North Irish Horse - War diaries - 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers

9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers

At the end of August 1917 the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment was dismounted and absorbed into the 9th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, which henceforth was known as the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers.

This section covers the period from 1 June to 31 August 1918.

The diary is sourced from National Archives document WO 95/2505.

June 1918
1	Ref sheet, local sheet, 27 NE 3A 1/20000. Hospital Farm. Divisional Reserve. Specialists classes for Lewis Gunners, Signallers and Section (..?..). Remainder of Battalion working on Green Line from 6am to 12 noon under Royal Engineers. The afternoon and evening spent in recreation.
2	Hospital Farm. Divisional Reserve. Church Parades in the morning followed by a cleaning up parade for every man in the Battalion.
3	Proven. F.1.d.1.5. The Battalion was relieved in Divisional Reserve by a Battalion of a Belgian Division. On relief the Battalion moved to Proven. Battalion Headquarters at F.1.d.1.5.
4	Proven. F.1.d.1.5. Battalion remained at Proven. Company training in the morning. 2pm Commanding Officer's parade.
5	Proven. F.1.d.1.5. The whole Battalion with the exception of specialist classes entrained at 4.30am for work on the East Poperinge [sic] line, returning at 2.30pm. The afternoon was spent in recreation. Lieutenant McCausland reported his arrival.
6	Proven. F.1.d.1.5. Battalion working parties as usual entrained at 4.30am.
7	Proven. F.1.d.1.5. Battalion working parties as usual entrained at 4.30am. Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Barbour awarded the Military Cross for good work since the Division came to France.
8	Proven. F.1.d.1.5. Battalion working parties as usual.
9	Proven. F.1.d.1.5. Church Parades during the morning. At 11.30am the General Officer Commanding 36th Division inspected the Battalion in drill order and presented medal ribbons. A portion of the camp was also inspected. A draft of 127 Other Ranks was received during the last two days. The afternoon was spent in recreation.
10	Battalion working parties entrained as usual at 4.30am. Strength: 34 Officers, 974 Other Ranks Ration strength: 23 Officers, 781 Other Ranks.
11	Working parties as usual.
12	Working parties as usual.
13	Road Camp. E.25.d.2.5. The Battalion moved to Road Camp.
14	The Army Commander inspected the 108th Infantry Brigade at 11.30am. Parade strength of the Battalion was 21 Officers, 568 Other Ranks. The Companies bathed during the afternoon. The Divisional Commander gave a lecture to all Officers in the 108th Infantry Brigade at 5pm.
15	Bois St Acaire. The Battalion moved to Bois St Acaire training area, each Company (working?) as an advance guard to a Battalion.
16	Church Parade. Details of the Battalion bathed. Afternoon was spent in recreation.
17-19	Company training including bayonet fighting and musketry. One Company each morning on the range. Specialists classes in the afternoon for Lewis Gunners, Scouts, Signallers, Section Commanders, etc. The range open for voluntary shooting (practice?) the evening.
20	Ref Local Sheet 27 NE 1/10000. Bois St Acaire. Training continued as on previous days,
21	Training continued as on previous days, each Company carrying out a flag attack. A successful Battalion concert held in the evening.
22	During the morning a practice attack was carried out by the Battalion. The Battalion during the afternoon moved to Road Camp.
23	Road Camp. Church Parades. Lecture to all Officers on aerial photography. Afternoon was spent in recreation.
24	During the morning a practice flagged attack was carried out by the Battalion on Flying Ground at Proven. During the afternoon Battalion bathed.
25	The Battalion moved to the musketry camp, Cormette, by train from Proven to St Omer. Strength 30 Officers, 670 Other Ranks.
26	Cormette. Battalion paraded at 9am for physical drill. Lecture by Commanding Officer to all Officers and Section Commanders from 9-10am. From 11am to 2pm on range for firing. Gas lecture by Division Gas Officer in afternoon.
27	In the morning Battalion carried out a tactical scheme on 'C' training area from 8am to 12 hours. Football match at 2pm against 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers. From 4-7 hours Battalion on the range. A successful concert was held in the evening.
28	Ref Hazebrouck 5A. Special Sheet 27 NE local ed. 5A 1/20000. Cormette. Battalion tactical exercise in the morning from 8am to 1pm. Three Companies attacked the enemy outpost line on the Zudausques – St Martin-au-Laert Road. One Company represented the enemy. From 9.30pm to 1am to Battalion carried out a night outpost scheme., with three Companies holding an outpost line outside Leuline and Etrehem, one Company attacking. Lieutenants Dobbyn MC and A.S Galloway, 2nd Lieutenant F.S Bale reported for duty.
29	Battalion parade from 8.30am to 10am for drill. On the range from 11am until 2pm. All details carried out a snap shooting practice at 3.00. At 2.25pm the Battalion paraded in walking out order and marched into St Omer, where they were dismissed until 8.30pm. Teas were provided and the outing proved a great success. 2nd Lieutenant McFarland reported for duty.
30	The 108th Infantry Brigade moved back [to] the Proven area, entraining at St Omer at 9am. (..?..) transport moved by road. On arrival the Battalion was billeted in Peterborough Camp. Battalion Headquarters F.1.c.80.30. Strength: 30 Officers, 957 Other Ranks Ration strength: 29 Officers, 800 Other Ranks. Awards during the month: Distinguished Conduct Medal - 23566 Sergeant R.J McBride. Military Medal - 41414 Private S Wasson, 41329 Private W McCarley, 14474 Sergeant W.J Mitchell, 14393 Private W Kelly, 43201 Private G.F Miller. [Signed] G.M Forde Officer Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Order No.5 By Lieutenant Colonel G.M Forde MC Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers Ref Sheets 28NW Ed.6B 27NE Ed.3A 1. The Battalion on relief by a Belgian Battalion will move to the Proven Area today 3rd inst. 2. All rifles and equipment will be out of huts and stacked ready to move off at 7am if necessary. 3. (a) Kits Arrangements as (notified?). (b) Dress Full marching order, steel helmets on packs, water bottles full. (c) Route Cross-roads A.23.a.35.05 – International Corner via Chemin Militaire to cross roads F.10.d.9.1 – cross roads F.4.d.5.2. (d) Intervals 500 yards between bus, 100 yards between Companies, Company Headquarters to march in front of leading Platoon. (e) Order of march Band, Battalion Headquarters, A-B-C-D, transport. (f) Dinners will be served on arrival. 4. Particular attention is to be paid to march discipline, dressing, men taking off their packs during rest. Issued at 6.10am 1 June 1918 [Signed] W Sparks Captain and Adjutant 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers
Operation Order No.7 Copy No.12 by Lieutenant Colonel G.M Forde MC Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers British Expeditionary Force 12 June 1918 Reference Sheet 27NE Local Ed 3.A No.1 The Battalion will move to Road Camp – F.25.d.2.5 on the 13th inst. No.2 (a) Order of march. Band, Battalion Headquarters, B, C, D & A Companies and transport. (b) Intervals. 100 yards between Companies and between Battalion Headquarters and B Company. (c) Head of column will pass starting point F.1.c.40.05 at 9.30am. (d) Route. Cross Roads E.12.d.1.4 – F.25.c.3.2. (e) Kits. Officers' Valises and Mess Boxes of B Company and D Company will be stacked outside the Company Mess by 8am; those of Battalion Headquarters, A and C Companies together with Orderly Room Boxes will be stacked outside the Quartermaster Stores by 8.30am. The Transport Officer will arrange to send a G.S Wagon to collect B and D Companies and the remainder. (f) Dress. Full marching order, steel helmets to be strapped to the pack. Caps will be worn. (g) Halt. There will be a halt at 9.50am to 10am. (h) Lewis Guns will be packed tonight. No.3 The Orderly Officer will hand over the Camp to the incoming Unit and obtain a certificate of cleanliness. Billeting Parties of the Quartermaster, [the] four Company Quartermaster Sergeants and No.13995 Corporal Brown from Battalion Headquarters will be at Road Camp at 6.30am on the 13th inst. to take over from the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles. Lists of stores handed and taken over will be sent to the Orderly Room. No.4 Strict attention is to be paid to march discipline. There will be no smoking on the march, except at the halt. [Signed] W Sparks Captain and Adjutant 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 12 June 1918 Acknowledge (..?..) at: No.1 to 108th Infantry Brigade No.2 to A Company No.3 to B Company No.4 to C Company No.5 to D Company No.6 to Commanding Officer No.7 to Quartermaster No.8 to Transport Officer No.9 to Medical Officer No.10 to Orderly Officer No.11 to Regimental Sergeant-Major No.12 to War Diary No.13 to 2nd in Command No.14 to file.
9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers Program of Training from 13 June 1918 to 15 June 1918 Date Time Subject 13.6.18 Morning Move to Road Camp " 2.30pm Lecture by Commanding Officer, to all Officers and NCOs, on 'Principles to be aimed at in training'. 14.6.18 7.20am Reading of Orders, Company roll call, 5 minutes rapid march. to 7.50am " 8am to 1pm Quartermaster to inspect clothing, kit, and equipment of Battalion by Companies. Companies not being inspected will be at disposal of Officers Commanding Companies. " Afternoon Officers Commanding Companies to explain in detail their advance guard scheme to Platoon Officers and NCOs who in turn will pass it on to the men. 15.6.18 Each Company will move to Bois St Acaire independently acting as advance guard to a Battalion. Times for moving to be notified later. 16.6.18 Divine Service. After service, Companies to be paraded under Commanding Officers Companies, for scrubbing equipment. (Signed) W.Sparks, Captain and Adjutant 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 12 June 1918
Operation Order No.8 Copy No.15 by Lieutenant Colonel G.M Forde MC Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers British Expeditionary Force 14 June 1918 No.1 The Battalion will move to the Bois St Acaire tomorrow the 15th inst. and on arrival will be billeted at a Camp at D.30.d.9.9. No.2 Each Company will move as an advance guard to a Battalion. No.3 (a) Starting point. F.25.c.3.3. (b) Route. F[or E].30.c30.45. – Watou – F.28.5.2 – K.2.a.50.80 – K.1.a.10.65 – K.1.a.10.10. (c) Time of passing starting point. Battalion Headquarters 9am. C Company 9.15am. D Company 9.35am. A Company 9.55am. B Company 10.15am. (d) Officers Valises, Mess Stores and Orderly Room Boxes will be stacked on football ground at 9am. Medical Stores will be ready for removal by 9am. (e) Transport will move as a unit, under arrangements to be made by the Transport Officer. Cookers and Watercarts will move with the Transport. (f) Dinners, will be served on arrival. (g) Halts, will be made for 10 minutes after every 50 minutes marching. (h) Dress. Full marching order. Steel helmets to be strapped to the packs. (i) Arrival in Camp will be reported to the Orderly Room. (j) Each Company will detail a loading party of two men to remain with the Officers' Kits. No.4 The Orderly Officer will arrange to hand over the Camp. No.5 The four Company Quartermaster Sergeants will be at the Camp at Bous St Acaire by 9am. They will parade at Orderly Room at 8am with cycles. [Signed] W Sparks Captain and Adjutant 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 14 June 1918 Distribution Copy No.1 to 108th Infantry Brigade Copy No.2 to A Company Copy No.3 to B Company Copy No.4 to C Company Copy No.5 to D Company Copy No.6 to Commanding Officer Copy No.7 to Major Kerr R.G. Copy No.8 to Transport Officer Copy No.9 to Quartermaster Copy No.10 to Medical Officer Copy No.11 to Regimental Sergeant-Major Copy No.12 ) War Diary Copy No.13 ) Copy No.14 File Copy No. Spare.
Operation Orders No.10 by Lieutenant-Colonel G.M Forde MC Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 29th June 1918 No.1 The Battalion will move to the Proven Area tomorrow 30th inst. as under. (a) March route to St Omer Station. Route. Cormette Road – Road junction 660 yards south-west of Church St Martin au Laert – St Martin au Laert. Battalion will parade on ground behind Nissen Hut ready to move off at 7.15am. Parties to be detailed off in forties for entraining purposes. (b) By rail from St Omer to Proven. Train leaves at 10am. Entraining to commence at 9am. (c) March route to Camp at Proven. No.2 Transport will move by road and will leave at 7am 30th inst. No.3 All Officers' Valises and one Mess Box per Company will be stacked near the Road outside Nissen Huts by 7am. No.4 The Quartermaster will arrange to hand over the Camp to the Camp Warden. Copy of receipt to be sent to Battalion Headquarters. No.5 Cooking arrangements to be made later. [Signed] W Sparks Captain and Adjutant 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 29 June 1918
9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers Roll of Officers 30th June 1918 Rank Name How employed Lieutenant-Colonel Forde G.M. MC Major Kerr R.G. MC Captain Menaul W.J. MC On Command Captain Brennan C.J. On Command Lieutenant Morrow J.B.K. Lieutenant, A/Captain Godson E.A. MC On Command Lieutenant, A/Captain Sparks W. MC Lieutenant Wilson G.W. Lieutenant Bale F.S. Lieutenant Baker J.D. Lieutenant Richardson G.H. Lieutenant McCrum R.I. On Command Lieutenant McCausland I.E. Lieutenant Dobbyn A.L. MC 2nd Lieutenant Davidson A. 2nd Lieutenant, A/Captain Smith J.I. 2nd Lieutenant Kerr C.H. 2nd Lieutenant Robinson G. 2nd Lieutenant Galloway A.J. 2nd Lieutenant Reynolds G.W. [E.W] 2nd Lieutenant Mateer N.C. 2nd Lieutenant Murphy J.J. MC DCM 2nd Lieutenant Graham W.G. 2nd Lieutenant McFarland E.M. MC 2nd Lieutenant Greenwood C.F.W. 2nd Lieutenant Davies H.L. On Command 2nd Lieutenant Ross C.A. 2nd Lieutenant, A/Captain Benson J. 2nd Lieutenant Leahy T.C. 2nd Lieutenant Burrows M.C. 2nd Lieutenant White F. 2nd Lieutenant Ratcliffe C.S. 2nd Lieutenant Boyd J. 2nd Lieutenant Moran S.F. On Command 2nd Lieutenant Benson G. On Command 2nd Lieutenant Bryson J. 2nd Lieutenant Baker F. MM ) Posted not joined, list 427 2nd Lieutenant Tweedie R. MM ) Adjutant Lieutenant, A/Captain Sparks W. MC Quartermaster Lieutenant Wilson G.W. Transport Officer Lieutenant Morrow J.B.K Attached Captain Allman W.G. (CF) Lieutenant McGuinness F.B. (RAMC) [Signed] G.M Forde Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 2 July 1918

July 1918
1	Map Ref 27 NE Local 1/20000 L Sheet 27 Sheet 28. Proven. Divisional Horse Show was held on the ground of the aerodrome at Proven on account of the fine weather and proved a great success. A large percentage of the Battalion attended.
2	Battalion on working parties. Four companies working on East Poperinghe Line. Approximate strength of working parties 430. Working parties on completion of work march to Road Camp E.25.d.20.50.
3	Road Camp. Battalion moves to Le Carreaux area, route St-Jan-Ter-Biezen – K.17 – K.16.b.8.6 – K.27 – Steenvoorde. Area taken over from the French 79th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Nonebosche.
4	NoneBosche Area. Training continued under Company Commanders from 9am to 12.15pm. Afternoon recreational.
5	Training as on the 4th inst. Specialist training under instructors.
6	Battalion parade in morning at 9.30am. Echelon B in rear of each Company. 2nd Lieutenant Ross C.Q. taken over duty as Battalion Intelligence Officer. Battalion in the evening relieved the Reserve Battalion of the 42nd Infantry Regiment (French) in the vicinity of Piebrouck. Route Godewaerswelde – Q.18.a.50.7 – Piebrouck. Parade 11pm ready to move. Strength: Officers 19, Other Ranks 592. Battalion details move to Ecke area, billeted together with details of 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers and 12th Royal Irish Rifles. Strength: Officers 6, Other Ranks 97.
7	Piebrouck (Reserve). Battalion in the evening relieved a Battalion of the 23rd French Regiment in the Hoogenacker sector. Relief was completed without disturbance at about 2am. Remainder of night passed quietly.
8	Hoogenacker (Left sub-sector). The day was quiet, except for aircraft activity. At night enemy machine-guns were fairly active firing on reserve positions. Enemy transport heard quite plainly.
9	Aircraft very active. A paper gas balloon was dropped over enemy's lines. At night usual machine-gun firing with some trench mortars.
10	Day and night passed off quietly. Nothing else of importance.
11	Ordinary activity. While reconnoitering front line with Colonel Lowe, Major Kerr was killed at 1am.
12	Slightly more activity of enemy artillery. Battalion was relieved by the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers and moved into Brigade Reserve on Mont Noir (M.19.d.65.05). Sheet Kemmel 28 SW 1/10000. Total casualties: 1 Officer and 8 Other Ranks
13	Mont Noir. Men engaged on work parties on defence lines, working partly by day and by night.
14	Same programme as previous day. Small red balloon with propaganda matter dropped from enemy aeroplane.
15	Enemy guns active. Numerous shells dropping during day especially in Quarry causing two casualties.
16	Everything normal. Enemy artillery active at Quarry. At 12 midnight 12th Royal Irish Rifles attempted to raid enemy unsuccessfully. A heavy barrage was laid on enemy lines to which he replied feebly.
17-18	At 3am [17 July] enemy raided 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers. The relief intended to take place was cancelled. At midnight everybody stood to in anticipation of enemy attack which, however, did not happen. Our artillery were very active throughout the night. Major Tamplin joined the Battalion at Mont Noir. Relief took place at night of 12th Royal Irish Rifles in right sector (Meulehouck). Strength: 19 Officers, 565 Other Ranks.
19	Meulehouck (right of left sub-sector). 8am. The 9th Division on our right captured Meteren. Every retaliation was slight. One hit with small shell on Battalion Headquarters. The night was fairly quiet with slight artillery activity.
20	Artillery chiefly engaged on back areas. Day and night passed quietly.
21	Maps – 28 Bailleul & Berthen 1/10000 (Edition 1 B local). Meulehouck (right of left sub-sector). Day and night normal.
22	12.45am. B Company under Captain Murphy DCM MC and 2nd Lieutenants Reynolds, Leahy, Radcliffe and McFarlane and No.15 Platoon of D Company raided Shoddy Farm. One prisoner was captured and thirty others were estimated to be killed. Our casualties: Two Officers and five Other Ranks missing with eleven slightly wounded. The enemy put down a machine-gun barrage followed by artillery support while the party was in No Man's Land. We also captured two light machine-guns, one of which was lost through the carrier becoming a casualty. During day and following night ordinary activity on either side. A Platoon patrolled at night in search of missing men with no success.
23	Day was quiet. Same patrol at night but no bodies were found. The Battalion was relieved by the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and moved with the remainder of Brigade into Divisional Reserve at Spotterke (R.15.d.10.70). Total casualties: 2 Officers and 4 Other Ranks missing, 11 wounded.
24	Ref sheet 28 Berthen 1/10000. Spotterke. No movement is made in daylight as camp is under observation. Battalion engaged on work at night on Berthen defences. Company Quartermaster Sergeant Kemp from 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers joins the Battalion as 2nd Lieutenant.
25	Normal during day. At night the Battalions go to Baths at Berthen.
26	Enemy guns more active especially at night. Lewis Gunners fire their guns for testing and practice. Between 11pm and 12 midnight, enemy shell camp, getting a direct hit on Medical tent.
27	Mont des Cats. Battalion shifted camp in small parties to R.13.d.85.75 which is not in view from enemy lines, and billeted in various houses, dugouts and tents and movement can be made in daylight. No work was done at night.
28	Church Parade was held in the afternoon and part of Battalion bathed at transport lines. Battalion engaged on usual work party at night.
29	Lewis Gun Section from each Company fire at improvised range in the morning. Lecture given by the Commanding Officer in the afternoon. One Company is all off usual work party in order to do some training on following day.
30	Mont des Cats. Different Lewis Gun Sections fire at range. 'A' Company carries on with training during day. Usual work party at night.
31	Usual parades and work parties. Men with revolvers are given instruction in use of same, carrying out firing practice. Awards during the month: Military Medal – 13658 Sergeant R Johnston, 43447 Private Pye, E; Bar to Military Medal – 13971 Sergeant J Adams. Strength: 35 Officers, 973 Other Ranks. Total casualties during the month: 1 Officer killed, 2 Officers missing; 3 Other Ranks killed, 40 Other Ranks wounded, 5 Other Ranks missing. [Signed] G.M Forde 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers
Operation Orders No.11 by Lieutenant Colonel G.M Forde MC Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 1st July 1918 Reference Sheet 27. N.E. 1/20,000. Local Ed. 1 A. No.1 The Battalion will move to Road Camp on the 2nd July 1918. No.2 The working parties on the Blue Line and Battery positions will rejoin the Battalion at Road Camp on completion of the day's work. No.3 The remainder of the Battalion will form up in A Company's Lines ready to move off as one party at 9.5am [sic]. Transport will move in rear of the Battalion, 100 yards between Battalion and Transport, 25 yards between every six vehicles. Route: Proven Poperinghe Road – cross roads F.21.a.2[.]6 – cross roads F.25.a.3[.]9. No.4 (a) The Packs of the Working Party will be stacked as under by 8am: B and D Companies outside Cookhouses. C and Battalion Headquarters outside Guard Room. A Company outside Company store. Officer Commanding Companies will arrange for a guard to be placed on these kits. (b) Officers' Valises and Mess Boxes will be stacked with the men's kits ready for removal by 8am. (c) The Transport Officer will arrange to collect Medical Stores and Battalion Headquarters Mess Boxes at 8.30am. (d) The Quartermaster and four Company Quartermaster Sergeants will arrange to be taken over Road Camp. The Orderly Officer will hand over the Camp to the Camp Warden and obtain receipts. No.5 Arrangements as to dinners for the working parties on their return will be notified later. [Signed] W Sparks Captain & Adjutant 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 1 July 1918 Acknowledge Issued at: Distribution Copy No.1 to 108th Infantry Brigade Copy No.2 to A Company Copy No.3 to B Company Copy No.4 to C Company Copy No.5 to D Company Copy No.6 to Commanding Officer Copy No.7 to Second in Command Copy No.8 to Transport Officer Copy No.9 to Quartermaster Copy No.10 to Medical Officer Copy No.11 to Regimental Sergeant Major
Operation Orders No.12 by Lieutenant Colonel G.M Forde MC Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 2nd July 1918 Reference Sheet 27. N.E. 3 A Local 1/20,000 & Sheet 27. No.1 The Battalion will move to the Le Carreaux Area on the 3rd July 1918. No.2 (a) Companies and Battalion Headquarters will be formed up on their Parade Grounds ready to move off at 8.35am in the following order: Drums Battalion Headquarters D Company A Company B Company C Company Transport (b) Distance: 100 yards between Battalion Headquarters and Companies and Transport and rear Company. Fifty yards between every six vehicles. (c) Route: St Jan-Ter-Biezen – K.17 – K.18.b.8.(8?) – K.27 Steenvoorde. (d) All Officers' Valises, Mess Boxes, Signalling Stores and Orderly Room Boxes will be stacked on the Football Ground by 7.30am. Officer Commanding Companies will arrange to put as much Mess Kit on the Cookers as possible. (e) Billeting Party. The Quartermaster, four Company Quartermaster Sergeants and Corporal Brown D. will take over the new Camp. Bicycles will be drawn. (f) The Orderly Officer will arrange to hand over the Camp to the Camp Warden and obtain a certificate of cleanliness. He will also arrange for all furniture to be collected into the Canteen. (g) Battalion time will be sent to all concerned. (h) Dinners will be served on arrival. (i) Dress. Full Marching Order, caps to be worn. No.3 Strict attention is to be paid to March Discipline. Water Bottles to be filled. [Signed] W Sparks Captain & Adjutant 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 2 July 1918 Acknowledge Issued at: Copy No.1 sent to 108th Infantry Brigade Copy No.2 sent to A Company Copy No.3 sent to B Company Copy No.4 sent to C Company Copy No.5 sent to D Company Copy No.6 sent to Commanding Officer Copy No.7 sent to Second in Command Copy No.8 to Transport Officer Copy No.9 to Quartermaster Copy No.10 to Medical Officer Copy No.11 to Regimental Sergeant Major Copy No.12 War Diary Copy No.13 War Diary
Operation Orders No.13 by Major Kerr R.G. MC 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 5th June 1918 Reference Sheet 27 & Local Sheets. No.1 The Battalion will relieve the Reserve Battalion of the 42nd Infantry Regiment (French) on the night of the 6/7th inst. and on relief will be disposed in the vicinity of Piebrouck. No.2 (a) The Battalion less Echelon B will be formed up ready to move off from Ground in Front of Battalion Headquarters at 8.15pm. (b) Guides. One Guide per Company will meet the Battalion at Codewaerswelde at 9.0pm. (c) Route. Codewaerswelde – Q.18.a.50.7 – Piebrouck. (d) Distances. 50 yards between Platoons, 100 yards between Companies. Officer Commanding Companies will arrange to keep careful touch. (e) Officers' Trench Kits and Trench Mess Box will be ready stacked by 7.0pm by Company Field Kitchens. (f) Orders as to Personnel and Kits of Echelon B will be notified later. (g) Lewis Gun Limbers containing all Company Kits and rations will follow the leading Platoon of each Company. (h) Dress. Battle Order. Water bottles must be filled. The greatcoats, haversacks and surplus kits of all men going up the line will be placed in sandbags with Regimental No., rank, name, platoon, and Regiment clearly marked on the outside. (i) All surplus kits to be stacked at Company Stores (except from 2 Platoons B Company). ~~Further orders will be issued.~~ (j) One water cart will accompany the Battalion. [Signed] W Sparks Captain & Adjutant 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 6 July 1918
Operation Order No.14 by Lieutenant Colonel G.M Forde MC 1. The 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers will relieve the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers in the left sub sector on the night 12/13th July 1918. 2. On relief the Battalion will move into Brigade reserve relieving the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers. 3. A Company 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers relieve B Company 9th. B Company 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers relieve A Company 9th. C Company 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers relieve D Company 9th. D Company 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers relieve C Company 9th. 4. The five NCOs sent down tonight will take over as under: A Company 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers relieves A Company 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers. B Company 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers relieves B Company 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers. C Company 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers relieves C Company 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers. D Company 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers relieves D Company 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers. 5. Guides. The five NCOs sent down tonight will bring in Companies of the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers relieving their own Companies. They will then guide back their Platoons on relief to the new positions. 6. Handing over. All trench stores, maps, defence schemes and aeroplane photos, work in progress, work proposed will be carefully handed over and receipts sent to Battalion Headquarters by 6pm 13th inst. Fuller phones, Lucas lamps will also be handed over. 7. An interval of 200 yards will be kept between Platoons on moving out. 8. Completion of relief to be reported by runner in the cases of A and C Companies, by phone by B and D Companies. Code name of Company Commander. 9. All liaison posts will be carefully handed over. 10. All petrol tins must be carried out by Companies as Companies depend upon these tins to draw water in Company areas. 11. Arrangements are trying to [be] made to give men a hot meal on arrival. 12. Acknowledge. (sgd) W Sparkes Captain & Adjutant 9th (NIH) Royal Irish Fusiliers Issued at 1am, 12 July 1918 Copy No. 1 108 Brigade 2 A Company 3 B Company 4 C Company 5 D Company 6 Quartermaster, Transport Officer 7 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers 8 Commanding Officer 9 War Diary
Operation Order No.15 by Lieutenant Colonel Forde MC Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. Sheet 28 NW 1 1/10,000 1. The Battalion will relieve the 12th Royal Irish Rifles in the right sub sector on the night of the 17/18th inst. 2. A Company will relieve A Company 12th Royal Irish Rifles in right front line. C Company will relieve B Company 12th Royal Irish Rifles in left front line. D Company will relieve D Company 12th Royal Irish Rifles as CA Company. B Company will relieve C Company 12th Royal Irish Rifles in Reserve. 3. Guides. The 12th Royal Irish Rifles are sending one Guide per Platoon, Company Headquarters and Battalion Headquarters to House at M.31.b.80.75 at 11pm on night of 17th inst. Each Company and Battalion Headquarters will send one Guide to Headquarters 12th Royal Irish Rifles at 1.45am on night of 16/17th inst. to guide back taking over parties of 12th Royal Irish Rifles. Taking over parties of 1 NCO, 1 Signaller, 2 Runners per Company, 1 Signaller, 2 Runners and 1 Scout from Battalion Headquarters will rendezvous at A Company's Headquarters at 1.0am on night 16/17 inst. and will proceed to report at Battalion Headquarters 12th Royal Irish Rifles to take over. 4. Order of March. Companies will be at M.31.b.30.75 at following times on night 17/18th inst: B 11pm ) A 11.15pm ) 200 yard C 11.30pm ) intervals D 11.45pm ) between Battalion HQ 12 midnight ) Platoons 5. Battalion Headquarters and R.A.P. [Regimental Aid Post?] situated at Chateau M.32.a.00.10. 6. Completion of relief to be reported by code word "James". Acknowledge. [Signed] W Sparks Captain & Adjutant M.O.K.I. Issued at 7pm, 16 July 1918 Copy No.1 108th Infantry Brigade Copy No.2 A Company Copy No.3 B Company Copy No.4 C Company Copy No.5 D Company Copy No.6 Quartermaster & Transport Officer Copy No.7 12th Royal Irish Rifles Copy No.8 File Copy No.9 War Diary
Operation Order No.16 by Lieutenant Colonel G.M Forde MC Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers Ref. Sheet 28 SW 1/10,000 20 July 1918 (1) Intention To raid enemy strong point about S.8.a.70.50. (2) Object (a) Gain identifications. (b) Inflict loss on the enemy. (c) Definitely locate enemy positions opposite right Company front. (3) Strength One Company plus one Platoon. (4) Assembly point S.8.a.20.70 to S.8.a.20.20. (5) Plan At zero hour sweep across in a north easterly direction keeping on the forward slope of the spur. Clear the houses in S.8.a and also two suspected machine-gun posts, and return to our lines at S.2.d.25.80. One Platoon with four Lewis Guns will act as Southern Flank Guard; one Lewis Gun section was western guard. (6) Barrage Barrage of High Explosives will come down at zero hour along wall north west of the Asylum and also on the Asylum. (7) Arms Rifle and bayonet; ten Lewis Guns; one Section carrying rifle grenades; one Section in each Platoon to carry two Mills No.5 Bombs to clear cellars. (8) Signals One Green Very Light – lengthen range. Two Green Very Lights (sent up in succession) – stop shooting. One Red Very Light (sent up by raiding party) – signal for detached posts to withdraw. (9) Watches Watches will be synchronised at 8pm. (10) Zero Zero hour – 1 a.m. (one a.m.). Company four Platoons will be in position at the assembly point at 12.30am. One Platoon will be at the assembly point by 11.15pm and act as covering party. (11) Date Night 21st/ 22nd July 1918. (12) General Officer Commanding raiding party (Captain J.J Murphy MC DCM) will keep one Platoon in reserve. Flank guards will keep about 60 yards in rear of reserves. On withdrawal being ordered if the situation demands it, all five Lewis Gun Teams will withdraw by rushes, not more than two teams at once, covered by the fire from the rest, and enter our lines at S.2.d.25.80 and to have one man stationed on enemy side of each gap to guide party in. Identifications All letters and badges etc will be taken off all ranks taking part in the raid. (Signed) G.M Forde, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding, 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers Issued by runner at 12 midnight 20/ 21st July 1918 Copy: No.1 108th Infantry Brigade No.2 Officer Commanding B Company No.3 Officer Commanding C Company No.4 Officer Commanding No.5 War Diary
Secret Copy No.8 Potter Group Order No.8 1. The 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers will carry out a raid on enemy posts in square S.8.a tomorrow night 21/22nd inst. 2. Zero hour will be 1.0 a.m. 3. The party, strength one Company, will leave our line at about S.2.c.20.30 and will be formed up facing east on the line S.8.a.20.20 – S.8.a.20.90 by zero hour. At zero they will advance east, mop up the enemy posts at S.8.a.55.71, S.8.a.70.48, and S.8.a.98.22, and any other post they may encounter and return to our lines at S.2.d.60.35. The raiders will be protected by a flank guard put out along the road S.8.b.05.17 – S.8.c.42.91. 4. The Artillery of the Potter Group will co-operate as follows. At zero put down a barrage as follows: A/153 1 gun on House S.14.b.08.97. 5 guns S.8.d.30.07 – S.8.d.47.30. B/153 (6 guns) S.8.d.47.30 – S.8.d.73.57. C/153 (6 guns) S.8.d.73.57 – S.8.d.98.82. D/153 Search area S.8.d.88.43 – S.14.b.45.93 – S.14.b.75.68 – S.9.c.26.20. Rates of fire 18-pounders: ~~Zero to Zero plus 10 minutes 3 rounds per gun per minute. Zero plus 10 minutes until Stop~~ ~~2 round per gun per minute.~~ 4.5" Howitzers Zero to Zero plus 10 minutes 2 rounds per gun per minute. Zero plus 10 minutes until Stop 1½ round per gun per minute. (N.B. It is anticipated that the operation should be complete by Zero plus 40 minutes.) Ammunition 18-pounders and 4.5" Howitzers: High Explosive (not 106 fuze) with 50% delay action fuzes if the latter are available. 5. The Battalion Liaison Officer will be located with the Officer Commanding Battalion at S.2.d.60.35, and will arrange with the latter for direct telephone communication from that point to Group Headquarters. 6. The following light signals have been arranged: 1 Green Very Light. Lengthen range. On this signal all guns will add 200 yards to their range. 2 Green Very Lights fired in rapid succession. Stop firing. These signals will be repeated from the rocket guard Observation Post at Ernest, and batteries must keep a sharp look-out for them. The stop firing signal will also be fired to indicate that the raiding party have re-entered our lines. 7. Barrage lines will be registered tomorrow 21st inst. This must be done as unostentatiously as possible. 8. To avoid arousing the enemy's suspicions, a preliminary barrage exactly as in para 4 will be fired at 10 pm on the night of the raid, and will be continued for 5 minutes only. Rates of fire for preliminary barrage: 18-pounders – 3 round per gun per minute. 4.5" Howitzers – 2 rounds per gun per minute. 9. Watches will be synchronised at midnight on the night of the raid. 10. Acknowledge. [Signed] C Potter Lieutenant-Colonel Royal Field Artillery Commanding Potter Group 20th July 1918 Copy No.1 Officer Commanding, A/153rd Brigade Royal Field Artillery No.2 Officer Commanding, B/153rd Brigade Royal Field Artillery No.3 Officer Commanding, C/153rd Brigade Royal Field Artillery No.4 Officer Commanding, D/153rd Brigade Royal Field Artillery No.5 Headquarters, 108th Infantry Brigade (for information) No.6 Headquarters, 36th Divisional Artillery (for information) No.7 Officer Commanding, Simpson Group (for information) No.8 Headquarters, 108th Infantry Brigade (for Officer Commanding 9th Royal Irish Rifles)
Secret Amendments to Potter Group Order No.8 dated 20/7/18 Para 4 Amend rates of fire and ammunition to read as follows: 18-pounders. Zero to Zero plus five minutes. 3 rounds per gun per minute. Zero plus 5 to Zero plus 15 minutes. 2 rounds per gun per minute. Zero plus 15 to Stop firing. 1 round per gun per minute. 4.5" Howitzers. Zero to Stop firing. 1½ rounds per Howitzer throughout. Ammunition 18-pounders. C/153, Shrapnel fuze 80 – 50% on graze. A/153) High explosives (not fuze 106) with 50% delay action fuzes if the latter are available. B/153) 4.5" Howitzers. As previously ordered. Para 8. Erase. The preliminary bombardment will not now take place. [Signed] (J?) Cartwright Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery Adjutant 153rd Brigade Royal Field Artillery 21/7/18 To: All recipients of Potter Group Order No.8.
Secret 108th Brigade No.186 108th Brigade Reference your No.186 of 22.7.18, the Divisional Commander considers the raid was well planned and that the raiding party carried out its task with determination and fought well. (Sd) A.G. Thomson, Lt-Col. G.S. 23rd July 1918 -2- To Officer Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers Forwarded for your information with reference to the Raid carried out by you on 22nd inst. [Signed] (?) B. Rogers, Captain A/Brigade Major 108th Infantry Brigade 24.7.18 Officer Commanding B Company For your information and return please [Signed] W Sparks (..?..) 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers
Operation Orders No.17 by Lieutenant Colonel G.M Forde MC Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 22 July 1918 Reference Sheets 27 SE & 28 SW 1/20,000 1. The Battalion will be relieved in the right sub sector by the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on the night of the 23/24th July 1918. On relief, the Battalion will move to Spotterke area R.15.d. 2. (a) 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers No.1 Company relieves A Company right front No.3 Company relieves C Company left front No.4 Company relieves D Company CA position No.2 Company relieves B company reserve (b) Taking over parties. 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers will report to Companies tonight 22/23rd inst. (c) Taking over parties of 2nd Lieutenant Rose, one NCO per Company and Battalion Headquarters will report at Battalion Headquarters at 1.30am 23rd inst and proceed to take over billets from 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. They will meet the Battalion at R.15.d.3.3. (d) Guides. One NCO per Platoon, Company Headquarters and Battalion Headquarters will report at Battalion Headquarters at 10.15pm 23rd inst and will meet the incoming Battalion at houses M.31.b.80.80 at 10.30pm. Each guide is to be given a slip of paper stating the relieving Platoon he is to guide. Order of march of relieving Companies: 2,3,1,4. (e) One limber per Company and one limber for Headquarters will be for Lewis Guns and Company mess boxes. Time and place will be notified later. (f) Handing over. All defence schemes, photos, work in progress and proposed, trench stores, will be handed over and copy of receipt sent to Battalion Headquarters by 6pm 24 inst. Bugler posts will be handed over. (g) Route. Berthen – Spotterke (R.15). 100 yards to be maintained between Platoons. (h) The Quartermaster will arrange for a hot meal on arrival. (i) Completion of relief to be reported by code word of Company Commander's name. 3. Arrival in Billets is to be reported in Orderly Room. Acknowledge [Signed] W Sparks Captain & Adjutant Issued at 9.30pm by Runner. Copy No. 1 108th Infantry Brigade 2 A Company 3 B Company 4 C Company 5 D Company 6 Commanding Officer 7 Quartermaster 8 Transport Officer 9 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 10 File 11 ) War Diary 12 )
9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers Roll of Officers Rank Name How employed Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly P.E. On Command Lieutenant-Colonel Forde G.M. MC In Command Major Tamplin R.J.A. DSO 2nd In Command Captain Menaul W.J. MC On Command Captain Brennan C.J. On Command Captain Godson E.A. MC On Command Captain Sparks W. MC Adjutant Lieutenant, A/Captain Morrow J.B.K. Transport Officer Lieutenant Wilson G.W. Quartermaster Lieutenant Bale F.S. Platoon Commander Lieutenant Richardson G.H. Assistant Adjutant Lieutenant McCrum R.I. Platoon Commander Lieutenant Dobbyn A.L. MC Platoon Commander Lieutenant, A/Captain Lindsay R.H. Officer Commanding D Company Lieutenant Tees E.S.L. On Command Lieutenant Davidson A. Leave Lieutenant, A/Captain Kerr C.H. Officer Commanding A Company Lieutenant Robinson G. Platoon Commander 2nd Lieutenant Galloway A.J. Platoon Commander 2nd Lieutenant Reynolds E.W. Platoon Commander 2nd Lieutenant Mateer N.C. On Command 2nd Lieutenant, A/Captain Murphy J.J. MC DCM Officer Commanding B Company 2nd Lieutenant Graham W.G. Platoon Commander 2nd Lieutenant Greenwood C.F.W. Platoon Commander 2nd Lieutenant Davies H.L. On Command 2nd Lieutenant Ross C.A. Intelligence Officer 2nd Lieutenant, A/Captain Benson J. Officer Commanding C Company 2nd Lieutenant Leahy T.C. Platoon Commander 2nd Lieutenant Burrows H.C. Platoon Commander 2nd Lieutenant White T.W. On Command 2nd Lieutenant Boyd J. Platoon Commander 2nd Lieutenant Wilson C.R. On Command 2nd Lieutenant Moran S.F. On Command 2nd Lieutenant Bryson J. On Command 2nd Lieutenant Kemp H. MM Platoon Commander Adjutant: Captain Sparks W. MC Quartermaster: Lieutenant Wilson G.W. Transport Officer: Lieutenant A/Captain Morrow J.B.K Attached: Captain Allman W.S. (C.F.) Captain Brown C.R. (Royal Army Medical Corps) Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 2 August 1918

August 1918
1	Map Reference Sheet 28 Berthen 1/10000. Mont des Cats. One Company carried on with training. Lewis Gun Sections from each Company fired at range and men with revolvers had parade for instruction. At night three Companies were working on Berthen defences. Two men were slightly wounded. In afternoon the Division Band played for two hours. Captain J Gibson joined the Battalion from transport lines. Two men were wounded on working party.
2	Usual firing of Lewis Guns. Day was wet; causing parades took form of lectures. At night work was done by five Platoons (C Company and No.13 of D). Casualties, two killed, four wounded.
3	Training was carried out in forenoon by those Companies who were not working during night and by the whole Battalion in the afternoon from 1-3pm. Companies arranged their own programmes of work. At night the usual work party took place.
4	The Commanding Officer and Adjutant visited details, Divisional Reception and Reinforcement Camps. Major Tamplin DSO and Lieutenant Richardson with nine Other Ranks attend special Intercessory Service held at Terdeghem in commemoration of the 4th anniversary of the outbreak of war. Usual Lewis Gun firing took place in the morning.
5	Mont des Cats. Wesleyan and Presbyterians paraded at 2.30pm for Church with 12th Royal Irish Rifles. Church of Ireland service was held at 6pm. No work was done at night.
6	Battalion was inspected by the Commanding Officer at 1pm. At 3pm a lecture was given by Captain Bless on the war. The lecture was good but the weather bad. Work was done as usual.
7	Ordinary parades took place. Between 11.30pm and 12 midnight enemy fired about 50 rounds (about 6") on battery positions immediately in rear of Battalion area. Our guns retaliated. The usual work was done at night.
8	No training done. At night Battalion relieved the 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in right of left sub-sector (Meulehouck). Relief done satisfactorily by 1.30am, only one casualty through enemy shelling. Remainder of night passed quietly. Strength [blank]
9	Reference Sheet 28 Bailleul 1/10000. Meulehouck. Enemy shelled St Jans Cappel with 5.9 throughout day while our guns replied on Bailleul. Our planes very active. Enemy planes seldom crossed our lines. One fired into our trench early in morning. Slight machine gun activity at night. Two patrols were out during night. One was detected at S.2.c.15.20 and fired on. The other under 2nd Lieutenant J Boyd was fired at and bombed from house at S.3.c.10.10, two men being wounded.
10	At 3.15am enemy detected at our wire at S.2.d.35.60 but disappeared on fire being opened. Three blasts of whistle were heard from enemy trench soon after. Enemy guns were active on front line in morning. Twenty (5.9) on S.1.d.6.6, our guns active day and night on enemy rear area. Usual aircraft activity. At 8.30pm one enemy aircraft was over our line while another was brought down by one of ours. Enemy balloon also brought down in flames south of Bailleul. Patrols were out under Captain J Benson and 2nd Lieutenant Behannah, but did not come into contact with enemy. The latter estimated Shoddy Farm garrison to be forty. At 6.30pm Lieutenant Dobbyn MC got into enemy trench at S.3.c.8.5 but only found greatcoat and pack. Another patrol under 2nd Lieutenant Burrowes at 4.30pm got to consolidated shell holes at S.3.c.05.05 where they fired at enemy party.
11	Usual activity on either side. At 4am twenty rounds of heavy Trench Mortars were fired on left of sector. At 11pm patrol of 32 Other Ranks under Captain J Benson and 2nd Lieutenant Behannah attempted to raid Shoddy Farm but were attacked in rear and after hand-to-hand fight in which casualties were inflicted on either side, returned. Our casualties, Captain Benson missing, two Other Ranks killed, two wounded.
12	Enemy artillery very quiet, ours active. Usual enemy plane at 5am and 8.30pm. Night passed quietly.
13	At 3.10am heavy bombardment by our guns in direction of Locre. The day passed as usual. Between 10 and 10.30pm enemy put up ten lights bursting into orange rain, but no apparent result or action. Enemy appeared to be working actively in front lines. Our patrols obtained nothing. Our planes very active bombing at night.
14	At 1.30am heavy concentrated bombardment on Bailleul. During day enemy artillery slightly more active. Two of his planes crossed our line at 8.30pm. One returned to his own line, the other surrendered to four of ours, putting out a red flare. He was then escorted back to our own aerodrome. Lieutenant Dobbyn MC with two others got into enemy line at 5.15pm at S.3.c.9.5, where they killed a German and wounded another. Six others fled. Patrol at night under 2nd Lieutenant C.A Ross was fired on by Machine Guns and bombs. Three Other Ranks were wounded. Remainder of night passed as usual. 2nd Lieutenant H.L Davies joined from transport lines.
15	Enemy artillery fairly active, shelling St Jans Cappel with 5.9 from 2.40am to 3am and S.2.c.20.50 from 10.15am to 10.45am with 43 shells of (77 (...?...)). Our artillery were active. At night they fired eight rockets over Bailleul. These are like ordinary Very lights but much stronger light. From experience it is found that enemy sometimes put up red flares bursting into rain when our patrols are out, as if he has discovered them and so gives warning to sentries.
16	Day was ordinary. At night the Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles and on relief moved into Brigade reserve at Mont Noir. Relief was completed by 1.30am. Disposition of Companies: A & D in wood near Woelfhoek, B in Quarry and C in Blue Line. Strength [blank].
17	Reference Sheet 28 Kemmel 1/10000. Mont Noir. Day was spent in cleaning and inspections. At 10pm two Companies bathed at R.26.d. central. Work was done at tunnel at Battalion Headquarters and salvage at Berthen.
18	Mont Noir. About 11am the 9th Division attacked on our right and appeared to get their objectives from observation at Mont Noir. Two Companies bathed at night, while one worked. Number of fires were seen behind enemy lines.
19	At intervals enemy shelled battery positions behind Mont Noir with 5.9 calibre guns. At night one and a half Platoons worked from 9pm to 12 midnight on communication trench to left Battalion Headquarters, two Platoons daily from 6 to 12 midday on Blue Line.
20	Enemy artillery were active, shelling behind Mont Noir with 5.9 and field guns. The usual work was done. At night the two Platoons on left of Blue Line were relieved by two of D Company. The Brigade on the left made a slight advance, capturing about 70 prisoners.
21	The day passed as usual. Our relief of the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers was cancelled and orders given for an attack to be made by the Brigade. The 15th Royal Irish Rifles (107th Brigade) captured Mural and Wirral Farms, capturing 17 prisoners, at 12.30am, with 40 (wounded) casualties.
22	Preparations are made for attack by us on road from S.3.c to S.8.a at night the Company in Blue Line was relieved by a Company of the 1st Royal Irish Rifles. At 11.30pm the front line was bombarded with shells of various calibre and gas. Enemy made an unsuccessful counter-attack on Mural Farm. Working parties at night made dumps of material for consolidating purposes in front line.
23	Meulehouck. All NCOs and men instructed in method of attack and final preparations for same were made. At 8.30pm Battalion moved into the line on right of left sub-sector (Meulehouck) and cut gaps in wire. The night was very quiet on our front but towards Locre the enemy shelled heavily and appeared to attack about 11pm. Our artillery opened fire in reply to SOS.
24	2.30am. Enemy re-opened shelling on left for an hour. Our front was very quiet. The morning opened dull and rain fell. Three of our planes flew over the line and one enemy. At 7am the Companies were in position, A on left, B in centre and D on right. Our barrage opened with machine gun fire and trench mortars. After one minute the artillery barrage started and the Companies moved forward to the attack. After a few minutes the enemy put up lights which were replied to by artillery fire. This fell first upon the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers front but then worked across our own, the shelling being particularly heavy in S.2.d central. Some of our own 18-pounder shells fell very short at S.2.d.80.50. Our smoke barrage was not very heavy, especially on the right. The enemy seemed to be taken by surprise and were more inclined to run than fight. The objectives were reached without much opposition. A and D overran their objectives and had to retire to conform with the line. 'A' Company put up white Very light at 7.20am to signal objective reached. At 8am the whole objective was taken and consolidation was carried on until 10am. C Company followed on behind B and D as second wave and mopped up. They also helped in consolidation, after which three Platoons came back to our old front line trench as support Company while the other Platoon stayed with B Company. At 9.30 our shelling ceased but the smoke barrage continued until 10am. The enemy artillery quietened down considerably. At 10am contact aeroplane came along while another plane dropped two boxes of Small Arms Ammunition near Soot Farm. There was slight enemy shelling throughout the day on front line area and on the Meulehouck. The 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers obtained their objective also and liaison was established along our line and with the 1st Royal Irish Rifles on our right. At 3pm our artillery opened fire on S.8.a where the enemy were reported to be massing. Enemy planes came over the line and threw out signal lights over the front line position, when the enemy shelling got heavier. At 6.30pm the enemy put down a smoke barrage behind their front line and in front of Bailleul where they were seen to mass. SOS signalled from front was not seen but one of our planes signalled, upon which our artillery opened fire. The enemy massing had, however, been broken up by Lewis Gun and rifle fire. There was slight enemy shelling during night but nothing further happened. Our own artillery put down counter-preparation at 11pm. At night the Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and moved into Divisional Reserve at Mont des Cats. Our total casualties in the attack were four Officers wounded, five Other Ranks killed and one believed killed, 53 Other Ranks wounded. We captured 48 prisoners including ten wounded and estimated to have killed at least 70 including one Officer.
25	Mont des Cats. The day was spent in cleaning up. Men were paid. Church service was held at 4pm. Lieutenant-Colonel P Kelly took over command of Battalion.
26	Companies did training from 9am to 12 midday and from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. The "Merry Mauves" gave a performance at 2.30pm in the open air but it was curtailed owing to rain. 11.30pm. At night C Company went on work party to Blue Line but there were no tools available. Enemy put 60 gas shells into Godewaersvelde.
27	Companies did usual training from 9am to 12 midday and 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Performance was given by the Divisional Concert Party at 2.30pm. D Company formed the work party at night and were engaged deepening communication trench between Meulehouck and front line. While passing through gas from enemy shells several men were "gassed".
28	The usual training was done, and concert performance. No work was done at night.
29	Training under Company arrangements in the forenoon and Colonel Kelly addressed the Battalion, congratulating it on the recent success. In the afternoon he addressed the Officers on the training for the coming fortnight when the Division would be out resting. At night the Battalion was relieved by the 15th Sherwood Foresters and moved into Corps Reserve at P.20.a.60.27 via Godewaersvelde, Eecke, and crossroads at P.30.a.05.22.
30	Reference Sheet 27 Belgium and France 1/40000. St Sylvestre Capelle. Arrival was complete at 4am. Companies were paid and inspections were held. Equipment was cleaned. Battalion standing-to all day. Battalion move at 7pm by light railway to Godewaersvelde, thence by march route to billets at Mont des Cats. Relieve 15th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, relief completed by 12 midnight.
31	Mont des Cats. Orders for Battalion to move in support of 109th Infantry Brigade. Position taken up our front line trenches of the 24th inst. in front of Moulhouck. Battalion Headquarters at Sammy Farm S.2.a.80.80. [Signed] G.H Richardson, Lieutenant, A/Adjutant for Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers
9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers Roll of Officers, 31st August 1918 Rank Name Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly P.E. Major Tamplin R.J.A. DSO Captain Menaul W.J. MC Command Captain Cross G.H. Captain Brennan C.J. Command Captain MacClean P.E Captain Gibson G.H. Captain Godson E.A. MC Command Lieutenant, A/Captain Lindsay R.H. Lieutenant, A/Captain Kerr C.H. Lieutenant Murphy W.A. Lieutenant Bale F.S. Lieutenant Richardson G.H. Lieutenant Barnett J.B. Lieutenant Bell A.G.F. Lieutenant Lyons S. Lieutenant Dobbyn A.L. MC Command Lieutenant McCrum R.I. Command Lieutenant Davidson A. Lieutenant Wilson C.R. 2nd Lieutenant, A/Captain Murphy J.J. MC DCM 2nd Lieutenant Reynolds E.W. 2nd Lieutenant Mateer N.C. Command 2nd Lieutenant Graham W.G. 2nd Lieutenant Moran S.F. Command 2nd Lieutenant Greenwood C.F.W. Command 2nd Lieutenant Ross C.A. 2nd Lieutenant Leahy T.C. Command 2nd Lieutenant Burrows H.C. 2nd Lieutenant Boyd J. 2nd Lieutenant Laird W. 2nd Lieutenant Bryson W. 2nd Lieutenant Kemp H. MM Command 2nd Lieutenant Harvey A.G. Posted not joined Adjutant: Captain Sparks W. MC Command Quartermaster: Hon. Lieutenant Wilson G.W. Transport Officer: Lieutenant A/Captain Morrow J.B.K Attached: Reverend W.B. Allman (C.F.) Captain Sutcliffe W.H. (Royal Army Medical Corps) [Signed] G.H Richardson, Lieutenant, A/Adjutant for Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers