Courcelette, 15th/16th September

The 7th, 8th and 9th Battalions were all engaged in II Corps attack, in which British 7'an' 8 tanks were used for the first time. Of forty tanks engaged only twenty-four passed our front line. Their moral effect was great and they were invaluable in destroying machine-gun nests. The loss of surprise by their use on such a small scale was unfortunate. Enfilade machine-gun fire caused many casualties to our 9th Battalion. The first and second objectives were successfully captured and held. Lieutenant-Colonel E. W. Benson, M.C., 9th Battalion, was killed.

Losses of the three battalions: Officers: killed 7, wounded 27; Other Ranks: 782

The 18th and 21st Battalions also attacked with the 122nd and 124th Brigades, next on the left to the 14th (Light) Division. At the very start of the attack the 18th Battalion lost their Commanding Officer, Adjutant, Signalling and Trench Mortar Officers by one shell. All objectives were taken, although in the night a slight withdrawal was made to the east of Flers by the 21st Battalion. Both Battalions fought well and the advance was the longest so far made in the Somme fighting. Both Commanding Officers, Lieutenant-Colonel C. P. Marten (West Yorkshire Regiment), - 18th Battalion, and Lieutenant-Colonel The Earl of Feversham, 21st Battalion, were killed.

Losses of the two battalions.—Officers: killed 11, wounded 17; other ranks: 726

Les Boeufs, 17th September

The 11th Battalion were given an 11th impossible task on false information and with negligible artillery support. Their objective near Les Boeufs was at right angles to the line they had just taken over. They reached the enemy's trenches, but had to withdraw owing to the failure of other units to advance.

Losses: Officers: killed 1, wounded 5; Other Ranks: 107

Morval, 25th to 27th September

The 2nd Battalion took part in 2nd 1 five bombing attacks in three days. The Rhodesian Platoon (No. 8) distinguished themselves.

Guedecourt, 7th October

The 12th Battalion attacked east of Guedecourt with two companies and had some success.

Losses: Officers: wounded 3; Other Ranks: 107