Q.6.a and Other places Recollections of 1916, 1917 and 1918   By: Francis Buckley (1881-1949)

Transcriber's Note: Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has been preserved. For the interest of the reader, 'the morning hate' is WWI slang for the "Stand To Arms". Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. For a complete list, please see the end of this document.

Q. 6. A

AND OTHER PLACES

Q. 6. A AND OTHER PLACES

RECOLLECTIONS OF 1916, 1917, 1918

BY FRANCIS BUCKLEY

LONDON SPOTTISWOODE, BALLANTYNE & CO. LTD. 1 NEW STREET SQUARE, E.C. 4 1920

INTRODUCTION

In the following pages I have tried to set down as faithfully as I can some of the impressions which remain to me now of three years' service in France and Flanders.

I have naturally suppressed much of the grim and ghastly horrors that were shared by all in the fighting area. A narrative must be written from some point of view, and I have had to select my own. I regret that so much personal and trivial incident should appear. Perhaps some will be able to see through the gross egotistical covering and get a glimpse, however faint, of the deeds of deathless heroism performed by my beloved comrades the officers and men of the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers, the officers and men of the 149th Infantry Brigade, the officers and men of the 50th Division.

The climax of the story is the battle on the Somme where so many dear friends have perished. The name is taken from a spot where a small party of the 7th N.F. did something long afterwards to avenge their fallen comrades.

Finally no criticism of the Higher Command is intended by anything that has been written. If such can be read between the lines, it is unintentional and a matter for sincere regret.

CONTENTS

PAGE

I. WHEN IT BEGAN 1

II. THE MEN OF THE NORTH COUNTRY 7

III. ALNWICK 12

IV. THE JOURNEY OUT 17

V. HILL 60 22

VI. MOUNT SORREL AND CANNY HILL 31

VII. KEMMEL 41

VIII. DIVISIONAL REST 48

IX. BRIGADE HEAD QUARTERS 52

X. THE BRIGADE BOMBING SCHOOL 59

XI. ST. ELOI AND NEUVE EGLISE 64

XII. THE SOMME 68

XIII. HÉNENCOURT 72

XIV. MAMETZ WOOD 76

XV. THE 15TH SEPTEMBER, 1916 80

XVI. MILLENCOURT 87

XVII. HOOK SAP 90

XVIII. SECOND LEAVE BRESLE 97

XIX. BUTTE OF WARLENCOURT TRENCH WARFARE 102

XX. FRANCE AND THE FRENCH 107

XXI. SOUTH OF THE SOMME 115

XXII. THE BATTLE OF ARRAS 122