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Friday 4 February 2011

Diary Entry - 4th February 1916

A very cold, wet morning. The class went out to choose positions near Verghin and we met the Colonel at eleven thirty outside a chateau gate. He heard our schemes, then said that, as he had to go into action and take Colonel Ward's place, as regards the class, as the French say, 'il va plus'. Colonel Ward has been promoted to Brigadier. After tea, the Colonel, Sims [or Dims?], Reeves and self went to the 2nd divisional show, which was excellent. There was quite a party in to dine - all Infantry people. General, Twiss [?], Knox-Gore, Bombs and Sims [or Dims?].

4 comments:

  1. Lt I C Pery-Knox-Gore was in 48th Battery in Aug 1914 and went to the 2nd Division Artillery Staff in November 1914 [the Brigade was with 2nd Division throughout the war] - this may well have been his post at this time

    Lt Col Harry Dudley Ossulston Ward had commanded 36th Brigade since April 1915 I believe - its second wartime commander.

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  2. Many thanks, dne1 - I don't suppose you have any ideas about Twiss, Dims (or Sims - but it looks much more like Dims) and Bombs? I haven't come across such a cluster of odd names before

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  3. Twiss might (?) be a Lt Col? Frank Twiss, Royal Garrison Artillery; I am thinking some of these characters may be various Divisional Staff Officers; some from 41st Brigade RFA - which was also with 2nd Division throughout the war.

    Reeves must be 2Lt Leslie Reeves - who joined 41st Brigade in c.Sept 1915.

    No suggestions as yet for the others - not from 36th Brigade I think.

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  4. Thank you for trying. All information gratefully received.

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