1/1st Battalion. Pioneers, 46th (North Midland) Division: Prom Headquarters at Foncquevillers assembled (1/7) in positions facing Gommecourt. Moving forward with assaulting troops work began improving and digging communication trenches. Under constant fire throughout. Casualties just under 100. Via Pommier left for sector south-west of Arras and billets at Berles (2/7).
1/2nd Battalion. Pioneers, 29th Division: Attack on Beaumont-Hamel (1/7) – stood by under heavy bombardment. Planed consolidation work could not take place owing to failure of attack. In his history of the Battalion Captain G.A. Brett recalls that on (1/7) only 200 men could be issued with helmets. The remainder (wearing their soft caps) were instructed to replace these with helmets taken from the dead as soon as possible. Captain Brett notes that within hours every man had a steel helmet. Withdrew to Mailly-Maillet Wood by midnight. For next weeks worked on a series of front line and communications trenches from the Redan down to the Ancre. These improved positions were to be those used by the 51st (Highland) Division at the beginning of its successful assault at Beaumont Hamel the following November. Moved to Ypres sector (24/7). Back on the Somme and in camp at Montauban (6/10). Captain Brett recalls that on the march to Montauban one man fell out. He was later delivered in fine style by a staff car also occupied by the Prince of Wales. Worked principally on road improvements around Ginchy, Lesbœufs and Flers.
1/3rd Battalion. Pioneers, 49th (West Riding) Division: Moved forward from Bouzincourt to 36th (Ulster) Division’s area in front of the Schwaben Redoubt during evening (1/7). Work included digging of communication trenches around the Thiepval and La Boisselle areas. To Hédauville (10/7), Forceville (5/8). Battalion had been low in numbers for some time and replacements were becoming difficult to find. Subsequently, and while at Forceville, orders were received to disband. Personnel to various other regiments, including sister battalions – 1/1st and 1/2nd Monmouthshire.