36TH DIVISION
DIVL TROOPS
1ST SQDN 6TH INNIS DRAGOONS
OCT 1915 - MAY 1916

October 1915

Strength of Squadron leaving England:- 5 officers, 146 other ranks, 161 Horses, 2 limbered waggons, 3 G.S. waggons, 1 cooks cart, under command of Capt. A. Chamberlayne.

5

Bordon. Weather fine. The Service Squadron 6th Inniskilling Dragoons left Bordon Camp in two trains at 11.0 am & 12 pm arrived at Southampton at 2 pm & 3 pm. The men & horses were embarked on board the transport 'City of Chester'. The transport sailed at 5 pm that evening and arrived off the Port of le Havre next morning without mishap.

6

Le Havre. Weather fine. Squadron disembarked this day and remained on the wharf at the Port till 4 pm. Men & horses were marched thro' the streets to the railway station and entrained. The troop train left with all on board at 9 pm.

7

Amiens. Weather fine. Squadron arrived by train at a small siding outside Amiens at 7.15 am. Disentrained and marched through Amiens to Flesselles and proceeded to billets at Olincourt.

8

–

9

Olincourt. Weather fine. Monsieur S. Gilquin reported his arrival as interpreter to the Squadron.

10-11

–

12

Olincourt. Weather fine. Inspection of the Squadron by the Divisional Commander Ulster Division. Capt. Hulse & Sergt Quinn left to attend a Bombing Class.  

13-14

–

15

Olincourt. Weather fine. 2/Lt Matthews left in charge of details at Bordon reported his arrival at Olincourt.

16

–

17

Olincourt. Weather fine. Capt. Hulse & Sergt Quinn returned after the course of Bombing.

18

Olincourt. Weather fine. Tactical Scheme in conjunction with 1st Indian Cavalry Corps. The squadron acted as Advance Guard and after completion of this duty joined the Regiment of the Inniskilling Dragoons and worked under the direction of Col. Patterson for the remainder of the day.

19

–

20

Olincourt. Weather wet. Eight men per troop selected as Bombers under the instruction of Capt Hulse.

21

Olincourt. Weather wet. Tactical Scheme with Ulster Division.

22

Olincourt. Weather wet. Squadron left Olincourt by route march to new billets at St. Hilaire. All horses are under cover here.

23

St. Hilaire. Weather wet. Special order published calling the attention of all ranks to the importance of paying proper compliments to our Allies.

24

–

25

St. Hilaire. Weather wet and very cold. The Ulster Division marched to x roads Vert Galand and was drawn up on the W side of road running N to Beauval. The Squadron was formed in line with the R.F.A. on its left and the 36th Cyclist Coy on its right. His Majesty King George accompanied by the French President drove along the front of the Ulster Division in an open car at 3.45 pm.

26

–

27

St. Hilaire. Weather wet. Special order drawing attention to the distinctive badges of the officers in the French Army.

28

St. Hilaire. Weather wet. Concert for the Troops at Div. Hd Qrts Domart-en-Ponthieu.

29-31

–

[Signed] A. Chamberlayne Capt
Cmdg.
Service Sqdn. 6th. Dragoons.

November 1915

1

–

2

St. Hilaire. Very wet. Tactical Exercise with Ulster Division. Rum ordered to be issued this night by the Divisional Commander.

3

St. Hilaire. Weather fine. Special order issued re sanitation of billets.

4

St. Hilaire. Weather fine. Tactical Exercise in conjunction with 36th Cyclist Coy.

5

–

6

St. Hilaire. A musketry competition was commenced for the purpose of testing Section Commanders.

7

–

8

St. Hilaire. Completion of musketry competition which was won by Corpl Reid’s section with score of 28 points.

9

–

10

St. Hilaire. Tactical exercise in conjunction with 36th Cyclist Coy.

11-14

–

15

St. Hilaire. Inspection of Horses and Billets by the Divisional Commander.

16

St. Hilaire. Sergt McKeown sentenced by F.G.C.M. to be reduced to the ranks and undergo No 1 Field Punishment for two months. Crime – Drunkenness.

17

St. Hilaire. No 93 Lce/Sergt J Newell to be Sergt vice No 203 EW McKeown reduced to private. No 97 Corpl G.C. Reid to be Lce Sergt vice J. Newell promoted. No 133 Lce Cpl J. Lockhart to be Corpl vice Corpl Reid promoted to Lce Sergt.

18

St. Hilaire. Promotions:- Act Lce/Corp Keys J.H. to be Lance Corpl vice No 133 L/Cpl Lockhart promoted Corpl. No.71 Pte R.Kerns to be Actg Lce/Cpl. No 121 Pte E.Percy to be Actg Lce/Corpl.

19-27

–

28

St. Hilaire. The Squadron moved from St. Hilaire to new Billets at Famechon.

29-30

–

The whole of the month spent at St. Hilaire was devoted to training and improving the sanitary conditions of the billets.
The weather except for a few fine days was not good and a great deal of snow & frost was experienced.

[Signed] A. Chamberlayne Capt
Cmdg.
Service Sqdn. 6th. Dragoons.

December 1915

CONFIDENTIAL
WAR DIARY
of
SERVICE SQUADRON VI INNISKILLING DRAGOONS
From 1st December 1915 To 31st December 1915
VOLUME III

Kept by:- A. Hulse Capt
Service Squadron
6th Innisk. Dragoons

1

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. The Squadron has been billetted in a small village named Famechon. Men are accommodated in farm buildings and all the horses under cover. A great deal of work during the next few days will be necessary to put the billets in a good state of sanitation.
We are in the area of the 12th Infantry Brigade and on our left have the 2nd Batt Essex Regt billetted in the town of Ailly-les-Haut-Clocher and on our right the 14th Batt R. I. Rifles at Ergnies and Gorenflos. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather wet and cold.

2

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. An order was published warning all ranks that shooting of game or coursing hares and rabbits is strictly prohibited. Ref 3rd Army R.O. No.188. Horses exercised and men employed cleaning up billets etc. A competition to be held to appoint 6 Squadron snipers who will be issued with optical sights (Barnett Ulster Sight). Ref. Sqn Order No.49. Weather wet.

3

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Order published that all Transport vehicles to be washed daily and the woodwork greased. 36th D.O. No.157. Weather fair but stormy.

4

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Mounted Parade 8.30 am. NOTE. It has been found that with the exception of road patrols, no work over the country can be carried out owing to the heavy rains and the cultivation of crops. Weather wet.

5

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.45 am. Church of England parade for Divine Service at Famechon. Methodists and Presbyterians at 11.10 am at Famechon. Weather fine in the morning.

6

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Capt. A. Chamberlayne detailed as member of a General Court Martial assembling at 11.am today at Hdrs 12th Infantry Brigade Ailly-les-Haut-Clocher. Weather wet.
Mounted Parade at 8.30 am under Troop Leaders.
2.15pm Physical Training & Bayonet Fighting. One copy of Sheet 11 Abbeville was issued today to Troop Leaders.

7

Famechon. Mounted Parade at 8.30 am under Capt. Hulse. 12.30 pm Horse Inspection. 2 pm Musketry Competition. 5.30. Gas Helmet Drill for No.I Troop in Recreation Room. Weather wet.

8

Famechon. 8.30 Horses exercised. 2 pm Musketry Competition. Weather fair. 8.30 Gas Helmet Drill. A pamphlet on defensive measures against Gas attacks will be read by Capt Hulse.

9

Famechon. 9.30 Mounted Parade under Lt. Seymour. Inspection by Medical officer at 3 pm. Gas Helmet Drill at 5.30 pm. Weather fair.

10

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Order published that no grenades are ever to be thrown over the heads of men in trenches from a point behind. The second thrower will only throw dummies. This order refers to training of grenadiers. Ref. 36th Div. Gen Staff Letter G.S/3/226. Weather wet.
Cafe de la Place Ergines is placed out of bounds to all troops from 8.12.15 to 8.3.16. Ref. 36th D.O. No.184. An arrangement has been made whereby men may have hot baths on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It has also been found possible to get women to wash and mend the mens clothes (under linen) and this is now being carried out weekly, which greatly adds to the comfort of men and is a preventative against vermin and scabies providing of course that hot baths are regularly obtainable. Weather wet. The Recreation Room is in full swing now, and writing pads and papers have been provided.

11

Famechon. Mounted parade at 8.30 am under Capt. Hulse in conjunction with the 36th Div. Cyclist Coy. The two forces met at the rendezvous but operations had to be cancelled owing to stormy weather. It has been arranged to hold an inspection each week of all harness, saddlery, rifles, swords, revolvers, ammunition, Field Dressings & Iodine Amopoules and Gas Helmets. A day has been alloted to each Troop for these inspections to be thoroughly carried out. Weather continues wet.

12

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Parade for Divine Service at 8.45 am for Church of England. Presbyterians and Methodists at 9.20. The Services were held at Famechon.
Cafe National, Ailly-les-Haut-Clocher is placed out of bounds to all Troops from 10.12.15 to 10.3.16. Weather fine. Ref 36th Div. R.O. No.187.

13

Mounted Parade at 8.45 am. Order published as follows:- There is no objection to the following being written on F.S. Postcards. “A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.” Ref. G.R.O. No 1302. Weather fine.

14

Mounted Parade at 9.30 am. General fatigue cleaning up billets. Inspection of Billets by the A.D.M.S. 36th Division who expressed his satisfaction at the sanitary arrangements and the comforts for men. Weather fine.

15

Mounted Parade 8.45 am. Medical Inspection at 2 pm. A further Musketry Competition was ordered but had to be abandoned owing to the inclemency of the weather.

16

Mounted Parade 8.45 am. Weather wet.

17

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Inspection of Horses at 10 am. Musketry competition 2.15 pm. Weather wet.

18

8.30 Horses exercised. Musketry Competition 2.15 pm. Weather fine.

19

8.40 Church of England Parade. Presbyterians & Wesleyans at 9.20 am. The following men are appointed snipers and will train under Capt Hulse – Ptes Armstrong, Connor, Robinson, Williamson, Campbell, Irwin. Weather fair.

20

Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 9.30 Bombing under Capt Hulse at Pontremy. Weather wet.

21

8.30 Bombing. Bayonet fighting with Gas Helmets. 9.45 horses Exercised. Order republished warning all ranks to be in their billets by 8.30 pm. Weather wet.

22

Order published that all Cafes and Estaminets in towns or villages where troops are billeted will be closed to the Troops except between the hours of 11 am to 1 pm –  6 pm to 8 pm. The purchase of spirits of any kind at cafes estaminets or other houses is forbidden. Ref Sqd Order No.69 21/12/15. Mtd Parade 8.30 am. Weather fair.
A present of Plum Puddings was received from Ladies & Gentlemen living in Fermanagh Ireland. The Puddings were collected & forwarded to the Squadron by Mr Copeland Trimble Enniskillen. A letter conveying the thanks of all ranks was sent to the press at Enniskillen.
8.30 Mtd Parade for Scheme in conjunction with 36th Cyclist Coy. Weather wet.

23

Famechon. 8.45 Horses exercised under Capt Hulse. Distance covered this day 20 miles. Weather fair.

24

8.45 Horses exercised. Trench digging during afternoon. Weather wet.

25

Christmas Day. C. of E. Holy Communion at 8.30 am. Parade Service at 9 am. A general holiday was observed this day. Men sat down to their dinner at 1 pm and were visited by the C.O & officers. The men seemed very pleased with the arrangements that had been made to ensure a good dinner. In addition to the puddings from Enniskillen, puddings were received from the Daily News. Except during the morning the weather was fine.

26

C. of E. parade under Capt Hulse at 10.15 am. Weather stormy.

27

Boxing Day. Horses exercised at 9 am. Weather fine.

28

10.30 Mobilization Parade (Practice Scheme) with stores packed on waggons and surplus stored. 11.30 am Horses exercised in full marching order. Weather fine.

29

Mounted Parade for Scheme in conjunction with 36th Cyclist Coy. 2.15 pm musketry for squadron snipers. Weather stormy.

30

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8 am. Clean Billets 8-9. Physical Drill Nos 1 & 2 Troops & Bayonet Exercise with Gas Helmets 9.30. Physical Drill & Bayonet Exercise with Gas Helmets 10.0. Bombing for Squadron Bombers at 9 am. 2 pm football & hot baths for men. Weather fair.

31

New Year’s Eve. 8.45 Mtd Parade in drill order for route march. The Squadron visited Crêcy. Captain Chamberlayne gave a brief history of the famous battle and pointed out the battlefield. Weather wet.

[Signed] A. Chamberlayne Capt
Cmdg.
Service Sqdn. 6th. Dragoons.

January 1916

CONFIDENTIAL
WAR DIARY
of
SERVICE SQUADRON VI INNISKILLING DRAGOONS
From 1st January 1916 To 31st January 1916
VOLUME IV

Kept by:- A. Hulse Capt
Service Squadron
6th Innisk. Dragoons

1

Famechon. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Sheet 12. New Year’s Day. 9 am to 11 am Bayonet Fighting with Gas Helmets & Physical Drill. Weather fine.

2

8.40 am C. of E. parade for Divine Service. 9.30 am Presbyterians & Wesleyans. Weather fine.

3

9 am Squadron Parade in full marching order with Transport. The Squadron will march under Capt Hulse to their Billets in new Area. Weather fine.

4

St. Hilaire. Ref Map as above. The Squadron marched in yesterday & took over new Billets. The general state of the buildings was bad, and a great deal of work will have to be done to render the billets weather proof.  Horses of No.I & II Troops malleined today.

5

9 am General Fatigues. No.3 & 4 Troops musketry with Gas Helmets. Weather fair. Inspection by V.O. of Horses malleined.

6

Horses of No.3 & 4 Troops malleined. Inspection of all horses by V.O. 10.30 Bombing under Capt Hulse. 2 pm Football. Weather fine.

7

Inspection of Horses by V.O. General Fatigues & Exercising Horses. Weather fine.

8

8.30 Scheme in conjunction with 36th Cyclist Coy. The name of a place or unit should not be written at the head of a communication. Whenever it is necessary to indicate to the addressee how to address letters etc to the writer this information should be embodied in the text. It is not necessary and is forbidden to mention the name of any place when the writer is with his unit. Ref. Genl. R.O No.1343. Weather fine.

9

St. Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Sheet 12. 8.50 am C. of E. parade for divine service at Domart. 2.30 pm Presbyterians & Wesleyans for service in Recreation Room at Domart. S.O. Each man is entitled to one green envelope per week which will be issued to him with his pay. Weather fine.

10

General Fatigues & Repairs to Billets. Exercising Horses. No.203 Pte E.W. McKeown rejoined the Squadron today. Ptes McKeown & McCullagh will proceed to the Base. No.3 & 4 Troops Riding School at the jumps. Weather fair.

11

8.30. Jumping for Troops 1 & 2. Remainder exercise Horses. 2 pm Musketry with Gas Helmets for 1 & 2 Troops. 3 & 4 Troops clean up & repair billets. Order published that no officer or soldier (or other person subject to Military Law) is permitted to be in possession of a camera. Order published that many cases have recently come to notice in which men proceeding on leave have taken with them uncensored letters in order that they may be posted in England. Men proceeding on leave will be informed that if at any time during their journey they are found in possession of uncensored letters, they will be placed in arrest and sent back to their Units. Ref D.O No.293. Weather fine.

12

Mtd Parade at 8.45 am. 2pm Sniping for Squadron Snipers. Weather wet.

13

St. Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.45 am Dismounted Parade for route march without arms. 2.15 pm Inspection of Line Gear and Stable Equipment. Weather fine.

14

St. Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.45 am C.O’s parade for march to Raincheval (30 miles to & fro). Weather fine.

15

St. Hilaire. Horse Parade at 11 am for inspection by O.C. 2 pm Football match. Weather fine. 

16

St. Hilaire. No Divine Service was held today for C. of E. Wesleyans & Presbyterians at 10.45 am. Weather fair.

17

St. Hilaire. 8.45 am Parade under Troop Leaders for Range taking & judging distance. 2 pm Foot Drill for 2, 3 & 4 Troops staff to attend. No.I Troop musketry. Weather fine.

18

St. Hilaire. 8.45 Horses exercised under Troop Leaders. 2 pm No.2 Troop Musketry. Weather fine.

19

St. Hilaire. 8.45 Horses exercised & judging distances under Troop Leaders. 2 pm Foot Drill under the S.S.M. for all N.C.O.s & men. Special G.R.O. No.1361. The use of the green envelope for multiple letters is intended to enable men to send more than one letter a week of a private nature which they may not wish to submit for censorship to their immediate commander. They are only to contain letters from the person who signs the certificate on the cover. The practice of enclosing letters from more than one writer is forbidden. Weather wet.

20

St. Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.0 am Reconnaissance Scheme from St Hilaire to Pt.135. Weather fine.

21

8.15 am Scheme in conjunction with 36th Cyclist Coy. The 14th Corps Commander witnessed these operations and was accompanied by the 36th Divisional Commander. Operations ceased at Le Meillard. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. Weather fine.

22

9 am Mtd Parade under C.O. Signallers Mtd Parade under S.S.M. 2 pm Inspection of equipment by C.O. Weather wet.

23

Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8 am Divine Service parade under Capt. Hulse for service at Berneuil at 8.45 am. His Grace the Archbishop of Armagh conducted the service. Weather fine. Squadron Order No.422. Seditious Literature. A pamphlet by Jane Addams is being circulated to the Troops. Specimens of this pamphlet if received are to be sent to the Orderly Room.

24

Parade at 8.0 for Divisional Scheme as per secret instructions received. Weather fair.

25

8.45 Musketry by Sections. Semaphore. 2 pm Inspection of Saddlery. Weather fine.

26

Parade mounted for Divisional Scheme as per secret instructions. 2/Lieuts Matthews & McWilliam, Sergt Quinn & Lce Sergt Reid proceeded to the Div. School of Instruction at Le Meillard (Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000). Weather fine.

27

St. Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 1.80,000. 8.30 General fatigues in cleaning up billets. 9.45 - 11.45 Musketry, Semaphore, Bayonet Fighting. 2 pm Rifle Inspection. Weather fine.

28

Squadron parade to take part in Divisional Tactical Exercise. Weather fair.

29

9 am Foot drill for all N.C.O.s & men. 12 noon Horse Inspection. Long distance signalling for Squadron Signallers. Weather fine.

30

9.45 Divine Service Parade at Berneuil for C. of E. Weather fine.

31

Capt. Chamberlayne proceeded on leave to England, and Capt. Hulse assumed command of the Squadron. Capt. Chamberlayne gazetted as temp. Major whilst commanding the Service Squadron 6th Innisk. Dragoons. 8.30 Horses exercised. Signalling for Squadron Signallers. The rear party at Famechon having completed their duties rejoined the Squadron today. Weather fine.

[Signed] A. Hulse Capt
Cmdg.
Service Sqdn. 6th. Dragoons.

February 1916

CONFIDENTIAL
WAR DIARY
OF
Service Squadron 6th Inniskilling Dragoons
From 1st February 1916 To 29th February 1916
VOLUME V

Kept by:- A. Hulse Capt
Service Squadron
6th Innis. Dgns

1-8

–

9

St. Hilaire. Ref Map Amiens 12 1.80,000. The Squadron moved from billets to Lavicogne.

10-21

–

22

Lavicogne. On this date the Squadron marched to Vauchelles-les-Authie and billeted moving on to Bertrancourt later.

23-29

–

During the month the Squadron was employed on various duties such as orderlies to Div. Hd. Qrts and police work on road control.
A motor machine gun battery was billeted with us.
The Squadron continued its training when weather permitted.
Weather during month was bad much snow having fallen.
Leave being open certain officers, N.C.O.s & men proceeded to their homes on furlough.

[Signed] A. Chamberlayne Major
Cmdg.
Service Sqdn. 6th. Dragoons.

March 1916

Confidential
War Diary
of
Service Squadron 6th Inniskilling Dragoons
From 1st March 1916 To 31st March 1916
Volume VI

Kept by A. Hulse Capt
Ser. Sqdn
6th Innis Dgns

1

Vauchelles les Authie. Ref Amiens Sheet 12 1.80,000. 8 men who joined the Sqdn as a reinforcement from 2nd Reserve Cavalry Regt Aldershot paraded for map reading under C.O. Snow fell.

2-3

–

4

Vauchelles. Ref Map Amiens 12 1.80,000. Under orders received the Squadron moved this day to new billets at Bertrancourt. Although only a short distance to cover men and horses felt fatigued on arrival, the march having taken place in a snowstorm.
Bertrancourt. 10 am Squadron billeted here.
Severe snowstorm.

5

Bertrancourt. Gas helmets inspected.

6

Bertrancourt. No.59 Lce/Corpl Keyes proceeded to 36th Divl Anti-Gas school for instruction.

7

–

8

Bertrancourt. Snowstorm.

9

Bertrancourt. Severe Frost. 4 Squadron bicycles inspected. Lce/Sergt Reid sent to OC 36th Divl Train at Lealvillers to look after 20 water carts with personnel & horses.

10-12

–

13

Bertrancourt. No.182 Pte Allen J, appointed unpaid Act Lce/Corpl.

14

Bertrancourt. Inspection of wirecutters & horserubbers.

15

Bertrancourt. Sergt Moffit & Corpl Davies detailed to attend 3rd Course at the 36th Divl School of Instruction at Beauval on 20th inst.

16

–

17

Bertrancourt. St. Patrick’s day. Sqdn beaten 3 Goals to 2 by 109th Field Ambulance at football.

18

Bertrancourt. Lce Corpl Keyes gave good lecture on Anti-Gas in the Sergts Mess. 20 men sent to CRE for Tree Felling. 20 men sent to Town Commandant for road clearing.

19

Bertrancourt. No.249 Pte McAlister awarded 14 days F.P. No.I for not complying with an order.

20

Bertrancourt. 7 am Horse rugs inspected. 2 men of 15th Royal Irish Rifles shot at Mailly-Maillet for Desertion. Squadron paraded within earshot.

21

Bertrancourt. Lce/Sergt Reid promoted Sergt. Corpl Davies promoted Lce/Sergt.
10 am 10 men supplied to Ordnance Dump Acheux. 1 NCO & 18 men sent to 32nd Division Dernacourt for loading stones.

22

Hay nets inspected. No.117 Lce/Corpl Hamilton detailed to attend Course of Instruction at St. Omar on Hotchkiss Gun.

23

8.30 am Despatch Riding scheme.

24

–

25

No.223 Lce/Corpl Irvine deprived of Paid Lce stripe.

26-31

–

Men and horses were well billeted in this town [Bertrancourt] and very comfortable. Hot baths were arranged.
Although training was carried out it was only with difficulty owing to number of roads debarred to mtd troops and crops in the vicinity.
Except for a few days the weather on the whole was good.
Whilst in Bertrancourt we witnessed a great deal of air reconnaissance and the daily shelling of British and enemy airoplanes.

[Signed] A. Chamberlayne Major
Cmdg.
Service Sqdn. 6th. Dragoons.

April 1916

CONFIDENTIAL
WAR DIARY
of
SERVICE SQUADRON 6th INNISKILLING DRAGOONS
From 1st April 1916 To 30th April 1916
VOLUME VII

1-4


4

Contay. Ref Amiens Map 12. Weather like Summer. Engaged on reconnaissance of 36th Divisional Area endeavouring to find Grassland for bivouac camps. Practically whole area 30 square miles crops & under plough.
Contay. No.III Troop & Officers billets changed to allow 96th Infy Brigade 32nd Division to move in. Contay is not in 36th Divisional Area but in 32nd Division’s.

5-6

–

7

St. Ouen. 5 pm Moved here on way to join Meerut Cavalry Brigade for training 13th - 26th inst. 36th Divl Cyclist Company also join in training. Sheepskin coats, vests, gloves one man’s blanket & horserugs sent into Ordnance. All horses picketed out. Men one blanket horses saddle blanket. Nights cold.

8-12

–

13

St. Riquier. 11.30 am Attached to Meerut Cavalry Bde for Training. Brigadier Genl Edwards 13th Hussars 3rd Skinners Horse & 18th Lancers in Brigade.

14-19

–

20

Martainneville. Ref Abbeville Map 11. 1 pm Marched with Meerut Bde as far as Moyenville then branched off with 36th Cyclist Company.
Sunday April 16th G.O.C. saw the squadron & cyclists do an advance guard scheme. Mon, Tues & Wed a Tactical Exercise was carried out with the Bde. The Squadron & Cyclist Company are billeted here till the 26th being still attached to Meerut Bde for training, Headquarters of which are now Aigneville.

21

Martainneville. Good Friday. Poured with rain all day.

22

Sqdn & Cyclist Officers Instruction under Col Grimston, 18th Lancers, abandoned owing to wet.

23

–

24

Convoy scheme (Sqdn & Cyclists) Genl Edwards Chief Umpire.

25

Brigade Staff ride.

26-27

Hangest sur Somme. Billeted here the night with Lancashire Hussar Sqdn & 30th Cyclist Company.

28

Puchevillers. 1 pm Leave again open 4 vacancies from 30th every 5 days. Am now again in 36th Divisional Area.

29-30

–

[Signed] A. Chamberlayne Major
Cmdg.
Service Sqdn. 6th. Dragoons.

May 1916

Confidential
War Diary
of
Service Squadron 6th Inniskilling Dragoons
From 1st May 1916 To 31st May 1916
VOLUME VIII

Kept by A. Chamberlayne Major
Service Sqdn 6th Dragoons

1

Puchvillers. 2nd Lieut MacWilliam was detailed to instruct 12 men in the use of the Hotchkiss Gun he having recently been through a short course at St. Omar.

2

7.15 am L/Corpl Percy 38 Irwin 14 Lewes & 139 Beattie went to 36th Divl Signal Coy for a Course of Visual Signalling.

3-28

–

29

Detachment went to Rifle Range at Millencourt for range Practise with Hotchkiss Gun. New Hotchkiss gun arrived.
Received instructions that Squadron would with 2 squadrons of the North Irish Horse form the 10th Corps Cavalry Regt. The organization now being one Cavalry Regt & 1 Bn of Cyclists as Corps Mounted Troops. Divisional Cavalry no longer exists.

30

Sergt Turner left to join the 7th Cadet Corps in Ireland with a view to obtaining a commission.

31

–

During the month parties were sent up to the trenches for 3 days at a time to make themselves acquainted with the country held by the enemy in front of them.
The weather during the month was gloriously fine.
For some weeks parties daily went to bathe at Bavelincourt but this was afterwards forbidden by the Higher Authorities.
Three men every 5 days were allowed on leave to the United Kingdom, 8 days to England & 9 days to Ireland.
A party of 30 men daily was supplied unloading ammunition at Puchvillers railhead. Police for 32nd Division were also supplied. Remaining men exercise etc horses.

[Signed] A. Chamberlayne Major
Cmdg.
Service Sqdn. 6th. Dragoons.

June 1916

CONFIDENTIAL
WAR DIARY
of
Service Squadron 6th Inniskilling Dragoons
From 1st June 1916 To 30th June 1916
VOLUME IX

Kept by Major A. Chamberlayne

1-20

Puchvillers. 30 men of the Squadron were employed night and day unloading Artillery ammunition at Railhead Puchvillers.
1 NCO and 9 men were employed on road control under 32nd Division at Senlis.
1 NCO and 9 men were employed on road control under 36th Division (Headauville).
The remainder of the squadron exercised horses twice daily 1/2 squadron at a time.

21

Squadron marched to Toutencourt & joined up with "B" & "C" Squadrons North Irish Horse the 3 squadrons forming 10th Corps Cavalry Regiment. From this date the squadron ceased to be Divisional Cavalry Squadron to the 36th Division.
Ref GHQ OB/1517 Fourth Army 168(G) X Corps GS216. "In consequence of the growth of the Army and the development of the Corps organization, much of the independence of action & movement formerly belonging to the Division has now passed to the Corps. It has been found necessary, therefore to reconsider the organization & distribution of the Mounted Troops hitherto allotted to Divisions. The allotment of these troops was originally made with a view to providing the Divisional Commander with a small mobile force under his immediate control for reconnaissance; protective & escort duties; & on the assumption (originally correct) that the Division would be moving either independently or with one or more roads alloted for its exclusive use.
These conditions are unlikely to recur; any future movement will be by Corps, marching & fighting in depth on a comparatively narrow front. The mounted troops belonging to the Corps must therefore be assembled under the direct control of the Corps Commander, & organized as Corps units. The C in C has accordingly decided –
(a) To convert the Squadrons of Divisional Cavalry into Corps Cavalry Regts composed of Headquarters & 3 Squadrons each; one Regiment being alloted to each Corps.
(b) To withdraw the Cyclist Companies from Divisions to reconstitute them into battalions of 3 companies each, & to allot one battalion to each Corps.
(c) To allot one Motor Machine Gun Battery to each Corps. This battery will normally be attached to the Cyclist Battalion.
War Establishment of squadron Corps Cavalry Regt is as follows.
Officers 6. Other Ranks 134. Horses 132. Transport 11. Bicycles 4. Previous strength of this squadron was – Officers 6. Other ranks 153. Horses 150. Transport 11. Bicycles 4."

22-26

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27

9 am Nos 2 & 4 Troops under Capt Hulse moved from Toutencourt to Forceville.

28

9 am No 3 Troop moved to Forceville as guard over German prisoners for work under 36th Division.

29

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30

No.3 Troop moved to Acheux as guard over German prisoners.
Headquarters of squadron moved from Toutencourt to Forceville.

[Signed] A. Chamberlayne Major
Cmdg Service Sqdn 6th Innis Dgns.