Black Country Territorials

Battalion war diary June 1917

Bct — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:46:20 +0000

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

June	CITE ST. PIERRE
1st Friday	Battalion in trenches CITE ST PIERRE. Quiet day.
2nd Saturday	Quiet day.
3rd Sunday	Quiet day. Battalion relieved in the line by the 1/5^th Btn. North Staffs. Regiment. and proceeded to Brigade Reserve at CITE ST. PIERRE. See Operation Orders No. 20, attached.
4th Monday	In Brigade Reserve.
5th Tuesday	In Brigade Reserve.
6th Wednesday	In Brigade Reserve.
7th Thursday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Btn. North Staffs Regt. in the line. See Operation Orders No. 21, attached.
8th Friday	Quiet day. Operations carried out by 138^th and 139^th Infantry Brigades on our Right and by the 1/5^th Btn. South Staffs. Regt. on our Left. See Operation Orders No. 22, attached.
9th Saturday	Quiet day.
10th Sunday	Quiet day.
11th Monday	Quiet day. ‘A’ & ‘D’ Companies relieved in the line by 1/5^th Btn. North staffs Regiment and proceeded to Brigade Reserve at CITE ST. PIERRE. ‘B’ & ‘C’ Companies remained in Support under direct orders of O.C. 1/5^th Btn. North Staffs Regiment. See Operation Orders No. 24, attached.
12th Tuesday	In Brigade Reserve.
13th Wednesday	‘B’ & ‘C’ Companies joined remainder of Battalion in Brigade Reserve in CITE ST. PIERRE.
14th Thursday	In Brigade Reserve.
15th Friday	Battalion relieved in Brigade Reserve by 6^th Battalion Sherwood Foresters and proceeded into Divisional Reserve at BOUVIGNY-BOYEFFLES. See Operation Orders No. 25, attached.
	BOUVIGNY-BOYEFFLES
16th Saturday	In Divisional Reserve. Battalion Resting.
17th Sunday	In Divisional Reserve. Sunday – Church Parade.
18th Monday	In Divisional Reserve. Battalion Training at MARQUEFFLES FARM.
19th Tuesday	In Divisional Reserve. Battalion Training at MARQUEFFLES FARM.
20th Wednesday	In Divisional Reserve. Battalion Training at MARQUEFFLES FARM.
21st Thursday	In Divisional Reserve. Battalion Training at MARQUEFFLES FARM.
22nd Friday	Battalion moved to CALLONE and relieved the 8^th Sherwood Foresters in Reserve. Relief complete by 11.30 p.m.
	CALONNE
23rd Saturday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th South Staffs. Regt. in Support billets in LIEVIN. Relief complete by 11.00 p.m. See Operation Order No. 27, attached.
	LIEVIN
24th Sunday	In accordance with Operation Orders No. 29 (see copy attached) ‘A’ & ‘D’ Companies assembled in their assembly positions in the Slag Heap at 7.30 p.m. At 9.26 p.m. the two Companies advanced in single file in parallel lines over the slag heap and over the ground in between FOSSE 3 and the ‘L’ Shaped Building. When within 200 yards of their objective they halted, taking as much cover from buildings as was possible and at 9.30 p.m. ‘ZERO HOUR’ the two lines advanced simultaneously to the fringe of our barrage where they again halted. At ‘ZERO’ plus 6 the lines again moved forward, ‘A’ Company on the left in the direction of AHEAD TRENCH with ‘D’ Company on the right in the direction of ADMIRAL TRENCH. Some difficulty was found on the right in locating the trench owing to the bombardment in the afternoon having practically obliterated it. The Artillery barrage which should have lifted from the first 50 yards, on both trenches mentioned had not however done so and it was found necessary to take cover which held the advance up for a few seconds, when it was resumed in spite of the fact that our own Artillery intermittently shelled No opposition was encountered when the advance on the main trenches continued steadily and it was found that the rate of the barrage lifts was not quick enough for the rate of the advance. It was necessary therefore to keep a tight hold on the men to prevent them from running into our own barrage. The objective was gained by 9.55 p.m. and posts were immediately pushed forward up AHEAD TRENCH as far as the third house and up ADMIRAL TRENCH as far as the fourth house. No opposition was encountered whatsoever from Machine Gun or Rifle fire or bombs. It is more than probable that the enemy had vacated the trench on account of the heavy bombardment directed against it during the course of the afternoon and evening. One prisoner was taken unwounded, who was found hiding in a shell hole, and one other enemy dead body was seen. The bombardment by our heavies in the course of the day had done great destruction to the enemy trenches and in places it was very difficult to follow the line of AHEAD TRENCH at all; in the case of ADMIRAL TRENCH this was practically blotted out of existence and the communication trenches in between AHEAD & ADMIRAL were equally difficult to follow. With the exception of these three the dug-outs were completely destroyed. When the objective was gained and the Forward Posts pushed out up AHEAD & ADMIRAL TRENCHES and also in front of ADMIRAL TRENCH, consolidation was begun immediately, aided by ‘C’ Company who followed up very quickly upon the Assaulting Companies. This work was carried on with throughout the night. There was no retaliation from the enemy Artillery and quickly fire positions were made and Lewis Guns mounted covering our immediate front and our Left front. On the Right, connection was quickly gained with the Canadian Division who had also gone forward.
25th Monday	On the morning of the 25^th a Reconnaissance Party (under 2/Lieut. Walker) reconnoitred the RESERVOIRS on the crest of Hill 65 which were found to be unoccupied by the enemy, a Lewis Gun Post was thereupon established. After further reconnaissance it was decided to push forward Outpost Groups into shell holes on the brow of Hill 65 on a line from the RESERVOIRS on our Right to the end house of the row of houses running parallel with AHEAD TRENCH. When placing these Outpost Groups an enemy Balloon was seen to ascend and shortly afterwards Hill 65 was swept with 5.9’s and 4.2’s, a Machine Gun also opened fire from CITE ST. THEODORE. The ground gained up to the crest of Hill 65 gives a commanding view of the country around LENS and South East of it. The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 5^th Btn. Lincolnshire Regt. and proceeded into Divisional Reserve in BULLY GRENAY. Relief was not completed until 4.30 a.m. (26^th) owing to one Company of the relieving Btn. going astray. See Operation Orders No. 29, attached.
	BULLY GRENAY
26th Tuesday	Bathing, cleaning up, etc.
27th Wednesday	The Battalion relieved the 1^st Monmouthshire Regt. in Support billets in LIEVIN. Relief complete 11 p.m. See Operation Orders No. 30, attached.
	LIEVIN
28th Thursday	The Battalion took part in a successful attack on the enemy’s defences West of LENS, assisting in the capture of ADJACENT and ADJUNCT Trenches. They also dug a support trench from M.24.d.50.37 to M.24.b.01.29. The attack took place at 7.10 p.m. in a thunderstorm which afforded excellent cover to view. Activity was marked throughout the day, increasing to intense barrage at intervals. See Operation Orders No. 31, attached.
29th Friday	Battalion was withdrawn to Support billets in LIEVIN.
30th Saturday	Preparations completed for an attack on CITE de MOULIN which it was decided to launch in the early hours of July 1^st, and the Battalion took up its position in the assembly trenches.
	TOTAL CASUALTIES FOR MONTH OF JUNE 1917:- OFFICERS 2/Lieut. J.G. GRIBBEN – Killed 11.6.1917. 2/Lieut. A.R. HARTLEY – Wounded 24.6.1917. 2/Lieut. E.W. PAGE – Wounded 24.6.1917. OTHER RANKS Killed – 10 Wounded – 104 Wounded (at duty) – 3 Missing – Nil Died of Wounds – 4 N.Y.D.N. - 3 F.J. Trump Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding 1/6^th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment. 3rd June 1917

With thanks to Roy Evans

NA WO 95/2687

Battalion war diary May 1917

Bct — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:22:02 +0000

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

May	RED MILL ANGRES
1st Tuesday	In Brigade Reserve.
2nd Wednesday	In Brigade Reserve.
3rd Thursday	In Brigade Reserve.
4th Friday	The Battalion relieved the 1/6th Btn North Staffs Regt in the trenches. (See Operation Orders No. 10 dated 3-5-17 attached).
5th Saturday	Quiet day.
6th Sunday	Quiet day.
7th Monday	Quiet day. Enemy bombarded Battalion Headquarters and areas in rear with Gas Shells during the evening.
8th Tuesday	The 1/6th Btn North Staffs Regt relieved the Battalion in the Trenches (see Operation Orders No. 11 dated 7-5-17 attached), the latter Battalion going into Brigade Reserve, with Headquarters in the RED MILL, ANGERS.
	ANGRES
9th Wednesday	In Brigade Reserve.
10th Thursday	In Brigade Reserve.
11th Friday	In Brigade Reserve.
12th Saturday	The Battalion being relived by the 5th Btn leicestershire Rgt, proceeded to SAINS-EN-GOHELLES (Division Reserve). See Operation Orders No. 12, dated 11-5-17, attached).
	SAINS-EN-GOHELLES
13th Sunday	Bathing and cleaning of clothing and equipment.
14th Monday	Rifle and Kit Inspections. Specialists training under Specialist Officers.
15th Tuesday	“B” and “D” COMPANIES INOCULATED. “A” and “C” COMPANIES Box Respirator Drill. Rapid Loading. Platoon Dril and rapid marching. The Brigade Signal Officer lectured all Officers of the Btn at 5-15 p.m. on the use of the Pigeon, and how to send Messages by the same.
16th Wednesday	“B” and “D” COYS resting after inoculation. ”A” and “C” COYS Battalion Training.
17th Thursday	Battalion Training.
18th Friday	The Battalion was ordered to relieve the 7th Btn Sherwood Foresters in the Left Sub-Sector (See Operation Orders No 13. dated 18-5-17 attached) but this was cancelled by a subsequent order which stated that the 1/6th Btn South Staffs Regt would relieve the 8th Btn Sherwood Foresters in the LEFT SUPPORT LINE (See Operation Order No 14. dated 18-5-17 attached). The two orders were then cancelled and the Battalion ordered to “STAND FAST”.
19th Saturday	The Battalion relieved the 7th Btn Sherwood Foresters in the LEFT SUB-SECTOR (See Operation Orders No 13. dated 18-5-17) as mentioned for the 18-5-1917.
	PETIT LOOS
20th Sunday	Quiet day.
21st Monday	Quiet day.
22nd Tuesday	The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 1/6th Btn North Staffordshire Regiment (See Operation Orders No 15. dated 22-5-17. attached).
	IN FRONT OF LENS
23rd Wednesday	In Brigade Reserve.
24th Thursday	The battalion in support to the 1/6th Btn North Staffs Regt, who were due to make an attack on the Front Line German Trench about 350 yards long. The attack took place at 7 p.m. and was very successful though the whole of the objective was not taken. The 1/6th Btn South Staffs Regt suffered very little from the ENEMY BARRAGE. (See Operation Orders No 16 dated 23-5-17. attached).
25th Friday 4 a.m.	The enemy laid a very heavy barrage for an hour on the areas behind the front line in which the Battalion was lying. Again we suffered little from the shelling. During the morning two Platoons of “C” COY (2/Lieut. BULLOCK R.N. Commanding) were sent forward to stiffen the captured line, the other two Platoons being in immediate Support.
11 a.m.	The enemy laid a very heavy barrage of 77 c.m. 10.5 c.m. 5.9 and 8” Shells and at about 11-30 a.m. they Counter-attacked up the trenches and over the open. The attack was made in considerable force and our men were obliged to with draw from the trench. The casualties of the 1/6th Btn South Staffs Regt in the 24 hours amounted to 38, amongst which were five killed, and seven missing. A report by 2/lieut. TEETON P.R. is appended. The Battalion relieved the 1/6th Btn North Staffs Regt on the night of the 25/26th May 1917.
	PETIT LOOS
26th Saturday	(Blank in diary)
27th Sunday	The 1/5th Btn South Staffs Regt relieved the Battalion in the Trenches, which Battn wnet into Brigade Reserve, with Btn H.Q. at ELVATON CASTLE. (See Operation Orders No 18. dated 27-5-17. attached).
	ELVASTON CASTLE
28th Monday	In Brigade Reserve.
29th Tuesday	In Brigade Reserve.
30th Wednesday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5th Btn North Staffs Rgt in P1. Sub-Sector. (see Operation Order No 19. dated 30-5-17. attached).
31st Thursday	(Blank in diary)
	TOTAL CASUALTIES FOR MONTH OF May 1917:- Major R. Evans 4th Btn Leicestershire Rgt(attached) – Wounded and at duty Captain W.A. Adam – Wounded 2/Lieut. M.L.G.C. Sullivan 1/5 S. Staffs Rgt(attached) – Wounded (gassed) Other Ranks Killed – 17 Missing - 7 Died of wounds – 2 Wounded Accidentally – 6 Wounded Self-inflicted – 6 Wounded – 52 (51) Wounded and at duty - 8 F.J. Trump Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding 1/6^th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment. 3rd June 1917

NA WO 95/2687

Battalion war diary April 1917

Bct — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:34:46 +0000

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

April	AUCHY-AU-BOIS
1st Sunday	Battalion training.
2nd Monday	Battalion training.
3rd Tuesday	Battalion training. Inspection of “A” and “D” Companies by the Commanding Officer.
4th Wednesday	Battalion training. Inspection of the Battalion by the Commanding Officer.
5th Thursday	Brigade Route March.
6th Friday	Battalion training.
7th Saturday	Battalion training.
8th Sunday	Easter Day.
9th Monday	Divisional Route March (See O.O. No. 1 attached).
10th Tuesday	Battalion training.
11th Wednesday	Battalion training.
12th Thursday	The Battalion marched to new billets at BETHUNE (see O.O. No. 2 attached).
	BETHUNE
13th Friday	Battalion at disposal of Company Commanders.
14th Saturday	Battalion training.
15th Sunday	Battalion Kit Inspection by the Commanding officer.
16th Monday	Battalion training.
17th Tuesday	Battalion training.
18th Wednesday	Battalion Route march detailed but cancelled owing to Operations (see Operation Orders No. 4 attached).
	LIEVIN
18th Wednesday	The Battalion relieved the 3rd Battn. the Rifle Brigade (24th Division) in support in LIEVIN.
19th Thursday	Relief of 1st Royal Fusiliers by 1/6th Btn. South Staffs Regt. (in the line) (see Operation Order No. 5 attached).
20th Friday	Battalion holding the line. This consisted of two Coys in outposts among the houses, with two Coys back in a well defined line with two strong points in it. This latter position well known to the enemy who shelled it very accurately and frequently. The advanced posts were not quite so well “spotted” but were nevertheless pounded heavily though somewhat indiscriminately.
21st Saturday	As above: patrols sent out but no special incidents occurred.
22nd Sunday	During the afternoon orders were received that the position immediately to our right would be attacked by the NOTTS & DERBIES. It consisted of a hill (“65”) commanding the ground on our front, well wired and entrenched. It was assumed that if this attack succeeded the enemy would abandon his position on our front, in front of LENS, and we were to send our forward patrols to ascertain this and occupy his trenches if possible. During the night, gaps, reported to have been cut, were examined by a small patrol and only one gap found.
23rd Monday 4.45 AM	This being ZERO hour our four patrols of two sections each were sent out, each under an Officer, supported by the remainder of the Platoons. Unfortunately the attack on the right, though the NOTTS and DERBIES succeeded in getting in, was not successful and our patrols were heavily fired on by the enemy and had to withdraw. 2nd Lieut Jephson was killed and 2 other ranks whilst 7 O.R. were wounded. The Patrols were withdrawn very skilfully under difficult conditions. 2nd Lieut Bullock, Segt Cox, Pts LITTLE, JONES and Dm Holmes were recommended for gallantry.
23rd Monday	The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 1/5th Btn South Staffs Regt. (See Operation Orders No. 8 attached).
24th Tuesday	The Btn marched to Rest Billets at Sains-en-Gohelle.
	SAINS_EN_GOHELLE
25th Wednesday	Companies at the disposal of Company Commanders.
26th Thursday	Companies at the disposal of Company Commanders.
27th Friday	Battalion training.
28th Saturday	Battalion training. Lt. Colonel F.T. Trump returned from 3 weeks sick leave at Cap MARTIN
29th Sunday	Sunday. Service by Major HALES. Sermon by the Bishop of KHARTOUM.
30th Monday	Battalion relieved the 6th Btn Notts & Derby Regt in Brigade Reserve. (See Operations Order No. 9 attached).
	TOTAL CASUALTIES FOR MONTH OF April 1917:- Officers – H Jephson Killed Other Ranks Killed - 1 Wounded – 29 Wounded and at duty - 3 Missing – 1 3/5/17 H. HANFORD, Capt. & Adj. For Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding 1/6^th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment.

NA WO 95/2687

Battalion war diary March 1917

Bct — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:33:24 +0000

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

March	POMMIER
1st Thursday	In Divisional Reserve. Battalion Training.
2nd Friday	Battalion relieved the 1/5^th South Staffordshire Regiment in the Trenches. Enemy shelled Transport Route at night.
	BERLES-AU-BOIS
3rd Saturday	Quiet day. Enemy bombarded the Ravine with lachrymatory shells during the evening.
4th Sunday	Quiet day.
5th Monday	Battalion relieved in the Trenches during the afternoon by the 2/7^th Battalion London Regt. and proceeded into Divisional Reserve at POMMIER. Enemy shelled NOBS WALK and BERLES-AU-BOIS during relief.
	POMMIER
6th Tuesday	In Divisional Reserve.
7th Wednesday	Battalion moved into Rest Billets at POMMERA.
	POMMERA
8th Thursday	Battalion Training.
9th Friday	Battalion Training.
10th Saturday	Battalion Training.
11th Sunday	Battalion moved to new billets at.
	BAYENCOURT
12th Monday	Battalion Training.
13th Tuesday	Battalion moved to BIEZ WOOD in Reserve to the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment for attack on BUCQUOY.
	BIEZ WOOD
14th Wednesday	Battalion relieved and returned to Rest Billets at BAYENCOURT.
	BAYENCOURT
15th Thursday	Battalion Resting.
16th Friday	Battalion Training.
17th Saturday	Battalion Training.
18th Sunday	The Battalion relieved the 5^th Corps Mounted Troops in the HANNESCAMP SECTOR during the afternoon, and found them in the act of pursuing the Germans who had evacuated their positions.
	HANNESCAMPS
19th Monday	Battalion withdrawn to HANNESCAMPS and carried out salvage work in our own trenches, and clearing of barricades on roads.
20th Tuesday	Battalion continued salvaging operations and clearing roads.
21st Wednesday	Battalion continued salvaging operations and clearing roads.
22nd Thursday	Battalion continued salvaging operations and clearing roads.
23rd Friday	Battalion marched up to BUS-EN-ARTOIS and took up billets there.
	BUS-EN-ARTOIS
24th Saturday	Battalion marched to CONTAY and took up billets there.
	CONTAY
25th Sunday	Battalion marched to BERTANGLES and took up billets there.
	BERTANGLES
26th Monday	The Battalion embussed on the AMIENS Road and was conveyed to SALEUX to take up billets at BOVELLES. Instructions were received en-route that billets at latter place were not available and that the Battalion would be billeted at SALEUX. Billets at SALEUX not being available the Battalion marched to DURY and took up billets there, arriving at 11.00 p.m.
	DURY
27th Tuesday	Battalion resting.
28th Wednesday	Battalion entrained at SALEUX Station at 11.30 p.m.
29th Thursday	Battalion detrained at LILLERS and marched to LESPRESSES and billeted there.
	LESPRESSES
30th Friday	Battalion Training.
31st Saturday	Battalion marched up to AUCHY-AU-Bois and took up billets there.
	TOTAL CASUALTIES FOR MONTH OF MARCH 1917:- Officers - Nil Other Ranks Wounded – 4 Wounded (Gassed) – 1 Wounded (Gassed – at duty) - 1 Died of Wounds - 1 H. HANFORD, Capt. & Adj. For Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding 1/6^th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment.

With thanks to Roy Evans

NA WO 95/2687

Battalion war diary February 1917

Bct — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:16:25 +0000

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

February	ST AMAND
1st Thursday	In Divisional Reserve.
2nd Friday	In Divisional Reserve.
	POMMIER
3rd Saturday	The Battalion moved from Divisional Reserve at ST. AMAND to Divisional Reserve at POMMIER.
4th Sunday	Battalion Training (Attack practices).
5th Monday	Battalion Training (Attack practices).
6th Tuesday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regt. in the trenches.
	BERLES-AU-BOIS
7th Wednesday	Quiet day.
8th Thursday	Trench Mortar activity by enemy.
9th Friday	Battalion relieved in the trenches by the 1/5^th Btn. South Staffordshire Regt. and proceeded into Brigade Reserve, having two Companies in Berles-au-Bois, and two Companies in BIENVILLERS, with Btn. Headquarters at BERLES-AU-BOIS.
10th Saturday	In Brigade Reserve.
11th Sunday	In Brigade Reserve.
12th Monday	In Brigade Reserve until after dinners when the Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffs. Regt. in the trenches, with 2 Companies of 2/7^th London Regt. attached for instruction.
13th Tuesday	2 Companies of 2/7^th London Regt. relieved in the trenches and went into BERLES-AU-BOIS. Quiet day except for Trench Mortaring by the enemy. Headquarters and 2 Companies of 2/9^th London Regt. attached to the Battalion for training in the line.
14th Wednesday	Quiet day.
15th Thursday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Battalion South. Staffs. Regt. in the trenches.
	POMMIER
16th Friday	In Divisional Reserve. Battalion Training ‘The Attack’.
17th Saturday	In Divisional Reserve. Battalion Training ‘The Attack’.
18th Sunday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Battalion South. Staffs. Regt. in the trenches.
	BERLES-AU-BOIS
19th Monday	Heavy T.M. Bombardment by enemy at 5.30 p.m. and again at 7.30 p.m. Our 18 pounders and 4.5 Hows. retaliated.
20th Tuesday	Quiet day.
21st Wednesday	Battalion relieved in the trenches by the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment and proceeded into Brigade Reserve, having Headquarters and 2 Companies at BERLES and 2 Companies at BIENVILLERS.
22nd Thursday	In Brigade Reserve.
23rd Friday	In Brigade Reserve.
24th Saturday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regt. in the Trenches.
25th Sunday	Quiet day.
26th Monday	The enemy appeared to suspect a relief in our sector and bombarded NEWARK ST., FISH STREET, NUTS LANE and NOODLES AVENUE from noon to 4.0 p.m.
27th Tuesday	The Battalion was relieved in the Trenches by the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment and proceeded into Divisional Reserve at POMMIER.
28th Wednesday	In Divisional Reserve. Battalion Training.
	TOTAL CASUALTIES FOR MONTH OF FEBRUARY 1917:- Officers 2/Lieut. D.N. GORDON, Killed Captain E.W. PAGE, Wounded Other Ranks Killed – 3 Wounded – 8 Died of Wounds - 1 F.J. TRUMP Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding 1/6^th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment.

With thanks to Roy Evans

NA WO 95/2687

Battalion war diary January 1917

Bct — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:01:26 +0000

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

January	ST AMAND
1st Monday	In Divisional Reserve.
2nd Tuesday	In Divisional Reserve.
	BIENVILLERS
3rd Wednesday	Battalion proceeded to the Trenches and relieved the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment.
4th Thursday	Quiet day.
5th Friday	Quiet day.
6th Saturday	Quiet day.
7th Sunday	Battalion relieved in the Trenches by the 1/5^th South Staffordshire Regiment and proceeded to Brigade Reserve at POMMIER.
	POMMIER
8th Monday	In Brigade Reserve.
9th Tuesday	In Brigade Reserve.
10th Wednesday	In Brigade Reserve.
11th Thursday	Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment in Local Reserve in BIENVILLERS-AU-BOIS.
	BIENVILLERS
12th Friday	In Local Reserve.
13th Saturday	Battalion relieved the 1/6^th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment in the Trenches.
14th Sunday	Quiet day.
15th Monday	Quiet day.
16th Tuesday	Battalion relieved in the Trenches by the 1/5^th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment and proceeded into Divisional Reserve at ST. AMAND.
	ST. AMAND
17th Wednesday	In Divisional Reserve.
18th Thursday	In Divisional Reserve.
19th Friday	In Divisional Reserve.
20th Saturday	Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regt. in the Trenches at BIENVILLERS-AU-BOIS.
	BIENVILLERS-AU-BOIS
21st Sunday	Quiet day.
22nd Monday	Battalion relieved in the trenches by 1/6^th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment and proceeded to Local Reserve at BIENVILLERS-AU-BOIS.
23rd Tuesday	In Local Reserve.
24th Wednesday	Battalion relieved by the 1/5^th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment and proceeded to Brigade Reserve at POMMIER.
	POMMIER
25th Thursday	In Brigade Reserve.
26th Friday	In Brigade Reserve.
27th Saturday	In Brigade Reserve.
28th Sunday	Battalion relived the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regt. in Local Reserve at BIENVILLER-AU-BOIS.
	BIENVILLER-AU-BOIS
29th Monday	In Local Reserve.
30th Tuesday	Battalion relieved the 1/6^th Battalion North Staffordshire Regt. in the Trenches.
31st Wednesday	Quiet day.
	TOTAL CASUALTIES FOR MONTH OF January 1917:- Other Ranks. Killed – 1 Wounded – 8 Wounded (at duty) - 1 F.J. TRUMP Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding 1/6^th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment.

With thanks to Roy Evans

NA WO 95/2687

Battalion war diary December 1916

Bct — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:44:02 +0000

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

December	LE SOUICH
1st Friday	Inspection by the G.O.C.
2nd Saturday	Battalion Training.
3rd Sunday	Sunday.
4th Monday	Battalion Training.
5th Tuesday	Battalion Training.
6th Wednesday	The Battalion marched to POMMIER and went into Brigade Reserve.
	POMMIER
7th Thursday	In Brigade Reserve. Battalion Training.
8th Friday	In Brigade Reserve. Battalion Training.
9th Saturday	In Brigade Reserve. Battalion Training.
10th Sunday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th South Staffordshire Regiment in the Trenches, two Companies being in the front line system and two in BIENVILLERS.
	BIENVILLERS
11th Monday	Quiet day.
12th Tuesday	Quiet day.
13th Wednesday	Corps Heavy and Divisional Artillery, and Trench Mortar Batteries bombarded the enemy trenches and positions at MONCHY-AU-BOIS.
14th Thursday	Quiet day.
15th Friday	Battalion relieved in the Trenches by 1/5^th South Staffs. Regiment and proceeded into Divisional Reserve at ST. AMAND.
	ST. AMAND
16th Saturday	In Divisional Reserve.
17th Sunday	In Divisional Reserve.
18th Monday	In Divisional Reserve.
19th Tuesday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th South Staffordshire Regiment in the Trenches.
	BIENVILLERS
20th Wednesday	Quiet day.
21st Thursday	Quiet day.
22nd Friday	Quiet day.
23rd Saturday	Battalion relieved in the Trenches by the 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment and proceeded into Brigade Reserve at POMMIER.
	POMMIER
24th Sunday	In Brigade Reserve.
25th Monday	In Brigade Reserve.
26th Tuesday	In Brigade Reserve.
27th Wednesday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th South Staffordshire Regiment in the Trenches.
28th Thursday	Quiet day.
29th Friday	Quiet day.
30th Saturday	Battalion relieved in the Trenches by 1/5^th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment and proceeded to Brigade Reserve at POMMIER.
31st Sunday	Battalion marched to ST. AMAND and took up billets in Divisional Reserve.
	TOTAL CASUALTIES FOR MONTH OF DECEMBER 1916:- Officers. Killed – 2/Lieut. W. LOGAN (5^th Btn. Cameronians S. Rifles) Wounded – 2/Lieut. S.W. EDWARDS (5^th South Staffs. Regt. 2/Lieut. J.L.C.S. WALLACE (5^th Btn. K.O.S.B. Other Ranks. Killed – 2 Wounded – 15 Died of Wounds - 2 F.J. TRUMP Lieut.-Colonel, Commanding 1/6^th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment.

With thanks to Roy Evans

NA WO 95/2687

Battalion war diary November 1916

Bct — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:26:44 +0000

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

November	BONNIERES
1st Wednesday	Resting.
2nd Thursday	Resting.
3rd Friday	The Battalion marched to new billets at YVRENCHEUX.
	YVRENCHEUX
4th Saturday	Cleaning of Clothing and equipment. Bathing. Boot inspections.
5th Sunday	Sunday.
6th Monday	Battalion Training.
7th Tuesday	Battalion Training.
8th Wednesday	Battalion Training.
9th Thursday	Inspection by G.O.C. 137 Infantry Brigade.
10th Friday	Battalion Training. Night Operations.
11th Saturday	The Battalion marched to ARGENVILLERS after completing Battalion Training during morning.
	ARGENVILLERS
12th Sunday	Sunday.
13th Monday	Battalion Training.
14th Tuesday	Battalion Training.
15th Wednesday	Battalion Training. Night Operations.
16th Thursday	Battalion Training.
17th Friday	Battalion Training.
18th Saturday	Battalion Training.
19th Sunday	Sunday.
20th Monday	Battalion Training.
21st Tuesday	Battalion Training.
22nd Wednesday	The Battalion marched to new billets at CRAMONT-les-MASURES.
	CRAMONT-les-MASURES
23rd Thursday	The Battalion marched to new billets at NOEUX.
	NOEUX
24th Friday	Bathing. Cleaning of clothing & equipment.
25th Saturday	The Battalion marched to new billets at LE SOUICH.
	LE SOUICH
26th Sunday	Sunday.
27th Monday	Battalion Training.
28th Tuesday	Hurdle making at LUCHEUX.
29th Wednesday	Inspection by G.O.C. 137 Infantry Brigade.
30th Thursday	Battalion Training.
	CASUALTIES FOR MONTH:- Two men accidentally wounded. GEORGE CAPRON, Major Commanding 1/6^th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment.

With thanks to Roy Evans

NA WO 95/2687

Battalion war diary October 1916

Bct — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:13:54 +0000

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

October	BERLES-AU-BOIS
1st Sunday	In Brigade Reserve.
2nd Monday	In Brigade Reserve.
3rd Tuesday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Btn. South Staffordshire Regiment in the trenches.
4th Wednesday	Quiet day.
5th Thursday	Quiet day.
6th Friday	Quiet day.
7th Saturday	Quiet day.
8th Sunday	Quiet day.
9th Monday	The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 1/5^th Btn. South Staffordshire Regiment and proceeded to Divisional reserve.
	BAILLEUMONT
10th Tuesday	In Divisional Reserve.
11th Wednesday	In Divisional Reserve.
12th Thursday	In Divisional Reserve.
13th Friday	In Divisional Reserve.
14th Saturday	In Divisional Reserve. Inspection by G.O.C. 137^th Inf. Brigade.
15th Sunday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Btn. South Staffordshire Regiment in the trenches.
16th Monday	Quiet day.
17th Tuesday	Quiet day.
18th Wednesday	Quiet day.
19th Thursday	Quiet day.
20th Friday	Quiet day.
21st Saturday	The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 1/5^th Btn. South Staffordshire Regiment and proceeded to Brigade Reserve.
22nd Sunday	In Brigade Reserve.
23rd Monday	In Brigade Reserve.
24th Tuesday	In Brigade Reserve.
25th Wednesday	A raid was carried out on enemy trenches between points W.24.a.40.40. by a party consisting of 8 Officers and 100 Other Ranks. See Operation Orders No.11 Copy No. 1 and report re same attached.
26th Thursday	Battalion relieved the 1/5^th South Staffs Regiment in the Trenches.
27th Friday	Quiet day.
28th Saturday	Battalion was relieved in the Trenches by the 2^nd Yorkshire Regiment, 21^st Infantry Brigade, 30^th Division and proceeded into Divisional Reserve at BAILLEULMONT. At 7.0 p.m. the Battalion was relieved in Divisional Reserve by the 18^th Kings Own Liverpool regt. 21^st Brigade, 30^th Division and marched to COULLEMONT.
	COULLEMONT
29th Sunday	Battalion marched from COULLEMONT to LUCHEUX
	LUCHEUX
30th Monday	Resting at LUCHEUX.
31st Tuesday	Battalion marched from LUCHEUX to BONNIERES.
	TOTAL CASUALTIES FOR MONTH OFFICERS Captain F.T. MONK, 7^th Battn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) wounded 25.10.16 OTHER RANKS Killed 1 Wounded 8 Wounded 9accidentally) 2 Wounded (at duty) 4 H. HANFORD, Capt. & Adj. For Major Commanding 1/6^th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment.

With thanks to Roy Evans

NA WO 95/2687

Battalion war diary September 1916

Bct — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:59:08 +0000

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

September	BERLES-AU-BOIS
1st Friday	Battalion in the trenches. Quiet day.
2nd Saturday	OPERATIONS ORDERS BY MAJOR F.J. TRUMP (No.7) Map Reference: - TRENCH MAP RANSART 1/10,000. 1. RAIDING PARTY. On the night of the 2.9.16 the 1/6^th Btn. South Staffordshire Regiment will carry out a raid on the enemy’s trenches between points W.23.d.81.74. and W23.b. 2. OBJECT. To secure identification of enemy troops holding MONCHY-RANSART Line by securing prisoners. Killing Germans. 3. COMPOSITION OF PARTIES. The party will consist of 8 Officers and 100 other ranks under the command of Major H.V. Mander and divided as under:- ‘A’ Party. 2 Officers, 20 O.R. and 3 R.E.’s. ‘B’ party. 2 Officers, 25 O.R. and 3 R.E.’s. ‘C’ party. 2 Officers, 24 O.R and 32 R.E.’s ‘D’ party. 1 Officer, 22 O.R. Reserve Party. 2 N.C.O.s and 10 men. 4. OBJECTIVES. ‘A’ Party to enter by ‘B’ Gap in Enemy’s wire and seize and block the enemy’s front line – sap and C.T. at W.23.d.90.73. ‘B’ Party Will be subdivided into clearing party 15 men and parapet party 10 men. The whole will enter via a central gap in wire when the clearing party will endeavour to seize and clear enemy trench by working outwards towards blocking parties ‘A’ & ‘C’. The Parapet party remaining outside the trench to support the clearing party to take charge of prisoners and assist wounded. ‘C’ Party To enter by Left Gap proceed to block and hold front line trench and C.T. and suspected sap at W.23.b.86.00. ‘D’ Party To act as Covering Party – to remain outside the enemy wire well on the outer flanks of ‘R’ & ‘L’ gaps – to fire on enemy either side – and to cover withdrawal of ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Parties. This party will consist of two Lewis Guns with teams and 10 other ranks. NOTE. In the event of the patrols reporting that there are not three practicable gaps in enemy wire to enable this scheme to be carried out, O.C. Raid must decide to attack front line in vicinity of gaps, blocking outwards and clearing inwards. Similarly in case of only one gap being found to attack front trench in front of gap and clear outwards. 5. ASSEMBLY – PRELIMINARY. The Raiding Party will assemble as under:- ‘A’ Party. Trench 107, Right Portion, Point of Exit at Lewis Gun Post. ‘B’ Party. Trench 107, Left Portion, Point of exit Bay 3. ‘C’ Party. Trench 108, Bays 6, 7, 8, and 9. Point of Exit Bay 7. ‘D’ Party. Right Flank as ‘A’. Left Flank as ‘C’. this party will commence to move out 15 minutes in advance of ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Parties. FINAL ASSEMBLY. In ‘No Man’s Land about 40 yards away from various gaps. 6. BATTALION HEADQUARTERS. Trench Battalion Headquarters will be established at Top End of NUTS LANE near Trench 107. 7. COMMUNICATION. Communication will be maintained by telephone and runners. O/C Raid will arrange to maintain communication with O/C. Battalion by telephone run out into ‘No Man’s land’ – one spare instrument and wire will be taken out. Battalion Trench Headquarters will be connected by telephone to Battalion and Brigade Headquarters. The Brigade Signalling Officer will arrange signalling communication required by O/C. 1/6^th South Staffs. Rgt. And will be at advanced Btn. H.Q. at the disposal of the Battalion Commander during operations. 8. ARTILLERY. The Centre Group, 46^th Divisional Artillery and the two inch Trench Mortar Battery will co-operate in accordance with Artillery Programme which will be submitted. 9. EQUIPMENT. All ranks will remove all identification marks, papers, etc. and will be inspected by their respective party officers before leaving for the trenches. RIFLEMEN. Rifle, Bayonet (darkened) 50 rounds S.A.A. and four bombs in pockets. BOMBERS. No rifle, 12 bombs on bomb carrying waistcoats. GAS HELMETS. Gas Helmets one per man will be taken and carried in the inner breast pocket. Faces to be darkened. White Luminous Paint or White Cloth to be sewn on underside of collar. Flash Lamps will be carried. Mats for crossing enemy wire will be provided by R.E. also 15 ladders (stretcher pattern). ‘P’ Bombs will be carried by each Party for clearing dug-outs. Each man must be provided with some means of cutting wire. 10. SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS. (1) 6” Howitzers will fire on selected points during the day (2) At 6 p.m. (or earlier) till 9.15 p.m. general bombardment and wire cutting will take place. (3) At 9 p.m. three patrols under the three second officers of ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ will move out for the purposes of locating the three best gaps in the enemy wire and taping the routes to same. The patrols will be accompanied by the R.E. details who will take out the Bangalore Torpedoes. These patrols should return not later that 9.45 p.m. the Artillery will not fire on the objectives but will keep up the bombardment elsewhere. (4) 9.45 p.m. to 10.35 p.m. Artillery will maintain sufficient fire to prevent enemy coming out and discovering and mending gaps in wire. (5) At 10.35 p.m. to 10.55 p.m. heavy bombardment by Artillery. (6) At 10.55 p.m. the Raiding Party will attack as arranged. (7) At 11.20 p.m. unless object is previously attained the Raiding Party will proceed to withdraw. (8) At 10.55 p.m. The Artillery will lift off the objectives but will continue elsewhere and will not resume firing on object until O/C Battalion advises Artillery that they may do so. Machine Guns and Lewis Guns of the 138^th Bde will bring fire to bear on enemy’s front line trench and saps between W.29.b.15.30 and W.24.c.01.27 between 9 p.m. and 9.45 and between 10 p.m. and 10.55 p.m. and from 10.55 p.m. until “Cease Fire”. (1) The 137^th Machine Gun Coy and the 137^th trench Mortar Bty will co-operate under orders from O/C 1/6^th South Staffs Regiment. They will not bring fire to bear on enemy’s lines ‘S’ of W.23.b.90.00 (2) The ‘Cease Fire’ will be ordered by O/C Battalion through the F.O.O. who will inform Brigade. The Heavy and Divisional F.O.O’s will be with the O/C Battalion. Note. The Artillery will lay the necessary wires and test same. Spare instrument and alternative routes will be arranged. 11. COUNTERSIGN. O/C Raid will arrange countersign on the day of operations. 12. WITHDRAWAL. The signal to withdraw will only be given by O/C Raid. This will be done by Klaxon Horns. NOTE. O/C Raid will detail exact method of withdrawal. 13. The second officers of ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ will not enter the enemy’s trenches, but will remain in gaps and ascertain that their parties have entered the enemy’s trenches, when they will report to O/C Raid for instructions at Central Gap. In the event of the O/C raid becoming a casualty the senior of these officers will take command. These three officers will further accompany the patrols who are doing the taping. 14. MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS (1) The Medical Officer will establish an Advanced Regimental Aid Post in the dugout in trench 108. (2) ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ Parties will be accompanied by two stretcher bearers to each party using ladder stretchers – four stretcher bearers with stretchers will accompany O/C raid and will be under his directions. Spare bearers will be available at Advanced Trench R.A.P. Five stretchers with bearers from the 3^rd N.M. Field Ambulance will be at Right Company Headquarters. The R.A.M.C. situated in the RAVINE will be in readiness if called upon. 15.R.E. The O/C ½ F. Co. R.E. will be at Advanced Bn. Headquarters during operations to advise the Battalion Commander on technical matters. SILENCE. The importance of absolute silence throughout the operation must be maintained. This must be impressed on all ranks. (Signed) H. HANFORD Captain Adjutant 1/6^th Btn. South Staffordshire Regt. REPORT R.E. OPERATIONS The Raiding Party assembled in the trenches allotted at 8 p.m. At 8.50 p.m. patrols went out got clear of our own wire. At 9.0 p.m. they went forward to investigate the German wire. At 9.43 p.m. patrol from the right that a gap was cut through the two belts of wire and that the patrol was in with 2/Lieut. JOHNSON slightly wounded. At 9.36 p.m. left party patrol reported that there was an excellent gap in the wire out on the left of the position. Centre party patrol reported that they had got up to the German wire but had been unable to fully investigate due to our own shrapnel. It was decided that it was unnecessary to use the Bangalore Torpedoes. Captain MANDER then ordered the parties to proceed. ‘A’ Party taking the right gap as arranged and ‘C’ Party the left gap as arranged. ‘B’ Party (Centre Party) he then took towards the right gap under his own Command. Shortly after 10 p.m. all the parties had left our own parapets and successfully negotiated our wire. There was only a small amount of machine gun fire (from the right) and very little shrapnel. There was none on the points selected for exit. At 10.21 p.m. a telephone message was received at Battalion H.Q. saying that ‘A’ & ‘B’ Parties were in position if front of gaps. Another message received at 11.03 p.m. stated “Assault has started”. ‘A’ Party has gone through the wire, no more news yet.” At 11.06 p.m. bombs were heard thrown at the German front line but no news was to hand. At 11.12 p.m. two of our wounded men reported that our men were in the German trenches and that Captain MANDER had sent forward one Officer and four men to obtain further information. At 11.16 p.m. Captain MANDER reported that ‘C’ Party had gone through the gap and were in the German Trenches. He had seen 2/Lieut. McGOWAN and obtained from him the information. At 11.18 p.m. Bugle sounded “FALL IN”. At 11.20 p.m. Four prisoners were brought into our trenches. At 11.30 p.m. Captain MANDER came in and ‘A’ , ‘B’ & ‘C’ Parties were also reported in. Bugle then blew “COOKHOUSE DOOR” from our own trenches to withdraw the Covering Party. The left Covering Party returned at 11.55 p.m. and the right Covering Party at 12.20 a.m. The four prisoners were then sent down under escort to Brigade Headquarters. Our casualties during the raid were as follows:- 1 Officer (2/Lt. JOHNSTON) slightly wounded 1 Other Rank Missing and 2 Other Ranks slightly wounded.
3rd Sunday	Quiet day. The Bn. was relieved in the Trenches by the 1/5^th South Staffordshire Regiment.
4th Monday	In Brigade Reserve.
5th Tuesday	In Brigade Reserve.
6th Wednesday	In Brigade Reserve.
7th Thursday	In Brigade Reserve.
8th Friday	In Brigade Reserve.
9th Saturday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th South Staffordshire Regiment in the Trenches.
10th Sunday	Quiet day.
11th Monday	Quiet day.
12th Tuesday	Two prisoners were captured at about 11.30 p.m. by ‘B’ Coy in front of our wire near No. 13a Listening Post in front of Trench 113 (W.23.b.9.8) bombs were thrown into our wire at about 11 p.m. and rifle fire was opened by our men in the direction of where the bombs exploded. Later, while 2/Lt. HARRIS was in 13a Listening Post, he saw two men crawling on their hands and knees just in front of our wire. After challenging them 2/Lt. HARRIS ordered rifle fire to be opened on them, which evidently wounded one of them. They commenced to creep away but 2/LT. HARRIS immediately went after them accompanied by Sgt. ASTON & Pte. CLARKE. One man was discovered lying in a bed of thistles and was captured without difficulty, and sent back to our lines. 2/Lt. HARRIS & Pte. CLARKE then went on after the other man. He was eventually discovered hiding in a shell hole, having crawled back some distance from our wire. He offered considerable resistance before he could be brought back into our trenches. The enemy, by this time, had become alarmed, and was sending up Very Lights and firing, but we suffered no casualties. The prisoners were both VICE FELDWEBELS (Acting senior N.C.O’s.) Of the 23^rd Regiment, 12^th Division. Their story was that they started out to investigate our Listening Posts, by themselves, but were fired on and could not get away. When captured they had only Very Pistols and Bayonets on them.
13th Wednesday	Quiet day.
14th Thursday	Quiet day.
15th Friday	At about 12.45 a.m. a Standing Patrol of ‘D’ Coy engaged an enemy patrol with rifle fire and bombs at about W.23.b.9.9. (N. of MONCHY). An Officer, Lt. MONK, and four men at once started out to investigate. They found two seriously wounded men (one an Officer) about 15 yards in front of enemy wire and proceeded to bring them back to our lines. About half way back a third man was seen moving towards our party. Fire was opened and the man was called upon to surrender, which he did. All three were brought back to our lines. The two seriously wounded prisoners died immediately after being brought in. The third was also wounded in the arm. On examination he proved to belong to the 11^th Coy, 63^rd Regt, 12th Division. At about 10 a.m. a fourth man, also wounded, was seen trying to crawl through our wire. Owing to enemy sniping he was unable to reach our trenches. Artillery fire was opened on the enemy trenches which put a stop to the sniping and the man came in. The Battn was relieved in the trenches by the 1/5^th Btn. South Staffordshire Regiment.
	BAILLEUMONT
16th Saturday	In Divisional Reserve.
17th Sunday	In Divisional Reserve.
18th Monday	In Divisional Reserve.
19nd Tuesday	In Divisional Reserve.
20th Wednesday	In Divisional Reserve.
21st Thursday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Btn. South Staffordshire Regiment in the trenches.
	BERLES-AU-BOIS
22nd Friday	Quiet day.
23rd Saturday	Quiet day.
24th Sunday	Quiet day.
25th Monday	Quiet day.
26th Tuesday	Quiet day.
27th Wednesday	The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 1/5^th Btn. South Staffordshire Regiment.
28th Thursday	In Divisional Reserve.
29th Friday	In Divisional Reserve.
30th Saturday	In Divisional Reserve.
	TOTAL CASUALTIES FOR MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 1916. OFFICERS: Wounded; 2/Lt. A. Johnston, 7^th Btn. The Scottish Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) attd. 1/6^th S. Staffs, Rgt. OTHER RANKS: Killed 1 Wounded 9 Wounded (& at Duty) 3 Accidentally wounded 1 Missing 1 H. HANFORD, Capt. & Adjt. For Lieut. Colonel. Commanding 1/6^th Battn. South Staffordshire Regiment 2^nd October 1916.

With thanks to Roy Evans

NA WO 95/2687