Wednesday 28th June 1916

Fremont

As the British assault troops were made ready to launch their attack in the early hours of 29^th June, so 10DWR were ordered to move closer to the front line to be ready to take their part in the actions of subsequent days. During the morning orders were received that the Battalion should be ready to march eight miles to new billets and bivouacs in and around Molliens au Bois, departing at 9.15pm. However, at 3.30pm the orders were rescinded and the Battalion was instead instructed to stand fast. This was occasioned by the postponement of the opening of the infantry assault for the Battle of the Somme due to the incessant heavy rain and the forecast of a continuation of the same over the coming days.

Pte. Roy Sayles (see 4^th April) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from “pyrexia, NYD”, ie pyrexia, or raised temperature, ‘not yet diagnosed’; he would be discharged and return to duty after six days.