5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 7th August 1914 – 28th August 1914 August 7th: Orders received by 1st Battalion on eve of departure to France to dispatch 3 officers and 15 Non-Commissioned Officers (N.C.O) to Dorchester to form the nucleus for a new ‘service’ Battalion. August 10th: Recruiting for new Battalion commenced. August 19th: Major C.C Hannay, the Commanding Officer of the Depot was appointed to command the new unit, being gazetted as a temporary Lieutenant Colonel. August 28th: Battalion proceeded to Belton Park, Grantham to be attached to 11th (Northern) Division of the ‘First New Army’ for deployment overseas after six months training.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 4th April 1915 – 7th August 1915 April 4th: Battalion starts redeployment to Witley Camp near Hindhead following the relocation of the ‘First New Army’ to be concentrated in the Aldershot Command. At some time prior to this move the Battalion had been allotted to the 34th Brigade June 30th: 5th Dorsets receive orders to mobilise as part of three ‘K1’ divisions to reinforce the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force under General Sir Ian Hamilton in Gallipoli July 2nd: Battalion embarked on the Cunard ship Aquitania in Liverpool as one of six battalions on the ship. The ship sailed on the following day at 1400 hours so as to pass through the danger areas off the Scilly Isles and Cornish coast in the hours of darkness. July 3rd: At 06.00 hours, escorting destroyers parted company, at 06.30 hours a torpedo was fired at the Aquitania 100 miles west of the Scilly Isles. The torpedo missed the ship, but the Aquitania undertook an evasive course for next 2 days, changing course every 15 minutes. July 6th: The Aquitania passed through the strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. July 7th: The Aquitania passed close to an enemy submarine which had surfaced to take on fuel from a tramp steamer. Neither vessel was able to attack each other as the Aquitania had no armaments of its own. July 10th: The Aquitania cast anchor in a bay on the coast of Lemnos, where numerous other ships and craft were docked July 11th: 5th Battalion disembarked and proceeded to bivouac in the north of the harbour. Due to the heat and the scarcity of water and clean sanitation, sickness, such as diarrhoea, stomach complaints and heat stroke set in. July 19th: The Battalion transferred to Imbros where the Division was to be concentrated. They were encamped in a maize field for a number of days. Although close enough to the Gallipoli Peninsula to hear the guns, the Battalion was not involved in fighting at this time. The hot and dusty climate contributed to further sickness amongst the men, with diarrhoea being the main complaint. August 3rd: Brigade staff and the 4 Battalion commanders were taken on a trip on a destroyer to enable them to reconnoitre the area of Suvla Bay and the land behind it. This was the first indication of their destination.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919

7th August 1915 – 18th August 1915 August 7th: 1400 hours, Lieutenant-Colonel Hannay, having not received any replies or instructions decided to go and see the Brigadier himself. In company with the Adjutant, Captain Carruthers-Little, he set off, but Captain Carruthers- Little was shot through the heart and killed by a Turkish sniper. August 7th: The Battalion was spilt with Major Leslie having taken nearly 300 men to support an attack on Chocolate Hill, the remainder spending the night on Hill 28. Despite intermittent sniping during the night, the lack of water was considered more serious. August 8th: Lieutenant-Colonel Hannay received orders to assist 30th Brigade, to advance along the Karakol Dagh-Kiretch Tepe Sirt Ridge. The 5th were to be accompanied by the Lancashire Fusiliers. As 30th Brigade never advanced, Lieutenant-Colonel Hannay remained on Hill 28 and was joined by Captain Vincent and his reinforcements. The 5th Battalion is now about 800 men strong. August 9th: At 0400 hours the Battalion received orders to advance by 06.00 hours to a point half a mile N.E of Hill 28 to deploy for an attack. This meant that water and rations had yet to be replenished. August 9th: Due to heavy enemy fire, the 5th Battalion were unable to press on as the Munster Fusiliers could not reach the Dorsets. During this time Captain Le Marchant was killed by a ricochet and Major Weldon seriously injured. Eventually the division retired. During the fighting 20 men had been killed and over 60 wounded with another dozen missing. August 10th: 5th Battalion were relieved by Inniskilling Fusiliers and re-joined their own Division in reserve at Lala Baba. August 13th: 34th Brigade took over trenches south of Green Hill, and 5th Battalion advanced to the support trenches south of the Salt Lake. August 15th: The Battalion moved up to relieve Northumberland Fusiliers in the left section of the Brigade’s front. August 17th: The Dorsets were relieved by the Northumberland Fusiliers overnight to enable them to go into reserve. Prior to re-joining the Northumberland Fusiliers on the following day, Lieutenant-Colonel Hannay was transferred to command 34th Brigade, leaving Major Leslie in command of the Battalion. August 18th: The 5th remained in ‘Dead Man’s House’ trenches having taken over from the Northumberland Fusiliers and the Manchesters who had suffered.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 20th August 1915 – 14th September 1915 August 20th: The Turks put up white flags allowing for a meeting between Lieutenant George and the Turkish representative in which a short truce was agreed and the wounded soldiers in No-Man’s land were repatriated. August 20th: The Battalion’s trenches taken over after dark by 2 Battalions from 32 Brigade; the 5th Battalion side -stepped to the right relieving the Lancashire Fusiliers south of Dead Man’s House. August 21st: 5th Battalion and Lancashire Fusiliers attacked as the 1st line of 34th Brigade. Numerous casualties were incurred and Lieutenant George was killed. However, the Dorsets managed to take the first Turkish trench but the objective to take a 2nd more heavily defended trench failed due to heavy fire. August 21st: The fight for the Turkish trenches between Hetman Chair & Susak Kuya brought heavy casualties for the Battalion’s officers who had reached the Turkish positions. Captains Gregory, Vincent & Lieutenants Bowler and Higgins were all wounded. The commanding officer, Captain Moody and Lieutenant Montgomery were all killed. August 22nd: The 5th Dorsets and other Battalions of the 34th Brigade made their way back to Lala Baba to reorganize. The third surviving officer, their Quartermaster was found. Of the warrant officers, Company Quarter Master Sergeant Orchard had been killed and Company Sergeant Major Creech & Company Quarter Master Sergeant Hart wounded. August 22nd: The 5th could muster in the region of 250 men. With no Battalion able to muster more than 2 ‘weak companies’ the Dorsets were amalgamated with the 11th Manchesters as ‘No. 2’ Battalion under Major Day, amounting to 10 Officers and six hundred and twenty men. August 25th: ‘No. 2’ Battalion sent back to the trenches to occupy and support the line at Kazlar Chair. August 28th: ‘No. 2’ Battalion relieved by a Battalion of the 13th Division, and set off on a long night march to Karakol Dagh where the 11th division was to relieve the 54th. September 9th: 5th Battalion reinforced with 150 men.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 September 14th: A further 100 men were attached to 5th along with 2 officers from the 13th Hampshires, Lieutenants Turner & Stockwell, who had command of 2 companies each as there was a shortage of officers. Lieutenant Richards was the commanding officer of the Dorsets ‘wing’ of No 2 and 2nd/ Lieutenant Smith was the acting Adjutant.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 20th September 1915 –2nd December 1915 September 20th: The Brigade was relieved after 16 days on the front. During this time a total of 24 men had been killed and 35 wounded by Turkish snipers, although a communication trench leading back to Nullah providing covered access back to the beach helped reduce the casualty rate. September 20th – 28th: The Brigade was in reserve during which time the 5th Dorsets and the 11th Manchesters resumed their separate formations. Major Day had gone sick prior to this and Captain Dawson of the Lancashire Fusiliers took command. Lieutenant Richards was also sick and worn out, and had to go to hospital. Lieutenant Derry re-joined the Battalion from Hospital with 2 newly commissioned officers from the Yeomanry as well as three more officers and 150 men from the 3rd Battalion. September 28th: The 5th Battalion returned to the trench with over 550 men, but still short of officers. A large proportion of men continued to be plagued by sickness with both diarrhoea & dysentery affecting nearly all men. The new medical officer, Lieutenant Willocks of the Royal Army Medical Corps gradually reduced the numbers on morning sick parade and those admitted to hospital. September 28th – 16th October: The Battalion had success in locating the enemy’s working parties and snipers posts and were able to successfully direct artillery fire onto these positions. 16th October – November 3rd: 5th Battalion was in Brigade reserve, and although it did not undertake any patrolling it did have to carry out unrelenting fatigues. On 25th October, Captain Dawson had gone sick to be replaced by Captain Mullins of the 11th Loyal North Lancashire’s who had only 10 months service. (Lieutenant Colonel Hannay who had also gone sick in early October, was now so ill that he had to return home). November 3rd: The Brigade was relieved by the South West Mounted Brigade (dismounted Yeomanry unit) although the Dorsets were left in support of the Yeomanry for a number of days prior to re-joining the Brigade now in Divisional reserve on the beach. November 12th: Captain Gregory returned from hospital and was 2nd in command of the Battalion. November 16th: Continuous storms resulted in further sickness and hardship for the men in the Battalion whose positions and kit are flooded. November 26th-27th: To escape the storms and bitter cold, the Battalion on the orders of a subaltern take refuge on the beach on the southern slope. The atrocious weather accounted for number lives, the one redeeming factor being that the Turks suffered as harshly.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 December 2nd: Although 150 men had been evacuated to hospital, 5th Battalion moved into ‘rest, trenches on the west beach where they remained for two weeks employed in beach fatigues.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 6th December 1915 – 13th January 1916 December 6th: A draft of 140 men arrived from home to bolster the Battalion’s strength. December 14th: The Battalion’s strength was recorded as 17 officers and 516 other ranks. Casualties for November and December were recorded as one man killed, one officer (2nd Lieutenant Codnor) and 17 men injured. December 16th: In the evening 5th Battalion embarked on transport to Mudros. December 17th: The 5th Battalion disembarked into tents at Tower Camp where they are able to obtain supplies of fresh food, vegetables & fruit. December 19th: The 5th Battalion received orders to deploy to Imbros. December 20th: 5th Battalion embarked on H.M.T. Abbasieh but returned to harbour with a badly damaged bow following a collision with a Tramp Steamer and narrowly avoiding another collision December 21st: The Battalion arrived at Imbros on another transport ship December 26th: Captain Mullins vacated command of the Battalion. December 27th: Major Kearsey of the 10th Hussars took command of the Battalion. He had previously been Brigade Major with the 2nd Lowland Mounted Brigade. The Battalion spent a month at Imbros where training and replenishment are much needed. December 21st: The Battalion arrived at Imbros on another transport ship December 26th: Captain Mullins vacated command of the Battalion. December 27th: Major Kearsey of the 10th Hussars took command of the Battalion. He had previously been Brigade Major with the 2nd Lowland Mounted Brigade. The Battalion spend a month at Imbros where training and replenishment are much needed. January 13th: 4 officers and 254 men mostly with previous experience arrived.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 27th January 1916 - 9th July 1916

January 27th: 5th Battalion departed from Imbros on the S.S.Seang Bee arriving in Alexandria on 1st February. February 1st: The Battalion disembarked and proceed to Sidi Bisr camp seven miles from Alexandria, where training continued. February 7th: Major Day re-joined the Battalion as second-in-command with three officers and eighty men from Base Details, taking the Dorset’s strength to over 900. February 19th: 5th Battalion moved to El Ferdan on the Suez Canal as the 11th Division had been allocated to the defence of that section of the Canal. Prior to this Captain Turner was appointed as Adjutant & Captain Gregory resuming February – June: 5th Battalion involved in preparing the defences against an anticipated Turkish attack. In the middle of May the 34th Brigade moved back to the Canal bank. During this period Major Kearsey had left to become G.S.O,I of the 54th Division and Major Day held temporary command until the arrival of Major J A Pollock from the Oxfordshire Light Infantry. In all 12 new officers and 5 old officers had re-joined the Battalion including Captains Saunders and Clayton, plus Lieutenants Cooke and Drysdale. 2nd Lieutenant Codnor who had been wounded at Suvla in November 1915 returned. During this time despite all of the work undertaken by the 5th in preparation for the defence, the time provided an opportunity for the Battalion to know each other and undergo valuable training. July 3rd: 5th Battalion arrived in Alexandria and embarked on H.M.T. Transylvania on the same evening with 32 officers and 869 men. July 8th: H.M.T. Transylvania arrives in Marseilles. July 9th: The Dorsets disembark from H.M.T.Transylvania.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919

11th July 1916 – 16th September 1916 11th July: Following 2 days in a rest camp the Battalion entrain at 10pm. 14th July: The Battalion arrived in St Pol, one of the last units to arrive at the Division’s concentration area. 16th July: 11th Division moved towards the front having allotted to 6th Corps in the Third army taking over the South Sector in Arras. 20th July: 5th Battalion began their first turn in the trenches in a ‘quiet’ quarter (Wailly-Bretencourt) given that the Somme offensive had already commenced and the enemy’s resources were deployed in other areas on the front despite the positional advantage held. July-August: The Battalion spent nearly 3 weeks in the front line followed by a further 10 days in support prior to moving back to a training area at Avesnes Le Comte. During this time they suffered 20 casualties including Captain Kitcher who was killed by a rifle grenade. On 27th July Lieutenant Colonel Hannay had returned to command the Battalion after he had regained his health. August: During their time out of the line, the Battalion was strengthened by the arrival of 40 men from the 9th Hampshires (Cyclists) and 15 Officers including Lieutenant Richards who had been wounded in Gallipoli in October 1915. The strength of the Battalion was 43 Officers and 861 men. September 7th: The Battalion reached Bouzincourt where the Division was to relieve the 25th who had made enough progress to enable an assault to be made upon the enemy’s Wunderwerk. September 8th: The Division took over the position September 15th: 32nd Brigade stormed the Wunderwerk. The 34th Brigade stood by to reinforce the attack but were not required. September 16th: 34th Brigade relieved the Canadians opposite Mouquet Farm. During the three days spent at the location the 5th Battalion were involved in heavy fighting with the enemy, although there were numerous German casualties, the 5th had 13 killed and missing as well as 4 officers and 37 men injured, including Lieutenant Drysdale who died shortly afterwards from his wounds.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 19th September 1916 - October 7th 1916 September 19th: The 5th Battalion was out of the line resting in preparation for the next attack, initially at Albert and then Englebelmer. September 26th: The 34th Brigade attack was led by the Fusilier regiments with the 5th in support being used to consolidate positions captured by the Fusiliers. During their advance on No-Man’s land they were caught by a German artillery barrage, Captain Vincent and Lieutenant Gandon were killed and Captain Gregory was injured. The attack caused the advance to become fragmented and un-cohesive. However, despite this 2nd Lieutenant Franklin assumed command of D Company when Lieutenant King was hit and led his company forward with great courage until severely wounded himself. September 26th: 2nd Lieutenant Vale took command of A company when Captain Gregory was injured established a party close to Zollern Redoubt. Despite heavy fighting Zollern Redoubt and the trench were not taken. At 8pm Lieutenant Colonel Hannay was ordered to consolidate the second objective and send two companies forward to secure the third. Despite the heaviest shelling seen by the 5th to date nobody was hit. Despite heavy shelling the gains were consolidated before being relieved by 32nd brigade. After a weary trudge the remnants of the Dorset’s reached Pozieres at about 18.00 a roll call was answered by 120 men. September 27th: The 34th Brigade now in Divisional reserve went back to Varennes. As a result of their first major battle in France the Battalion had suffered heavily, albeit most of the Division’s objectives had been met. Of roughly 600 men in action about two thirds were casualties. 8 officers and 114 men either killed in action or were missing, a further 5 officers and 225 men were wounded. The 11th Division were given 6 weeks out of the line, resting, reorganising and training. Most of this time was spent at Domqueur. The 5th was reinforced by drafts in excess of 600 men. October 7th: Lieutenant-General Claud Jacob, the Corps Commander visited the Battalion

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919

October 11th 1916- 6th January 1917 October 11th: Sir Douglas Haig inspected the 34th Brigade. October 20th: Parade for the presentation of decorations by the Divisional General, Major-General Sir C L Woolcombe. These included three Military Crosses awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Dancer, Franklin & Vale, three Distinguished Conduct Medals, which went to Company Sergeant Major Riddle and Privates Beaupre & Fowler. Eleven Military Medals were given to Sergeant Newman, Corporals Richards and Selbey, Privates Day, Dight, Gorst, Higgins, O’Brien, Robins, Sylvester & Tolfield. The Chaplain was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. The Medical Officer, Captain Russell, received the Military Cross. November: The 5th Battalion started their return to the line by marching by St Leger, Pernois, Harponville, Raincheval to Puchvillers. The march from Pernois to Harponville was eighteen miles and was completed in the snow and cold on November 18th. November 22nd: 5th Battalion re-entered the trenches. The 11th Division was taking over land captured on 13th November when Beaumont Hamel was taken. The trenches were in poor condition and the whole area was pitted with shell holes full of mud and water. As the ground was ‘liquid’ getting rations and ammunition was extremely difficult as the approach was over exposed ground. November 22nd-30th: The Dorsets were in support in dugouts at St Pierre Divion supplying large working parties at night. These parties were heavily shelled and the Battalion suffered over 30 casualties, including, 2nd Lieutenants. Goode, Leat and Tyson all wounded on the same night. November 30th – December 8th: The 5th were in the front line. Due to heavy shelling by the enemy, the Battalion suffered over sixty casualties. December 8th – 16th: The Battalion were in reserve. December 16th – 24th: The Battalion returned to the trenches. January 1st -6th: The Dorsets were on the front line between the Beaucourt- Serre road and Puisieux road ravine. Due to the enemy’s guns, five were killed and a dozen wounded.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919

6th January 1917 – 14th May 1917 January 6th – 10th: The Battalion, which was in support, was now commanded by Major Palmer (who had joined in November) as Lieutenant Colonel Hannay was now commanding the 34th Brigade. January 11th: At 0640 hours, ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies under the command of Captain Ritson and Lieutenant Shephard respectively advanced behind a barrage and achieved their initial objectives capturing fourteen of the enemy. Unfortunately the weather turned, a thick fog and a blinding snowstorm held up progress. ‘C’ Company which had been ready to support did not receive word until 09.30. January 11th: ‘D’ Company were forced to retreat after being attacked by German bombers from a bank above. ‘A’ Company were also driven out of their position. Captain Ritson had to summon the assistance of ‘C’ Company, but when faced with retreating soldiers, ‘C’ Company ended up covering the retreat. Casualties were heavy; Lieutenant Shephard and twenty-five others were killed. 2nd Lieutenants Bateman and Keeley and ninety others mainly from ‘D’ Company were missing. 2nd Lieutenants Straughan & Wanstall and fifty men wounded. 2nd Lieutenant Bateman, Company Sergeant Major Riddle and nearly fifty men were reported to be prisoners. This turned out to be the Battalion’s last experience in the Somme area. January 19th: 11th Division relieved by the Royal Navy Division and returned to the training area near Yvrench. The Dorsets were again quartered at Domqueur. There followed a period of resting, training and refitting. During the month 80 men and 11 officers joined the Battalion, two of the officers, Lieutenant Le Cornu & Lieutenant St Aubyn had served previously with the 5th Battalion in Gallipoli. February 23rd: The Battalion moves to Raincheval for more training. During this month Captain Jesty was transferred to the Royal Engineers & Lieutenant James was appointed as Adjutant. Captain Gregory who was awarded a Military Cross in the New Year’s honours list transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. March 2nd: The 5th move again to Mailley-Maillet for a long spell of roadwork. The reason for this was that the Battalion had to be isolated due to the outbreak of an epidemic. Life was harsh for the 5th Battalion due to the inclement weather, however not a single casualty occurred between 11th January and the end of April. During this period Major Palmer left and was eventually replaced by Major French from the 6th Lincolnshires. April 30th: 34th Brigade relieve the 33rd in the Division’s left sector between Boursies and Pronville, with the Dorsets moving up after dark from Velu and relieving the 7th Staffords. They were here for two weeks during which time their position came under attack from the German artillery. One explosion

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 outside the 5th Battalion’s HQ killed two men including Private Lovell, the Commanding Officer’s orderly and wounding five men including Company Quarter Master Sergeant Clarke. May 13th: Four men from ‘C’ Company were killed and nine wounded in a bombardment of a sunken road. May 14th: 11th Division relieved by 48th as the 11th were under orders to proceed to Flanders.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919

18th May 1917 August 1917 May 18th: 5th Battalion entrain at Buire for Flanders May 19th: The Dorsets arrive at Bailleul and march to Fletre where they remained for a week. They are billeted at Boeschepe, which although sparse, offered comfortable accommodation in direct contrast to the Somme.

May 22nd: The Battalion is inspected by its new Army commandant, General Plumer. Other less formal visits were made by Generals Chichester & Bols. Major French was transferred to take command of the 7th London, a new second in command, Major A.C Burrows transferred from the 6th Lincolnshires. Burrows had previously served with the Division in Gallipoli. June 9th: 34th Brigade quit La Clytte moving up to Kemmel and relieved the 8th & 9th Royal Dublin Fusiliers (16th Brigade) in the Mauve line south west of Oosttaverne. Although in support the 5th were heavily bombarded by the enemy mainly in the morning. The extremely hot and stuffy weather made conditions unpleasant. June 13th: Large working parties commenced digging two communications trenches at night. There were thirty casualties mainly from “A” Company including six killed. June 17th: Captain Ritson was killed and 2nd Lieutenant Hall was wounded. On the far side of the Messines, the 5th Battalion suffered more than seventy casualties included Lieutenants. Ford and Russell being wounded. However, hard work resulted in the Battalion securing the ground won on the 7th June. June 19th: 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers of the 16th Division relieved the Dorsets who went back to Dranoutre and then onto a training area which involved a five day march to their new HQ at Eperlecques. July 6th: The Battalion move to Northecourt and spent most of the month training. The training was varied by plenty of recreation including football and horse shows at Brigade and Divisional levels. The Battalion did well at these events including winning “the ugliest man” in the Brigade competition. July 24th: The Battalion starts their move back to the front arriving at Wormhoudt the next day. The final arrangements for an assault on German positions east of Ypres were now complete. The Battalion strength was now over 900 strong. At about this time Captain F.G. Turner had reappeared as the new Brigade Major.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 July –August: Although the 11th Division were in reserve the initial attack on the 31st July resulted in their short term objectives being met, the long term deterioration of the weather resulted in the Germans being able to reinforce their lines by bringing in reserves during the time that the British were inactive.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919

14th August 1917 – September 30th 1917 August 14th: The Battalion moved up from ‘Siege Camp’. Prior to the second big attack the 11th Division had taken over the left side of the Corps front from the 51st. The programme was for the 5th Dorsets with Northumberland Fusiliers on their right should tackle the ‘green line’ which roughly corresponded with the Langemarck-Winipeg road. August 14th: The 5th Battalion left the Siege camp and spent the day on the canal bank in dug-outs. At 9pm they moved forward towards the line. The Battalion HQ being established at Gournier Farm. August 15th: The 5th pushed steadily forwards with the Lewis guns providing covering fire. 2nd Lieutenant Statham’s platoon took sixty prisoners and captured two field guns. Other also made remarkable process with few casualties. In the course of consolidation the enemy were setting up machine guns, before they could be fire, Company Sergeant Major Lovegrove & Lance Corporal Brakespear rushed the positions and captured several prisoners. (Company Sergeant Major Lovegrove & Lance Corporal Brakespear were subsequently awarded the DCM) August 17th – August 30th: The 5th Battalion remained at Siege Camp until 30th August during which time they suffered gas shelling and bombing by German aircraft, however suffered “trifiling casualties”. There was one lucky escape for Major Burrows & Captain James whose shared tent was hit by an 8-in shell while both men were out.

August 17th: After heavy fighting, the Dorsets were relieved by the Sherwood Foresters, the Battalion arrived back at Siege Camp at 8am on the following day with morale at a high. 3 officers were wounded, Captain Wiltshire, 2nd Lieutenants Ball & Eley (2nd Lieutenant Ball died of his wounds on the 17th.) Of the other ranks, 25 were killed, 4 missing and 117 wounded. The total casualties of the other 3 battalions of the 34 th Brigade lost 1000 men between them. August 30th – September 11th: Upon relief of the division 34th Brigade moved back to “Dirty Bucket Camp” near Poperinghe. Here they spent 4 days before moving on to the Watou area and again on 11th September to billets isolated farms between Herzelle and Houtkerque. September 11th – September 30th: The remainder of September proved to be a quiet period for the Dorset’s albeit they trained hard. Time was also found for sports at which the Battalion excelled winning the tug-of-war, relay race and turning out the best section. The Military Medals were awarded to – Sergeants Bishop, Leighton, Potter, Spencer and Teal; Lance Corporals Anthony, Connett and Garrett; Privates Blackett, Clifton, Down, Hall, Green, Jenkins, Mingo, Pullen Rose, Simpson, A Smith, Taylor, Travers and Worth. 5 officers and 20 men joined during the month - however in an accident during a grenade practice, Lieutenant Bolton and several men were injured and Corporal Riach was killed

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 September 30th 1917 – January 1918 October 2nd – October 3rd: The 32nd Brigade were relieved by the 34th and the Dorsets came up by bus from Herzelle to Dirty Bucket Camp. On the following morning they moved forward to Siege Camp advancing again in the evening to dug-outs at Meurat Shelters. October 4th: A change of plan during the attack exposed the Battalion to heavy losses in which over 60 men were killed including Captain Dancer who had won an M.C a year earlier at Mouquet Farm. That night ‘A’ and ‘D’ companies were in Beer Trench whilst ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies back near the Steenbeek. October 5th –October 6th: During the evening the 5th Battalion pushed forwards and relieved the Manchester’s putting ‘A’ and ‘D’ companies in the front line and ‘B’ and ‘C’ companies 500 yards behind. The front line and supports were no more than shell holes and sniping by the enemy caused a number of casualties. Captain Stockwell a company commander who had been with the Battalion since Gallipoli was killed. October 6th – 0ctober 7th: Private Beaupre, the commanding officer’s orderly was also wounded. The Headquarters was moved to avoid further casualties. Snipers from the 5th replied with some success and whilst no further advantage was gained “some vigorous night time patrolling took place”. The next day the shelling on the front line was much less severe. The relief was difficult due to enemy snipers and was not completed until 4am the next day. October 8th: Conditions had been bad and when they reached Dirty Bucket Camp the men were exhausted. In all 30 men were killed or died from their wounds, 14 were missing and 120 were wounded. Although no other officers were killed Lieutenant Colonel Stephenson (a territorial on attachment) and the Reverend WH Kay were wounded. In the afternoon the Battalion entrained for Serques where they were billeted overnight. October 9th –October 17th: The next day the Dorsets travelled to Moulle in the Eperlecques training area where they spent the next week. The 11th Division had been transferred to the 1st Corps in the First Army with orders to relieve the 6th Division in the Loos salient where the 5th were to remain until August 1918. October 21st: The 5th relieved the 2nd Sherwood Foresters in the line near Lens. The Battalion were active and made frequent patrols with some success. During the next 2 months the enemy line was attacked in exposed areas and working parties were kept busy improving and repairing their own line to ensure the Germans didn’t follow suit. December 20th: The Battalion are relieved and in Burbure for 3 weeks rest. Since coming into the line they had fewer than 20 casualties including Captain Lindsay and 3 other men killed. Captain Lindsay, the youngest officer, had joined the 5th for the Poelcappelle fight. (He had previously served with the 1st Battalion and had been wounded on 1st July 1916.)

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 December – January 1918: Incidents of note were few and with low casualty figures there were few drafts. Captain Cook and Lieutenant Richards were detailed for 6 months Home Duty, and leave was freely given, the Commanding Officer, the Second in Command, the Adjutant and the Regimental Sergeant Major all getting a month and others 2 weeks. January 1st: In the New Year’s Honours list, Lieutenant Colonel Hannay was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and Captain Cook a bar to his Military Cross. Seven Military Medals were also given to Sergeant Harrison, Lance Corporals Carver and Newcome and Privates Amey, Evans, Stallard & Wood for Poelcappelle.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 January 1918 – 9th April 1918

January: The Battalion’s respite from the trenches ended in the middle of the month when the Division relieved the 46th Division in the Hulluch and St Elie sectors. The 5th Battalion’s HQ was in a convent at Philosophe north-west of Loos on 24th January. January 28th: The Battalion took over the front line from the Manchesters. This began the beginning of a 7 month stint in the left sector. The 5th’s routine existed of 16 days in the front line and 8 days in reserve. It is noteworthy that whilst the 11th Division continued to see action, the Loos salient was spared the worst of the German offensive. February: This proved to be a livelier time for the Dorsets than the last months of 1917. Extra pressure was put upon them, as all was the reduction of Infantry Brigades from 4 Battalions to 3. On 27th February following heavy shelling ‘A’ Company, under Captain Damer, resisted a strong German offensive. 2nd Lieutenant Pierce whose platoon was surrounded at Rats Creek was equally successful. Eventually the Germans were forced to retreat after being bombarded by the Battalion’s. As a result Captain Damer and 2nd Lieutenant Pierce were awarded the Military Cross and Sergeant Saunders, Corporal Burgess, Lance Corporal Edwards & Brakespear and Privates Bird Dean and Lambert won the Military Medal. Congratulations were received from Sir Douglas Haig and the Corps commander General Holland March: Early in the month the 5th suffered a number of casualties through heavy bombardment including ‘C’ Company who had 5 casualties back at Vermelles Brewery. On the 11th 2nd Lieutenant Carroll with 12 men from ‘D’ Company raided the enemy’s lines near the quarries in doing so they killed an enemy soldier and gained useful information. For this Company Sergeant Major Cobb and Private Diment were awarded immediate Military Medals. March 22nd: The great German offensive had begun mainly against the 3rd and 5th armies, however the Dorsets were on constant alert throughout this period and redoubled their efforts to fortify the line. One result was the cancellation of all leave, which Major Burrows having just being given a month off hit particularly hard as he became a victim of gassing. Another outcome was the cancelling of a promised relief by the Canadians, instead the 11th Division found itself extending its line and taking over additional frontage. April 8th: Lieutenant Colonel Hannay left the Battalion on promotion to take command of the 75th Brigade (25th Division). Although away from the Battalion for periods as an acting Brigadier, he saw himself as a Regimental officer. One of those officers wrote “It was an advantage which no words of mine can emphasize enough to be commanded by a man of his calibre” April 8th: Lieutenant Colonel Hannay is replaced by Major C.S Worthington of the 6th Manchesters, a pre-war territorial who had seen service in Gallipoli and Egypt.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 April 9th: Although the expected German offensive never spread south of La Bassee Canal, the back areas came in for frequent shelling. Whilst the Battalion were in reserve at Vermelles, the Chaplain, Reverend W H Kay was killed standing outside the Battalion HQ. During the month 3 men were killed and 6 wounded. Several new Subalterns arrived.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919

1st May 1918 – 24th August 1918. May: Captain Cook and Lieutenant Richards returned from their 6 months home duty. Captain Cook resumed command of ‘C’ Company and Lieutenant Richards became second in command of ‘A’ Company under Captain Damers. Captain Russell commanded ‘B and Captain Le Cornu commanded ‘D’. Major Clayton was promoted into the rank and the Battalion second in Command. In general May was a quiet month for the Dorset’s, however on the 18th whilst at Hulluch South they provided covering fire for a raid by the 11th Manchesters. Although during the months of May and June the 5th losses were remarkably low, one incident of note was the sustained gas attack on the Vermelles Brewery, which began at dinner time and continued all night. The respirators were only effective for 8 hours and could not be replaced. The gas attack resulted in numerous casualties including Major Burrows who was evacuated and did not return. One amusing anecdote of this episode claimed – “The Headquarters waiter (a boarding house keeper in civil life) was serving the soup with his eyes streaming, before whispering in the C.O’s ear “Excuse me Sir, I think there is gas about”. Drafts continued to keep the Battalion at a fair strength; the number recorded on 31st May was 41 officers and 891 other ranks. It is noteworthy that at about this time the great Spanish Flu epidemic swept through the British Army in the summer of 1918 and the 5th were not spared. June 8th: In the Honours list a Military Cross was awarded to Lieutenant R.W Miller who had done good work as the Intelligence Officer and Assistant Adjutant. Regimental Sergeant Major Wells also won the Military Cross. He had long been a mainstay of the Battalion. It was said of him “Next to Colonel Hannay there was nobody who did more to maintain the spirit de Corps of the 5th”. For the month of June 2nd Lieutenant Wilford and 6 others were wounded. July: The 5th were in and out of the trenches doing a lot of wiring and patrolling. The British were generally now more aggressive in terms of conducting the war and the 5th rarely encountered the enemy in no-man’s land and also more often entered the German lines without encountering anybody. Casualty figures for the month continued to be low with under a dozen, however Captain Cook had to be taken to hospital and was eventually invalided home. It was felt that the tide was turning against the Germans as gains were being made in other areas, but many believed that the 5th were to remain in the Loos Salient for the duration. August 6th – August 8th: The Battalion relieve the 6th Lincolnshire on the right of the Hulluch sector. At 14.15 on the 8th ‘B’ Company under Captain Russell launch a raid on the enemy trenches north of Bois. The raiding party was successful although 2 of their 4 prisoners were killed by heavy fire from their own side. The Battalion lost 2 men, 1 missing and 16 injured including 2nd Lieutenant Cousins. Besides an unknown number in the dug-outs about 30 Germans were known to have been killed. Captain Russell who had shown great initiative in leading the attack as well as the most careful preparations was awarded an M.C. M.M.s were also given to Sergeants Barker and Wright, Corporal Jennings and Private Squires. The raid was to prove the Dorset’s last major event in the Loos Salient.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 August 11th – August 24th: The Battalion strength is recorded as 39 officers and 919 men. The Battalion undertook one more turn in the front line from 14th August until the 24th when they were relieved by the 8th Seaforths. Although the 5th’s time in the Loos Salient had been monotonous and tiring, the consequence was they had suffered very few casualties which enabled them unlike other Battalions to gain experience and well trained.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 24th August 1918 – 1st October 1918 August 27th: The 5th proceed to Givenchy le Noble where it spent the next three weeks very pleasantly in the most comfortable billets. As 34 th Brigade were placed under the Cavalry Corps it was intended that should the need arise for rapid advancement they would be embossed rather than march.

September 20th: As the projected move for the Cavalry Corps and attached mobile column never came about, the 34th Brigade re-joined its Division which required a lorry journey to Hermin where the Division was training. September 25th: The 5th entrained for Ecoust from there they marched to Vis-en-Artois, south-east of Arras. The Division was placed under the command of the Canadian Corps for the big battle which was now imminent. September 27th: The attack was scheduled to commence at 05.20, the Dorset’s were able to cross the canal without loss of life, largely due to good work by 2nd Lieutenant Pierce who had earlier taken a small patrol to reconnoitre under sharp machine gun fire and brought back an excellent report. The final objective was Oisy le Verger and the Dorset’s were involved in sharp fighting. At one moment 2nd Lieutenant Jackson whose platoon was in reserve charged the Germans who he had noticed were forming up to counter attack, the enemy were either killed or taken prisoner. He also rushed an enemy gun in the process of limbering up and took its crew prisoner. Lieutenant Colonel Worthington also did magnificent work, near Keith Wood 2 Companies of the 5th were caught by machine gun fire and heavy shelling, they were in the process of digging in when he came along and got them going forward. Lieutenant Wragg, the Battalion Signalling Officer was untiring in helping to maintain touch and obtain information. In this battle the Dorsets had 8 men killed, 1 missing & 35 injured including 2nd Lieutenant Sundt. September 28th: This was quiet day for the 5th; in the evening they relieved the Northumberland Fusiliers in the front line. The 5th sent out patrols forward and found Aubencheul strongly held and resistance was encountered which resulted in a dozen casualties.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 September 29th- September 30th: The Battalion sent more patrols along the Sensee drawing machine gun fire from the opposite bank. All of the bridges had been destroyed. ‘B’ Company supported by ‘D’ launched an attack on Aubencheul but were soon held up by heavy machine gun fire, suffering fewer than 20 casualties including Lieutenant McCaul. Further attacks on the following day were met by a stiffer enemy resistance and in the evening were relieved by 56th Division. October 1st: Relief did not mean a rest for the Battalion, they left Marquion at 11.30 and made their way to a sunken road north-west of Epinoy, formed up and advanced again shortly before 13.00 across the Cambrai road and at 15.30 commenced its attack with ‘A’ Company (Captain Damer) on its left ‘C’ (Lieutenant Blake) on the right with ‘D’ (Captain Le Cornu) in support and ‘B’ (Lieutenant Baker) in reserve. Its objective was the Aubencheul-Abancourt railway. ‘A’ Company met stiff resistance from well positioned enemy machine guns and inflicted many casualties including 2nd Lieutenant Bull and Weldon who were wounded. Captain Damer conducted himself with the utmost gallantry to gather his men and get them through the wire. The 5th struggled to make further advances unaided. At about 17.00 the Northumberland Fusiliers and eventually were able to take their objective.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919

1st October 1918 –12th October 1918 October 1st: During this intense action, Lieutenant-Colonel Worthington had come forward into the firing line and directed the advance with great skill and admirably supported by Captain Damer and 2nd Lieutenant Jackson. Lieutenant Wragg again proved indefatigable in keeping up communication. Eventually both Battalions reached their gaol, but faced pockets of resistance. Numerous prisoners were taken by the 5th. Lance Corporal Vallence returning to Battalion HQ with 2 prisoners encountered 6 German soldiers shooting 2 and taken the remaining 4 prisoner. He encountered a further 2 Germans killing 1 with the other running away. He eventually got to the HQ with his 6 prisoners. For his gallantry he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Unfortunately, the Dorsets and Northumberland Fusiliers were somewhat isolated following a successful counter attack by the Germans who had pushed the Canadian Corps back. Fortunately both the 5th and Northumberland Fusiliers were well dug-in. Lt-Col Worthington’s energy and determination had much to do with their successful consolidation. Losses were heavy with 2nd Lieutenant Vincent and 50 men killed or missing. Lieutenants Baker and Bull, 2nd Lieutenant Candy, Dawe and Weldon and another 209 men were injured. This was out of a fighting force numbering well under 500 men. October 2nd: Both Battalions had to hang on stoutly to their precarious position and although they were subjected to very heavy shelling and a trench Mortar bombardment, casualties were surprisingly low so well had they dug-in. In the evening the Manchesters attacked with success bringing some respite to the 5th. October 3rd: Heavy shelling continued by the enemy and the 5th were unable to enjoy the success of the previous day. Lieutenant-Colonel Worthington was seriously wounded. At the time he was in the front line exposing himself freely in supervising the consolidation. A shell landed further back killing the Reverend E.O Read, 4 stretcher-bearers and the medical officer Captain Cooper Royal Army Medical Corps was so badly injured he died of his wounds that night. October 4th: Following some readjustments the 33rd Brigade came forward and this permitted The 5th withdrew to Sauchy-Lestree for rest and reorganisation. Captain James took command of the Battalion and Lieutenant Wragg was appointed Adjutant. 2nd Lieutenant Harvey took over “B” Company. October 5th: After a brief rest all 150 rifles were back in the front line north-east of Epinoy relieving the Northumberland Fusiliers.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 October 6th: The Germans were observed collecting east of the railway in force in preparation to attacking the 5th’s right flank. Attempts to obtain assistance from the Artillery came to nothing for a time during which the Dorsets had to repel the attack with their own accurate fire. The Battalion were later relieved by the Northumberland Fusiliers and spent the night at Haynecourt in support of the Manchester’s. Further advances were made by the 34th Brigade with the 5th being called upon. October 12th: The 11th Division was now due to be relieved and the Dorset’s marched back by Blecourt to Sailly. The previous week had only cost it a dozen casualties including Lieutenant Chapman injured, but all ranks were in need of rest and were not sorry to find themselves for a spell in the Corps reserve.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919

14th October 1918-April 1919 October 14th: Lieutenant-Col Worthington died of his injuries. In the 6 months of command he gained the respect and confidence of the 5th and in the battle in which he received his fatal wounds shown himself as a gallant and skilful leader. He was awarded a posthumous bar to his D.S.O. Major Peddie of the Scottish Rifles arrived on the 12th to take command but was replaced by Major T.H. Owen of the Northumberland Fusiliers 4 days later. Captain James left to be the 34th Brigade’s staff officer.

October 25th – November 2nd: The 5th spent at Naves, which was 4 miles east of Cambrai. Training was the main feature of the period and had not been interrupted by the move to Naves. One small draft arrived including 3 officers, Lieutenant Bowman, 2/Lieutenants Whatley & Symonds, but the gaps caused by the fighting on October 1st were not filled and as a consequence the Battalion strength being 570 other ranks. November 2nd: The 11th Division moved up to the front to relieve the 4th on the right of the First army south-east of Valenciennes in preparation for the final attack planned by Sir Douglas Haig for the 4th November. Although the 11th Division was involved in further fighting, the Dorset’s did not fire another shot. November 3rd: The 5th reached Verchain and on the following day the Battalion arrive at Preseau and on 6th November to Fort de Curgies and 3 days later Gussignies and the 10th Les Trieux. The 11th Division meanwhile had pushed up past Bavai to bring the 34th Brigade into the front line when the war ended.

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 November 11th: The 5th received the news at 08.00. The Battalion War Diary account stated that “the band at once fell in and paraded up and down the road and the Battalion fell in as it passed by”. At 11.00 the Battalion paraded and were addressed by the Commanding Officer who especially mentioned the day as being the anniversary of ‘Sarah Sands’ day. In the afternoon impromptu sports were held and free beer issued to the men. The 5th had finished their fighting days. Although the 5th never became part of the army of occupation west of the Rhine under the terms of the peace treaty, those men that were due for retention in the army were transferred to units that were. Between the Armistice and disbanding the 5th were mainly at Denain on the Scheldt where the 11th Division had moved on the 28th November. November 24th: A few incidents of note took place in the intervening months; - 14 immediate M.M’s were awarded for the Canal du Nord and Epinoy fighting. The recipients were – Sergeants Ketchley and Mate, Privates Bennett, Crabb, Dauncey, Dowsett, Guppy, Harding, Hannam, Haskell, Hawkins, Newman, Read and Tilsed. November 28th: It was an uneventful period during which training continued however this was interspersed with Educational schemes with a view to returning the men to civilian life. Recreation was not neglected with football, rugby, boxing and athletics and a concert party being organised. December 14th: News of Lieutenant Colonel Worthington’s bar to his D.S.O and to Captain Damer and 2/Lieutenant Pearce’s M.C, while Lieutenant Wragg and 2/Lieutenant Jackson received the M.C. Corporal Day and Private Jennings both received bars to their M.M.’s. Corporals Dennet, Swain Turner and Wakefield were awarded the Military Medal. December 27th: In Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch, Captain Hayden was ‘mentioned’ along with Sergeant Newberry and Private Barker. Q.M.S O’Neil, C.S.M Perkins and Sergeant Hall received the M.S.M

5th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Timeline 1914 to 1919 1st January 1919 – 7th June 1919 January 1st: In the New Year’s Honours list Captain Le Cornu was awarded the M.C January 2nd – January 31st: The first man to be demobbed left on this day and by the end of the month only 4 officers and 180 men out of nearly 750 all told had left by the end of the month. The Battalion’s strength had been lifted by a number of small drafts and several officers joining since the Armistice. February 4th: The King’s Colour was presented to the Battalion by the General Horne G.O.C of the First army at Denain. This month also saw another 150 demobilised and a small draft sent to the Rhine. The 5th mustered less than 300 men by the end of the month. March-April: 6 officers and 108 men were sent to join the army of occupation; the remainder of the Battalion were formed into 1 Company. Officers and men were continued to de-mobilised in small numbers over the next 2 months. Another 4 officers and 27 men proceeded to the 15th Hampshires on the Rhine in April. May: At the end of the month found only Lt-Col Owen, Captain Damer (now Adjutant), Captain Russell and 2/Lieutenant Lawrence and 45 men left in the Battalion. The Quartermaster whilst still on its strength was on special duty at Douai. June 7th: A cadre of Lieutenant Colonel Owen, Sergeant Colley, Corporals Harris and Horsefield together with 18 Privates embarked for England. It was a pity that Captain Hayden did not rounded off his career with 5th since its formation by being one of the party.