Saturday 18th March 1916

Billets in Bruay

At 11.30am, in good weather, the Battalion formed up in Bruay and began the six-mile move to the pithead known as Coron Fosse 10, at the village of Sains-en-Gohelle, marching via Hallicourt, Barlin and Hersin. En route they passed the 6^th Infantry Brigade and were greatly encouraged by the sound of the Brigade bands. Conditions on arrival were reported as being quiet, with just an occasional sound of artillery fire but orders were issued that, “no man is to quit his billet without permission. As the vicinity is liable to shell fire, no unnecessary movement will take place”.

Pte. William Baxter (see 5^th August 1915) was reported for “absenting himself without leave and drunkenness”. He would be held in confinement until being tried by Field General Court Martial on 20^th March; he would be found guilty and sentenced to 56 days’ Field Punishment no.2 and fined 20s..

Pte. Albert Edward White (see 9^th March), who had been wounded on 9^th March, was evacuated to England; he would be admitted to Merryflats War Hospital, Govan, Glasgow.

A payment of 4s. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Tom Bradley (see 13^th November 1915), who had died of wounds following an accident at the Brigade bomb school in November 1915; the payment would go to his mother, Mary.