Narrative of No. 2 Company, 12/10/18-11/11/18

On the 12th October, the Company, with the rest of the Battalion, arrived at Ramillies late at night from Bourlon. On the morning of the 13th, under command of T. Capt. E. H. Blomfield (who had with him Lieuts. Highet and Knubley, M.C.) the Company page 96marched out to Iwuy and reported to 51st Division. Billets were found, and next morning the Officer Commanding was instructed to report to 152nd Infantry Brigade, who ordered a change of location to Naves.

On the 16th Captain A. H. Richards, who was wounded at Marfaux in July, rejoined, and took over command of the Company. There being no offensive operations, the Company was employed with the D.A.C., 51st Division, loading ammunition, and between whiles indulged in football, though the village was under shellfire.

Meantime the 49th Division had taken over the 51st Division and the Company was transferred. On the 19th, the 4th Division relieved the 49th and again the Company transferred, and it was under orders of the 4th Division that 2nd Lieut. Bowron's Platoon went to the 10th Brigade, and 2nd Lieut. J. F. Ewen's platoon to 11th Brigade, who were at Villers En Cauchies on the 19th instant.

These two platoons were employed by the respective Brigades on patrol and reconnaissance duties in front of the advancing infantry, and were constantly on the move forward.

On the 21st 2nd Lieut. Ewen's platoon moved to Haspres, and from there made a reconnaissance of Monchaux village. In carrying out their mission 2nd Lieut. Ewen was wounded. Nevertheless the party carried on and obtained the required information, Lance Corporal Hasting and Private Prenderville giving very good service in bringing their wounded officer back over difficult ground.

On the 22nd 2nd Lieut. L. H. Browne and his platoon relieved 2nd Lieut. Ewen's men, who had had a very strenuous time. 2nd Lieut. Bowron's men had meantime been operating forward on Saulzoir with success.

On the, 23rd the Company moved its Headquarters (with the Division) to Asvenes-Le-Sec Captain page 97Richards left the Company at this place, he having been granted a "course" in England in Staff duties, and Lieut. E. H. Blomfield again took over the Company.

On the 25th, 2nd Lieut. Browne moved up to Saulzoir and from there made a very successful reconnaissance of the village of Artres and the surrounding country, ascertaining enemy dispositions and enabling our artillery to deal effectively with them. Nos. 5 and 6 Platoons (2nd Lieuts. Bowron and Ewen) moved to La Travise, and the Company Headquarters remained at Asvenes-Le-Sec.

No further operations were undertaken until the 1st November, when the Company moved to Haspres, Nos. 4 and 5 Platoons being sent on ahead to reconnoitre ground near Preaseau and towards Curgies, but owing to strong enemy opposition this patrol did not accomplish its mission. Next day the advance continued, and the Company Headquarters moved forward, the Platoons with Brigade continuing their work and in succession reconnoitring and occupying Artres and Curgies with the Infantry. The going for cyclists over all this country proved very difficult owing to bad roads and the frequently met mine craters at road junctions.

On the 7th the Company moved to Roisin and was engaged in operations with a Lincoln Regiment towards Autreppe which were quite successful. Lieut. Bowron was wounded in this advance.

The Company, its mission finished, withdrew to Roisin, and next day moved again to Autreppe, and on the 9th to Aulnois. Patrols were sent on ahead to ascertain the position, and this village was found unoccupied. The patrols received a great reception from civilians as each village was reached, particularly at Blaregnies.

On the 10th the Company moved on to Quevy Le Grand, at which village the 33rd Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. Spring) had its Headquarters.

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On the 11th November instructions were received from G.O.C. 189th Brigade that Armistice would start at 11.0 a.m., and that the Company was to proceed to Givry and form a right flank for 189th Brigade. This was done, and at 11.0 a.m., when the Great War finished, this Company was in battle position in the front line. Outposts were established and maintained on the night of 11th-12th November. On the morning of the 12th, orders were received to rejoin Battalion at Aulnois.