8th KORL in support at Infantry Hill; Reggie goes on leave

The 8th KORL moves back to Arras and supplied endless work parties trench digging around Arras.

On the 12th, the 8th KORL moves back to the area around Monchy-le-Preux and, on the 14th, they acted in support of a wider attack on Infantry Hill east of Monchy which was eventually taken and held despite concerted attempts by Germans to retake the hill.

On the 20th, the 76th Brigade (including the 8th KORL) was relieved and marched back into Arras where there were baths available. They were then bused to billets in Halloy where they stayed until the end of the month.

On the 21st, Reggie went on a brief leave to England with Major B.H.H. Perry taking over command of the battalion.

• 2nd June
  Moved by motor bus to Arras
  Rather exposed barracks
  Arras shelled overnight
• 3rd June
  Decorations for gallantry at Monchy

  Sgt. F.Harding	Military Medal
  Pte. J.B. Isherwood	Military Medal
  Sgt. W.H. Walker	Military Medal
  C.Q.M.S. H.B. Hindle	Military Medal
  Pte. C. Cambell	Military Medal
  Sgt. J. Hindle	Military Medal
  L/Cpl. G. Dickenson	Military Medal
  L/Cpl. Y. Lovatt	Military Medal
  Pte. G. Southward	Military Medal

• 4th June
  Ordered to move barracks in St. Sacrament to get better accommodation
  Not enough room at new barracks for the whole battalion, so 2 coys stayed put
• 5th June
  Moved those 2 coys to new billets in Rue des Capucins
  Trench digging in front of Arras
• 6th June
  Lewis gun practice
  Finished digging trenches started previous day
• 7th June
  Capt. J.R. Dickenson awarded Military Cross
  Capt. L.S. Lyons, Lt. G.S. Hyams, Lt. H.N. Flewitt, Sgt. S. Howard, L/Sgt J. Kitchin, L/Cpl D. Selkeld mentioned in despatches
• 8th to 11th June
  Musketry, bombing, Lewis gun etc. practice
• 12th June
  Enemy destroyed house next to Q.M. Store
  Marched to Monchy and relieved 2nd Royal Scots
• 14th June
  Artillery bombardment of Long Trench in support of 1st Gordons & 2nd Suffolks attack on Infantry Hill
  Attack largely successful
  Considerable artillery activity on both sides
• 15th June
  Village receiving attention from enemy during the night
• 16th June
  Heavy barrage on front & support trenches from enemy
  “B ” Company moved up from Brown Line and took over Dale Trench
  Major Perry set up H.Q. in Shrapnel Trench and took charge of B&C  Coys
• 17th June
  Royal Welsh Fusiliers attacked on left but met M.G. fire
  Orders received to relieve the Gordons and Royal Welsh Fusiliers
• 18th June
  Enemy launched counter attack on defences which was beaten back by combined efforts of KORL, Suffolks, Welsh & Gordons
  Heavy casualties
  Two posts of Gordons wiped out
• 19th June
  Stretcher bearers active
  Working parties to make good damage to trenches
• 20th June
  76 Brigade relieved by 36 Brigade of the 12 Division
  Marched back to Arras and billeted in St. Sacrament convent
  Swimming baths available
  Buses to billets in Halloy
• 21st June
  Resting and cleaning
  Letter received from Lieut-Gen A. Haldane, O.C. VI Corps

  The Corps Commander is now in possession of the German counterattack on our trenches east of MONCHY-LE-PREAU on the morning of 18th June (the 103rd anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo in which the 3rd Division bore a distinguished part). Thanks to the gallant stand made by the 76th Infantry Brigade the attack of the enemy was checked and completely disorganized, heavy loss being inflicted on his troops. It is a source of particular satisfaction to the Corps Commander that the troops of the 3rd Division held their ground during the very severe test which they underwent with their customary gallantry and resolution. He wishes to remind them that by doing so they maintained their proud record of never having lost a trench to the enemy both while under his command & under that of Maj-Gen Deverell.

  19th June 1917

  (Signed) A. Haldane Lt.Gen Cmdg VI Corps

  Lieut.Col. R.S. Hunt on leave to England

• 22nd to 30th June
  Reorganizing
  Baths
  Training at Hurte Bise
  Lewis Guns
  Bombing
  Musketry
  Handling of Arms
  Wiring
  Brigadier-General Porter inspected horses and harnesses
• 29th June
  G.O.C. VI Corps (A.Haldane) presented medal ribbons
• 30th June
  War diary of the 8th KORL signed by B.H.H. Perry Major 8th Ba. The King’s Own (R.L.) Rgt