Reggie still at 76th Brigade; 8th KORL at Guémappe (again)

Reggie is remains in command of the 76th Brigade for the first two weeks until Brigadier-General Porter returns from leave.

As Reggie returns to his normal command, the 8th KORL are once again stationed around Guémappe which is much quieter than the previous visit that the battalion made to the area.

• 1st Feb
  Divisional commander called to see Col. Hunt.
  Col. Hunt went to H.Q., 12th Inf Bde
• 2nd Feb
  Lt.Col. Hunt went round the line re work of the Pioneer Battalion.
  Lt.Col. Hunt went round the lines
• 3rd Feb
  Lt.Col. Hunt went round the line re water points. Lt.Col. Hunt went round Left Battalion front
• 4th Feb
  Divisional commander called to see Col. Hunt.
• 5th Feb
  Lt.Col. Hunt inspected transport lines
• 6th Feb
  Lt.Col. Hunt and Staff Captain went round the lines
• 7th Feb
  Lt.Col. Hunt went round the lines
• 8th Feb
  Lt.Col. Hunt and Staff Captain went to see departure of 10th R.W.F. (10th Royal Welsh Fusiliers were disbanded, men going to 8th Entrenching Battalion)
  Col. Hunt went round the line
• 10th Feb
  Lt.Col. Hunt went round the line
• 11th Feb
  Lt.Col. Hunt and Staff Captain went to Tank demonstration at Bray-Sur-Somme
• 12th Feb
  Lt.Col. Hunt went round the M.G. positions
• 14th Feb
  GOC returned from leave
• 15th Feb
  Lt.Col. Hunt left brigade to rejoin battalion

  Lt.Col. R.S. Hunt returned from Brigade and took command of the Battalion at Wancourt

• 16th Feb
  In front line at Guémappe
  Early enemy raid 
• 17th Feb
  Dawn enemy shelling
• 18th Feb
  Quiet
• 19th Feb
  Raiding party sent out at 2am of 3 officers and 3 ORs
  They encountered a German patrol. 2 prisoners taken to Brigade.
  Otherwise usual activity
• 20th Feb
  Enemy gas shells 
  Message received from Brigade

  The G.O.C. wishes his congratulations conveyed to the 8th Batt. The King’s Own (R.L.) Regt. and to 2/Lt. W. Smith and the men of his patrol for their initiative and courage on Patrol duty. The right spirit which brings success was shown.

  (Sgd) Lumley Capt.
  for Lt.Col. General Staff
  3rd Division

  The Brigadier has much pleasure in forwarding the above.

• 21st Feb
  Relieved by 2nd Suffolks
  Moved to Brigade support at Wancourt
• 22nd Feb
  Baths
  Night working parties
• 23rd Feb
  Working and carrying parties
• 24th Feb
  Relieved 1st Gordon Highlanders in the line at Guémappe
• 25th to 26th Feb
  Usual trench warfare
• 28th Feb
  Evening enemy shelling with heavy, light and gas shells around Batt H.Q.