30

D Squadron North Irish Horse 51^st (Highland) Division left Cople (Bedford) on the 30 April 1915 under Major Honourable A Hamilton Russell.

1-4

Southampton. 5am. One half the men of D Squadron North Irish Horse, together with all Squadron horses (under?) Major Hon A Hamilton Russell, 2^nd Lieutenant J.C.G Kirkpatrick[2] and 2^nd Lieutenant W Murland[3] on board the Anglo-Canadian left Southampton at 6pm and arrived at Havre at 11am 2 May 1915. The remaining men of the Squadron under Major Holt Waring[4], 2^nd Lieutenant J.V Adair[5] and 2^nd Lieutenant L.C Wise[6] on board the Empress Queen left Havre [sic] at 7pm 1 May 1915 and arrived at Havre at 7am 2 May 1915. [Arrived at Southampton at 6am 1 May 1915. Embarked at 4pm in two transports and arrived at Havre at 6am 2 May 1915. ... The Squadron consists of the following Officers: Major Honourable A Hamilton-Russell, Major Holt Waring, 2^nd Lieutenant J.C.G Kirkpatrick, 2^nd Lieutenant W Murland, 2^nd Lieutenant J.V Adair, 2^nd Lieutenant L.C Wise; 141 NCOs and men, 158 riding and draught horses. Interpreter H Martin Zédé joined the Squadron on disembarkation at Havre on the 2^nd May 1915.]

Men and horses disembarked at once and rested at the docks during the day. At 10pm 2 May 1915 the Squadron entrained at Havre Station, leaving at 1am for Berguette, arriving there at 12 midnight 3/4 May 1915 and detrained in heavy rain.

[Proceeded at once to Busnes.] Busnes was reached at 5am 4 May 1915 and the men billetted in barns, the Squadron horse lines being placed in two orchards. The road from Berguette to Busnes was good.

5-13

[At Busnes] the Division (51st) [remained in reserve] being directly under the orders of General Headquarters.

On the 9^th May 1915 a very violent attack was begun by the British in the neighbourhood of Festubert, the Indian Army Corps being engaged. This engagement lasted four days but no great success was obtained.[7]

14

Pradelles. 3pm [1pm]. The Division marched north on the 14^th of May 1915, the Squadron marching at 9am via St Venant – Hazebrouk to Pradelles, the Division now coming under the orders of General Officer Commanding Indian Army Corps ([Lieutenant General] Sir J Willcocks[8]). The road was in good order. Men were billetted in three barns, the horse lines in an open grass field. Water for horses obtained in a local pond. Drinking - cooking water from local pumps.

Ref Map 1/40,000 Bethune.

15-18

–

19

La Gorgue. 11am. At 6am 19 May 1915 the Squadron [Division] marched to La Gorgue (via Vieux Berquin), the roads somewhat cut up by motor traffic. The Squadron bivouacked near a powder factory south of the La Gorgue – Merville Road. Major Holt Waring left the Squadron during this march and proceeded to take over C Squadron North Irish Horse attached to the 3^rd Division in the neighbourhood of Bailleul. Captain E King King[9] transferred from C Squadron North Irish Horse, joined the Squadron this day from C Squadron.

20

Hinges. [2pm. On the 20^th May 1915 the Division moved south, Divisional Headquarters being at Locon.] At 10am 20 May 1915 the Squadron marched via Paradis to farm north of the La Bassée Canal, ½ mile north of Hinges. The road used being a 2^nd Class Road and in fair order, arrived at billets 3pm, the men billetted in a barn, horses in an open grass field.

21-31

The 2^nd and 9^th Divisions were relieved by the Highland (51^st) and Canadian Divisions. The Division moved into the 4^th Army Corps Command (Lieutenant General Sir H Rawlinson[10]). The Squadron remained ½ mile north of Hinges until the 1^st of June 1915 when it marched to Carvin.

During this month the weather remained fine and warm. There were occasional showers, but not sufficient to damage the roads to any great extent.

Ref Map 1/40,000 Bethune.

1

Carvin. 5pm. [3pm. On the 1^st June 1915 the Division joined the 4^th Army Corps (Lieutenant General Sir H Rawlinson).] The Squadron marched at 2.30pm 1 June 1915 to Carvin [(near Robec)]. Arrived at 5pm. Route taken partially along canal bank. Roads dry and in good order. The Squadron lines were situated in a shady orchard, good water obtained from small stream. The men in barns. On this day the Prime Minister[11] motored through a part of the 51^st Divisional area and addressed the troops.

2-13

–

14-18

Le Touret. 6pm. [During the period 14-17 [June] there was a big British attack at Festubert and] two troops under Captain E King King moved via Locon to Le Touret, bivouacking in the neighbourhood of the farm to act as prisoner's escort. These two troops were relieved on the 16^th by remaining two troops under Major Hon A Hamilton Russell on 16 June 1915. These troops returned to Carvin on the 18^th of June 1915. No prisoners were handed over to Officer Commanding Squadron during these four days.

19-20

–

21

La Pannerie. 2pm. Squadron marched via Bois de Pacault to La Pannerie at 10am. Horse lines situated in open grass field west of village. Men in a barn. Roads dry and in good order.

22-23

–

24

On the 24^th of June 1915 certain units of the Division started to move to Estaires and the Division came into the command of the Indian Army Corps.

25

[The Squadron moved ... on the 25^th June 1915 to Neuf Berquin (near Estaires).]

26

–

27

Neuf Berquin. 2.30pm. At 9am 27 June 1915 the Squadron moved north via La Gorgue to Neuf Berquin, arriving 2.30pm. A heavy thunderstorm fell during this march. The roads were in good order. Horse lines in an orchard on the north of the Neuf Berquin – Estaire Road. Horses were watered in the canal at La Gorgue. Drinking water was scarce, obtainable in small quantities from pumps in the locality.

Ref Map 1/40,000 Bethune.

28-29

–

30

The weather during June (1-25) was extremely hot and dry, no rain falling. On the 25^th a severe thunderstorm succeeded by others on the 26^th and 27^th broke the weather.

On the 30^th of June 1915 Captain E King King left for the base to attend a medical board [entered hospital]. He was suffering for debility and eventually vacated [evacuated] to England.

1-26

Neuf Berquin. Working parties of up to 100 men in the support trenches and for the construction of trenches to carry a subterranean telephone wire from advanced Divisional Headquarters to the Brigade Headquarters in case of an enemy attack were found by the Squadron on the 3^rd, 6^th, 9^th, 10^th, 12^th, 13^th, 15^th, 16^th, 17^th, 18^th, 19^th, 20^th and 21^st of this month. This work was one to three miles east of Laventie.

[From the 21^st June to the 28^th July [sic] the Squadron supplied trench repairing and various digging parties by day and by night.]

2^nd Lieutenant W Murland, 2^nd Lieutenant J.V Adair and four NCOs were instructed in 'bombing' at the bomb school (154^th Brigade) at Laventie from 16 July 1915 to 23 July 1915.

27-28

Berguette. 11pm. The Squadron marched at 9.30pm [10pm] via Merville to Berguette [Station] and entrained, proceeding via [Calais] Boulogne, Abbeville and Amiens to Mericourt Station (6pm), detrained at once and marched to Heilly, arriving at 7pm 28 July 1915.

29

Martinsart. 10.30pm. Major A Hamilton Russell, 2^nd Lieutenants J.G.C Kirkpatrick, J.V Adair and sixty men were attached to the 152^nd Brigade [(Brigadier-General Ross[12])] and marched at 7pm via Albert to Martinsart. The remaining men of the Squadron and horses remained at Heilly under 2^nd Lieutenant W Murland.

30

Authuille. 1am. Major Hamilton Russell, two Officers and sixty Other Ranks proceeded at 10pm and marched to the trenches at Authuille and were attached to the 1/8 Argylle and Sutherland Highlanders (Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell[13] commanding). These trenches were taken over this night from the 116^th French Regiment.

Ref Map 1/40,000 Bethune. Ref Map 1/100,000 Amiens.

31

–

1-14

The Squadron horses remained at Heilly. On the 5^th of August 1915 they moved to Franvillers. [On the 5^th August 1915 the remainder of the Squadron with led horses moved to Franvillers (1pm).]

The Squadron Officers and sixty Other Ranks in the trenches near Authuille came out of the trenches at 8pm 13 August 1915, being relieved by [a Squadron of] 3^rd [Bengal Cavalry] Lancers (Skinner's Horse). During their period in the trenches (30 July 1915 to 13 August 1915) their casualties were one slightly wounded [in the shoulder] by a dropping bullet. This man, Private McGivern[14], a Squadron cook, being in a reserve trench. During this period, there was a considerable amount of rifle fire, especially early morning and evening, and some shelling by both artilleries of reserve trenches, the fire trenches not being shelled at all, and no trench mortars or bombs thrown by enemy. The 111^th Reserve Regiment was said to be in trenches of the enemy opposite to our own. The trenches in the neighbourhood of Thiepval Chateau were shelled by our artillery. At 1.30am 14 August 1915 we met our horses at R[?] B[?] west of Albert [met at Albert at 10pm [13 August] by led horses] and marched to Behencourt [arriving there 4am], rejoining the remainder of the Squadron, which had moved from Franvillers to Behencourt on the 13^th of August 1915.

15-26

–

27-31

On the 27^th, 28^th, 29^th, 30^th, 31^st August the Squadron furnishing digging parties of one Officer, fifty Other Ranks for construction of trenches west of Albert.

[While at Behencourt the Squadron supplied occasional trench repair parties and daily wood cutting parties, built winter stables and made comfortable winter quarters.]

Ref Map 1/100,000 Albert.

1-30

Behencourt. The Squadron found a working party of fifty men for the trenches on the 1^st of September 1915.

On the 8^th of September 1915 2^nd Lieutenant P Sherston[15]  North Irish Horse joined the Squadron from Antrim.

During this month the men of the Squadron were given individual instruction in map reading, riding school and a weekly scheme.

From the 25^th of September 1915 to the 30^th of September 1915 a party of thirty men was detailed daily for wood cutting to supply wood required in the trenches.

On 24 September 1915 Major-General Bannatyne-Allason CB[16] handed over the 51^st Division to Major General G.M Harpur CB DSO[17], returned to England and took over 61^st Division.[18]

On the 25^th of September 1915 the big attack by the British troops at Loos and the French in Champagne began, which ended in some progress being made by the British and French and a few miles of ground recovered from the enemy.

The weather was fine and warm during the greater part of this month, some wet and cold weather from the 25^th to 30^th September.

1-31

Behencourt. 5 October 1915. A draught [sic] of one Sergeant and eight Other Ranks arrived from the base and joined the Squadron.

11 October 1915. A draught of one Corporal and nine Other Ranks arrived from the base and joined the Squadron, bringing the Squadron up to strength.

7 October 1915. The Squadron horses were moved from the lines into stables in the village.

9 October 1915. The Squadron inspected by General Officer Commanding 51^st Division.

25 October 1915. King George and President Poincaré reviewed the troops the X^th Corps (5^th, 30^th, 51^st Divisions) a few miles west of Albert.

Working parties in the trenches near Aveluy on 20 October 1915 under 2^nd Lieutenant P Sherston and on the 30^th October 1915 under 2^nd Lieutenant Kirkpatrick.

During the month of October the Squadron found a daily wood cutting party of thirty NCOs and men. They also built stabling, bath house, covered latrines, wash house, repaired barns, made beds, and established a canteen and institute in the village.

Fine weather the greater part of this month.

1-30

Behencourt. During November the daily woodcutting fatigue party of thirty NCOs and men was continued. Work in Behencourt in connection with stabling and making the village comfortable for troops to winter in, was continued.

About 700 French troops, the 292^nd and 326^th Regiments under General Drouot arrived in Behencourt on the 7^th.

On the 16^th of October 1915 Major General Harpur CB inspected the horses and institutes of the Squadron.

Some snow fell on the 17^th of November 1915, melted on the 20^th November 1915. There was a hard frost and cold weather on the 28^th, 29^th, 30^th.

1-20

Behencourt. During December (1-20) thirty NCOs and men were employed in woodcutting daily.

21-25

–

26-31

Septenville. On the 26^th of December 1915 the Squadron [left Behencourt and] marched via Molliens-au-Bois to Septenville [(1pm), the 51^st Division being withdrawn from the line and retired to rest in a back area], a 2^nd Class road in fair condition.

Training, schemes, drill and musketry were carried out during this months. A Squadron of South Irish Horse (Major Stern[19] in command) attached to the XXXII^nd Division succeeded the Squadron at Behencourt and took over the stables, baths, beds, canteen etc which the Squadron had made.

Septenville, a small village ½ mile south of Rubempré, consists of three farms and a shooting lodge. Nothing had been prepared by troops previously billetted there for the comfort of troops during the winter months.

Weather during December was on the whole mild – fine.

Ref Map Amiens 1/100,000.

1-31

Septenville. During January 1916 the Squadron were stationed at Septenville and continued their training while the Division remained in reserve.

On the 12^th of January 1916 the Divisional area was inspected by the Commander in Chief and General Officer Commanding 3^rd Army.

The Division during this month [4^th January] came into the command of the XIII^th Corps and Lieutenant General Congreve VC[20].

The Squadron was employed in making road reconnaissance reports of the Divisional area.

The weather was fine on the whole and mild for the time of year.

1-7

Septenville. D Squadron North Irish Horse were quartered at Septenville in the commune of Rubempré from the 26^th of December 1915 to the 8^th of February 1916. The horses belonging to 1, 2 and 3 Troops in under the shelter of outhouses, No.4 Troop in the open in an orchard. The men were billetted in barns. Water drawn from a well 250 ft deep was good for men and horses.

8-28

Corbie. 8 February 1916. The Squadron under orders of General Officer Commanding 152^nd Brigade marched via Molliens-au-Bois, St Gratien, Querrieux to Corbie. The 51^st Division still remaining in reserve. Divisional Headquarters at Daours.

The Squadron were billetted in Rue Victor Hugo, Corbie, the men in three sheds at the east end of the street, the horses in the open on the bend of a stream running parallel to the Somme River Canal. The conditions were unfavourable for horses, the horse lines deep in mud.

Snow fell to the depth of 4" on the 23^rd/24^th but rapidly melted on the 25^th and 26^th.

The Division during this month came under the command of the XVII^th Corps.

29

Flesselles. The Squadron marched at 8.15am via Daours, Amiens to Flesselles. The march of the Division on this occasion being conducted by groups, each group under a commander, the Squadron North Irish Horse and Cyclist Company forming one group. Flesselles was reached at 2pm. Weather fine. Road good. The men were billetted in the Rue D'Amiens in barns, horses in orchard near the road. Good water was obtained from wells in the neighbourhood of Rue D'Amiens.

1-5

Flesselles. The Squadron continued their training from 1^st – 5^th March.

6-8

Hardinval. On the 6^th March 1916 they marched via Naoure, Valenciennes, Candas to Hardinval, road in fair order, very cold, some snow showers. Remained at Hardinval 7^th and 8^th and did some musketry.

9-11

Sericourt. On the 9^th of March 1916 the Squadron marched via Occoches, Barly, Bonnières, Frèvent to Sericourt, road in fair order, very cold north wind, snow lying about.

The Division commenced taking over their new line from Neuville-St-Vast (inclusion) to Roclincourt (exclusion) from the French (46, 45 and 48 Brigades) on the 9/10, completing it on the 13/14.

On the 10^th of March 1916 the Squadron found guides for reinforcements arriving at railhead (Bouquemaison). Railhead moved to Aubigny on the 11^th of March 1916. On the 11^th of March 1916 one NCO and one man went to Wisques to attend a Hotchkiss gun course, returning 18^th March 1916.

12-13

Berlencourt. On the 12^th of March 1916 the Squadron moved via Frèvent to Berlencourt, a first class road the greater part of the way in good order. Billets were dirty and bad. Horse lines in a filthy state.

14

Tilloy-les-Hemaville. On the 14^th of March 1916 the Squadron marched via Ambrines, Sir Simon, Izel-le-Hameau to Tilloy-les-Hemaville, 2^nd Class road in good order. Met 2 Batt. Artillery (French) and Ambulance Train (French) moving west. Fine and warm. Billets were fair.

15

Vandelicourt. On the 15^th of March 1916 the Squadron moved via Berles to Vandelicourt. Road in good order. Men billetted in huts, horses in open. Fine and warm.

16-31

On the 16^th of March 1916 two Officers (Lieutenant C.J.G Kirkpatrick and Lieutenant W Murland) with fifty Other Ranks marched via Etrun to Louez, arriving at 7.30pm. Proceeded on foot to the trenches to be attached to B and C Companies 4^th Gordon Highlanders and take F.8 – F.15 subsector A.i of the 154^th Brigade trench line.

These two Troops were relieved with the 4^th Gordon on the night of the 22/23 by the 4^th Seaforths, the Gordons returning to rest billets at Etrun, and the North Irish Horse meeting their horses at Louez at 12 midnight returned to Vandelicourt. During the six days the North Irish Horse were in the trenches, they had one casualty (Private Harvey[21]). He was struck in the face and eye by a fragment from a rifle grenade. There was a great deal of work to be done in the trenches to render them more secure and bullet proof, the trenches being much confused by the continuous fighting that had taken place on previous occasions when held by the French. The dugouts were deep and good but insufficient in number. Our men occupied dugouts which had been constructed by the Germans and captured by the French.

The weather during this week was fine and warm, but colder on the 22^nd. Snow fell on the 23^rd and 24^th and the weather became wild and broken

One NCO was sent on a course of instruction in Gas - apparatus, remedies, on the 29^th.

On the 31^st Lieutenant Adair and Troop proceeded to Filliéure to be attached to the 17^th Lancers (Indian Cavalry Corps on a course of one month's instruction.

On the 20^th of March 1916 leave for the Division reopened and the Squadron were permitted to send one Officer and five men every fortnight.

1-30

Vandelicourt. Three Troops of D Squadron North Irish Horse at Vandelicourt, one Troop under Lieutenant Adair were attached to the 17^th Lancers (Indian Cavalry Corps) at Fillièure on the 31^st of March 1916. All Divisional Mounted Troops (Squadrons: (D?) Squadron North Irish Horse, 1 Squadron Yorks Hussars 46^th Division, and 1 Squadron Lothian Border Horse 25^th Division), Cyclist Companies and Machine Gun Companies took part in a scheme under the personal direction of Lieutenant General Sir J Byng[22] commanding XVII^th Corps on the (4?) ^th and 6^th of this month. Captain V Lockett[23] 17^th Lancers was attached to the Corps Headquarters Staff as instructor of Mounted Troops to introduce a universal method amongst the Squadrons.

Lieutenant Kirkpatrick and three Other Ranks attended a Hotchkiss Gun course at Camiers from 10 April 1916 to 18 April 1916.

Officers and NCOs attended an unsuccessful demonstration of liquid fire (Flammenwerfer) on the 13^th of April 1916.

A daily digging party of twenty men were employed in making trenches for a grenade school at Hemaville. from the 15^th of April 1916 till the end of the month.

Two Hotchkiss Gun courses of one Officer and six NCOs and men were trained for five days each course. Lieutenant W Murland and Lieutenant P Sherston being the Officers under instruction.

Fifteen NCOs and men were instructed under the Divisional Assistant Provost Marshall in military police and road control duties, each course lasting fifteen days.

Her Majesty Queen Alexandra sent a variety of gifts to the men of the Squadron on the 4^th of April 1916.

The weather during the first three weeks of April was cold, wet, and a strong west wind blew daily. The last week of the month was fine, hot, with a light east wind.

The battle of Verdun, starting on the 19^th of February 1916, appears to have terminated about the 28^th of April 1916.

The Sinn Fein rebellion started in Dublin on the 24^th of April 1916 is still continuing.