guards
  • 9th Lancers
  • 18th Hussars
  • 2nd Signal Troop RE
  • H Battery, RHA joined 28 September 1914
  • 2nd Cavalry Brigade Machine Gun Squadron MGC formed 28 February 1916

3rd Cavalry Brigade

left for 2nd Cavalry Division 13 September 1914

  • 4th Hussars
  • 5th Royal Irish Lancers
  • 16th Lancers
  • 3rd Signal Troop RE

4th Cavalry Brigade

left for 2nd Cavalry Division 14 October 1914

  • Composite Regiment of Household Cavalry
  • 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers)
  • 3rd Hussars
  • 4th Signal Troop RE

9th Cavalry Brigade

formed 14 April 1915

  • 15th Hussars
  • 19th Hussars
  • 1/1st Bedfordshire Yeomanry joined 12 June 1915
  • 1/1st Warwickshire Battery, RHA
  • 9th Signal Troop RE
  • 9th Cavalry Brigade Machine Gun Squadron MGC formed 28 February 1916

Divisional Troops under direct command of Divisional HQ

  • 1st Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars joined 31 October 1914, left for 2nd Cavalry Division 11 November 1914
  • 8th Motor Machine Gun Battery MGC joined 18 March 1916, left 23 October 1917
  • 1st Cavalry Divisional HQ ASC 27 (Horsed Transport) Company
  • 1st Cavalry Divisional Auxiliary (Horse) ASC 574 (Horsed Transport) Company, formed 26 September 1915
  • 1st Cavalry Divisional Supply Column ASC 57 and 58 (Mechanical Transport) Companies. 57 absorbed 58 on 10 October 1916. No 3 (Amm.) Section of this company left for Cavalry Corps Ammunition Park on 11 October 1918
  • 771st Divisional Employment Company formed 16 September 1917
  • 1st Cavalry Division Field Ambulance Workshop joined 14 May 1915, absorbed into Divisional Supply Column 6 April 1916

Divisional Artillery

Note above the RHA batteries serving under brigade command III Brigade (D and E Batteries), RHA and III Brigade Ammunition Column, RHA left for 2nd Cavalry Division 17 September 1914

VII Brigade (I and L Batteries), RHA and VII Brigade Ammunition Column, RHA Following very serious losses at Nery on 1 September 1914, "L" Battery was withdrawn from action, returning to the UK to be reformed. It was temporarily replaced by a battery made from various other units and designated Z Battery. L's permanent replacement, "H", joined from VI Brigade in England in late September 1914. "I" Battery left for 1st Cavalry Brigade on 17 September 1914 and "H" Battery left for 2nd Cavalry Brigade on 28 September 1914

Royal Engineers

  • 1st Field Squadron
  • 1st Signal Squadron

Royal Army Medical Corps

  • 1st Cavalry Field Ambulance
  • 2nd Cavalry Field Ambulance left for 2nd Cavalry Division 13 September 1914
  • 3rd Cavalry Field Ambulance
  • 4th Cavalry Field Ambulance left for 2nd Cavalry Division 16 October 1914
  • No 9 Sanitary Section joined 9 January 1915

Royal Army Veterinary Corps

  • 1st Mobile Veterinary Section
  • 8th Mobile Veterinary Section left for 2nd Cavalry Division 13 September 1914
  • 9th Mobile Veterinary Section left for 2nd Cavalry Division 13 September 1914
  • 10th Mobile Veterinary Section left for 2nd Cavalry Division 16 October 1914


4th Aug 1914 Orders Received

7th Aug 1914 Mobilisation

9th Aug 1914 Horses

10th Aug 1914 Horses

11th Aug 1914 Horses

12th Aug 1914 Mobilisation Complete

13th Aug 1914 Route March

14th Aug 1914 Move Begins

15th Aug 1914 On the Move

16th August 1914 On the Move

16th Aug 1914 On the Move

17th Aug 1914 Entraining

18th Aug 1914 On the Move

18th Aug 1914 Orders Received

19th Aug 1914 In Billets

20th Aug 1914 In Billets

21st Aug 1914 In Defence

22nd Aug 1914 Gun Fire

23rd Aug 1914 Retreat

24th Aug 1914 Cavalry Charge

24th Aug 1914 Fighting Withdrawal

25th Aug 1914 Enemy Position

25th Aug 1914 Fighting Withdrawal

26th Aug 1914 Shellfire

26th Aug 1914 Fighting Withdrawal

27th August 1914 Early Skirmishes  E Battery 3rd Brigade Brigade Royal Horse Artillery are in continuing action from 27th August 1914 with 3rd Cavalry Brigade. The unit came into action and fired some rounds during general retirement.

War Diaries


27th Aug 1914 Withdrawal

27th Aug 1914 Rear Guard

28th August 1914 Retreat to Frieres  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA moved at 0800 and fell back by Essigny le Grand to Frieres. During retirement engaged Uhlans who were trying to get round our flanks with dispersed section driving them back. Battery retired into bivouac at 2030.

War Diaries


28th Aug 1914 Holding the Line

28th Aug 1914 Rear Guard

29th August 1914 Further retreat  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA fell back again from 0800 to Chaundy while still with 3rd Cavalry Brigade and went back four miles in case wanted, but noting came of it and retired again through Chaundy to Pierremande where unit bivouacked at 1900.

War Diaries


29th August 1914 Ongoing Retirement

29th Aug 1914 On the Move

29th Aug 1914 Enemy Active

30th Aug 1914 On the March

30th Aug 1914 On the March

31st Aug 1914 Attacks

31st Aug 1914 On the March

1st September 1914 Retire to Antilly  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started out at farm, fell back to Antilly and bivouacked. In action several times but did not get a chance to shoot. In bivouac by 2000.

War Diaries


1st September 1914 Continued withdrawals

1st Sep 1914 Fog

1st Sep 1914 Under Attack

2nd September 1914 Back to Villenoy  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Started out at 0400 and fell back to Villeroy. engaged from near Raperie a regiment of Cavalry moving south near Fosse Martin at long range driving them to west. In bivouac at 2030.

War Diaries


2nd September 1914 Continued withdrawals

3rd September 1914 Further withdrawals  Still with 3rd Brigade, E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA started at 0400 and returned through Meaux to Barcy, then fell back to Montebise Chateau where unit went into bivouac at 1900. Always in action but nothing to shoot at.

War Diaries


3rd September 1914 Continued withdrawals

4th Sep 1914 In Position

4th September 1914 Continued retreat for E Bty 3rd RHA  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Started at 0600 and moved to Le Grand Glairet and then fell back to Bois de Done where after halting for some hours went into action near La Fayet about 1600 and engaged two enemy's concealed batteries behind Dove Hill at range of 4,600 yards. the battery was only partly concealed. Fired over 150 rounds and was under very heavy shell fire. When ordered to retire did so under still heavier shell fire. Strange to say not a single casualty though enemy had our range very accurately. Ranged on enemy, searched, our cavalry reported one gun knocked out and heavy casualties to teams. Went into bivouac in Chailly at 2030.

War Diaries


5th September 1914 Rear guard action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Started at 0400. Doing left rear guard action with 4th Hussars to 1st Division. Went into bivouac at 1700 in Vilbert.

War Diaries


6th September 1914 Small Advance  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Started at 0830 and to our great relief at last joined in general advance of our 3 armies. Fired only 30 rounds at long range and went into bivouac in Pezarches at 2030.

War Diaries


7th September 1914 Sections in Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Captain U Clairlu(?) joined the battery today from 3rd Brigade RHA Ammunition Column. The Left Section started out with 16th Lancers at 0430. Remainder of Battery left at 0600. The Left Section fired about 150 rounds with effect from Epieos at stragglers near Mouroux after which they joined battery which engaged retreating guns and cavalry from Chailly firing about another 100 rounds. Went into bivouac in Les Potees at around 2030.

War Diaries


8th September 1914 Heavy casualties  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Started at 0500 and marched to Mauroy near which we came into action, the centre section under Lt. Palmer was detached. It had a bad time losing four men and eight horses, having a direct hit on the gun section in the open during a heavy crossfire from concealed artillery. The remainder of the battery lost 2 men but though heavily fired upon were not so knocked about except when leaving position when did so under very heavy fire but again had not a single casualty. German artillery completely concealed behind much higher ground. We never found them. We were fighting with 3rd Cavalry Brigade as advance guard and German rear guard was holding position from Le Grand Glairel to St Ouen. Six men and six horses joined the battery from the Ammunition Column. We were withdrawn when our main armies came up and the German rear guard retired. Went into bivouac near Le Grand Glairel at 1730.

War Diaries


9th September 1914 Period in waiting mode  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA started at 0500 and moved to Chateau Perreuse where we waited until 1600 while our armies were attacking the Marne. Moved to Rougeville where we bivouacked at 1800.

War Diaries


10th September 1914 Continuing Action in wet conditions  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA started at 0430 and marched to near Germigny, crossing Marne at Nanteuil, where right section under Lt Maxwell did very well engaging convoy rear guards and assisting in capture of both. Rest of battery did little and went into bivouacs in Passy at 1800. Very wet and heavy going very hard on the horses.

War Diaries


11th September 1914 E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Continuing pursuit of enemy   Started at 0500. Moved to Viilemontoire where two sections fired a few rounds in very heavy rain at retreating infantry about 1600. Lt Maxwell's section out in action with 16th Lancers a good deal against stragglers Went into billets at Tigny about 1800. Very wet all day. At Tigny tonight we got no supplies making our 5th day in all without them since we left Hautmont on the 28th August. in addition we rarely averaged more than 6 lbs per issue which is most annoying as most other units got a full 12 lbs.

War Diaries


12th September 1914 Ongoing Action for E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA  started at 0500 and marched to high ground south of the River Aisne, where Lt. Walwyn's Section, who had been detached with left flank guard with 4th Hussars reformed. This section had engaged dismounted cavalry a good deal.Battery then went on with 3rd Cavalry Brigade to high ground North East of Chassemy. Lt Walwyn's section went on again with 4th Hussars in attempt to seize Vailly which failed - section not in action. The remainder of the Battery in action against a surprise infantry attack. Finished firing at 1000 eventually when infantry were wiped out. Over 100 surrendering with remainder killed, wounded and dispersing in woods. Went into billets at Chassemy at 1830 - very wet all day.

War Diaries


13th Sep 1914 In Position

13th September 1914 E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Standby positions  Started at 0600 and waited under cover of high ground all day while infantry attack was developing on the River Aisne. Returned to billets in Chassemy at 1900.

War Diaries


14th September 1914 Setback in action   E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Started at 0500 and after a long wait at the Chateau ready to cross the river at Vailly, had to fall back under very heavy shell fire from big howitzers, could only move up the big spur crest of Chassemy. By great good fortune only one horse was killed while all around us on top of spur III Divisional Artillery were having a bad time this fire coming from behind Condefort. Went into bivouac at Lime at 1900.

War Diary


14th Sep 1914 In Action

15th September 1914 Heavy Action for E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA moved out around 0500 and were in action about 1 mile south of Chassemy all day. Fired over 200 rounds chiefly searching behind Condefort. Returned to bivouac at lime about 1800.

War Diaries


15th Sep 1914 In Action

16th September 1914 Another Day on Standby

17th September 1914 E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Relocate   E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA joined 5th Cavalry Brigade and leaving bivouac at 0600 were in action 3/4 mile from Chassemy all day. Fired a few rounds at long range. Very wet all day. Went into billets at Cerseuil at 1900.

War Diaries


18th September 1914 Rest and Recovery Period  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA In billets all day which Battle on the Aisne going on. Our first rest since leaving Le Havre and horses very badly in need of it as getting very done. The incessant marching, mostly across country and latterly in most holding ground having told on them. our total casualties in horses up to date being twenty seven. Nine died from wounds or destroyed on account of them and remainder mostly lame horses, destroyed or returned to Sick Depots.

War Diaries


19th September 1914 Rest and Recovery Period  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA 19th and 20th September - Rest and recovery in Billets at Cerseuil.

War Diaries


21st September 1914 Rest and Regrouping Period  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA 21st to 29th September 1914 - Continued rest and refitting in billets at Cerseuil.

War Diaries


23rd Sept 1914 Praise for Cavalry

25th September 1914 Casualty Notice  The War Diary of E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA records: heard today that Captain HB Bartram who had left the Battery sick on the 30th August had died at Netley Hospital on the 16th September.

War Diaries


27th Sep 1914 Move

27th September 1914 Replacement Horses for E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA  41 Remounts joined E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA taking us up to strength and enabling us to transfer to Sick depot 23 worn out horses. Remounts in fair condition.

War Diaries


30th September 1914 Unit relocation  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA On change of billets left at 0645 and marched 8 miles South West and went into billets at Neuville St Jean at 1000 - a large farm about 1 mile east of Hartennes.

War Diaries


1st October 1914 More movements  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Marched at 1500 and moved into new billets at St Remy at 1630.

War Diaries


2nd October 1914 More movements  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Started at 1600 and marched to Pressy a' Mont, (2 miles north of Ferte-Milon) in billets at 2030.

War Diaries


3rd October 1914 More movements  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Started at 1600 and marched 25 miles mostly west to billet in Villeneuve at 2230.

War Diaries


4th October 1914 More movements  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA Started at 0900 and marched 27 miles north into billets at St Martin en Bois at 1830. Very blocked on road - crossed the Oise on very good pontoon bridge en route.

War Diaries


5th October 1914 Relocation  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Genouville Farm. Marched about 15 mile to billets at Genouville Farm about 1700. Location about 1 1/2 miles north of La Nouville. Marched through two French Reserve Divisions. Still with 5th Cavalry Division.

war diaries


6th October 1914 Enforced Rest Day  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Genouville Farm. Enforced stay in billets as roads blocked by French Reserve Troops.

war diaries


7th October 1914 Further moves for 3rd Brigade RHA  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA started out at 0800 and halted until 1400 near Mezieres as a reserve to French Troops but were not wanted and marched through Amiens to billets at Longpre about 1900.

war diaries


8th October 1914 further moves  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 0830 and marched to billets at Maison Roland about 1600.

war diaries


9th October 1914 further moves  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Noyelle

Started at 0900 and marched to billets at Noyelle about 1600 a distance of 24 miles.

war diaries


10th October 1914 further moves  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Roquetoire. Started at 0610 and marched into billets at Roquetoire around 1800 as a reserve to French second line troops holding the line of the canal through Aire.

war diaries


10th October 1914 Further Moves by motor Buses via Hesdin

11th October 1914   E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Wallon Cappel.

Started at 0520 and moved into observation position on Mont Dupil. Returned to Quernes and then marched back again through Aire to billets in a chateau one mile south of Wallon Cappel. In billets around 2000.

11th October 1914 Cavalry cover for further Moves

12th Oct 1914 3rd Cavalry Brigade attack  On the 12th of October 3rd Cavalry Brigade were ordered to dislodge the enemy from Mont de Cats which they had recently occupied. The 4th Hussars and 5th Lancers undertook a dismounted attack, assisted by the 16th Lancers and reclaimed the hill. Amongst the German casualties was Prince Maximillian von Hesse, nephew of the Kaiser.

Holts Battlefield Guide


12th October 1914 Action at Mont des Cats  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 0700 and marched to near Eecke where after halting for some time, advanced to high ground west of Godewaersvelde and fired about 100 rounds to support dismounted cavalry attack on Mont Des Cats which was taken just before dark. Went into billets at a farm about 1 mile east of Eecke at 2000. Prince Max of Hesse and 12 others found dead in a wood shelled (must have been killed by either us or "D").

war diaries


12th October 1914 Cavalry cover for further Moves

13th October 1914 In Action

13th October 1914 Slow progress in Attack renewal

14th October 1914 Moves  location map

14th October 1914 Continued slow progress in Attack

15th October 2014 In Action

16th Oct 1914 In Position

16th October 1914 Further Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA marched at 0730. Lt Maxwell went on with Greys. Again had a little close shooting near Comines. Remaining four guns after a long halt about Garde Dieu came into action. Fired at trenches South West of Bas Warneton and at latter. Were then taken on by General Gough to river bank just west of Warneton when engaged trenches south of river. Snipers in houses at a range of 700 yards so moved back a little as almost impossible to fire at this short range among houses. Fired again at trenches east of town. Sent three guns back to billets after dark. Took one gun with Lt Walwynn into town, running along street in dark by hand fired point blank at a barricade, about 10 rounds enabling 16th Lancers to take it. Then ran gun up to barricade in middle of town where wanted but couldn't get in due to heavy maxim rifle fire from right angle street. Withdrew gun and returned to billets in Wytschete at 2100. No casualties though the 16th Lancers were falling all around us. Soon after we left they were driven out of Warneton by greatly superior forces.

war diaries


17th October 1914 Routine day  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 0930 and halted all day about Houthem. Returned to billets at Wytschaete at 1730.

war diaries


18th October 1914 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 0830. Halted near Houthem till 1400 which was shelled by about 90 pieces. Brought Lt Maxwell's section into action to support 12th Lancers stuck on farm near Comines. Attack successful and section also silenced a section of field guns and a section of Howitzers doing very well. Went inti billets at Hollebeke at 1900.

war diaries


19th October 1914 Further Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 0545 and halted near Houthem until 0800. Advanced to near America and fired 300 rounds at concealed guns and trenhes north of Wervicq. Went into billets at Chateau about 1 mile east of Hollebecke at 1900.

war diaries


20th October 1914 Continued Action  location map

20th Oct 1914 In Action  location map

21st October 1914 In Position

21st October 1914 All day action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 0500 and in action all day near Oosttaverne, four guns on west of village and Lt Walwynn section on east of village. Fired over 500 rounds in checking strong infantry attacks supported by strong artillery fire on line held by 2nd Cavalry Division which with 1st Cavalry Division was holding a gap between our Corps. Back to billets at Wytschaete at 1830.

war diaries


21st Oct 1914 In Action  location map

22nd October 1914 Further Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 0500 but sent back as heavy infantry attack going in. Too dark to start back in action as before as soon as attack found not to be coming through. Fired again about 450 rounds. Back in billets at 1830 - one man severely wounded.

war diaries


22nd Oct 1914 Shelling  location map

23rd October 1914 Defence

23rd October 1914 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 0500 and in action all day as before. One man wounded and two horses killed. Back in billets at 1800 but left one gun out. Changed our billets to west of town as east under big gun fire during day.

war diaries


23rd Oct 1914 Reliefs  location map

24th October 1914 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 0445 and in action as before. Fired about 150 rounds and back in billets at 1830 leaving a section out.

war diaries


25th October 1914 Further Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Wytschaete.

Same as before - one section left out

war diaries


26th October 1914 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Wytschette with 5th Cavalry Brigade. Same as before except supported counter attack on enemy's position. Lent two guns to D Battery which had only one left. One man killed. Back in billets at 1900 leaving section out. Fired about 200 rounds.

war diaries


27th October 1914 Quite Period  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Same as before except fired very little. No causlties. 28th October and 29th October - same as before.

war diaries


30th Oct 1914 British Cavalry cede at Messines  The British 1st Cavalry are pushed back at Messines, opening a gap in the Allied lines. The newly arrived French XVI Corps were moved up to defend the line.

30th October 1914 Retreat and regrouping  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

1 mile north west of Wytschaete with 5th Cavalry Brigade. Started at 0500 in action as before and engaged by very strong attack. Two guns gave out (springs and pistons) leaving only two, eventually fell back to new line from Wytschete to near St Eloi giving up Oosttaverne. Took up position till dark with remaining two guns midway between old and new positions when fell back to near chateau below wind mill ridge at Wytschaete where guns in action all night. Fired a great deal. (One gun repaired so three in action after dark.) Over 700 rounds fired during day.

war diaries


31st October 1914 Continued withdrawals  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Near Wytschaete with 5th Cavalry Brigade. Very heavy attack all day especially on Brigade Cavalry. Fired about 300 rounds from 3 guns till dark when left guns in action team carriages being about 1 mile in North West. Heavy attacks continued after dark and our lines eventually broken in front of guns which were withdrawn under heavy rifle fire about midnight to Groote Vierstraat where went into action in observation. Guns fired till withdrawn on known points and roads. Enemy's infantry were within 500 yards of guns before they were ordered to retire.

war diaries


1st November 1914 Relief by French forces  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade about 1 mile southwest of Dickebusch. At 0530 Lt Maxwell's section (1 gun) went back to assist in retaking the Wind Mill Ridge at Wytschaete which was brilliantly done by the 12th Lancers. Section in action in firing line. French reinforcements coming up, the 5th Cavalry Brigade was withdrawn to Kemmel. Bivouaced at 1830 one mile SW of Dickebusch - the French taking over our part of the line.

war diaries


2nd November 1914 Fighting continues

3rd November 1914 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 1000 and halted in reserve most of the day near Dranoutre when we were lent to 3rd Cavalry Brigade and went into action at 1930 near Lindenhoek but did not fire.

war diaries


4th November 1914 Further standby  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 3rd Cavalry Brigade at Lindenhoek. In action all day near Lindenhoek but didn't fire. Guns of 5th Divisional Artillery in action and firing all day near battery so were not required. Guns in action again at night.

war diaries


5th November 1914 Return to 5th Cavalry Brigade  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Same as before but fired a little and at 1730 were relieved and withdrawn to billets at St Jans Cappel which we reached at 2000.

war diaries


6th November 1914 Rest day  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

St. Jans Cappel. In billets all day - a much needed rest. Captain the Honourable HR Scarleti joined instead of Captain Craven wounded and sent home.

war diaries


7th November 1914 Poor conditions  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade at Dranoutre. Started out at 1500 and went into reserve at 1630. Very crowded and dirty billets.

war diaries


8th Nov 1914 In Position

8th November 1914 Relocation  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade at La Creche. Started at 1630 and marched to billets at La Creche to clear our area for French Troops. In billets at 1900

9th and 10th November in billets at La Creche all day.

war diaries


11th November 1914 Relief action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 1st Cavalry Division at La Hutte Marched at 1430 to relieve 1st Cavalry Division and went into action about 1900 near P 63 - La Hutte - very wet night but no attack.

war diaries


12th November 1914 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 1st Cavalry Division - La Hutte. In action all day and night but our area very quiet. A good deal of fighting on both flanks.

war diaries


13th November 1914 Routine day  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade at La Creche. Relieved at 1600 and returned to billets at La Creche. Very wet wild day into billets at 1730. Our area very quiet though searched a good deal by big howitzers who never got our line.

war diaries


14th November 1914 Rest Day  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade at La Creche. In billets at La Creche all day.

war diaries


15th November 1914 Relocation  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Marched at 1300 and went into billets at Dranoutre at 1530 in support - very wet.

war diaries


16th November 1914 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Divisional Artillery at Dranoutre. In support all day. Lent to 5th Divisional Artillery at 1800. Attached to 28th Brigade RFA. Back to billets at Dranoutre

war diaries


17th November 1914 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

At Lindenhoek with 5th Divisional Artillery. Started at 1800 and went into action near Lindenhoek. Fired about 100 rounds with battery in action all night when fired during two attacks

war diaries


17th November 1914 Ongoing German Attacks repelled by Artillery and machine guns

18th November 1914 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Divisional Artillery at Dranoutre. In action all day and fired about 190 rounds. Withdrawn from Lindenhoek at 1700 and went into billets at Dranoutre at 1800.

war diaries


18th November 1914 Ongoing German Attacks repelled by Artillery and machine guns

19th November 1914 Bad weather - snow and ice.  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Divisional Artillery at Lindenhoek. Started at 0600. In action all day and night. Fired about 50 rounds. Hard frost and started snowing at noon. Had to get battery along frozen roads.

war diaries


19th November 1914 Ongoing German Attacks repelled by Artillery and machine guns

20th November 1914 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

In action all day at Lindenhoek - very hard frost - fired about 120 rounds. back to billets in Dranoutre at 1800. Changed two disabled guns for new ones. Sent a section back for overhaul and only four guns in action.

war diaries


20th November 1914 4th Hussar stables destroyed by enemy artillery

21st November 1914 Rest days  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Near Steenwerck Started at 0600 in very hard frost. Frozen snow very hard to get along. Fired 115 rounds. Relieved at 1800 by I Battery RHA. moved into billets near Steenwerck at 2000. Still freezing hard - a difficult march without frost nails. 22nd to 24th November in billets all day near Steenwerck

war diaries


21st November 1914 Divisions relieved by French  location map

22nd November 1914 Division to rest in billets in Westoutre

23rd November 1914 Division to rest in billets in Westoutre

24th November 1914 Division to rest in billets in Westoutre

25th November 1914 Rest days  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Marched at 1430. Changed our billets into a very good farm about 1 1/4 miles South West of Bailleul. 26th to 30th November - in billets as above

war diaries


25th November 1914 Division to rest in billets in Westoutre

26th November 1914 Division orders back to trenches

27th November 1914 3rd Division ordered back to trenches  location map

1st December 1914 Rest day  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Near Bailleul with 5th Cavalry in reserve. In billets 1 1/4 miles South West of Bailleul.

war diaries


2nd December 1914 Royal Inspection Parade  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Near Bailleul with 5th Cavalry Brigade. The 5th Cavalry Brigade was visited by HM the King. The brigade was drawn up near the road. Battery guns detachments only. Half a mile south of our billets at 12 noon. At 1030 Major Forman was presented his DSO by HM the King at Chateau La Motte (Cavalry Corps HQ.)

war diaries


31st December 1914 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade in Reserve near Bailleul.

In billets 1 1/4 miles South West of Bailleul from 3rd to 31st December 1914.

war diaries


1st January 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

At Baillieul with 5th Cavalry Brigade.

1st to 14th January in billets 1 1/4 miles SW of Bailleul - farm at Steenje. On the 4th January Captain EB Maxwell left on posting to 1st Division. On the 5th January Major Scarlett left on posting to Home establishment. On the 3rd January Lieutenant OM Lund joined from 2nd Division and Lieutenant AG Neville joined from 8th Division.

war diaries


15th January 1915 Relocation  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Marched at 0730 by Merville to billet in farms about 1 1/2 miles west of St. Venant - about 15 miles

war diaries


16th January 1915 Further moves  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Marched at 1000 by Estree Blanche and Coyecque to billet at Maisnil. In billets at 0400 - about 18 miles.

war diaries


17th January 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade in Reserve at Mesnil.

17th to 30th January in billets at Mesnil. Captain HR Palmer left on posting to 2nd Division on the 30th January.

war diaries


31st January 1915 Further moves  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade near Merville.

Marched at 0900 by Aire to billets in several small farms about 1 mile NE of Merville. About 23 miles. Heavy snow during the march - into billets about 1630.

war diaries


1st February 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade in reserve near Merville

1st to 4th February 1915 in bllets near Merville. On the 2nd February Lieutenant Lund sent to 27th Division to help train young subalterns. On the 4th February Second Lieutenant DCM Carberry joined for training from battery to which Lt Lund had been sent.

war diaries


5th February 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

5th to 26th February - with 5th Cavalry Brigade in Reserve positions near Merville.

On the 5th February Lt. WHB Mirrleas joined from 5th Division. On the 18th February Captain Walwyn left for duty with 5th Cavalry Brigade which had gone to the trenches at Ypres with the remainder of 2nd Cavalry Division supported by French Guns. On the 25th February Captain Walwyn returned to battery, 2nd Division having finished their time in the trenches.

war diaries


23rd Feb 1915 Machine Guns

27th February 1915 Return to Maesnil  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Marched back through Aire to our old billets at Maesnil and remainder of 5th Cavalry Brigade also returned to that district. 28th February in billets at Maeslin in reserve with 5th Ccavalry Brigade.

war diaries


28th Feb 1915 Move

1st March 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade in Reserve 1st to 8th March - in billets at Maisnil

war diaries


6th March 1915 In Billets

9th March 1915 Relocation  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade near Merville Started at 0700 and marched 23 miles to billet 2 miles north of Merville at Cavdescure

war diaries


10th March 1915 In Billets

10th March 1915 Further moves  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

with 5th Cavalry Brigade at Pont du Hem. Started at 1100 and moved to Pont du Hem - 2 miles south of Estaires in close support of 1st Army which took Neuve Chapelle. Into billets and bivouacs near there at 1900

war diaries


11th March 1915  Standing to.

11th March 1915 Further moves  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

with 5th Cavalry Brigade near La Gorgue. Saddled up early - at 1600 moved into billet and bivouacs near La Gorgue. Second Lieutenant DHM Carberry rejoined 27th Division and Lieutenant Lund rejoined from 27th Division.

war diaries


12th March 1915  Still Standing to

12th March 1915 Further Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade near La Gorgue. Moved at 1530 to Pont du Hem but Cavalry Brigade coudnn't get through German lines. Back to bivouac and billet near La Gorgue at 2030.

war diaries


13th March 1915  2 Hours Notice

13th March 1915 Relocation  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA with 5th Cavalry Brigade are in Reserve near Melville. They moved at 1530 to billet 2 miles north of Merville at Gavdescure. In billets at 1800 and spent 14th to 16th March in billets at Gavdescure.

war diaries


14th March 1915 Church parade

15th March 1915 Alert

16th March 1915 Stand To

17th March 1915  Readied for battle

17th March 1915 Relocation  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Changed our billets and went into new billets 1/2 mile west of Vieux-Berquin at La Rue du Bois. 18th to 31st March with 5th Cavalry Brigade in reserve near Vieux-Berquin

war diaries


27th March 1915 In Billets

28th March 1915 Church parade

29th March 1915 Training

30th March 1915 Brigade Route March  9th Lancers Regiment at Billets in Meteren. They take part in a Brigade Route March via Le Rouklooshille - Godewaersvelde - Steenvoorde - Eecke - Caestre - Thiushouk. 1 man to Hospital No. 98 Sergeant H. Ralph received the DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal)

War Diary


31st March 1915 Training

1st April 1915 Tactical Tours

1st April 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade in Reserve near Vieux-Berquin. 1st April to 22nd April in billets half a mile west of Vieux-Berquin in the Rue du Bois.

war diaries


2nd April 1915 Training

3rd April 1915 In billets

4th April 1915 Church parade

5th April 1915 Route march

6th April 1915 Training

7th April 1915 Training

8th April 1915 Tactical Tours

9th April 1915 Training

9th April 1915  Field Return

9th April 1915  Field Return

10th April 1915 Inspection

11th April 1915  Church Parade

12th April 1915 First Aid Classes

13th April 1915 Brigade Tactical scheme

14th April 1915 Cavalry men in dismounted work

15th April 1915 Tactical Tours

16th April 1915 Drill

17th April 1915  Regimental Cross country

18th April 1915 Church Parade  9th Lancers in billets at Meteren. Church of England Parade service at 0915 hours. 2 Officers from England. Captain F.O. Grenfell VC & Captain J.G. Porter rejoin the regiment.

War Diary


19th Apr 1915 Training

20th April 1915 Brigade Excerise

21st April 1915  on dismounted work

22nd April 1915 Training

23rd April 1915 On the march  location map

23rd April 1915   E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade in reserve. Started at 1130 and marched to Boeschepe where went into bivouac at 2000 - very cold.

24th April 1915 In support  location map

24th April 1915 Further moves  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Started at 0430 and moved to 17 miles north of Vlamertinghe where went into bivouac at 2130. Wet night and cold.

war diaries


25th April 1915 2nd Cavalry Brigade on the move

25th April 1915 Action with French Troops  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Lent to support French Forces 3 miles NW of Ypres. Went into action one mile north of Brielen at 1530 on being attached to French Troops and registered on ridge to east of canal about Pilkem and to south of Lattu (???)

26th April 1915 Ready

26th April 2015 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Attached to French Troops 3 miles NW of Ypres. (26th to 30th April) Supported French attacks on Pilkem Ridge at 0330 and at 1400 on 26th April, ranges about 3700 yards buildings and trenches - fired about 200 rounds

war diaries


27th April 1915  in the line

27th April 1915 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Attached to French Troops 3 miles NW of Ypres. (26th to 30th April) 27th April - Supported French Attacks from 1315 to 1900 - fired about 200 rounds

war diaries


28th April 1915 On the move

28th April 1915 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With Drench Troops about 3 miles NW of Ypres. 28th April - Supported French Attacks from 1330 to 1800 - fired about 200 rounds.

29th April - Registering.

war diaries


28th April 1915 Recce  location map

28th April 1915 Recce  149 Brigade Hq reports from Wieltje:

"11.30am. Orders received from 1st Canadian Division for the Brigade to take over the GHQ line in C29 and C23.

11.45am. Cap't North 5th Btn Northumberland Fusiliers ordered to reconnoitre the extent of the line allotted to the Brigade and to report as to the numbers required to hold it.

1.30pm. Cap't North reported that the line was about 700 yards long and would require 3 companies to hold it. It extended from about the second 'E' in Wieltje C29(a) to the 'E' in Route C23c. The 4th Cavalry Bde. occupied the line south of the 'E' in WieltjE, but there appeared to be no troops occupying the trenches to the north of the 'E' in Route C23c.

2.15pm Colonel Feildy went to the HQ 10th Infantry Bde. and was informed that troops would occupy the trenches during the night of 28th/29th.

? pm. Orders issued to 5th Btn Northumberland Fusiliers to occupy the section of the GHQ line allotted to the Brigade & for the other Bde's to remain in their present positions.

7.5pm. Aeroplane Taube passed over the lines occupied by the Brigade & was brought down by rifle fire just outside the GHQ line. Pilot and observer both wounded and captured by the 2nd Cav. Brigade.

7.30pm. Orders Received form Canadian Div. that the portion of the Brigade not required in the GHQ line may be placed in the dug-outs previously occupied by the Brigade. Day and night both fine."

149th Brigade war diary


29th April 1915  ready

30th April 1915  ready

30th April 1915 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Supported French attacks, fired about 150 rounds on 30th as well as 28th and 29th. Battery and observation point both under a good deal of shell fire from heavy guns with some very lucky escapes as no casualties during these attacks. French took some trenches and about 50 prisoners but German position very strong and difficult to attack.

war diaries


1st May 1915  ready

1st May 1915 Withdrawn from French Support  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade at St. Jans-Ter-Biesen As French Artillery up, battery withdrawn at 12 noon, two men wounded during morning as battery again under a good deal of shell fire. Moved to bivouac near St Jans Ter Biesen, 2 1/2 miles west of Poperinghe. In bivouac at 1800.

war diaries


2nd May 1915 Church parade

2nd May 1915 Rest day  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

With 5th Cavalry Brigade at St.Jans-Ter-Biesen. In bivouac at St.Jans-Ter-Biesen all day.

war diaries


3rd May 1915 Move

3rd May 1915 Relocation  location map

4th May 1915  in billets

5th May 1915  in billets

5th May 1915 Further Action  location map

6th May 1915  working party  location map

7th May 1915  working party  location map

8th May 1915  resting

9th May 1915  in the trenches

9th May 1915 Attack Supported  location map

10th May 1915  back in the trenches

11th May 1915 Bivouac

11th of May 1915 Brigade deployment

12th May 1915 Reliefs

13th May 1915 Entrenched

13th of May 1915 Bombardment of front line

13th of May 1915 DLI to Cavalry Division

14th May 1915  Relieved

14th May 1915  Report of Action

15th May 1915  Congratulated

15th May 1915 Fighting continues  location map

16th May 1915 Resting

17th May 1915  in the Trenches

18th May 1915  in the line

18th of May 1915 Battalion placements

19th May 1915  entrenched

20th May 1915  entrenched

21st May 1915  back in billets

22nd May 1915  resting

23rd May 1915  in trenches

24th May 1915  entrenched

1915-05-24  Trench Map

24th May 1915  Operational Report

24th May 1915  Operational Report

25th May 1915 In camp

26th May 1915  Rest after Battle

27th May 1915 Concern over gas

28th May 1915  embus

29th May 1915  in billets

30th May 1915 Church Parade

31st May 1915 Lectures

31st May 1915 Relief by O battery  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Attached to 8th Division. Withdrawn from action at 2100 on being relieved by O Battery RHA and marched by La Gorgue, Melville and Hazebrouck to bivouac and billet in a farm one mile east of Chateau le Nieppe on the Cassel - St Omer road. In at 0300 - about 24 miles - on morning of 1st June when rejoined 5th Cavalry Brigade.

war diaries


1st June 1915 Training

2nd June 1915 Demonstrations for troops

3rd June 1915 Training

4th June 1915 Reinforced

5th June 1915 Training

6th June 1915 Memorial service

7th June 1915  engaged in training

8th June 1915  train

9th June 1915  train

10th June 1915  training

11th June 1915  training

12th June 1915  reinforced

12th June 1915 Visit

13th June 1915 Church Parade

14th June 1915  train

15th June 1915 2nd Cavaltry Brigade inspected

16th June 1915  train

17th June 1915  inspected

18th June 1915 Musketry practice

19th June 1915 Concert held

20th June 1915  Wormhoudt

21st June 1915 Reinforcements inspected

22nd June 1915 Route March

23rd June 1915  training

24th June 1915  train

25th June 1915  train

26th June 1915  reinforced

27th June 1915 Church Parade

28th June 1915  Musketry Training

29th june 1915  in billets

30th June 1915  provide digging party  9th Lancers are in Billets North of Wormhoudt engaged in Squadron Training. A Digging Party of 112 Men & 3 Officers sent to 5th Kilo Stone on Elverdinghe to Poperinghe Road. 1 Other Rank to Hospital. Strength - 25 Officers; 532 Other Ranks; 600 Horses.

War Diary


30th June 1915 In Reserve   E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA are with 5th Cavalry Brigade near Le Nieppe. 1st to 30th June, in reserve with 5th Cavalry Brigade one mile east of Chateau le Nieppe on the Cassel to St. Omer road.

E Battery RHA war diary


1st July 1915  train

2nd July 1915  train

3rd July 1915  working party

4th July 1915 Working party relieved

5th May 1915  C Squadron train

6th July 1915  in billets

6th July 1915 Attachment order  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

On the 6th July Lieutenant AG Neville went to 36th Trench Howitzer Battery, 8th Division on loan for one month.

war diaries


7th July 1915  in billets

7th July 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA are in Reserve with 5th Cavalry Brigade near Le Nieppe from 1st to 7th July 1915. One mile east of Chateau Le Neippe on the Cassel - St. Omer Road.

E Battery RHA war diary


8th July 1915  train

8th July 1915 Reserve

9th July 1915  train

10th July 1915  receive orders

11th July 1915 Church Parade

12th July 1915 Change of Billets

13th July 1915  engaged in training

14th July 1915  B Sqd train

15th July 1915  training continues

16th July 1915  train

17th July 1915  train

18th July 1915  working party

19th July 1915  working party

20th July 1915  working party

21st July 1915  train

22th July 1915  working party & training

23rd July 1915  celebrate Anniversary

24th July 1915  training and sports

25th July 1915  working party

26th July 1915  working party

27th July 1915  working party

27th July 1915 In Reserve

28th July 1915  parade

28th July 1915 On the March  E Battery, RHA Started at 0830 and marched 11 miles to bivouac one mile SE of Morbecque. In reserve with 5th Cavalry Brigade near Morbecque.

E Battery RHA war diary


29th July 1915  promotions  

London Gazette Extract

9th Lancers in billets North of Zeggers Cappel. 'C' Squadron training. 1 Other Rank to Hospital. 2 Lead Draught Horses received.

The following are extracts from the London Gazette dated 29th July 1915 9th (Q.R) Lancers. Major (Bt. Lt. Col.) D.J.E. Beale-Browne to be Temporary Lt. Colonel from 8th October 1914 & 10th October 1914, and from 9th December 1914. Lieutenant I.A. Straker to be Temporary Captain 28th June 1915.

War Diary


30th July 1915  working party

29th July 1915 Training  On 29th and 30th July E Battery, RHA practiced Crossing Canal in sections complete at a time by order of Brigadier General Royal Artillery Cavalry Corps. A piece practice which did not improve either equipment or ammunition.

E Battery RHA war diary


31st July 1915  working party

31st July 1915 Return to billets  E Battery, 3rd Brigade RHA started at 0830. Marched back to billet and bivouac 3/4 of a mile SE of Noordpeene.

E Battery RHA war diary


1st August 1915 Church Parade

1st August 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA are in reserve with 5th Cavalry Brigade near Noordpeene.

E Battery RHA war diary


2nd August 1915 A Wet Day

2nd Aug 1915 In Reserve

3rd August 1915  working party

3rd Aug 1915 In Reserve

4th August 1915  training

4th August 1915   E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

In reserve near Noordpeene. Lieutenant OS Lund left on promotion to 3rd Infantry Division.

war diaries


5th August 1915  train

5th August 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA are in reserve with 5th Cavalry Brigade near Noordpeene.

E Battery RHA war diary


6th August 1915  train

6th August 1915 On the March  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA sStarted at 0730 on change of billets and went into bivouac and billets in a farm 1/2 a mile NW of Blaringhem, in at 1000hrs about 10 miles.

E Battery RHA war diary


7th August 1915  train

8th August 1915  Church parade & baths

9th July 1915  working party

10th August 1915  train

11th August 1915  shelled

12th August 1915  train

13th August 1915 Field Marshall visits

14th August 1915  bus to working party

14th Aug 1915 In Reserve

15th August 1915  in billets

16th August 1915  bathe

17th August 1915  in billets

18th August 1915  in billets

19th aug 1915 Heavy Rain

20th August 1915  working party

21st August 1915  working party

22nd August 1915 Baths for working party

23rd August 1915  in billets

24th August 1915  in billets

25th August 1915  honours

26th August 1915 Demonstration of Poison Gas

27th August 1915 New Co for B Sqd.

28th Aug 1915  working party

29th August 1915  working part not relieved

30th Aug 1915  in billets

31st August 1915 Pioneering Class at Esquelbecq

31st August 1915 Reserve position  15th to 31st August E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA are in reserve with 5th Cavalry Brigade in billets 1/2 mile NW of Blaringhem. High Explosive shell was issued to Battery during the last 6 weeks as obtainable, 76 rounds HE per gun being issued as settled proportion.

E Battery RHA war diary


1st Sptember 1915  working party

1st September 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHAare in reserve near Blaringhem with 5th Cavalry Brigade.

E Battery RHA war diary


2nd Sep 1915 Baths and Inspection

2nd Sep 1915 In Reserve

3rd September 1915 Heavy Rain

3rd Sep 1915 In Reserve

4th September 1915  working party to return

5th September 1915  Working Party returns

6th September 1915  Baths and kit inspection

7th September 1915  Drill

8th September 1915 Pioneers instructed

9th September 1915  engaged in squadron schemes

10th September 1915 Brigade Parade

11th September 1915  dismounted attack

12th September 1915 Church parade

13th September 1915 Divisional Route March

13th September 1915 Preparing new positions  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA are in bivouac at Le Quesnoy. 5th to 13th September a working party of men went up each day, improving gun pits in area into which were to go.

E Battery RHA war diary


14th September 1915  short excerise

14th September 1915 Back into Action  E Battery RHA are at Le Quesnoy. Four guns went into action after dark on east edge of wood just north of La Bassee canal about 1 mile east of Gorre and took the place of 4 guns of the 71st Battery RFA which took up new positions for wire cutting. Got into position about 1930hrs. Battery 3200 yards from German trenches observed from a ruin near Givenchy Village a very good observing post.

E Battery RHA war diary


15th September 1915 Registering and in Action  E Battery RHA have 4 guns in action near Le Quesnoy. Registered to front from Canteleux to the canal. Fired 60 rounds in all. remaining section came into action at 1930. Remaining two guns of 71st Battery RFA withdrawn at 2030hrs. Battery was withdrawn and went into bivouac at Le Quesnoy at the Wagon Line.

war diaries


17th September 1915 On the March  E Battery, RHA return to 5th Cavalry Brigade from attachment. Marched to Bleringhem on rejoining 5th Cavalry Brigade, 23 miles. Started at 0530hrs into bivouacs at noon.

E Battery RHA war diary


18th Sep 1915 In Reserve

19th September 1915 In Reserve  E Battery, RHA are in reserve with 5th Cavalry Brigade near Blaringhem. Major A B Forman left E Battery RHA on promotion to a Field Battery in 20th Division and Captain C T Walwyn given temporary Command of the Battery.

E Battery RHA war diary


21st September 1915 On the March

22nd September 1915 Standing by  E Battery, RHA are in bivouac at Ham near Blessy. Ready to move at short notice.

E Battery RHA war diary


23rd Sep 1915 Standing by

24th September 1915   E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

1630 orders received to move with remainder of 5th Brigade. Marched to new area through Westrehen and Fiefe to Peessy les Pernes. Got in at 2230 - village full of French Cavalry

war diaries


25th September 1915 On the Move  1400hrs Orders received to concentrate for move. E Battery RHA marched with Brigade to Cauchy, left 1600hrs got in around 2300hrs. Roads very crowded and blocked, raining hard. 3 remounts joined us on the march. Good strong American horses.

E Battery RHA war diary


26th September 1915 Standing by  E Battery RHA are in billets at Cauchy with 5th Cavalry Brigade. Stood ready to move all day.

E Battery RHA war diary


27th September 1915 Orders  E Battery, RHA report orders received at 0315 for Brigade to concentrate for move. Marched to rendezvous only to find that a mistake had been made that we were not wanted. Returned to billet at Cauchy.

E Battery RHA war diary


28th September 1915 Standing by  E Battery, RHA are in In billets at Cauchy. Harnessed up ready to move from dawn but did not move. Very cold and wet night.

E Battery RHA war diary


29th September 1915 Standing by  E Battery, RHA report, Brigade moved at 1000hrs back to billets at Nedon all hope of going through the gap seems to have gone. Reached Nedon at 1100hrs joining rest.

E Battery RHA war diary


30th Sep 1915 Ready to Move

1st October 1915 Standing by  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA are with 5th Cavalry Brigade near Nedon on standby. Standing to in billets ready to move.

E Battery RHA war diary


2nd Oct 1915 Salvage

3rd Oct 1915 In Billets

4th Oct 1915 In Billets

5th October 1915  practice bombing

6th October 1915  practice bombing

6th Oct 1915 Funeral

7th October 1915  training

8th October 1915  train

9th October 1915  dig trench

10th October 1915 Church service

11th October 1915  train

12th October 1915  train

13th Oct 1915  parade

14th October 1915  training and baths

15th October 1915  hold competitions  9th Lancers at Ligny Les Aire. Competitions for Bombers.

War Diary


16th October 1915 Leave begins

17th October 1915 Church services

18th October 1915  training

19th October 1915 Preparing to move

19th Oct 1915 Standing by

20th October 1915 Brigade move

20th October 1915 On the March  E Battery, RHA marched back with 5th Cavalry Brigade for new orders. Battery to Mileules about 23 miles.

E Battery RHA war diary


21st October 1915 Lack of billets  9th Lancers at Elnes, getting into billets, not sufficient cover for all men & horses. 1 Other Rank to Temporary Hospital.

War Diary


21st October 1915 In Billets  E Battery, RHA are with 5th Cavalry Brigade in billets at Mierules

E Battery RHA war diaries


22nd October 1915  reinforced

22nd October 1915 Water in Short Supply  E Battery, RHA moved to new village for want of water. Left at 1530hrs and marched to Huquillier 4 miles from Brigade Headquarters at Perenty. Captain C.T. Walwyn ordered to report himself at war office as soon as possible.

E Battery RHA war diary


23rd October 1915 Conference of Commanding Officers

23rd October 1915 Standing by  E Battery, RHA continued on standby with 5th Cavalry Brigade at Huquilliers. Lt Col Olivant visited the Battery.

E Battery RHA war diary


24th October 1915 Church services

25th October 1915 Rain all day

25th Oct 1915 Standing by

26th October 1915  Parade

27th October 1915  building stables

28th October 1915  dig trenches

29th October 1915  engaged in dismounted work

29th Oct 1915 Posting

30th October 1915  newcomers inspected

31st October 1915 Church Service

31st Oct 1915 Quiet

1st November 1915  provide Working Party

1st November 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

1st to 15th November - with 5th Cavalry Brigade in reserve at Huquelliers. The time was spent in training young NCOs in map reading and signalling. Giving instruction to a squad of young gunners in gun drill laying. The horses besides their ordinary exercises did draught parade and a good many fatigues in drawing material for horse standings.

12th Nov. - Lt MN Dewing RFA joined the Battery (attached) from the Royal Military Academy Woolwich.

war diaries


2nd November 1915 Heavy Rain

3rd November 1915  new CO

3rd November 1915  Elnes

4th November 1915  Horses Inspected

5th November 1915  CO visits Working Parties

6th November 1915 C Sqd Horses Inspected

7th November 1915 Church Parade & working Parties

8th November 1915  engaged in Mounted and Dismounted Work

9th November 1915  in Billets

10th November 1915  Elnes

11th November 1915  Work Party Reliefs

12th November 1915 Heavy Rain

13th November 1915 A Sqd Horses Inspected

14th November 1915 Church Parade

15th November 1915 Preparing to Move

16th November 1915 Change of Billets

16th November 1915 On the March

17th November 1915 Move

17th November 1915 Reserve position  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

17th to 28th November - with 5th Cavalry Brigade in Reserve at Ergny. During most of this time with snow, frost and cold winds and there was difficulty in getting the horses exercised.

war diaries


18th November 1915 Fire in Billet

19th November 1915 Training Conference

20th November 1915 Dismounted Squadron to be Organised

21st November 1915 Church Parade

22nd November 1915  in Billets

23rd November 1915 Dismounted Squadrons Parade

24th November 1915 Dismounted Training

25th November 1915  Digging Trenches

26th November 1915  Digging

27th November 1915  Dig Trenches

28th November 1915 tend Church Parade

29th November 1915 Gas Demonstration for

29th November 1915 orders

30th November 1915  Dig Trenches

30th November 1915 Very bad arrangements

1st December 1915  dig Trenches

1st December 1915 Into Action again  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

The guns went into action in the evening, one gun being detached (Mirrlees Section). The other two guns replieving two guns of the 105th Battery RFA, 7th Division. (Rue de Chavaltes)

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2nd December 1915 tend Gas Demonstration

2nd December 1915 Continued Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Brigade Commander to Observation Point with Captain Selby and examined the zone. The three remaining guns came into action in the evening. In the morning registered the left section.

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3rd December 1915  provide Work Parties

3rd December 1915 Inactive  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Did not register as there was no light.

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4th December 1915 Work Parties from Dig Trenches

4th December 1915 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Fired about 20 rounds in retaliation.

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5th December 1915 Church Parade

5th December 1915 Relief action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Did a lot of registration on the Moulin D'Eau and Point 3.8. Took over from the battery we had relieved. Their zero line was one that could only be seen in certain lights so decided to make a new base line which entailed a good deal of extra trouble and time wasted.

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6th December 1915  Billets Inspected

6th December 1915 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Too windy to register, retaliated. The Argylle and Sutherland Highlanders relieved the 1st Middlesex. We have Infantry of 33rd Division in front of us and are attached to the 12th Divisional Artillery.

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7th December 1915  Inspection

7th December 1915 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

7th Dec - Registered right and left points of our zone which consists of two German salients. Colonel Short came to Observation Point to inspect it and considered it unsuitable and not safe. The OP is a very good one consisting of a tree but hardly suitable for sitting in all day in the winter.

8th to 9th Dec - nothing to report, everything very quiet.

10th to 12th Dec - registered new points.

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8th December 1915  under Instruction

9th December 1915  Inspection Parade

10th December 1915  Bombers Train  9th Lancers in billets at Enquin. Captain Tylden-Wright to a trench course. Lieutenant Colvin relieves 2nd Lieutenant Harris at the digging. Regimental bombers training. 2nd Lieutenant Durant is now Brigade Bombing Officer. 1 Officer, 2nd Lieutenant J.L. Macalpine to Temporary Hospital. 2 Other Ranks to Base Hospital. 1 Other Rank to Temporary Hospital. 1 Other Rank from Temporary Hospital.

War Diary


11th December 1915  in Billets

12th December 1915 tend Church Parade

13th December 1915  Horses Inspected

13th December 1915 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

13th Dec - More points registered and a new base line put out.

14th to 17th Dec - everything very quiet.

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14th December 1915  Route March and Mounted Parades

15th December 1915  Enquiry Held

16th December 1915 Orders

17th December 1915  tour Postponed

18th December 1915  Training

18th December 1915 Enemy Aircraft dangers  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Intended to do a lot of shooting but was unable to do so owing to the number of German aeroplanes that were over during the morning and could only fire 4 rounds.

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19th December 1915 Church Parade for

19th December 1915 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

A fine day and did a good deal of shooting. The Centre Section (Innerlees ??)was shelled in the morning by 5.9 inch Howitzers. One gun pit was hit and fell in onto the wheel of the gun but the gun was not damaged. One telephone pit had a direct hit, 2 men were inside but were not touched though a good deal of kit was damaged. There were no injuries to personnel. The shelling began around 1200 and continued at intervals with single rounds until about 1500.

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20th December 1915  in Billets

20th December 1915 Ammunition problems  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

20th Dec - Tested the shooting of the guns up to date the fuses seem to have been very bad.

21st Dec - No shooting today.

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21st December 1915  Horses Malined

22nd December 1915  Digging Party Withdrawn

22nd December 1915 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

22nd Dec - Experimented with some old fuses, result not very satisfactory. At 1700 gas attack by 12th Division not a success.

23rd - Retaliated and several more points registered

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23rd December 1915  Route March & Horses Inspected   9th Lancers in billets at HQ Enquin. Brigadier General Commanding 2nd Cavalry Brigade inspected the horses of the Regiment for casting for non-veterinary reasons. Veterinary Officer inspected all the horses of the Regiment. The 9th Lancers dismounted company and Machine Gun Section went for a short Route march. Major Grenfell & Lieutenant Gisborne returned from trench course. 1 Other Rank to Temporary Hospital.

War Diary


23rd December 1915  Horses Inspected  9th Lancers in billets at HQ Enquin. Brigadier General Commanding 2nd Cavalry Brigade inspected the horses of the Regiment for casting for non-veterinary reasons. Veterinary Officer inspected all the horses of the Regiment. The 9th Lancers dismounted company and Machine Gun Section went for a short Route march. Major Grenfell & Lieutenant Gisborne returned from trench course. 1 Other Rank to Temporary Hospital.

War Diary


24th December 1915  Kit Inspection  9th Lancers in billets, HQ Enquin. Inspections of kit, arms, saddlery & horses by all Squadrons & Machine Gun Section. 1 Other Rank from Temporary Hospital.

War Diary


24th December 1915 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

24th Dec - Fired between 1700 and 1800, 1900 and 2000 also 2200 to 2300 on enemy's transport lines and trolley lines.

25th Dec - Fired a few rounds in the morning and repeated the firing of Dec 24th evening.

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25th December 1915  celebrate Christmas at the front.  9th Lancers in billets, HQ Enquin. Church of England parade service at 0900 hours at Preures. Commanding Officer visited men of all Squadrons & Machine gun Section at their Christmas dinners.

War Diary


26th December 1915  Digging Party Resume Work  9th Lancers in billets, HQ Enquin. Church of England parade service at 1215 hours at Preures. Digging Party returned to its duties under Captain Taylor-Whitehead. 1 Other Rank from Temporary Hospital.

War Diary


26th December 1915 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

26th Dec - Nothing to report

27th Dec - At about 1350 the Battery was shelled by 5.9 Howitzers Shelling continued till about 1530 but no gun-pit, dugout or man was hit. One shell burst about 10 yards short of number 3 gun and another 10 yards over, the remainder were scattered everywhere. Some in the orchard where the fuses were, some outside, some on the far side of the road behind the guns.

28th Dec - Did no shooting and filled up the holes made yesterday.

29th Dec - No shooting.

30th Dec - Did a good deal of shooting.

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27th December 1915  Instructional Ride

28th December 1915  Digging Party Wthdrawn

29th December 1915 Change of Billets

30th December 1915 On the Move

31st December 1915  Billets Reorganised

31st December 1915 Commence relief handover  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Captain Walsh, Commanding Officer, 63rd Brigade RFA came up to take over position and it was arranged that 2 guns should go out of action this night and on the next morning he registered his 2 guns. The times worked out well but his ranges differed 75 yards from our registrations. His 18 pounders being new and our 13 pounders very old. Whilst we have been in this position a lot of work has been done to the gunpits and the system of telephone communication with the Battalion Headquarters and the Group HQ Royal Artillery much improved

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1st January 1916  in Billets

1st January 1916 Sectional Relief  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

Rue des Chavaties. The right section came out of action in the evening being relieved by a section of C Battery 63rd Brigade 12th Division (Captain Walsh).

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2nd January 1916  in Billets

2nd January 1916 Sectional Relief  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

In the morning Captain Walsh came up to the Observation Point (a tree) to view the country which is the country opposite Canadian Orchard. He was very pleased with all the arrangements at the guns and at the OP. Consequently handing over to him as very simple. On his registration with his guns I found that they shot exactly the same for line as ours but that the 18 pounders required 50 yards less range than the 13 pounders. In the evenng theleft section came out of action being relieved by another section of C Battery 63rd Brigade RFA. Owing to the muddy state of the ground the 18 pounders found great difficulty in getting their guns into the pits and there was a vast difference between the time taken in getting the 13 pounders out and the 18 pounders in - the extra weight of the 18 pounders making an enormous difference.

The detached gun of Centre Section also came out of action and the battery marched to Oblinghem, arriving there about 1900, a good deal of mud but not as bad as the wagon line we had just left.

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3rd January 1916  in Billets

3rd January 1916 Inspections  location map

4th January 1916  in Training  9th Lancers in HQ Billets at Enquin. Exercise, etc. A Divisional Wood Cutting party formed for for working in Le Dois Ratel under the Command of Lieutenant C.H. Goldsmid 9th lancers, consisting of 3 Other Ranks per regiment of the 1st Cavalry Brigade. 1 Other Rank to Hospital.

War Diary


5th January 1916  in Training

6th January 1916  in Training

6th January 1916 On the Move  location map

7th January 1916  in Training

8th January 1916  in Training

9th January 1916  in Training

10th January 1916  in Training

11th January 1916  in Training  9th Lancers in HQ Billets at Enquin. Exercise, etc. 7 Drivers Army Service Corps, 14 Horses & 7 Wagons attached to Regiment for duty in connection with the Schme for distribution of Rations instituted by the Division. Lorries now dump at a refilling point, on the main Montraeil to Samer Road, at La Poste Ferme. Information received that 7 Other Ranks had been wounded with the Dismounted Battalion between the 5th & 7th instant. Captain I.A. Straker, having been admitted to a hospital in England, struck off strength. 1 Other Rank to Hospital.

War Diary


11th January 1916 Further Action  location map

12th January 1916  in Training

13th January 1916  in Training

14th January 1916  in Training

15th January 1916  HQ at Training

16th January 1916  HQ at Training  9th Lancers, HQ Billets at Enquin. Exercises etc. Captain H.C. Taylor-Whitehead and 2 Other Ranks proceeded to join the Dismounted Battalion. 1 Other Rank to Hospital. 7 Other Ranks joined as Reinforcements.

War Diary


17th January 1916  HQ at Training  9th Lancers, HQ Billets at Enquin. Exercises etc.

War Diary


18th January 1916  HQ at Training

19th January 1916  HQ at Training

20th January 1916  HQ at Training

21st January 1916  HQ at Training

22nd January 1916  HQ at Training

23rd January 1916  HQ at Training

24th January 1916  HQ at Training

25th January 1916  HQ at Training  9th Lancers, HQ Billets at Enquin. Exercise etc. Captain W.R. Tylden-Wright and 1 Other Rank proceeded to join Dismounted Battalion. Captain G. Phipps-Hornby assumes Command of the Mounted Regiment.

War Diary


26th January 1916  HQ at Training

27th January 1916  HQ at Training  9th Lancers, HQ Billets at Enquin. Exercise etc. Major R.E. Cecil (21st Lancers) joined from England and assumed Command of the Mounted Regiment. 3 Other Ranks to Hospital.

War Diary


28th January 1916  HQ at Training  9th Lancers, HQ Billets at Enquin. Exercise etc.

War Diary


28th January 1916 Ongoing Action  location map

29th January 1916  HQ at Training

30th January 1916  HQ at Training  9th Lancers, HQ Billets at Enquin. Exercise etc.

War Diary


30th January 1916 Ongoing Action  location map

31st January 1916  HQ at Training

1st February 1916 In Billets

1st February 1916 Replacements

2nd February 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets at HQ Enquin. The Commanding Officer inspected the horses of 'B' Squadron. 2 Other Ranks to Temporary Hospital. 1 Other Rank from Temporary Hospital

War Diary


2nd February 1916 Ongoing Action  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

We exploded a mine near the Hairpin Crater. Artillery support not asked for.

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3rd February 1916 In Billets

3rd February 1916 Inspections

4th February 1916 In Billets

5th February 1916 In Billets

6th February 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets at HQ Enquin. Church of England parade service at Preures at 1100. A draft of 9 men & 15 horses joined the Regiment

War Diary


7th February 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets at HQ Enquin. Exercise & Stables under Squadron arrangements. 1 Other Rank to Base Hospital. 1 Other Rank to Temporary Hospital. 1 Riding Horse from No.1 Mobile Veterinary Station.

War Diary


7th February 1916 Enemy bombardment

8th February 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets at HQ Enquin. Exercise & Stables under Squadron arrangements. 2 Other Ranks to Base Hospital.

War Diary


8th February 1916 Replacements

9th February 1916 In Billets

9th February 1916   E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

9th Feb - The 15 inch Gun fired on the buildings by Fosse 8 - E Battery co-operated.

10th Feb - A quiet day.

10th February 1916 In Billets

11th February 1916 In Billets

11th February 1916 Relief action

12th February 1916 In Billets

12th February 1916 Enemy bombardment

13th February 1916 In Billets

13th February 1916 In Billets

14th February 1916 In Billets

14th February 1916 In Billets

14th February 1916 Replacements

15th February 1916 In Billets

16th February 1916 In Billets

17th February 1916 In Billets

18th February 1916 In Billets

19th February 1916 In Billets

19th February 1916 Relief action

20th February 1916 In Billets

20th February 1916 In Billets

21st February 1916 In Billets

21st February 1916 Relief action

22nd February 1916 In Billets

23rd February 1916 In Billets

23rd February 1916 Relief action

24th February 1916 In Billets

25th February 1916 In Billets

26th February 1916 In Billets

27th February 1916 In Billets

28th February 1916 In Billets

29th February 1916 In Billets

1st March 1916 In Billets

1st March 1916 Moves and Inspections

2nd March 1916 In Billets

3rd March 1916 In Billets

4th March 1916 In Billets

5th March 1916 In Billets

6th March 1916 In Billets

7th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Training under Squadron arrangements. Equitation and Troop Training in the morning. Musketry and Bombing Training in the afternoon. Temporary 2nd Lieutenant P.H. Corbett (Sick) Struck off strength. 1 Other Rank from Temporary Hospital 13 Riding Horses to Mobile Veterinary Section

War Diary


8th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Squadrons paraded 8 horses each, suitable for Machine Gun use at Preures at 12 noon, for inspection by the Commanding Officer and Captain Haslam, Commanding 2nd Machine Gun Squadron. 8 horse were selected from these 24 for transfer to 2nd machine Gun Squadron. 1 Other Rank to Temporary Hospital 2 Light Draught Horses transferred to 19th Hussars

War Diary


9th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin The Staff ride for Subaltern Officers had to be postponed owing to the Commanding Officer having to attend a conference at Brigade HQ. Training was greatly impeded by the snow. 2 Other Rank to Temporary Hospital

War Diary


10th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin The Commanding Officer delivered a lecture to subaltern officers at 'A' Squadron HQ. At 1400 hours the Commanding Officer inspected a new form of pack at 'B' Squadron HQ at Preures 1 Other Rank to Base (Time expired)

War Diary


11th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Divisional Route March. Regimental Parade Enquin at 0830 hours. Brigade rendezvous was the crossroads ¼ mile North of Point 102 Camp Raquet. Route followed, Enquinehault, Rolet, Crossroads ½ mile East of T in Hubersent, Point 134 (whwere the Division filed past the divisional Commander Major General Mullens), Sequires, Rolet, from where units marched home independently. The Order of March was 9th Brigade, 2nd Brigade, 1st Brigade. 2 Other Rank to Base Hospital

War Diary


12th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Church of England Parade Service at Le Fayel for 'A' Squadron at 1230 hours. 2nd Lieutenants Busk & Durnford proceeded to 1st Field Squadron, Royal Engineers for a demolition course. 1 Riding horse from HQ 4 Riding horses for Officers received from Base

War Diary


13th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Regimental Route March. Regimental Parade at 0930 hours at preures. Route followed was Sehen, Bourthes, Campagne, Lez Boulonnais, Ergny, Wicquinghem. 1 Riding Horse to Veterinary Section 5 Other Ranks joined from Base 1 Riding Horse died

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14th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin RMounted Training under Squadron arrangements 1 Other Rank from Temporary Hospital

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15th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Regimental Officers Staff Ride. 'B' Squadron was employed for demonstration purposes. The Brigadier and Brigade Major attended. Advance guards and flank guards were subjects dealt with. 1 Other Rank to Base

War Diary


16th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Conference of Commanding Officers of the Regiments comprising the 2nd Cavalry Brigade at 12 noon at Beussent, in order to discuss new forms of squadron packs which had been experimented with. Special Order of the Day published by General Sir D. Haig, GCB. KCIE. General in Command of British Army in the Field. see Appendix 1 (note: Not attached)

War Diary


17th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Regimental route March combined with tactical operations. Regimental Parade at 0930 hours in Enquin. Practice in the handling of advance guards and flank guards in difficult country. The Regiment returned to billets at 1415 hours. Conference of Commanding Officer and Officers commanding Squadrons and their second in commands at 1600 hours at 'B' Squadron in Preures. 1 Other Rank from Base Hospital

War Diary


18th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Inspections of Kit, Arms, Saddlery and Horses by Squadrons. The Commanding Officer inspected the horses of 'B' Squadron. 22 Other Ranks joined from Base

War Diary


19th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Church of England Parade Service at 1230 hours at Preures. Lieutenants Potts and Kelly proceeded to Samer on a Hotchkiss Machine Gun Course.

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20th March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin Training under Squadron arrangements. 'A' and 'B' Squadrons, advance guard scheme. 'C' Squadron musketry & bombing

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21st March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin The Commanding Offficer inspected the Regimental and Squadron transport at Enquin at 0930 hours. 1 Oter Rank to Temporary Hospital

War Diary


22nd March 1916 In Billets  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin The Adjutant proceeded to Merlimont to recconnoitre the area where the Regiment intended to bivouac. Owing to the weather the condition of the ground was found to be unsuitable.

War Diary


23rd March 1916  Training  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin. Regimental tour of Merlimont postponed owing to the weather. Training under Squadron arrangements. 1 Other Rank to Base.

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24th March 1916  Training  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin. The Commanding Officer conducted a Staff ride for Subaltern Officers who had joined within the last 6 months. 1 Other Rank to Base, (Time Expired).

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25th March 1916  Training  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin. Inspection of kit, arms, saddlery etc. under Squadron arrangements. Lecture on map reading for Subaltern Officers who joined within the last 6 months by Major R.E. Cecil 1 Other Rank from 2nd Cavalry Brigade HQ

War Diary


26th March 1916  Training  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin. Lieutenants Potts & Kelly rejoined on completion of their Hotchkiss Gun Course. Church of England Parade Service at Preures at 1215 hours. Lieutenants E.C.E. Smith & M. Hunter proceeded to Samer on Hotchkiss Gun course. 4 Other Ranks to Temporary Hospital 5 Other Ranks joined from Base

War Diary


27th March 1916  Training  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin. General Officer Commanding 2nd Cavalry Brigade conducted a Staff Ride for Subaltern Officers having joined within the last 6 months at 0930 hours. Officer Commanding attended a Conference of Officers Commanding Regiments of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade at the Brigade Headquarters to discuss Training programme for April 1916. Training under Squadron arrangements. 2 Other Ranks to Base Hospital 1 Other Rank to Temporary Hospital

War Diary


28th March 1916  Training  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin. Regimental parade at Enquin at 0930 hours for route march combined with tactical exercise in handling of advance and rear guards. Returned to billets at 1315 hours Conference at Regimental HQ on the days operations and to discuss possibility of reducing the weight at present carried on horses. Regimental Course of 2 classes (6 each) in Hotchkiss Gun under direction of Lieutenant pott. 1 Other Rank to Base Hospital 1 Other Rank from Temporary Hospital

War Diary


29th March 1916  Training  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin. Training under Squadron arrangements. Regimental courses in Hotchkiss Gun under Lieutenant Pott. Regimental Pioneer course under direction of 2nd Lieutenants Busk and Durnford commenced at Preures. 1 Riding Horse destroyed

War Diary


30th March 1916  Training  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin. Training under Squadron arrangements. Commanding Officer witnessed grouping practice by 'B' Squadron at 'C' Squadrons range. Regimental courses in Hotchkiss Gun & Pioneering continued under respective Officers as previous. Commanding Officer attending Conferences of Officers Commanding units in 2nd Cavalry Brigade at Brigade HQ on training. 1 Other Rank from Temporary Hospital 1 Other Rank from Base 1 Riding Horse to Veterinary Section

War Diary


31st March 1916  Training  9th Lancers in Billets, HQ Enquin. Squadron Ride with simple tactical scheme for all Squadrons on high ground immediately North of Enquin. Lecture on shoeing of horses by Captain Townsend Army Veterinary Corps to Officers, NCO's at Preures. Major R.E. Cecil left for Hesdigneul to take up duties of instructor at a course for Divisional Cavalry, 1st Army, under direction of General Officer Commanding 1st Cavalry Division.

War Diary


1st April 1916 Reserve positions

1st April 1916 Inspection and recreation  9th Lancers

1st April 1916 - Billets Enquin - The CO inspected the Regimental Scouts at 0930 in work in the field. The 1st Cavalry Division Divisional Marathon Race was run. 2 Other ranks to temp hospital, 1 other rank from base hospital. Strength: Officers 29 ORs 603 Horses 510.

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2nd April 1916 Church Parade

3rd April 1916 inspections and training

4th April 1916 inspections and training

5th April 1916 Training courses

6th April 1916 Squadron training  9th Queens Royal Lancers

6th April 1916 - Billets Enquin - Lt LCP Smith admitted to hospital. Training under squadron arrangements - completion of NCOs Hotchkiss rifle course and examination. 1 OR to temp hospital and 1 OR from temp hospital.

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7th April 1916 GOC Inspection

8th April 1916 Exercise and inspections

9th April 1916 Training

9th April 1916 Church Parade

10th April 1916 Ongoing training and inspections  9th Queens Royal Lancers

10th April 1916 - Billets Enquin - Training under squadron arrangements in the morning. Musketry, Hotchkiss rifle and bombing courses in the afternoon. 2/Lt HA Porter returned from hospital. 2 ORs to temp hospital.

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11th April 1916 Training

11th April 1916 Training and courses

12th April 1916 Training courses

13th April 1916 Training courses

14th April 1916 Training courses

15th April 1916 Training courses

16th April 1916 Church Service and Sports

17th April 1916 GOC Inspection

18th April 1916 Ongoing training  9th Queens Royal Lancers

18th April 1916 - Billets Enquin - Exercise, musketry and bombing under squadron arrangements. The second Hotchkiss gun class commenced under the Adjutant. 1 OR to Base hospital and 4 horses to MVS.

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19th April 1916 Return to billets  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

19th Apr - The Battery returned to Ergny.

28th Apr - Second Lieutenant W Wright RFA joined the battery on this day vice Second Lieutenant Dewing posted to the Ammunition Column 2nd Cavalry Division

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19th April 1916 Training and inspections

20th April 1916 Training and relief party

21st April 1916 Good Friday

22nd April 1916 Regimental training scheme

23rd April 1916 Easter Sunday Church Services

24th April 1916 Easter Monday Sports

25th April 1916 Divisional Field Day

26th April 1916 Regimental Field Work

27th April 1916 Training and inspections

28th April 1916 Further training and inspections

29th April 1916 inspections and training

30th April 1916 Church Service and inspections

4th May 1916 Inspections  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

4th May - 11 Remounts joined.

19th May - Parade for GOC 2nd Cavalry Division in the training area.

20th May - 2nd Lt R Gough (attached) left the battery on appointment as temp. ADC to General Gough (Reserve Corps).

war diaries


1st May 1916 Move

2nd May 1916 Relocation

2nd May 1916 Recreation and drill

3rd May 1916 Recreation and return to billets

4th May 1916 Training courses

5th May 1916 Tactics and inspection

6th May 1916 Inspections

7th May 1916 No church parades

8th May 1916 Tactical experiments

9th May 1916 Further experiments - bad weather

10th May 1916 Squadron training

11th May 1916 Field work

12th May 1916 Training and inspections

13th May 1916 Inspections

14th May 1916 Church and Trade tests

15th May 1916 Training and conference

16th May 1916 Training and inspections

17th May 1916 Field work

18th May 1916 Squadron training

19th May 1916 Divisional Day operations

20th May 1916 Brigade Horse Show

21st May 1916 Church parade and bivouac recce.

22nd May 1916 Relocation and recreation

23rd May 1916 Training and recreation

24th May 1916 Empire Day

25th May 1916 Regimental and Brigade Drills

26th May 1916 Return to billets Training

27th May 1916 Inspections and Brigade experiments

28th May 1916 Rest and Recreation

28th May 1916 Church Parades and Messages

29th May 1916 Brigade casting of horses

30th May 1916 inspections and training

31st May 1916 Squadron training

1st June 1916 Field work and moves

2nd June 1916 Brigade scheme

3rd June 1916 Inspections

4th June 1916 Church Parades

5th June 1916 Officers Ride

6th June 1916 Divisional scheme cancelled

7th June 1916 Divisional scheme concluded

8th June 1916 Divisional Exercise Cavalry and Aircraft

9th June 1916 Divisional Horse Show

10th June 1916 Division Horse Show

11th June 1916 Church Parade

12th June 1916 Regimental scheme and courses

13th June 1916 Ongoing training

14th June 1916 Squadron training

15th June 1916 Ongoing training

16th June 1916 Ongoing training

17th June 1916 Inspections and Courses

18th June 1916 Lord Kitchener Memorial Service

19th June 1916 Wagon train inspection

20th June 1916 Inspections

21st June 1916 On the Move

21st June 1916 Brigade Conference and inspections

22nd June 1916 Inspection and movements

23rd June 1916 Standby

23rd June 1916 Movement Orders

24th June 1916 Brigade moves by stages to new Billets

25th June 1916 Brigade moves by stages to new Billets

26th June 1916 Brigade moves by stages to new Billets

27th June 1916 Brigade moves by stages to new Billets

28th June 1916 Brigade Moves

29th June 1916 Waiting for Orders before Somme Offensive

30th June 1916 Standby awaiting orders

1st July 1916 Brigade on standby for Somme Offensive  9th Queens Royal Lancers

1st July 1916 - Position of readiness at Bresle - Regimental parade in bivouacs at Querrieu at 0445. Brigade moved off at 0500. Order of march: Brigade HQ and Signal Troop, 4th Dragoon Guards, 9th Lancers, 18th Hussars, 2nd Machine Gun Squadron, H Battery RHA, Gap, and A Echelon Brigaded. Route followed: Querrieu, Franvillers and Bresle. Put down lines in muddy area outside Bresle at 0815. Remained at Bresle while the infantry assault took place. Watering arrangements broke down. Brigade left Bresle at 1700 and moved back to Querrieu arriving in previous bivouac about 2000.

war diaries


2nd July 1916 Church service and reinforcements

3rd July 1916 Routine

4th July 1916 Battlefield clearing party to Fricourt

5th July 1916 Brigade move and work party

6th July 1916 Standby and inspection by GOC Division

7th July 1916 1/2 hour notice standby

8th July 1916 Routine and movement order

9th July 1916 Move postponed

10th July 1916 Routine exercises

11th July 1916 Brigades move to Querrieu

12th July 1916 Bivouac at Querrieu

13th July 1916 Ongoing moves

14th July 1916 Standby at half hours notice all day

15th July 1916 Standby extended to 2 hours notice

16th July 1916 Routine

17th July 1916 Routine

18th July 1916 Mounted training

19th July 1916 Ongoing mounted work

20th July 1916 Mounted work and courses

21st July 1916 More mounted work

22nd July 1916 Further mounted work

23rd July 1916 Promotions and Appointments  E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

The only entries during July from images provided are for two senior appointments. 23rd July - Lt Col J Olivant DSO RHA left the 2nd Cavalry Division on promotion to Brigadier General Royal Artillery and moved to the 3rd Division.

26th July - Lt Col TM Archdale DSO RHA joined the 2nd Cavalry Division.

July 1916 diary is signed by Captain AG Neville for OC E RHA

war diaries


23rd July 1916 Church services

24th July 1916 Back to Querrieu and reinforcements

25th July 1916 Routine

26th July 1916 5 Hour standby and mounted work

27th July 1916 Mounted work and Divisional Conference

28th July 1916 Mounted work

29th July 1916 Mounted work and Hotchkiss Pack design

30th July 1916 Church services and Hotchkiss Drill

31st July 1916 Mounted work and Regimental Strength

1st August 1916 Staff ride and Regimental strength

2nd August 1916 inspections and training

3rd August 1916 Training and relief party

4th August 1916 Brigade communication scheme

5th August 1916 Mounted work

6th August 1916 Church services

7th August 1916 Divisional Staff Ride and Casting of Horses

8th August 1916 Brigade staff ride and appointments  9th Queens Royal Lancers

8th Aug 1916 - Bivouac near Querrieu - 2/Lt GH Harris and M Hunter returned to duty with the Regiment from 1st Cavalry Division working party. Lt LPG Kelly proceeded to 1st Cavalry Division working party for duty. GOC 2nd Cavalry Brigade held a staff ride for COs, Adjutants and Squadron Leaders. 4 ORs to Hospital, 6 Remount Horses to MVS and 4 ORs joined from Base.

war diaries


9th August 1916 Brigade relocation to Pont Remy

10th August 1916 Further relocation

11th August 1916 Brigade Conference at Incheville

12th August 1916 Squadron training

13th August 1916 Church Parade and reinforcements

14th August 1916 Intense personal training for men and horses

15th August 1916 Ongoing training

16th August 1916 Ongoing training

17th August 1916 Routine and swimming sports

18th August 1916 Inter troop competitions

19th August 1916 Inter troop mounted sports

20th August 1916 Church Parade

21st August 1916 Training and reliefs

22nd August 1916 Training and relief party

23rd August 1916 Training and competitions

24th August 1916 inspections and training

25th August 1916 Ongoing training and inspections

26th August 1916 Inspections

27th August 1916 Church services

28th August 1916 Routine drills

29th August 1916 Ongoing training

30th August 1916 Flooding

31st August 1916 Training and Regimental Strength

1st Sep 1916 Hotchkiss training  9th Queens Royal Lancers are in Billets at Incheville - Regimental Parade at 1300. Hotchkiss field firing was carried out on the Belgian Field Firing Range at Hautebut from 1600 to 1730.

war diaries


2nd September 1916 Routine and inspections

3rd September 1916 Church Parade

4th September 1916 Squadron training

5th September 1916 Squadron training and movement orders

6th September 1916 Move to bivouac

7th September 1916 Move to bivouac

8th September 1916 Routine

9th September 1916 Mounted Training

10th September 1916 Church Service and Inspection

11th September 1916 GOC Division inspection

12th September 1916 Visit

13th September 1916 Remounts

14th September 1916 Move to Carnoy Valley

15th September 1916 Immediate standby all day

16th Sep 1916 Stand by

17th September 1916 Church services and return to Laneuville

18th September 1916 Routine. Very heavy rain.

19th September 1916 Routine. Heavy rain.

20th September 1916 Routine, still raining.

21st September 1916 Clean up as weather finer.

22nd September 1916 Scheme aircraft and cavalry signalling

23rd September 1916 Move to L'Etoile

24th September 1916 Bivouac at Subrometz

25th September 1916 Into billets

26th September 1916 Squadron Move

27th September 1916 B Squadron move due to congestion

28th Sep 1916 Awards and Inspection

29th September 1916 Cavalry Corps Inspection of all horses

30th September 1916 Brigade Staff Ride

1st Oct 1916 Church service and C Sqn. relocation

2nd October 1916 Inspections

3rd October 1916 Bad weather hinders training

4th October 1916 Divisional Inspections

5th October 1916 Training and lecture

6th October 1916 Scheme postponed due to bad weather.

7th October 1916 Inspections

8th October 1916 Church Parade and work party

9th October 1916 Ops cancelled

10th October 1916 Staff ride, appointment and award.

11th October 1916 Divisional Ops in the field

12th October 1916 Squadron training

13th October 1916 Field work and conference

14th October 1916 Brigade Operations

15th October 1916 Routine and conference

16th October 1916 Mounted training and reinforcements

17th October 1916 Brigade Staff Ride

18th October 1916 Weather postponements

19th October 1916 Move to Bivouac

20th October 1916 Further move to St Leger  location map

21st October 1916 Routine and reinforcements

22nd October 1916 Allotment of horses to Squadrons

23rd October 1916 Awards Parade and Conference

24th October 1916 Training

25th October 1916 training

26th October 1916 Parade postponed bad weather

27th October 1916 Inspections

28th October 1916 Training and inspections

29th October 1916 Routine

30th October 1916 Bathing and dismounted work

31st October 1916 Field work

1st November 1916 Training courses

2nd November 1916 Field work

3rd November 1916 Ongoing Fieldwork

4th November 1916 Brigade staff ride and training

5th November 1916 Church services

6th November 1916 Training and inspections

7th November 1916 Movement Orders

8th November 1916 Brigade move to Nouvian

9th November 1916 Brigade move to winter billets at Hucqueliers

10th November 1916 Sorting Squadron billets allocations

11th November 1916 Allocation of billeting areas

12th November 1916 Church Parade

13th November 1916 Horses to winter quarters

14th November 1916 inspections and training

15th November 1916 Inspections and preparing stables floors

16th November 1916 Settling into Winter Quarters

17th November 1916 Settling to normal routines

18th November 1916 Inspections and promotions

19th November 1916 Church Parade

20th November 1916 Inspections

21st November 1916 Inspections and Courses

22nd November 1916 Inspections

23rd November 1916 Winter training routine

24th November 1916 Brigade Pioneer Battalion Parade

25th November 1916 Pioneer formation event postponed

26th Nov 1916 Church services

27th Nov 1916 Winter training commences

28th November 1916 Horse casting inspection

29th November 1916 Ongoing winter training

30th Nov 1916 Appointment to Reserve Cavalry

1st December 1916 Ongoing winter training

2nd December 1916 Winter training and inspections

3rd December 1916 Church Parade

4th December 1916 Ongoing winter training and inspections

5th December 1916 GOC Inspection

6th December 1916 GOC Inspection

7th December 1916 Inspections

8th December 1916 Ongoing winter training and inspections

9th December 1916 Ongoing winter training and inspections

10th December 1916 Ongoing training and inspections

11th December 1916 Ongoing training

12th December 1916 Ongoing training

13th December 1916 Ongoing training

14th December 1916 Ongoing training and inspections

15th December 1916 Ongoing winter training and inspections

16th December 1916 Ongoing training

17th December 1916 Ongoing training

18th December 1916 Ongoing training

19th December 1916 Ongoing training and inspections

20th December 1916 Ongoing winter training and inspections

21st December 1916 Ongoing training and inspections

22nd December 1916 Training and inspections

23rd December 1916  Ongoing training and inspections

24th December 1916 Christmas Eve church services

25th December 1916 Christmas Day

26th December 1916 inspections and training

27th December 1916 inspections and training

28th December 1916 Bad weather hinders training

29th December 1916 Training in poor weather

30th December 1916 Training and inspections

31st December 1916 Church services

1st January 1917 Training and Pioneer Organisation

2nd January 1917 Training courses

3rd January 1917 Return to regiment

4th January 1917 Inspection and movements

5th January 1917 CO's Inspection

6th January 1917 CO's Inspection

7th January 1917 CO's Inspection

8th January 1917 Lecture and inspections

9th January 1917 Brigade Conference and inspections

10th January 1917 Inspections and Training

11th January 1917 CO's Inspection

12th January 1917 NCO's Training and routine

13th January 1917 Brigade inspection and reinforcements

14th January 1917 Church Service and inspections

15th January 1917 Training courses

16th January 1917 CO's Inspection

17th January 1917 ASC Transport inspection

18th January 1917 CO's Inspection

19th Jan 1917 CO's Inspection

20th January 1917 Conference and lecture

21st January 1917 Church Parade

22nd January 1917 CO's Inspection

23rd January 1917 Interviews and reliefs

24th January 1917 Horse casting inspection

25th January 1917 Routine inspection

26th January 1917 Examination and training

27th January 1917 Completion of young nco's class

28th January 1917 Church Services

29th January 1917 Routine

30th January 1917 CO's Inspection

31st January 1917 Snow and CO's inspection

1st February 1917 

2nd February 1917 Rifle range project

3rd February 1917 Courses and reliefs

4th February 1917 Routine

5th February 1917 Musketry course

6th February 1917 

7th February 1917 

8th February 1917 Regimental routine

9th February 1917 Inspections

10th February 1917 Inspections

11th February 1917 Slight thaw. Church services

12th February 1917 Musketry course

13th February 1917 Inspections

14th February 1917 Courses and reliefs

15th February 1917 Lecture and reliefs

16th February 1917 Appointments and inspections

17th February 1917 Interviews and appointments

18th February 1917 Church Parade and supplies

19th February 1917 Inspections

20th February 1917 Inspections

21st February 1917 Inspections

22nd February 1917 Divisional GOC inspection

23rd February 1917 Inspections and Courses

24th February 1917 Inspections and Courses

25th February 1917 Church Parade

26th February 1917 Training courses

27th February 1917 New horses arrive

28th February 1917 Regimental Routine and Brigade Conference

1st March 1917 Routine and inspections

2nd March 1917 Routine

3rd March 1917 routine and interviews

4th March 1917 Church Parade and courses

5th March 1917 Routine

6th March 1917 Routine and Brigade Staff Ride

7th March 1917 Routine and courses

8th March 1917 Routine and courses

9th March 1917 Routine

10th March 1917 Routine and courses

11th March 1917 Routine and church.

12th March 1917 

13th March 1917 Routine and inspections

14th March 1917 Pioneers rejoin unit.

15th March 1917 Pioneers rejoin and new billets search

16th March 1917 Courses completed.

17th March 1917 Horse casting inspection

18th March 1917 Church services

19th March 1917 Musketry

20th March 1917 Musketry and scouting courses

21st March 1917 Courses continued

22nd March 1917 Training and New orders

23rd March 1917 Inspections and gas mask issue

24th Mar 1917 Route March and new equipment

25th Mar 1917 Church parade and new saddlery fitted

26th March 1917 Brigade Inspection at Preures

27th March 1917 Training with new equipment

28th March 1917 Training and conference

29th March 1917 Route March

30th March 1917 Training courses

31st March 1917 Inspections and reinforcements

1st April 1917 Routine

2nd April 1917 Mounted Schemes and Hotchkiss Firing

3rd April 1917 Bad weather continues

4th April 1917 Ongoing training

5th April 1917 Move from winter quarters

6th April 1917 Remain in billets

7th April 1917 Move

8th April 1917 On the Move

9th April 1917 Regiment on standy - Dismounted party casualties

10th April 1917 Ongoing moves and repair works

11th April 1917 Supportin action and casualty clearance

12th April 1917 Support after Attack

13th April 1917 Bad weather exposure

14th April 1917 Casting of Horses

15th April 1917 Dismounted Party returns

16th April 1917 Start of Moves

17th April 1917 Move

18th April 1917 Rest day

19th April 1917 Move to good billets

20th April 1917 Regiment reunited at Lebiez

21st April 1917 Routine

22nd April 1917 Church Parade

23rd April 1917 Refresher Courses and Strong Posts Construction

24th April 1917 Casting of Horses

25th April 1917 Ongoing training

26th April 1917 Staff Rides

27th April 1917 Regimental route march

28th April 1917 Inspections

29th April 1917 Church parade and reinforcements

30th April 1917 Completion of Troop Strong Posts

1st May 1917 Inspections

2nd May 1917 Route March

3rd May 1917 Staff Rides and new horses

4th May 1917 Staff Rides and new horses

5th May 1917 Inspections

6th May 1917 Church services

7th May 1917 Courses and grazing of horses

8th May 1917 Staff Rides

9th May 1917 Staff Rides

10th May 1917 Route March and Casting

11th May 1917 Inspection of work parties

12th May 1917 

13th May 1917 Parties to Pioneer Battalion  location map

14th May 1917 Moves to new billets

15th May 1917 Further moves  location map

16th May 1917 Routine  location map

17th May 1917 Move of Work Party  location map

18th May 1917 CO's Inspection  location map

19th May 1917 Routine exercise and grazing  location map

20th May 1917 Routine  location map

21st May 1917 Routine  location map

22nd May 1917 Routine  location map

23rd May 1917 Routine  location map

24th May 1917 Staff Rides  location map

25th May 1917 Appointment  location map

26th May 1917 Appointments  location map

27th May 1917 Church services  location map

28th May 1917 Inspections and movements  location map

29th May 1917 Routine and interviews  location map

30th May 1917 Board of Survey  location map

31st May 1917 In Billets

1st June 1917 Routine

2nd June 1917 Return of working parties

3rd June 1917 Church Parade

4th June 1917 Routine

5th June 1917 Routine

7th June 1917 Exercise and inspections

8th June 1917 Routine

9th June 1917 Routine

10th June 1917 Church Parade

11th June 1917 Working party departs

12th June 1917 Routine and courses

13th June 1917 Schemes and courses

14th June 1917 Route march and courses

15th June 1917 Routine and movement order

16th June 1917 Pioneers setting up and move  location map

17th June 1917 Church services and Pioneer Battalion action

18th June 1917 Exercise and routine

19th June 1917 Exercise and routine

20th June 1917 Routine and Pioneers Works in front line

21st June 1917 Routine and Pioneer actions

22nd June 1917 Further Casualties in Pioneer Battalion

23rd June 1917 Routine and ongoing Pioneers Activities

24th June 1917 Musketry course and Pioneer activity

25th June 1917 Final Assault Course and Pioneer Activities

26th June 1917 Routine and Casting Inspection. Pioneer work continues

27th June 1917 Routine and Pioneer work and move

28th June 1917 Routine

29th June 1917 Routine and Pioneers inspection

30th June 1917 Routine and Ongoing Pioneer activity

1st July 1917 Routine and Pioneer Activity

2nd July 1917 Routing and Ongoing Pioneer Activity

3rd July 1917 Routine and Pioneer activity

4th July 1917 Routine and Inspection with Pioneers to new billets

5th July 1917 Routine and Pioneers Activity

6th July 1917 Routine and further Pioneering work

7th July 1917 

8th July 1917 Routine and Pioneer working parties

9th July 1917 Routine and Unit Moves

10th July 1917 Routine and Working Parties Activity

11th July 1917 Routine and Working Parties Activity

12th July 1917 Hotchkiss Courses and Working Party Activity

13th July 1917 Routine Working Parties and movement orders

14th July 1917 Routine and working parties  location map

15th July 1917 

16th July 1917 Church Services

17th July 1917 Inspections and Courses

18th July 1917 Formation of Pioneer Brigade

19th July 1917 Inspections and Pioneer Company Formation

20th July 1917 Reconnaisance and reorganisation

21st July 1917 Conference, training and standby.

22nd July 1917 Church services

23rd July 1917 Ongoing training

24th July 1917 Ongoing training

25th July 1917 Routine and training

26th July 1917 Recreation and training

27th July 1917 Training and routine

28th July 1917 Divisional signalling scheme

29th July 1917 Weather interrupt of Brigade Signalling Scheme

30th July 1917 Ongoing training

31st July 1917 Ongoing training and Letter from 1 Corps Commander

1st August 1917 Parade postponed bad weather

2nd August 1917 Routine - Parade postponed due to weather

3rd August 1917 Ongoing training

4th August 1917 Inspections

5th August 1917 Church Parade and Medal Ceremony

6th August 1917 Work party to 5th Army

7th August 1917 Route march and Staff Ride

8th August 1917 Ongoing training

9th August 1917 Ongoing training

10th August 1917 Parade and lecture

11th August 1917 Inspections

12th Aug 1917 Routine

13th August 1917 Ongoing training

14th Aug 1917 Route March

15th Aug 1917 Ongoing training

16th August 1917 Ongoing training

17th August 1917 Ongoing training

18th August 1917 Inspections

19th August 1917 Church services

20th August 1917 Ongoing training

21st August 1917 Divisional Gas Lecture and Drill

22nd August 1917 inspections and training

23rd August 1917 Horse trials and training

24th August 1917 Ongoing training

25th August 1917 Horse trials and training

26th August 1917 Church Parade

27th August 1917 Move to Lugy  9th Queens Royal Lancers

27th Aug - Bivouac Lugy - The regiment paraded at Calonne 0615 and marched to brigade Starting point Robecq Church arriving 0715. Route followed Busnes, Lillers, Auchy au Bois, Febvin Palvert, Laires and Lugy. Regiment went into bivouac about 1300. Very wet day.

war diaries


28th August 1917 Further moves

29th August 1917 Routine

30th August 1917 HQ Moved

31st August 1917 Routine

1st September 1917 Cavalry Corps Horse Show  9th Queens Royal Lancers

1st Sep - HQ Bernieulles - Cavalry Corps Horse Show. Captain GM Phipps Hornby's charger won Heavyweight Charger Class and champion riding horse of Corps Class. Lt. Col HM Durand's charger was 2nd in lightweight charger class. C Squadron's GS Wagon was 2nd in GS Wagon Class. 3 ORs to Base Hospital. Strength: Officers 34, Other Ranks 579 and Horses 569

war diaries


2nd Sep 1917 Church Parade

3rd Sep 1917 Training and inspections

4th September 1917 Training and inspections

5th Sep 1917 

6th September 1917 Training and inspections

7th September 1917 Training and inspections

8th September 1917 Inspections  9th Queens Royal Lancers

8th Sep - HQ Bernieulles - Inspection of kits, arms, saddlery and horses by Squadrons.

war diaries


9th September 1917 Church services

10th September 1917 Training courses

11th September 1917 

12th September 1917 Training courses

13th September 1917 Move and training

14th September 1917 Move to Brigade Training Area

15th September 1917 Drill and Sports on sands

16th September 1917 Church services

17th September 1917 Training on sands

18th September 1917 Return to billets

19th September 1917 Training courses

20th September 1917 Training courses

21st September 1917 Divisional Dismounted Sports  9th Queens Royal Lancers

21st Sep - Billets HQ Bernieulles - 1st Cavalry Division Dismounted Sports. 1 OR to Base Hospital

war diaries


22nd September 1917 Inspections and Gymkhana

23rd September 1917 Routine

24th September 1917 Training courses

25th September 1917 Inter Cavalry Brigade Field Exercise

26th September 1917 Training and inspections

27th September 1917 Gas training

28th September 1917 Inter-Brigade Field Exercise

29th September 1917 Bathing and Inspections

30th September 1917 Church Parade

If you can provide any additional information, please add it here.



Want to know more about 1st Cavalry Division?


There are:1306 items tagged 1st Cavalry Division 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

1st Cavalry Division

during the Great War 1914-1918.

  • Norwood John. Cpt. (d.8th Sep 1914)

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1206261

Cpt. John Norwood VC 5th Dragoon Guards (d.8th Sep 1914)

Captain John Norwood VC

Captain John Norwood served with the 5th Dragoon Guards and was killed in action on the 8th September 1914, aged 38. He is buried in Sablonnières New Communal Cemetery in France.

He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. John Norwood and husband of Lilian

An extract taken from the London Gazette dated 27th July 1900 records the following: "John Norwood, Lieut. 5th Dragoon Guards. Date of Act of Bravery 30th Oct. 1899. On the 30th Oct. 1899, this officer went out from Ladysmith in charge of a small patrol of the 5th Dragoon Guards. They came under heavy fire from the enemy, who were posted on a ridge in great force. The patrol, which had arrived within about 600 yards of the ridge, then retired a full speed. One man dropped, and Second Lieut. Norwood galloped back about 300 yards through heavy fire, dismounted, and picking up the fallen trooper, carried him out of fire on his back, at the same time leading his horse with one hand. The enemy kept up an incessant fire during the whole time that Second Lieut. Norwood was carrying the man until he was quite out of range"

S Flynn








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