Tuesday 5 December 2017

8th Bedfords Move Back



Wednesday 5th December 1917

Early this morning 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment started to withdraw under cover of their outposts as ordered by brigade headquarters. This was carried out by companies from the left, each company sending word when they had got clear of their position.

By 2 a.m. all companies reported that they were clear and Battalion Headquarters then moved back leaving the Royal Engineers to destroy the dug-outs which would be occupied by the enemy. The Battalion then marched by companies to billets in Ribecourt, where a quiet spell was spent, according to the adjutant.

At 3.15 p.m. orders were received that the battalion would move at dusk from Ribecourt to Ridge Trench and Ridge Support Trench shown in pink on the map below. At 5.45 they moved off by companies at 100 yards interval and expect to reach their new positions by about nine o’clock tonight.
Source: X550/9/1

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