2nd Battalion. 73rd Brigade, 24th Division: Left Ypres area (25/7) – entraining for Amiens and from there marching to billets at Molliens-Vidame. To Vaux-sur-Somme (31/7), Happy Valley (2/8). Now 7 miles from the fighting it was possible for parties to go forward and gain actual front-line experience. Battalion historian Lieutenant-Colonel F.E. Whitton records that several ‘excursions’ were made to Fricourt and Mametz and it was noted how the enemy’s highly developed defences and elaborate trench systems were so much different on the Somme to those in Belgium. To Citadel Camp (8/8) and later bivouacs at Carnoy. Carried out work on communication trench from Bernafay Wood across the open ground to Trônes, through the wood and out to its east side where War Diary records – the Buffs of 17th Brigade (8th Bn.) could be seen just ahead in the front line. Covering a distance of 1,500 yards work had to be done in semi-darkness but the task was soon completed and ‘Leinster Avenue’ as it became known was later put to good use during the attacks on Guillemont. In support for attack on Guillemont (18/8) – could advance no further than British front line which was held until relieved by 1st North Staffordshire at midnight. Withdrew with high casualties to the craters at Carnoy. Parties provided for work in Trônes Wood. Moved back beyond Carnoy (21/8). To front line (23/8) – position being in sunken road running between Trônes Wood and Guillemont. A vivid description of the conditions here is provided by a member of the 73rd Hanoverian Fusiliers, the German regiment then facing 2nd Leinster at the village end of the road. In his diary, the Fusilier notes the sunken road as appearing only as a series of huge shell holes, filled with uniforms, equipment and weapons – ‘everywhere arms, legs and heads were sticking up, torn limbs and bodies were lying all about.’ Relieved and to Dernancourt (26/8). To support line at Longueval (30/8), position in old German trench on high ground due west of Longueval. Enemy took part of Brigade line near Delville Wood (31/8). Engaged in recapture around Orchard Trench until relieved (2/9). To Fricourt. Casualties – 584. Entrained for Longpré and billets at Brucamps (7/9). Entrained at Longpré for Béthune (20/9) and from there marched to Bruay.
7th (Service) Battalion. 47th Brigade, 16th (Irish) Division: Arrived Heilly from Loos area (27/8) and from there, via Happy Valley, Carnoy and Montauban, took over line at Guillemont – south-east of Waterlot Farm (31/8). Attack on Guillemont (3/9) – Lieutenant-Colonel F.E. Whitton, historian of the Leinster Regiment records – ‘the 7th Leinsters had bombed, captured, bayoneted or brained with the butts of their rifles all the Germans in the first trench … a short breathing space was allowed and then the Battalion pushed on to Green Street which was captured with similar success.’ Lieutenant J.V. Holland awarded Victoria Cross for his gallantry while leading a party of bombers through the village. Relieved and to Carnoy (5/9). Casualties – 231. Here, Colonel Whitton recalls that it was difficult to tell whether the camp was German or Irish. Almost every man possessing a German helmet and greatcoat. To La Briqueterie (6/9), positions east of Guillemont (8/9). In support during attack on Ginchy (9/9). Relieved with heavy casualties and to Carnoy (10/9). Strength just 15 officers and 289 other ranks. On the journey, and while passing Trônes Wood, War Diary notes ‘a new pattern armoured machine’ moving into the wood. To Vaux-sur-Somme and billets 4 miles south of Abbeville (18/9). Entrained at Abbeville for Bailleul (21/9).