In preparation for their forthcoming move, Company
commanders inspected their Companies at 9am and had instruction “to send all
men with clothing requiring of changing, or any deficiencies of helmets,
waterproof sheets etc. to QM stores under an officer”. A Church service and
Holy Communion was held from 10.30am “in the field behind the Lewis Gun
billets”. There was heavy rain for much of the day.
The move orders which had been received the previous day
were now revised, with the Battalion now instructed to be made ready to move
off in the evening. At 3pm, ahead of the main move, the Battalion transport and
the Lewis Gun section were ordered to proceed to Allonville and Poulanville
respectively, where each would spend one night before moving off again early on
11th. After these advance parties had moved off the remainder of the
Battalion was made ready to move. Officers were reminded to have their kit
packed but were also reminded that they, “must make their own arrangements for
getting them to the station as no transport is available. Negotiations are
proceeding for the hire of a French cart but this cannot be relied on”. Late on
the evening of 10th the Battalion completed the short (three mile) march from
Bresle to Mericourt L’Abbe and at midnight they boarded a train, ready for
their onward journey to Pontremy.
RSM John William
Headings (see 3rd August)
returned to duty, having spent the last week at 23rd Divisional Rest
Station while suffering from sciatica.
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| The three Headings brothers: from left to right, James Lawrence, John William (standing) and Henry George. (Photo by kind permission of Jill Monk) |
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