North Irish Horse - War diaries - 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers

9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers

At the end of August 1917 the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment was dismounted and absorbed into the 9th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, which henceforth was known as the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers.

This section covers the period from 1 September to 31 December 1918.

The diary is sourced from National Archives document WO 95/2505.

September 1918
1	Reference Sheet 28 SW 3 Bailleul 1/10000, 28 SW 1/20000. Magilligan Camp, Bailleul. Keersebrom. The day was spent in making shelters. At dusk the Battalion relieved the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers at Cpyrian Farm (S.11.c.7.3). Battalion Headquarters was formed at S.11.c.75.75 on railway.
2	Noordhoek. At 6am a move was made to vicinity of Grampus Cottage. Battalion Headquarters was made at S.18.b.70.10. Various gun pits and shell holes being used as shelters. The Officers reconnoitered forward positions. At night the enemy shelled frequently with light field guns and 5.9s. 'A' Company had to move their quarters.
3	Neuve Eclise. At 7am Battalion moved to Eastwood Camp (T.14.a.90.60). At 7pm we relieved the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers and 12th Royal Irish Rifles in the line. Battalion Headquarters was formed at T.9.d.90.60. The line taken over ran through St Quentin Cabaret – T.11.b.60.00 – L'Alouette with Companies A, B, C and D from right to left, this line being about 500 yards in rear of line expected to be taken over
4	Wulverghem. At 8am Battle Headquarters was formed at T.10.d.05.80 and under an artillery barrage the Battalion, in conjunction with other Battalions on flanks, attacked. Good progress was made. D Company lost direction and got as far as Stinking Farm (U.7.a). Not being protected on flanks the enemy attempted to cut them off and the Company had to retire. Our line was established from road (T.6.d.35.80) where touch was made with the 30th Division, along hedge running south through T.6.d.4.0 to river in T.12.b then along breastwork trench from T.12.c.50.35 – T.18.a.80.90, with the gap between B and A Companies D Company was put in support along road running south through T.6.c and T.12.a. The enemy were not very numerous but their machine gun fire was heavy. The shelling was fairly heavy but was confined to vicinity of St Quentin Cabaret. During the operation Battle Headquarters was moved to T.5.d.80.40. Six prisoners were made, four of whom were sent through 29th Division on the right. Some of our men on the right were cut off and are thought to be made prisoners. The 29th Division took Hill 63 but did not come up far enough to cover our right flank. During the day there was an amount of sniping and machine gun fire and the enemy shelled St Quentin Cabaret and T.12.a with 5.9. In the afternoon he attempted a counter-attack by coming up along railway between B and A Companies, but was driven back by machine gun and rifle fire. At dusk our patrols were pushed forward to get the line behind Bristol Castle but were unable to do so owing to machine gun.
5	Reference Sheet 28 SW 1/20000. Wulverghem. During the night [of 4/5 August] enemy patrols were out and signs of work were heard. A Company of the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers was ordered to fill up gap between B and A Companies. At 5am under a very light barrage two Platoons of C Company, two of B, and the Company of the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers were to attack the line Hanbury Support down to Irish Farm. The 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers were not in position, in time for the attack. B Company were held up by barbed wire and had to retire. C Company got into King Edward Trench, but being unsupported on either flank had to retire to jumping-off trench after holding out for an hour. The enemy artillery did not reply but his machine guns were active. The remainder of the day was quiet; occasional bursts of shelling near St Quentin Cabaret and farm at T.12.a.40.40. The Battalion was relieved at night by the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles on the line from road at T.6.d.40.80 along hedge running south through T.6.d.4.0 to river in T.12.b and from T.12.c.50.95 – T.18.a.80.90. The Company of 1st Battalion were holding line T.12.b.35.30 – T.12.b.20.10 and part of Plum Duff Street. Our casualties since coming into line were four Officers wounded (Lieutenants Murphy, Bell, Laird and Lyons), twenty Other Ranks killed, twenty Other Ranks missing and 103 Other Ranks wounded. We captured one anti-tank rifle, one light trench mortar, and three machine guns including a Vickers. On relief the Battalion moved to Divisional support at Cyprian Farm. The enemy shelled the roads during relief and the Battalion had to pass through gas shelling.
6	Keersebrom. Arrival at billets was complete at 2am. Strength of Battalion [blank].The day was spent in cleaning up and organisation. Billets were made more habitable. Day was cold and wet.
7	A complete change of clothing was made by whole Battalion. Inspections of clothing and equipment were held.
8	Berthen. At 2pm move was made to Berthen. Battalion Headquarters and A Company at R.16.d.60.50, B and D at Sutton Farm and C Company in Berthen. Route via S.17.c.75.80 – Bailleul – St Jans Cappel – Schaexhen.
9	Day was spent in cleaning up equipment and settling billets. Church of Ireland service was held at 11am. The Corps Commander visited the Companies in the afternoon.
10	Battalion Headquarters moved to Chateau at R.22.d.10.95. Battalion bathed at Piebrouck and trained by Companies.
11	Companies did ordinary training. Remainder of Battalion bathed.
12	Berthen. Companies trained from 8am to 1 pm and in afternoon Officers and NCOs discussed the day's work and the work for the following day. At 11pm enemy put a few shells near Chateau.
13	Ordinary training by Companies. Commanding Officer inspected A and C Companies. Rifles were inspected by Armourer Sergeant.
14	Ordinary training. Lieutenant F.W.Vint and 2nd Lieutenants Richey R.A, Hall F.H, Logan S, Humphreys F.D.R, joined the Battalion for duty.
15	Roman Catholic Church Parade at 10am and Church of England Parade at 11am.
16	Battalion moved to Asylum in Bailleul at 6.54pm and were all in billets by 10pm. Route by Schaaxen – St Jans Cappell.
17	Bailleul. Companies employed in cleaning up billets. Ordinary training also carried out by Companies. Battalion bathed at St Jans Cappell.
18	Training by companies. Sergeant Ferguson (D Company) awarded Military Medal. Signalling competition (C Company winners) and Lewis Gun competition (D Company winners).
19	Battalion moved to Berthen at 7.30pm, route by St Jans Cappel – Shaaxen. Platoon competitions (stretcher bearing and drill). Winners of stretcher bearing A Company, winners of Platoon competition (14 Platoon D Company).
20	Berthen. Battalion moved to Terdegem. Route by Mont-des-Cats – Godwaersvelde – Steenvorde. The Brigadier 108th Brigade reviewed Battalion marching through Godwaersvelde. Arrived in billets by 10pm.
21	Terdegem. Battalion moved to Watou at 7.16pm, route by Steenvorde. Arrived in billets at 9.30pm. Joined the Battalion, 2nd Lieutenants Steele J.H, Inglis J.M, Duncan R.S, and Kernaghan J.
22	Watou. Roman Catholic Church Parade at 11am. Church of England Church Parade with band at 11am. Court Martials of Privates Smith and Crockin promulgated. Football in afternoon.
23	Training. The Commanding Officer inspected the Battalion in the afternoon.
24	Adjutants' parade at 8.30am. Training by Companies, six men per Company instructed in German machine-gun by Machine Gun Company Sergeant. Football in afternoon, 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers beat 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, A Company beat B Company, C Company beat D Company.
25	Company route marches in morning. Further instructions in German machine gun. 2nd Lieutenants H.C Burrows and Bryson awarded Military Cross and Lance Corporal Gracey (D Company) awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal for operations on 4th September 1918.
26	Battalion moved from Watou to Road Camp (St Jan-ter-Beizan) at 8pm. Arrived in camp 9.30pm.
27	Road Camp (St Jan-ter-Beizan). Battalion parade at 10am. All surplus kits stored and preparations made for move to Siege Camp (near Vlamertinge).
28	Ypres. Battalion moved from St Jan-ter-Biezen by rail to Vlamertinge thence by road [or rail?] to Salvation Road, Ypres. Accommodation was very poor.
29	Battalion moved to Rifle Farm on Menin Road at 4am then to Glen Corse Wood at 7am and later to Reutel. Position was taken up at J.17.b and d with 12th Royal Irish Rifles on left. At 7pm Battalion moved to west of Becelaere in J.18.a and c. The Commanding Officer received verbal orders at Brigade Headquarters for an advance on Moorseele to begin at dawn. The evening and night were very wet and no rations arrived.
30	Becelaere. At 5.30am the Battalion, covered by an advance guard, moved forward through J.18.b, K.13 central to K.16.c. Information was received from Brigade to the effect that the 109th Brigade held Terhand and Dadizeele. Battalion was to pass through 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at 7am. 12th Royal Irish Rifles to advance on our left, Terhand – Vijfwegen Road the inter-Battalion boundary, the first objective to be a line roughly north and south through Vijfwegen (K.24.a); second objective to be railway running north and south (K.20 and K.26 central); third objective to be Mooreseele. The 29th Division was on our right. 7am. 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was on a line running south-west through K.21.a and c. 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were facing south with posts along Terhand – Vinwegen Road. The 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were held up by machine gun fire and had lost touch with the 29th Division. A patrol discovered the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers holding line running south from K.19.a.9.6 through K.19 central, i.e. 2000 yards in rear. B Company were sent to move along line of enemy wire through K.21.b, K.22.c and K.29.c to occupy high ground in K.30.a. C Company to move to right rear of B Company to protect flank, to get and keep in touch with 29th Division. A Company to move through K.22 central, K.23 central to K.24.c and to keep touch with 12th Royal Irish Rifles. D Company to move in support along Terhand – Vijfwegen Road. B and C Companies came under machine gun fire almost at once after moving through the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, but A Company met with no opposition until they reached the east side of Methuen Wood, when they came under machine gun fire from houses in K.23.d about 9.30am. About this time the reserve Company came under machine gun fire from a pill box on K.24.b.0.3 and Leadenhall Copse which were cleared in spite of stiff resistance by 12.30. Twelve prisoners and two machine guns were captured in this operation, and an Officer with twenty Other Ranks of the enemy being killed. All further attempts to advance our line beyond the general line of this pill box and Leadenhall Copse were prevented by very heavy machine gun fire from fortified farms on our right flank which was still hanging back. At about 1800 when the (2nd?) Royal Irish Rifles passed through the line to attack, the general line ran K.24.b.0.3 – Leadenhall Copse – K.23.d.2.5 – K.29.b.2.8. Our casualties during the day were six Officers (130?) Other Ranks. [Signed] R.J Tamplin Major Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers
Operation Orders No.24 by Lieutenant Colonel P.E Kelly Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. Map Reference Belgium and Part of France Sheet 7b. 1. Relief Battalion will relieve 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers and 12th Royal Irish Rifles tonight from T.16.c.7.8 (on right) to left Brigade boundary in T.6.c. 2. Four Companies will be in the line. A Company in touch with 12th Royal Irish Rifles on the right to T.11.c.4.5. B Company from T.11.c.4.5 to T.11.c.8.0. C Company from T.11.c.8.0 to T.12.a.5.7. D Company from T.12.a.5.7 to left Brigade boundary T.6.c.6.5. 3. Each Company will have two Platoons forward at first. 4. C and D Companies will find Guide at T.10.a.9.4 who will shew them where 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers are. A Company will move to T.10.d.5.3 where a Company of the 12th Royal Irish Rifles are. B Company will move to T.11.a.4.2 where a Company Headquarters of the 12th Royal Irish Rifles are. 5. Companies wil be ready to move at 6.30pm. D Company leading they will not start until they receive orders. 6. Rations are expected to arrive before the move. 7. Battalion Headquarters at Farm at T.9.d.6.3. 8. Companies will report by Runner as soon as they are in their new position. 9. C and D Companies will relieve 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers who are already on their objective. A and B Companies will endeavour to push forward as soon as possible and seize cottage T.11.c.6.3 and T.11.c.9.0 and T.11.d.3.3 and when Brigade on our right advance will seize objective T.19.a.4.8 to T.12.a.5.1. 10. One Trench Mortar will move with A Company and will report to Officer Commanding A Company at 6pm. 11. R.A.P. [Regimental Aid Post] will be at Battalion Headquarters. R.A.P. of 12th Royal Irish Rifles is at Church in Neuveglise (T.15.a.central). 12. Acknowledge. 13. Issued at 6.10pm. [Signed] (..?..) Captain & Acting Adjutant 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 3 September 1918
Operation Orders No.26 by Lieutenant Colonel P.E Kelly Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. Map Reference Sheet 28 SW 1/20,000 1. The Battalion will be relieved by the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles tonight 5/6th September 1918. 2. The incoming Companies will occupy the same relative positions as the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers. 3. All trench stores will be handed over. 4. Completion of relief will be reported by Company Commander's name to Battalion Headquarters. 5. Companies when relieved will march independently to new area at S.17.b.3.3 and will report arrival by Company Commander's name. 6. Interval of 100 yards will be maintained between platoons. 7. Rations will be dumped in new area. 8. Limbers for Lewis Guns will be at advanced Battalion Headquarters if possible. 9. Company Commanders horses will be at advanced Battalion Headquarters. 10. Duplicates of receipts for trench stores handed over, to be sent to Battalion Headquarters by 3pm 6 September 1918. 11. Guides will meet Companies in new area on road at S.18.a.6.2. 12. Bailleul – Ravelsburg road may be used as far as Crucifix Corner S.18.a.6.2 west of this point the road is out of bounds and Companies will then proceed north of this road. 13. Care will be taken that liaison will be carefully handed over. 14. Acknowledge. [Signed] (..?..) Captain & Acting Adjutant 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 5 September 1918
No.27 Operation Orders by Lieutenant Colonel P.E Kelly Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 8 September 1918 Reference Sheet 27 SE and 28 SW 1/20,000 1. The Battalion will move today to Berthen area as under: Battalion Headquarters ) to Cato Copse R.16.d.6.5 A Company ) B and D Companies to Sutton Farm R.22.b.6.5 C Company to Berthen 2. Order of march, Battalion Headquarters, A, B, C and D Companies, 200 yards between Companies, 50 yards between Platoons. 3. Route. Bailleul – St Jans Cappel. Strict march discipline will be observed. 4. All Officers valises, mess kit, Company stores and Lewis Guns will be dumped on Road opposite Companies at 1pm. 5. All tents and shelters will be dumped at Battalion Headquarters by 1pm. 6. Dinners at 11.30am. 7. Companies will leave two men per Company behind to clean up Camp. C Company to detail one NCO to take charge of this party. 8. Arrival in new area will be reported to Battalion Headquarters by runner. 9. Acknowledge. [Signed] (..?..) Captain & Acting Adjutant 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 8 September 1918 Copies to A Company, B, Company, C Company, D Company, Commanding Officer, 108th Infantry Brigade, War Diary, File.
Operation Orders No.28 by Lieutenant Colonel P.E. Kelly Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 14th September 1918 Reference Sheet 27 SE and 28 SW 1/20,000 No.1 The Battalion will move into Divisional Support on the 15th September 1918 and will be billeted in the Asylum. No.2 (a) The Battalion will pass the starting point (R.22.a.40.00) at the following times: Band and Battalion Headquarters 6.54pm 7.24pm [handwritten] C Company 6.56pm 7.26pm [handwritten] B Company 6.59pm 7.29pm [handwritten] D Company 7.02pm 7.32pm [handwritten] A Company 7.05pm 7.35pm [handwritten] Transport. Intervals of 200 yards between Companies and 30 yards between Platoons. (b) The following Transport has been allotted: One G.S Wagon for Battalion Headquarters. One G.S Limber per Company for Lewis Guns and Mess Boxes. One G.S Wagon for Company Officers Kits. Maltese Cart for medical stores. All Kits, Mess Boxes and Lewis Guns must be stacked on the road near Company Headquarters by 5.45pm. (c) Advance parties consisting of Major R.J.A Tamplin DSO, Lieutenant A.L Dobbyn MC, and one NCO per Platoon and Battalion Headquarters will rendezvous at Battalion Headquarters at 2.30pm (15th inst.) (d) Teas will be served at 4.30pm. The Quartermaster will arrange for a hot meal after arrival. (e) The Quartermaster will arrange to hand over present billets to the incoming Unit. No.3 The strictest attention is to be paid to march discipline. No.4 Billets will be left in a perfectly clean an sanitary condition. Acknowledge. [Signed] W Sparks Captain & Adjutant 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 14 September 1918 Issued through Signals at 6.15pm. Copy No. 1 108th Infantry Brigade 2 A Company 3 B Company 4 C Company 5 D Company 6 Commanding Officer 7 Second in Command 8 Quartermaster 9 Transport Officer 10 Regimental Sergeant Major 11 War Diary 12 Cook Sergeant
No.28 Operation Orders by Lieutenant Colonel P.E Kelly Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 19 September 1918 Reference Sheet 27 SE and 28 SW 1/20,000 No.1 The Battalion will move to the Berthen Area tonight 19th September 1918. No.2 (1) Starting Point (S.14.b.2.8) will be passed: Battalion Headquarters 8pm B Company 8.03pm A Company 8.07pm D Company 8.11pm C Company 8.15pm (2) Route. St Jans Capel. (3) Advance Parties. The Quartermaster will arrange to take over billets this afternoon. NCOs at present with Echelon B will assist him if required. Billets to be taken over will be the same as those vacated on 16 September 1918. (4) All blankets will be rolled in bundles of ten and stacked at Company Ration Dump at 5pm. Each bundle will be clearly marked with the Company and Platoon's number. (5) All Officers Valises, Lewis Guns etc, will be stacked at Company Ration Dump 5.30pm. The Transport Officer will arrange for the necessary transport at that hour. He will also arrange to send on all Cookers immediately after tea. Officers Mess Boxes will be sent on in advance in Cookers. (6) Lieutenant A.L Dobbyn MC will hand over present billets to the Area Commandant. (7) Echelon B will rejoin their Companies tonight, but in the event of the Battalion moving into the line at any time, they will remain behind. [Signed] A L Dobbyn, Lieutenant for Captain & Adjutant 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 19 September 1918 Issued through Signals, at ................ Copy No.1 to 108th Infantry Brigade Copy No.2 to A Company Copy No.3 to B Company Copy No.4 to C Company Copy No 5 to D Company Copy No.6 to Commanding Officer Copy No.7 to Second in Command Copy No.8 to Captain Kerr C.H. Copy No.9 to Quartermaster Copy No.10 to Transport Officer Copy No.11 to Medical Officer Copy No.12 to War Diary Copy No.13 to War Diary
No.31 Operation Orders by Lieutenant Colonel P.E Kelly Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 21 September 1918 Sheet 27 1/40,000 No.1 The Battalion will march to the Watou Area tonight 21st September 1918. No.2 (a) Order of march: Band Battalion Headquarters B Company C Company D Company A Company Guard Transport Twenty-five yards between every group of six vehicles. Intervals must be strictly kept. (b) Route. Steenvoorde – Cross Roads J.34.b – Road junction P.5.a.90.60 – K.3.d. (c) The Battalion will be formed up ready to pass Cross Roads P.4.b.50.30 in above order at 7.16pm. A and D Companies will march to starting point via Cassel – Steenvoorde Road. (d) On arrival the Battalion will be billeted in Borden and Endersley Camps K.3.d.8.5. Transport Lines at K.10.b.4.9. Billeting parties have been sent forward. (e) No halt will be made until the Battalion is clear of Steenvoorde. (f) Dress. Full marching order, Steel Helmets will be worn by all ranks, Waterbottles filled. (g) All Officers Mess kit will be placed in Company Cookers. No.3 Every precaution is to be taken against observation from the air and the necessity for the utmost secrecy is to be impressed on all ranks to whom these orders have to be communicated. In case of Enemy Aircraft flying over the column, Companies will at once get into cover at the side of the road. [Signed] W Sparks Captain & Adjutant 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 21 September 1918 Issued through Signals at ................... Copy No.1 to 108th Infantry Brigade Copy No.2 to A Company Copy No.3 to B Company Copy No.4 to C Company Copy No 5 to D Company Copy No.6 to Commanding Officer Copy No.7 to Second in Command Copy No.8 to Transport Officer Copy No.9 to Quartermaster Copy No.10 to Cook Sergeant Copy No.11 to Medical Officer Copy No.12 to War Diary Copy No.13 to War Diary
No.31 Operation Orders by Lieutenant Colonel P.E Kelly Commanding 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 26 September 1918 Reference Sheet 27 No.1 The Battalion will move to Road Camp today 26th September 1918. No.2 (a) The Battalion will parade ready to move off at 8pm in the following order: Battalion Headquarters C Company D Company B Company A Company Transport Intervals 50 yards between Companies. 50 yards between read Company and Transport 25 yards between every six vehicles. (b) Route. Road Junction K.4.d.30.70 – Watou Square – road junction K.5.a.5.6. (c) After passing road junction K.5.a.5.6 Companies will march in file. (d) All Officers Valises will be sent to Quartermaster Stores by 2pm. Officers Mess Boxes will be carried on cookers. (e) Echelon B personnel will parade at Battalion Headquarters at 2.30pm under Captain C.H Kerr and will move to Headquarters 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles E.25.c.0.9. Blankets, Officers Kits, dixies etc will be stacked at Orderly Room at 2pm. This party will carry rations for consumption on 27th inst. Transport Officer will arrange for necessary transport at 2pm. (f) Lieutenant F.W Vint with a guard of six men will remain at Transport Lines in charge of surplus kits. Men will be selected from Echelon B and must not be due for leave or rest camp. 2 Other Ranks A Company 2 Other Ranks B Company 1 Other Rank C Company I Other Rank D Company. (g) Dress. Full Marching order, waterbottles must be filled. (h) 2nd Lieutenant Inglis J.M. will report at Brigade Headquarters at Houtkerque at 4pm today to synchronise watches. He will report to the Adjutant at 3pm. (i) The Quartermaster will arrange for a hot tea to be served on arrival. (j) The Quartermaster will hand over billets to incoming Unit. Captain & Adjutant 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 26 September 1918 Acknowledge. Issued through Signals at ................ Copy No.1 to 108th Infantry Brigade Copy No.2 to A Company Copy No.3 to B Company Copy No.4 to C Company Copy No 5 to D Company Copy No.6 to Commanding Officer Copy No.7 to Second in Command Copy No.8 to Quartermaster Copy No.9 to Transport Officer Copy No.10 to Medical Officer Copy No.11 to War Diary Copy No.12 to War Diary
Operations, September 28th to October 2nd 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers September 28th. The Battalion moved from St Jean D'Bizen to rail to Flammertinge, thence by road to Salvation Corner, Ypres. Accommodation poor. September 29th. Moved 4am to Rifle Farm on Menin Road. 7am to Glencorse Wood and later to Reutel. Battalion took up a position J.17.b & d with 12th Royal Irish Rifles on our left. About 7pm the Battalion took up a position west of Becelaere in J.18.a & c. At 7pm Commanding Officers were sent for to report at Brigade and had verbal order issued for an advance on Moorseele to begin at dawn 30th September. Very wet evening and night. Rations not received. September 30th. Moved forward at 5.30am. Battalion covered by an advance guard through J.18.b, K.13 central to K.16.c. Latest information from Brigade to the effect that the 109th Brigade held Terhand and Dadizeele. Battalion to pass through 1st Battalion Inniskilling Fusiliers at 7am. 12th Royal Irish Rifles advancing on our left. Terhand – Vijfwegen Road the inter Battalion boundary. 1st Objective – A line roughly north and south through Vijfwegen. 2nd Objective – Railway running north and south J.20 central K.26 central. 3rd Objective – Moorseele. /29th Division on our right. 7am found 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on a line running south-west through K.21 a & c. 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were facing south with posts along the Terhand – Vijfwegen Road. 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers told me they were held up owing to machine gun fire and had lost all touch with the 29th Division. I sent an Officer's patrol to get touch with 29th Division. They found the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers on a line running south from K.19.a.9.6 through K.19 central, i.e. 2000 yards in rear. I sent B Company to move along line of enemy wire through K.21.b, K.22.c and K.29.c.0.0 to occupy high ground in K.30.a. C Company to move along (..?..) to right rear of B Company to protect my flank and get and keep touch with 29th Division. A Company to move through K.22 central, K.23 central to K.24.c and to keep touch with 12th Royal Irish Rifles. D Company to move in support along Terhand – Vijfwegen Road (the only road really existing in the area). I reported the situation at 7.10am and sent message to 12th Royal Irish Rifles that I could not keep up with their advance which was unopposed to Dadizeele. B and C Companies came under machine gun fire almost at once after moving through the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, but A Company on the left met with no opposition until they reached the east side of Methuen Wood, when they came under machine gun fire from houses in K.23.d about 9.30am. Finding the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers along the Terhand – Vijfweben Road and being told by them that their line ran to two kilometres east of the latter village and that they had posts down the road running south-west from it, I decided to push forward my reserve Company to Vijfweben so as to keep touch with the Royal Irish Rifles, who were now well in advance of my left and then by pushing south to K.24.c help the other Companies to advance. At 9.30am on reaching K.23.b.5.6, D Company came under machine gun fire from Leadhall Copse to houses in K.23.d. The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were standing about the road and were unaware of the proximity of the enemy. One of their Officers now told me that his Battalion had been in Vijfweben but had withdrawn and so the enemy had apparently advanced again. At about 10am I ordered A and D Companies to attack and clear the ground to the railway to the railway [sic] from Vijfwegen to K.23.d.(?). This was done with slight casualties, the enemy retiring from house to house as we approached them. By 10.30am B Company had cleared Walpole Copse, Turnbull Farm, Goldsmith Farm and Pawn Farm, but were held up by heavy fire from from [sic] the south-east and south. C Company were facing south along a line through K.28 central, K28.a.3.4 from which they could see the 29th Division to the south-west and were in touch with them by patrols. The 29th Division were held up and so my right could not push on further. At 11am I now found my left held up by a strong point and pill box at K.24.a.9.4 and by the enemy in Sandsfield Farm and another farm at K.24.c.4.2. I arranged a joint attack on these two so as to assist the 12th Royal Irish Rifles, who reported that they were attacking on my left. By 12.30pm the strong point at K.24.a.9.4 was captured with twelve prisoners and two machine guns, an Officer and twenty Other Ranks being killed. The remainder of the garrison, which numbered nearly 100, were pursued up the hill for 300 or 400 yards, but our men had to return to the strong point owing to heavy machine gun fire from flanks. The strong point was held and Dimehouse occupied and touch established with the 12th Royal Irish Rifles. The attack on Sandsfield House failed owing to enemy counter-attack which was launched from Carton House. The enemy crept down hedges between Denbenham House and Sandfield Farm and took our attack in flank just as they reached the farms. At 1.30pm a second attack was attempted but could not progress owing to heavy crossfire from the south and from Cheviot Corner. 4.00pm. During the whole day the machine gun fire kept increasing and was by now very heavy and all movement was very difficult. The shellfire was becoming very heavy, especially about Leadhall Copse. The 29th Division were not coming up, and my front was already very extended, 2,500 yards. I had lost five Officers and about 100 Other Ranks so I decided not to attack further but reorganise the Companies until the right began to come up. At 4.30pm an attack by the 12th Royal Irish Rifles on my left failed and they retired to Dime House by 5.30pm. At 6.00pm the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles moved up and advanced through C and D Companies. they appear to have reached the farm immediately south-west of Sansfield Farm but I was never able to find where their front was. One Officer and part of a Company reached my extreme left at K.24.a.9.4. At about 10pm I received instructions to take my right Companies back into reserve. A patrol was sent forward at night to keep touch with 2nd Royal Irish Rifles but was cut off and did not get back until the following night. October 1st. At 6.15am 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers were to attack on my left, capture Hill 41 and advance, my Battalion to follow in reserve. The attacking troops reached Cheviot Corner and Twig Farm. At 9.30am I was informed by Brigade that machine gun fire from Sandsfield Farm was bothering them. I organised an attack on this farm but could get no definite news as to where the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles were. An Officer's patrol sent out to Farm at K.24.c.4.3 was held up by machine gun fire. At 11am just as attack was about to start I received orders to stop attack as enemy were counter-attacking 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers and I must hold my men in reserve. The attack was stopped. I was told to preserve my men in case the enemy broke through to the left and therefore did not attack again. My line ran K.29.b.2.9 – K.2(3?).d.9.3 – House K.23.d.25.50 – House K.23.d.3.8 – Pill Box K.23.(?).3.1 – K.23.d.9.9 – along edge of wood to K.22.a.4.4 – Pill Box K.2(4?).a.9.4. This remained my front until the Battalion was relieved. At 5pm a patrol reported Stansfield House occupied by 2ns Royal Irish Rifles. It is possible they mistook house at K.24.c.4.2 as enemy still seemed to fire from Stansfield House. At 9.15pm 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles moved through my front and Companies were gradually withdrawn. At 5am Battalion moved back west of Terhand. Our casualties Officers 3 killed 1 died 4 wounded Other 139 killed, Enemy Difficult to Enemy Good. Farms etc Artillery fire Ours negligible. Enemy's – slight Machine gun Very heavy Communication With Companies by With rear, Smoke Grenades Were used with Medical Wheeled Wire Most of the wire Most of the Condition of Good, marshy in Stokes Gun Useless owing to Machine Guns Did not arrive Weather Rain on No rations of wounds Nearly all by machine gun fire Ranks and sniping wounded and missing casualties say. Not heavy. fighting qualities strongly held. No desire to surrender. Advanced whenever possible. Prisoners of a good type. at first, increasing constantly, heavy on the 1st. Enemy trench mortar fire also heavy. Enemy was very quick at picking out his front and kept his shelling very close in front of his line. fire indeed throughout until (..?..) of October 1st when it quietened on our front. Lucas Lamps. through (?) (C.R.E.?) (line?) during advance, afternoon (ditto?) by telephone. success. Enemy sometimes ran from the smoke, presumably fearing Gas. arrangements stretchers would have been of great assistance. marked on maps is very strong, but plenty of gaps. roads have disappeared. ground places. cartridges getting wet and none were forthcoming until October 1st. until afternoon of the 30th September, suffered heavily from shell fire. September 30th heavy and continuous, made all observation difficult and added greatly to the hardships of the men. received for the 30th September and Battalion had to attack without breakfast, after spending all night in heavy rain and muddy trenches without cover. In spite of this they fought with considerable (distinction?). [Signed] P Kelly Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers

October 1918
1	Dadizeele. Ref Sheet 28. The 2nd Royal Irish Rifles relieved the Battalion in the line south of Hill 41. On relief the Battalion moved into Divisional Reserve in K.14.a. One Officer and fifteen Other Ranks casualties were incurred during relief. Remainder of day spent in checking casualty lists, deficiencies, etc.
2	Battalion remained in K.14.a.
3	Battalion remained in K.14.a.
4	The Battalion relieved the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on Hill 41. Battalion Headquarters at K.18.c.10.60. Strength 13 Officers, 390 Other Ranks. The night passed quietly except for harassing fire on roads behind our lines.
5	The enemy put down harassing fire for one hour before dawn and dusk, but barrage line was well behind our line and no casualties were incurred. Northern boundary of Battalion adjusted to L.13.c.25.00.
6	The day passed quietly except for heavy enemy counter preparation in which only 4.2 and 77mm were used. During the night Mansard Farm and copse K.24.b.5.3 were occupied without opposition. Few casualties suffered during the night from machine-gun fire. 2nd Lieutenant Bryson was killed on patrol whilst reconnoitering Goldflake Farm which was found to be occupied in force by the enemy.
7-9	Nothing of interest to note. Battalion continued to hold the line. Hostile counter preparation was intense at periods, especially before dawn and at dusk. About twenty casualties suffered. Aerial activity greatly increased on the 9th. Each night all wire behind our line was cut in order to facilitate the advance of attacking troops in the near future.
10	Enemy counter preparation at dusk and dawn became very heavy. Our heavies commenced wire cutting in front of Martell Farm. Enemy E.A. very active during the day. Plans for the capture and consolidation of Goldflake Farm were made. Our post at Mansard Farm had been evacuated during the day owing to wire cutting operations and had been reoccupied by the enemy. At dusk a small party rushed the farm under cover of a smoke barrage, capturing one machine-gun. The garrison ran back to their own lines, leaving identifications. A patrol during the night heard enemy digging in the vicinity of Martell Farm.
11	Hill 41. At dawn a party of thirty Other Ranks under 2nd Lieutenant Darling MC formed up in Twig Farm. (See Appendix No.1.) At 10.00 under cover of a barrage and smoke screen, they rushed Goldflake Farm, capturing fourteen prisoners, three machine-guns, and killing about ten of the enemy. A position about 100 yards south-west of the farm was consolidated. The hostile barrage was extremely heavy and (5.9?) were (retired?) for the first time. Our casualties were one killed and two wounded. At about 17.50 the enemy counter-attacked heavily on Goldflake, Mansard and Twig Farms. The garrison in Goldflake Farm withdrew after inflicting very heavy casualties on the enemy, who were caught in fours on the road. The garrison of Mansard Farm was surrounded and fought their way back. The enemy succeeded in reaching Twig Farm but was held up by a small party which still held out in front of the farm. The enemy was finally cleared from Twig Farm by a counter attack. Mansard and Goldflake Farms remained in his hands. Lieutenant-Colonel P.E Kelly was killed during the day by a shell. Our casualties during the day were two Officers and 25 Other Ranks. The Battalion was relieved by the 12th Royal Irish Rifles and on relief moved into Brigade reserve in vicinity of Pease Corner. (See Appendix No.2.)
12	Dadizeele. Day spent in reserve reorganizing and checking, making up deficiencies. Major R.J.A Tamplin DSO took over command of the Battalion.
13	Dadizeele. Remained in reserve. At 17pm [sic] 12th Royal Irish Rifles recaptured Goldflake Farm.
14	Terhand. At 2am Battalion moved to area K.15.a, our position in the line being taken over by the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. At 05.35 under a very heavy artillery barrage the whole Army attacked, the 107th and 109th Brigades being in the front line, the 108th in support. At 09.00 we followed up the advance and took up position in L.20.c. (See Appendix No.3.)
15	Moorseele. 09.00. The advance was resumed and we moved to Copper Corner (L.23.a).
16	Heule. Courtrai. 02.00. Moved to Heule via Moorseele and Gulleghem. Battalion formed up between G.23.d.6.5 and G.24.a.30.00. A and B Companies in front line, A on right, C in support, and D in reserve in readiness for attack. Enemy artillery was very quiet. Patrols of the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers informed us that country was clear of enemy up to River Lys but under artillery barrage we attacked at 05.35. (See Appendix No.4.) The Barrage was poor and short, causing three casualties. No opposition was met with except one machine-gun on railway at H.25.d, which was dealt with. Battalion reached the river, taking up positions commanding the opposite bank. The bridge at H.25.d.3.6 was destroyed and the railway bridge at H.25.c partially so at the opposite bank. C Company formed a defensive flank along railway in G.30.b, and D stayed at G.24.d. The houses contained numbers of civilians. Touch was kept with 12th Royal Irish Rifles on our left. At 14.00 under cover of smoke screen from rifle smoke bombs and artillery supported by trench mortars a section of Royal Engineers bridged the river and 2nd Lieutenants Steele and Logan with party thirty Other Ranks (D Company) crossed and took up positions at H.25.d.30.50 and on the main street and near the bank to cover the bridge. The smoke screen did not last long enough, however, and the bridge being detected, came under machine-gun fire from railway about H.31.a.80.60 and was partly destroyed. The Royal Engineers section had three Officers and about a dozen casualties and were unable to complete the bridge, leaving our men cut off on the opposite side. This party knocked out two machine-guns and captured six prisoners. At 6pm under cover of night it withdrew, coming across by one of the boats. C Company was moved up and relieved B Company. At 7pm Battalion was relieved by the 23rd Middlesex and on relief moved to area Drie-Masten (L.12.c.05.55). Total casualties for the day were 2nd Lieutenant Inglis wounded, one Other Ranks killed and 24 Other Ranks wounded. Strength of Battalion on relief: ...... Officers, ...... Other Ranks. (See Appendix No.5.)
17	Drie Masten. Morning was spent in cleaning, reorganization and inspections.
18	Battalion paraded at 10am for presentation of medal ribbons by the Divisional Commander at which he gave a short address.
19	Ordinary inspections and Church Parades in morning.
20	Battalion moved at 08.00 via Drie Masten, Winkle St Eloi, Lendelede to area B.19.c.25.20. In the afternoon Battalion bathes at Lendelede in German baths. Moved at 22.30 via Hulste to area B.24.a. (See Appendix No.6.)
21	At 7.30am the 108th Infantry Brigade (1st Royal Irish Fusiliers in front line) attacked in conjunction with 107th Infantry Brigade on right flank and French on left without artillery preparation. 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers advanced to railway line in C.28 and later got to Spitaal due south through C.29.d – I.5.c and d to road at I.6.c.00.70 getting into (trench?) with 107th Infantry Brigade on right. French were held up on left by machine-gun fire from area C.23.a. At 09.00 Battalion moved to C.19.d.92.94 via Step Bridge at C.9.a.20.00. During day pontoon bridge at C.14.c.70.60 was shelled at intervals.
22	Enemy bombardment on French at 08.45 seemed to be counter-preparation. Attack by 107th Infantry Brigade and 9th Division at 09.20. Enemy shelled Desselghem fairly heavily.
23	1st Royal Irish Fusiliers reached Heinweg [Heirweg?] but French were held up on railway. At 13.30 Battalion moved to Leemput (I.4.b). Strength of Battalion: 15 Officers, 350 Other Ranks. (See Appendix No.7.)
24	At 18.00 Battalion relieved 12th Royal Irish Rifles in support and moved to area I.4.b. (See Appendix No.8.)
25	Weather fine but dull towards midday. Battalion in support to 12th Royal Irish Rifles in attack on line J.36.c.0.4 – J.36.a.3.2 through G in Bergstraat through N in Ansegham to northern boundary at J.24.c.0.0. Heavy machine-gun opposition was encountered and an advance of about 1,000 yards was made. Strength of Battalion going into action: 12 Officers and 276 Other Ranks. Casualties: Lieutenant F.W Vint and 2nd Lieutenant J Darling MC wounded, 7 Other Ranks killed and 37 Other Ranks wounded.
26	Weather very fine. Positions captured during 25th consolidated. German observation balloon brought down by our aeroplanes near Worteghem. (See Appendix No.9.)
27	Weather fine in morning but dull towards evening. Battalion was relieved in the line by 4th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, 34th Division, and proceeded to billets in Hulste. (See Appendix No.10.)
28	Hulste. Weather fine. Men in good spirits after night's rest, received kindly attention from civil population who cooked the men's food etc.
29	Weather fine. Battalion moved at 08.30 via Bisseghem to Lawe where they were billetted for the night. (See Appendix No.11.)
30	Lawe. Weather continues fine. Service for Roman Catholics held in Lawe church at 08.00. Usual inspections and reorganisation carried out during morning. Company Commanders lectured their Companies on 'The Course of the War'.
31	Lawe. Weather fine. Usual parades and inspections carried out in morning. In the evening the civil population were invited to a dance held in the School Room Lawe and a pleasant evening was spent.
During the month the Battalion was engaged in almost continuous fighting. Congratulatory messages etc attached. (see Appendix No.12.) Roll of Officers present with Battalion on 31.10.18. (See Appendix No.13.) During the month the Battalion received five Military Crosses, three Distinguished Conduct Medals, ten Military Medals, two Bars to Military Medals. The Commanding Officer heartily congratulates, roll of which is given in Appendix 14. [Signed] R.J Tamplin Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers
9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers List of Appendices to War Diary, 1 – 31 October 1918 No of Appendix Purport Remarks No.1 Operation order for attack on Goldflake Farm [10 October 1918] No.2 Operation order – 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles relieve Battalion in line [11 October 1918] No.3 Operation order for continuation of advance [13 October 1918] Barrage table attached No.4 Operation order for attack and capture of crossings of Lys Canal [16 October 1918] No.5 Operation order – 22nd Middlesex Regiment relieve Battalion at Courtrai [16 October 1918] No.6 Operation order – Battalion move from Drie Masten to Lendelede [19 October 1918 – not transcribed] No.7 Operation order – Battalion move to Leemput [23 October 1918 – not transcribed] No.8 Operation order – Battalion relieve 12th Royal Irish Rifles in support [24 October 1918] No.9 Operation order – Readjustment of line after the attack [26 October 1918] No.10 Operation order – Battalion relieved in line by 4th Royal Sussex Regiment [27 October 1918] No.11 Operation order – Battalion move from Hulste to Lawe [29 October 1918 – not transcribed] No.12 Congratulatory messages etc [6 & 26 October 1918] No.13 Nominal Roll of Officers present with Battalion, on 31.10.18 [No.14] [Decorations awarded during the month of October 1918] [Signed] R.J Tamplin Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers
[Appendix] No.1 Copy No.6 Operation Order No.1 by Lieutenant Colonel P.E Kelly Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers Ref. Dadizeele 1/10000 10 October 1918 1. On 11th October 1918 the Battalion will capture and hold Goldflake Farm (L.19.d.0.9) and structures in vicinity. 2. Officer Commanding C Company will detail two Platoons for this operation. Officer Commanding B Company will have one Platoon in readiness in copse K.24.b.50.35 to assist if necessary (in addition to assembly normal garrison). 3. At 10.00 to two Platoons of C Company will be formed up in trench at south-east corner of Twig Farm. They will move to position before dawn. Officer Commanding C and B Companies will report when their parties are in position and ready. 4. At 10.00 when barrage the attacking Platoons will move forward in line E. Cheviot Corner – Twig Farm Road to as [close to?] Goldflake Farm as possible. At 10.05 when bombardment of Goldflake Farm will cease party will rush the Farm. One Section will be detailed to deal with pill-box at K.24.d.90.85. At 10.05 Officer Commanding B Company will send forward one Section from copse K.24.d.5.3 and occupy houses K.24.b.7.2. 5. Consolidation. Position when occupied will be immediately consolidated. Care will be taken that cellars etc are checked by (..?..) while remainder consolidate. In the event of attack failing the Platoon of B Company detailed in para 2 will at once rush Farm from west. 6. Equipment. Battle order: One shovel to every two men to be carried on pack. Two R.7 discharges per Platoon. One No.36 per man. Ten No.37s per man. Wirecutters One Very pistol and cartridge to be carried per Platoon Commander. 7. Signals. A Very light will be sent up when farm is captured. Two SOS rifle grenade must be carried. 8. Officer Commanding C Company will send (..?..) Lucas Lamp when objective has been taken. 9. Prisoners will be sent back immediately to copse K.24.b.5.3 and passed by B Company to Battalion Headquarters. 10. Officer Commanding A and D Companies will evacuate posts east of line L.18.c.5.0 – L.19.a.15.85 by 05.00 (dawn). Posts will be reoccupied at dusk. 11. Officer Commanding attacking party will send sketch of dispositions to Battalion Headquarters after consolidation if possible. 12. Artillery. Night 10th/11th October till 5.00, salvos high explosives by 4.5 howitzers on Goldflake Farm every half hour. 05.15 to 05.30, heavy bombardment Goldflake and Martell Farms. 05.30 to 10.00, no firing. 10.00 to 10.10, 6" trench mortar and howitzers on objectives including smoke. 10.10 to 10.40, guns will fire on Martell Farm. L.T.M. [large trench mortar?] fires on houses K.24.b.70.15. 10.00 to 10.40, smoke barrage west Martell Farm, east and south of Goldflake Farm. Artillery Forward Observation Officer will be at Twig Farm, to whom any message re artillery are to be sent. 15.[sic] Medical arrangements. C Company's stretcher bearers to accompany raiding party. A and D Company's will evacuate from Twig Farm to aid post. B Company will evacuate from their area to (..?..) post. One wheeled stretcher and two Ret(?) available at rear Battalion Headquarters Bass Farm. Synchronisation. Watch will be (..?..) from Battalion Headquarters. Advanced Battalion Headquarters at A Company's Headquarters from 10.00. Acknowledge. (..?..) Captain and Adjutant (i) 20.20 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers Copies: 1. 108th Infantry Brigade 2. A 3. B 4. C 5. D 6. 108th Trench Mortar Battery 7. Officer Commanding 18th Highland Light Infantry 8. War Diaries 9. War Diaries
[Appendix] No.2 Operation Order No.2 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 11 October 1918 1. The 12th Royal Irish Rifles will relieve the Battalion tonight 11/12th October 1918. 2. (..?..) Companies relieve: C Company 12th Royal Irish Rifles relieve B Company Royal Irish Fusiliers D Company 12th Royal Irish Rifles relieve D Company Royal Irish Fusiliers A Company 12th Royal Irish Rifles relieve A Company Royal Irish Fusiliers in reserve position. B Company 12th Royal Irish Rifles relieve C Company Royal Irish Fusiliers, taking up position occupied by B Company night 10/11th October. 3. One guide per Platoon (..?..) from Company Headquarters will report (..?..) Headquarters at 5.30pm and will meet incoming Companies at Gilbey Farm. 4. Liaison posts. A Company will hand over liaison post with (1st?) Royal Irish Fusiliers on our (left?) (..?..) B Company liaison post at K.24.d.50.70 with 18th Highland Light Infantry. 5. Particular care is to be taken on handing over to explain method of defence. 6. On relief the Battalion will be disposed: Battalion Headquarters – K.17.b.5.7 A Company – Gilbey Farm B Company – Palmer Farm, Blinkel Farm C Company – K.17.c.9.9 D Company – Lanka Farm (K.17.b.5.9) Guides will be picked up at Gilbey Farm as Companies move out. 7. Completion of relief will be reported by code word "Finish". Arrival in new billets will be reported to Headquarters. 8. All petrol tins, dixies etc must be brought out. [Signed] W Sparks Captain and Adjutant HODO 11.10.18 Copy No 1: to 108th Infantry Brigade 2: to A 3: to B 4: to C 5: to D 6: to 12th Royal Irish Rifles 7: to War Diary
[Appendix] No.3 Operation Order No.3 by Major R.J.A Tamplin DSO Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers B.E.F. 13 October 1918 Reference Sheets 28 and 29 1. On J day at 11 hour the 36th Division will resume the advance in conjunction with troops on either flank and will attack with 107th Infantry Brigade on the right, 109th Infantry Brigade on the left and 108th Infantry Brigade in reserve. (..?..) are as marked on map issued. Barrage map enclosed. 2. On the morning of J day the Battalion will move to assembly position in K.15.a.8.0 and will pass starting point K.16.b.5.5 at following times: B Company 02.00 D Company 02.05 C Company 02.10 A Company 02.15 Battalion Headquarters 02.20 Battalion Headquarters will be situated in Pill Box K.15.d.4.4. 3. After H hour on J day the Battalion will be prepared to move at 15 minutes notice. Men must not leave their Platoons. Emergency and position will be road running through K.14.c and K.15.c. Head of column at K.14.d.9.7 in following order – Battalion Headquarters, B, A, C, D. 4. Lewis Gun limbers and ammunition pack animals will accompany the Battalion after moving from K.15.d.4.4. Special orders have been issued to Transport Officer. 5. The Transport Officer will arrange to have eight shovels and four picks per Company dumped at assembly positions. Each Platoon will carry two shovels and one pick. Water bottles must be filled. Full equipment as issued will be carried. 6. Rations. A hot meal will be served on arrival in assembly positions. Rations for J day will be issued at assembly positions. 7. Machine Gun Companies will report arrival in assembly positions. 8. Divisional Bomb Stores is situated at K.14.b.5.1. 9. Advanced Dressing Station will be at J.12.d.7.8. 10. J day and H hour will be notified later. Acknowledge. [Signed] W Sparks Captain and Adjutant HODO Copy No 1: to A Company 2: to B Company 3: to C Company 4: to D Company 5: to 108th Infantry Brigade 6: to Transport Officer 7: to Quartermaster 8: to War Diary 9: to War Diary 10: to Medical Officer [Barrage map attached]
[Appendix] No.4 Order No.5 by Major R.J.A Tamplin DSO Commanding 9th (NIH) Royal Irish Fusiliers Reference Sheet 29 NW 1/20,000 16 October 1918 1. The Battalion will attack, capture and hold the crossing over the River Lys from railway bridge from H.25.c.40.15 (inclusive) to bridge H.26.c.50.60 (exclusive). The 12th Royal Irish Rifles are cooperating on our left. 2. The Battalion will attack with two Companies in the firing line, one Company in support, one Company in reserve. A Company will attack on right along railway running through G.30.b – H.25.c. B Company will attack on left astride road running through G.24.d – H.25.a. After passing road at G.30.b.5.2 A Company will (adjust?) with their right on the (..?..). Touch will be maintained as far as possible between attacking Companies. 3. Boundary. Inter Company boundary G.24.c.2.6 – H.25.c.7.5. C Company will follow A Company at 50 yard interval and form defensive flank on right along railway through G.30.b.20.70 to G.30.('d' or 'a'?).95.56. D Company will remain in reserve in G.24.c. 4. Assembly. Forming up line G.24.c.0.2 G.24.a.4.0. 5. One Sub-section Machine Gun, one Sub-section Royal Engineers will be attached to A Company and one Sub-section (sister?) Company Royal Engineers to B [Company]. One Sub-section (R.E.?) (..?..) and one Trench Mortar team will operate along road running G.24.d – H.25.a under orders of Commanding Officer. 6. On reaching River Lys, A Company will direct a Platoon to cross and hold post on southern side of bridge, B Company will similarly hold bridge at H.25.d. Barrage. Artillery arrangements as (..?..) 0530 (..?..) on the right (..?..) on left (..?..) 15 minutes. Barrage will then move forward at rate of 300 yards in 3 minutes and will halt 200 yards south of River Lys. Guides will meet (Battalion?) G.27.d.6.2 to guide them to nearest point to (moving?) up line. Guides will not (..?..) relied on. Battalion Headquarters will be established at G.24.c.0.3. (RHQ?) (?) G.24.c.6.6. (..?..) 01.50. Copies 1 1st Battalion 2 A 3 B 4 C 5 D 6 T.M.P. 7 M.G. 8 12th R.I.R 9 (..?..) 10,11 War Diary.
[Appendix] No.5 Operation Order No.6 by Major R.J.A Tamplin DSO Commanding 9th (NIH) Royal Irish Fusiliers Reference Sheet 28 & 29 16 October 1918 1. The 23rd Middlesex Regiment will relieve the Battalion tonight. (..?..) relief (..?..) will move to place to be notified later. 2. Like Companies to relieve each other. 3. Guides. 3 guides per Company and one for (Company?) Headquarters will rendezvous at (..?..) Headquarters at 5.30pm. 4. Completion of relief is to be reported by messenger. Arrival at billets will be notified to Battalion Headquarters. 5. Lewis Gun limbers will meet the Battalion at G.24.c.5.6. 6. Advance parties of 2 NCOs per Company will report at once to Battalion Headquarters. 7. Companies will move out with interval 100 yards between Platoons. Acknowledge 16 October 1918 [Signed] W Sparks Captain HODO
[Appendix] No.8 Operation Order No.9 9th (NIH) Royal Irish Fusiliers Reference Sheet 29 24 October 1918 1. The Battalion will relieve the 12th Royal Irish Rifles tonight 24th October. 2. Battalion will pass starting point I.4.b.6.2 as under: A 1800 ) 200 yards B 1806 ) between Companies, C 1812 ) 100 yards D 1818 ) between Bn HQ 1824 ) Platoons Route. Cross roads I.4.b.6.2 – road junction I.11.a.1.7 – I.5.c.9.2 – I.5.c.2.7 – I.12.central – J.7.c.5.6, where guides will meet Battalion. 3. Battalion Headquarters will be at J.7.d.0.4. 4. Arrival in new position will be reported to Brigade Headquarters immediately. 5. Rations will be sent up on arrival in new position. Ration parties will be sent to Battalion Headquarters immediately on arrival. Acknowledge. 24 October 1918 [Signed] W Sparks Captain 9th (NIH) Royal Irish Fusiliers
[Appendix] No.9 Operation Order No.9A by Major R.J.A Tamplin DSO Commanding 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers 1. The line now held by the 108th Infantry Brigade will be held tonight by two Battalions, the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers on right from railway at J.27.b.6.0 to railway at J.22.c.9.9, 12th Royal Irish Rifles on left from that point to road in J.22.D J.22.D [sic] hence back on railway to Halt at Heirweg. 2. A and B Companies will hold front line B on right from railway at J.27.b.6.0 to hedge at J.22.c.1.1, A Company on left from that point to railway at J.22.c.9.9. 3. Guides from D Company 12th Royal Irish Rifles will put B Company 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers in position. Guides from B Company 12th Royal Irish Rifles will put A Company 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers in positions. These Companies are now in liaison and will make arrangements for move at dusk. 4. C Company will be withdrawn from their present position when relieved by 12th Royal Irish Rifles to farm at J.21.d.9.9. D Company will withdraw to farm at J.21.d.3.4 at dusk. 5. Battalion Headquarters will remain at J.21.a.2.7. 6. A Company will send ration parties to C Company Headquarters at J.21.d.9.9. B Company rations will be sent to D Company Headquarters at J.21.d.3.(4?). 7. Movements to be reported when complete. Acknowledge. Signed W Sparks Captain and Adjutant 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers.
[Appendix] No.10 Operation Order No.10 By Major R.J.A Tamplin DSO Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers Ref Sheet 29 27 October 1918 1. The 4th Royal Sussex Regiment 101 Infantry Brigade will relieve the Battalion in the right sector tonight 27/28 October 1918. 2. On relief the Battalion will move to Hulste (Squares 21 & 22). 3. (a) Guides: Arrangements have already been made to (..?..) Battalion at 17.00. (b) (Lewis Gun?) limbers: One limber for B and D Companies will be at rations dump and one limber for A and C Companies at C Company's Headquarters at 19.00. Officers' chargers will also be sent up to above places. (c) All dixies etc must be sent back in limbers. (d) A Company 4th Royal Sussex relieves A 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers B Company 4th Royal Sussex relieves B 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers C Company 4th Royal Sussex relieves C 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers D Company 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers will not be relieved but will start moving (..?..) on arrival of B Company 4th Royal Sussex Regiment. 4. Route: (?).7.c by trench to (..?..) (..?..).0.0 – (?).(16?).a.2.7 Driesch – bridge (?).19.b.9.1 Hulste. 100 yards between Platoons. Arrival in billets will be (?) to Battalion Headquarters 5. All S(?) (rockets?) will be (handed in?) and receipts obtained. Issued at 10.00 (Major Tamplin Commanding?) 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers
[Appendix] No.12 Circular Memorandum No. A.4. 36th (Ulster) Division Circular To be read out by Platoon Commanders to their Platoons The whole British Army throughout the world is now attacking the enemy, in conjunction with our Allies. The enemy is tottering on the edge of the precipice, and by determination we may push him over before the winter sets in and stops operations. In war it is the side which shows the greatest determination and sticking power which wins. This we have already learnt in boxing, football and other sports. I feel confident that all ranks of the 36th (Ulster) Division will show by their bearing and fortitude that they are in every way superior to the enemy and that they will hold on to our present positions though our numbers are depleted; and that when the time comes for a fresh attack on the enemy the Division will overcome all opposition, remembering the crimes committed by our enemies, and that our comrades throughout the world are also pushing on with dauntless courage. 6/10/1918. [Signed] Clifford Coffin Major-General Commanding 36th (Ulster) Division 36th Division G.T. 382 All Divisional Units The Army Commander has sent a message through the Corps Commander to all ranks of the 36th Division expressing his satisfaction with the way the Division fought on 25/10/18. In transmitting this message I congratulate the Division on the way they fought yesterday, attacking a strong position held by a force numerically greater than the attackers, and by their bearing earning the message of approval from the Army Commander. 26th Oct., 1918. [Signed] Clifford Coffin Major-General Commanding 36th (Ulster) Division
[Appendix] No.13 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers Roll of Officers Rank Name Major R.J.A Tamplin DSO Captain P.E MacClean Captain W Sparks MC Captain W.J Menaul MC On Command Captain C.J Brennan On Command Captain E.A Godson MC On Command Captain G.H Gibson Lieutenant/ Acting Captain J.B.K Morrow Lieutenant/ Acting Captain C.H Kerr On Command Lieutenant G.W Wilson Lieutenant J.B Barnett Lieutenant F.S Bale On Command Lieutenant R.I McCrum Lieutenant T.F.H Graves Lieutenant J.R Gregory 2nd Lieutenant H Kemp MM 2nd Lieutenant C.H Steele MC 2nd Lieutenant R.S Duncan 2nd Lieutenant T.C Leahy MC 2nd Lieutenant J Boyd On Command 2nd Lieutenant J.J Murphy MC DCM 2nd Lieutenant S Logan MC 2nd Lieutenant H.C Burrows MC On Command 2nd Lieutenant W.G Graham 2nd Lieutenant R.L Lees 2nd Lieutenant A.H Warren 2nd Lieutenant C.A Ross On Command 2nd Lieutenant E.W Reynolds MC On Command 2nd Lieutenant J.H Johnston On Command 2nd Lieutenant M.T Sheehan 2nd Lieutenant A.G Harvey Posted not joined vide A.G. List 451 Major W McC Crosbie DSO Posted not joined vide Wax sht. 5530 2nd Lieutenant A McMurtrey Posted not joined vide Wax sht. 5636
[Appendix] No.14 [Decorations awarded during the month of October 1918] 2nd Lieutenant J Bryson MC 2nd Lieutenant H Burrows MC [41]572 Lance Corporal J Gracey DCM 43461 Corporal B Atkins MM 16105 Private R Gillanders MM 43346 Lance Corporal R Eden MM 45807 Private/ Lance Corporal F Homersham MM 43464 Lance Corporal/ Corporal J.E Long MM 42447 Private L Le Burne MM 20441Private/ Lance Corporal I Dick MM 42057 Corporal H.G Williams MM 2nd Lieutenant S Logan MC 2nd Lieutenant C.H Steele MC 2nd Lieutenant E.W Reynolds MC 11316 Sergeant W Gregg MM DCM 18240 Company Quartermaster Sergeant H Selby DCM 45807 Lance Corporal (A/g Sergeant) F Homersham Bar to MM 43346 Lance Corporal R Eden Bar to MM 14482 Sergeant W Moorehead MM 13442 Private R Norris MM

November 1918
1	Lauwe. Reference Sheet 29 Belgium 1/40,000. Spell of fine weather continues. Usual parades and inspections carried out in morning. Battalion bathed by Companies at M.21 central. In the evening the civilian population entertained the Battalion, at the School, to a dance. A very pleasant evening was spent. At 20.00 the Battalion gave a dinner at which Major R.J Tamplin DSO presided. Among the guests were the Officer Commanding, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, Brigade Major and Staff Captain, 108th Infantry Brigade, and representatives from 1st Battalion, 108th Trench Mortar Battery, etc, etc. A very jolly night was spent notwithstanding the fact that a very strenuous day has preceded it, including a Rugby match between 12th Rifles and 9th Battalion team in which 12th Rifles won by two goals to nil.
2	Weather fine. Battalion moved at 21.00 to billets in Luingne south east of Mouscron. In the afternoon a concert was given by the civil inhabitants to the British soldiers and at 4.30pm the massed drums of the 1st and 9th Battalions played selections in the Grand Place, Muscron, where a large and interested gathering gave them a rousing reception. (See Appendix No.1.)
3	Luingne. Weather continues fine. Inspection parades carried out and training continued throughout morning.
4	Spell of fine weather broken. Rain fell continuously throughout morning. Usual inspection parades and training carried out during day.
5	Little rain in morning. Usual parades and training continued.
6	Wet in morning. Battalion moved at 3.30pm to billets in Mouscron. (See Appendix No.2.)
7	Mouscron. Rain fell throughout the day. Men of the Battalion innoculated.
8	Dull morning and rain towards midday. Captain R.L Emerson joined for duty from 1st Battalion and assumed the duties of Second-in-Command of the Battalion.
9	Very bright morning. Usual parades carried out in afternoon. 2nd Lieutenant E.W Reynolds MC proceeded to UK prior to taking up appointment in Indian Army.
10	Mouscron. Reference Sheet 29 Belgium 1/40,000 and Tournai 1/100,000. Fine in morning. Church of England parade service in St Joseph's College Mouscron at 11.00 hours. Roman Catholic parade service in St Charles Convent Mouscron at 10.30 hours. News of signature of Armistice received during night 10/11 and great jubilations ensued. Fife & Drum Bands played in the streets and flares and rockets of all description illuminated the sky.
11	Fine morning. News of signature of Armistice confirmed. Civilian population of town very enthusiastically applaud us as their deliverers. Usual parades and training carried on throughout day.
12	Fine morning. Battalion paraded at 9.30am and marched to Brigade parade ground for inspection by Divisional Commander who expressed his pleasure at the excellent 'turn out' of the Battalion. Captain A.P Faris joined for duty and posted to D Company.
13	Fine morning. Training continued throughout the day. Included in day's programme was firing practice on 30[th?] range. Lieutenant A.L Dobbin MC rejoined from [hospital?].
14	Fine morning with touch of frost in the air. Battalion participated in a Brigade exercise in the morning and afternoon was given up to inter-Company football matches etc. (See Appendix No.3.) Lieutenant K Coomb-Jones joined for duty as Signalling Officer.
15	Fine morning. Training continued. Inter-Company football matches in afternoon.
16	Moescron. Bright morning with touch of frost in the air. Battalion route marched in morning. Afternoon was given up to inter-Company football matches.
17	Bright frosty morning. Special Thanksgiving Service of 2nd Army held in Roubaix attended by four Officers and 65 Other Ranks followed by a march past of troops before Lieutenant-General Sir C Jacob KCB. The usual Church services were held.
18	Brigade Thanksgiving Service held at 10.00 at St Joseph's College Mouscron. No further parades.
19	Ordinary training from 09.00 to 12.00 when a Battalion parade was held, which included an address from the Commanding Officer, a few exercises with march past. Battalion concert was given at 18.00.
20	Route march took place, Battalions going independently. The school arranged by the Battalion Education Committee was opened at 12.00 at the civilian school but nobody turned up. Officers Riding School in afternoon.
21	Ordinary training in usual hours. School was held at 11.00 when 43 men paraded. The school situated in Convent Schools.
22	Mouscron. Brigade Inspection was held at T.19.d at 10.00. Usual riding class in afternoon. Lieutenant G Robinson MC joins the Battalion.
23	Photos of Battalion were taken in Companies but camera was unfortunately broken before Officers group was taken. Remainder of morning was spent in cleaning equipment and billets. Afternoon was devoted to football and riding class.
24	Usual services were held at Cinema and Roman Catholic Chapel Luinge.
25	Battalion route marched via Luinge, Aelbeke. Preliminary heats of 'V.C.' and Mule Race for Battalion. Sports were run in the afternoon.
26	Battalion, headed by bands of 1st and 9th, paraded at 09.00 and marched to football ground at Tourcoing, where Battalion sports were held. The events included ordinary flat races, tugs-of-war, mule and 'V.C.' races with wrestling on horseback. A most enjoyable day was spent, the proceedings being also enlivened by selections from the Divisional Brass Band and the drolleries of two clowns. A goodly number of the civilian population were in attendance. The Battalion returned to billets by 17.00. A concert was held at 19.00 when the prizes were distributed. Captain J.E Gibson and Lieutenant F.C Hartness joined Battalion.
27	Mouscron. Ordinary training by Companies and riding class. Billeting parties went to Luinge
28	Luinge. Battalion route marched at 09.10. Day turned out very wet. In the afternoon a move was made to Luinge. Battalion Headquarters was made at Chateau at S.23.b.3.0. Good billets were obtained.
29	Ordinary training was held, and settling of billets. Cross country run was held in afternoon. Association football match with 12th Royal Irish Rifles resulted in a draw of two goals each.
30	Inspection of billets was held by Commanding Officer. Ordinary parades were held in remainder of forenoon. Rugby match in afternoon against 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers in which we won by six tries to one try. [Signed] R.J Tamplin Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Royal Irish Fusiliers
9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers War Diary 1st/ 30th November. Index to Appendices. No. Purport 1 Brigade orders for move to Mouscron area 2 Battalion order for move south west of Mouscron 3 Brigade order for Brigade Exercise on 14th November 4 Nominal Roll of Officers present with Battalion on 30th November 5 list of Honours and Awards [Signed] R.J Tamplin Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers
[Appendix No.1] SECRET 108th INFANTRY BRIGADE ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS For Move to Mouscron Area on 3rd November 1918 Reference Sheet 29 1/40,000 1. ACCOMMODATION Units will be accommodated as follows: 108th Infantry Brigade Headquarters – LUINGNE S.23.d.3.9. 12th Royal Irish Rifles – will take over billets of 20th Battalion Middlesex Regiment S.24 and T.10 a & c. 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers – will take over billets occupied by 6th Battalion Wiltshire Regiment in factory S.23.central. 9th (NIH) Royal Irish Fusiliers – will be billeted in area south of the Church S.23.d. 108th Trench Mortar Battery – will arrange billets with Billeting Officer 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers in that Battalion's Area. 122nd Field Company Royal Engineers – S.18.d.5.0. No.3 Company Divisional Train – Le Compas S.18.a. 2. ADVANCED PARTIES Units will send advanced billeting parties to arrive in Luingne by 0700 so as to take over billets before they are vacated by troops at present occupying them. The Staff Captain will be in Luingne after 0900 and any queries should be referred to him there. 3. TRANSPORT Two lorries per Battalion will be available for transport of blankets, etc. Each Battalion must send a guide to be at Brigade Headquarters at 0700 to guide lorry to Battalion Quartermaster Stores. [Signed] (V?) B Rogers CAPTAIN Staff Captain 108th Infantry Brigade 2 November 1918 Copies to: 12th Royal Irish Rifles 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers 9th (NIH) Royal Irish Fusiliers 108th Trench Mortar Battery 122nd Field Company Royal Engineers No.3 Company Divisional Train 36th Division "G" for information. SECRET Copy No.3 108th INFANTRY BRIGADE ORDER NO.205 Reference Map Sheet 29 1/40,000 2nd November 1918 1. 108th Infantry Brigade Group will move tomorrow 3rd November 1918 in accordance with March Table attached. 2. 108th Infantry Brigade Group consists of: 108th Infantry Brigade 16th Royal Irish Rifles (P) – who will not move 122nd Field Company Royal Engineers No.3 Company Divisional Train 3. Dress – Marching Order – steel helmets will be worn 4. Details of billets and billeting arrangements as notified by Staff Captain. 5. Particular attention will be paid to clean turn out of troops, transport and discipline on the march. 6. Brigade Signal Officer will arrange to synchronise watches of 108th Infantry Brigade Group before 8am 3rd inst. 7. Transport will accompany units. 8. Arrival in billets will be reported. Location of Headquarters will be stated. 8(a) Brigade Headquarters will close at 8am and open on arrival in new area. 9. Units of Brigade Group ACKNOWLEDGE. [Signed] C.(F?) Wilkins CAPTAIN Brigade Major 108th Infantry Brigade Issued at 20.30 Copies to: 1. 12th Royal Irish Rifles 2. 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers 3. 9th (NIH) Royal Irish Fusiliers 4. 108th Trench Mortar Battery 5. 36th Division "G" 6. 107th Infantry Brigade 7. 109th Infantry Brigade 8. Commander Royal Engineers 9. Commander Royal Artillery 10. Assistant Director Medical Services 11. 122nd Field Company Royal Engineers 12. 16th Royal Irish Rifles (P) 13. No.3 Section 36th Division Signals 14. No.3 Company Divisional Train 15. War Diary 16. File March Table to Accompany 108th Infantry Brigade Order No.205 Serial Unit Starting Point Time Route To Remarks No. 1. 108th Infantry Bde HQ Cross Roads M.15.c.1.3 09.35 Luingne Distance: 100 yards between 2. 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers do. 09.05 LHOCK – do. units and its Transport. 25 3. 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers do. 09.15 AELBEKE – do. yards between every 6 vehicles. 4. 12th Royal Irish Rifles do. 09.25 STERHOEK – do. Brigade Group must be clear of 5. 108th Trench Mortar Battery do. 09.36 S.17. do. Aelbeke by 1100 and not enter 6. 122nd Fld Coy Royal Engineers do. 09.37 S.18.d.5.0 Mouscron before 7. No.3 Company Divisional Train do. 09.44 Le Compas 1100 S.18.a Kits 7.30am Mess Cars 8am Lewis Gun (Units?) 7am (Breakfast?) 7.15am (..?..) Reveille 6.30am
[Appendix No.2] Operation Orders No.13 by Major R.J.A Tamplin DSO 9th (NIH) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers BEF 6 November 1918 No.1 The Battalion will move to the Area south west of Mouscron today 6th November 1918. No.2 (a) The Battalion will be formed up along the road from Church S.23.d.4.7 through S.29.b head of column at Battalion Headquarters ready to move off at 15.25 in the following order: Band Battalion Headquarters A Company B Company C Company D Company Transport (b) Billeting parties have been sent on and will report back to Officer Commanding Companies as soon as possible. (c) One G.S. wagon for B and D Companies and one G.S. wagon for A and C Companies will be allotted for Officer's kits and men's blankets. Kits and blankets will be ready for removal at billets and Company Headquarters at 1400. Greatcoats will be worn. (d) Billets must be left clean. No.3 ACKNOWLEDGE [Signed] (..?..) Captain and Adjutant 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 6 November 1918 Copy No. 1. to 108th Infantry Brigade 2. to A Company 3. to B Company 4. to C Company 5. to D Company 6. to Commanding Officer 7. to The Medical Officer 8. to The Transport Officer 9. to The Quartermaster 10. to Regimental Sergeant Major 11. ) War Diary 12. ) War Diary
[Appendix No.3] To Officer Commanding: 12th Royal Irish Rifles 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers 9th Royal irish Fusiliers 108th Trench Mortar Battery 36th Division "G" (for information) Reference Map Sheet Tournai 1/100,000 1. 108th Infantry Brigade will carry out a Brigade Exercise tomorrow, 14th inst., weather permitting. 2. The Brigade will move to assembly points as under: Unit Head of column to be Route 12th Royal Irish Rifles At 3km, stone on Main DOTTIGNIES – LUIGNE – HERSEAUX – Road junction ROUBAIX Road at 10.30 hours. north, of A in HERSEAUX – STATION south east of HERSEAUX 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers At WINDMILL south of O in DOTTIGNIES do. at 10.50. 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers South of second I in DOTTIGNIES – LUIGNE – DOTTIGNIES ROUBAIX Road at 10.30 hours 108th Trench Mortar Battery will be attached to 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers. 3. (a) All military precautions will be taken while en route. (b) Strict march discipline will be maintained. (c) Dress – Marching Order (Service Dress caps will be worn). (d) Transport will not attend. 4. Details of further movements and exercises will be issued at assembly points. [Signed] C.(F?) Wilkins CAPTAIN Brigade Major 108th Infantry Brigade 13 November 1918
[Appendix No.4] Roll of Officers Lieutenant Colonel R.J.A Tamplin DSO Captain W. Sparks MC Captain R.L Emerson Captain E.A Godson MC On Command Captain P.E MacLean On Command Captain C.J Brennan On Command Captain J.E Gibson Captain A.P Faris On Command Captain G.H Gibson On Command Lieutenant/ A/g Captain J.B.K Morrow Lieutenant/ A/g Captain C.H Kerr Lieutenant T.F.H Graves Lieutenant K Coombs-Jones Lieutenant G Robinson MC Lieutenant G.W Wilson Lieutenant R.I McCrum Lieutenant J.B Barnett Lieutenant A.L Dobbyn MC Lieutenant F.C Hartness Lieutenant A Carr Lieutenant E.W Reynolds MC 2nd Lieutenant/ A/g Captain H.C Burrows MC 2nd Lieutenant/ A/g Captain W.G Graham 2nd Lieutenant J.R Gregory 2nd Lieutenant J Boyd 2nd Lieutenant J.J Murphy MC DCM 2nd Lieutenant R.S Duncan 2nd Lieutenant A.H Warren 2nd Lieutenant W Mahoney 2nd Lieutenant W Elliott 2nd Lieutenant C.A Ross 2nd Lieutenant H Kemp MM On Command 2nd Lieutenant R.L Lees 2nd Lieutenant A Wightman 2nd Lieutenant T.C Leahy MC 2nd Lieutenant S Logan MC 2nd Lieutenant C.H Steele MC 2nd Lieutenant M.T Sheehan
[Appendix No.5] 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers Roll of Recipients of Honours and Awards Regimental No. Ranks & Name Honour or Award Captain E.A Godson MC Bar to MC Lieutenant J Darling MC Bar to MC Lieutenant C.H Steele MC Bar to MC Lieutenant S Logan MC Bar to MC 23566 Sergeant R.J McBride DCM Medaille Militaire 45807 Sergeant F Homersham MM DCM 45807 Sergeant F Homersham DCM MM Bar to MM 41695 Lance Corporal R Armstrong DCM 13501 Sergeant J Campbell MM 21059 Corporal J Fegan MM 20947 Private J Kennedy MM 49947 Private J Anderson MM 22735 Private J Neeson MM 8895 Private J Moran MM The Army, Corps, Divisional and Brigade Commanders heartily congratulate the above recipients. [Signed] R.J Tamplin Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers
December 1918
1	Luingne. Reference Sheet 1/40,000 Belgium and France 28 & 29. 10.00. Photos were taken of Officers and Regimental Football (Association) Team. Usual services were held at Cinema and Mass at Roman Catholic Chapel Luinge. Battalion defeated 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers by six goals to nil in afternoon.
2	Ordinary Company parades, training and school in morning with a short Battalion route march. Cross country run and practice rugby match in afternoon. 17.30. Lecture by Commanding Officer to Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants on the inspection by Divisional Commander to be held in the near future.
3	Battalion bathed. Lectures with training indoors owing to wet weather. Association match against 108 Brigade Trench Mortar Battery in which we won by nine goals to one.
4	Ordinary Company parades and training with school in morning. Battalion cross country runners trained in afternoon.
5	Luingne. Battalion route marched through Mouscron but orders having been received for a Divisional March Past on the morrow the march was curtailed and we returned to billets, the remainder of morning being spent in cleaning equipment and inspections of same. Football match against 12th Royal Irish Rifles in afternoon which resulted in a scoreless draw.
6	Battalion paraded at 7.40 hours and marched to aviation ground at Halluin (R.21 a & b) where Divisional Review and March Past was held. The cookers accompanied Battalion and dinners were eaten at Reckem; arrival back in Luingne at 15.15 hours.
7	Commanding Officer inspected billets. Medical and kit inspections were held and men paid. Six Officers and 150 Other Ranks went to Roubaix in afternoon where His Majesty the King paid a visit.
8	Usual Church services. In afternoon Rugby team beat the remainder of Brigade by 18 points to 8 points.
9	Ordinary Company training with school.
10	Ordinary Company training with school. In afternoon Brigade cross-country run was held in which 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers won, 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers came second and 12th Royal Irish Rifles third.
11	Day was wet and training was done indoors. Battalion Boxing Tournament was held in Mouscron and was very successful.
12	Ref sheet 29 & 29 1/40000 Belgium – France. Luingne. Wet day. The Divisional parade for inspection by the Corps Commander to be held today was cancelled. Training was done indoors. The first man, a coalminer, was sent home today for demobilisation.
13	Lecture was held at Mouscron at 10.30 hours on 'Reconstruction' and was attended by six Officers and 100 Other Ranks. Ordinary training was done by remainder of Battalion. Four more coalminers were sent away.
14	Commanding Officer inspected billets. Medical and kit inspections were also held and men paid. Brigade Boxing Tournament held at Mouscron but none of our entrants were successful.
15	Usual Church parades and services at Cinema and Roman Catholic Chapel at Luingne. We beat 108th Brigade football team by 3 to 1.
16	The Battalion paraded at 08.00 hours and marched to aviation ground at Halluin (R.21 a & b) where the Division was inspected by the Corps Commander. It was followed by a march past and an advance in review order. The Battalion lunched on the ground and arrived in billets at 14.45.
17	Wet day. Training was done indoors and consisted of recreational physical exercises with lectures. In the afternoon C beat A Company by 3 to 1 goals in football.
18	Battalion riding class for Officers formed. It took the form of a lecture on parts of the head and bridle with fitting of same. Ordinary training was done by Battalion. D beat B in football by 5 to nil.
19	Riding class for Officers with practical work was held in morning. Training of Battalion consisted of physical recreational training, ceremonial drill etc. The NCOs were drilled by the Regimental Sergeant Major.
20	Usual riding class and ordinary training were held. The Divisional Commander visited the Battalion and wished us all a Happy Xmas. The Battalion Rugby team beat the 1st Royal Irish Rifles by 8 points to nil.
21	Usual billet inspections were held by the Commanding Officer and also transport were inspected. Riding class was held. In football D Company beat C by 5 goals to 1. C Company held a Whist Drive and B Company a concert.
22	Usual Church services. Men were paid. In the afternoon a practice Rugby match was held.
23	First hour of parade was spent in physical training. At 11.00 Battalion paraded for route march but it was curtailed owing to inclement weather. Officers' riding class took place.
24	Ordinary training. There was a Battalion Whist Drive at (?).30.
25	Church parades were held similar to Sunday. Good dinners were provided for the men, the different messes being tastefully decorated. The Commanding Officer visited the men at meals and drank their health. The Sergeants and NCOs had dinner at 19.00 and appeared to enjoy it thoroughly. The Officers had a Battalion dinner at 20.00 in C Company's Mess, the proceedings being of a merry nature.
26	The day was observed as a holiday, or a day of rest.
27	Ref sheet 29 & 29 1/40000 Belgium – France. Luingne. The weather was bad. Training was done indoors, physical recreation forming part of the programme. Practical lecture on horseshoeing was given to riding class.
28	Usual inspection of billets by Commanding Officer and medical inspection of the men. D Company held a whist drive.
29	Usual Church services.
30	Training consisted of physical recreation, ceremonial drill etc.
31	Usual training in morning. Afternoon observed as a holiday and games were indulged in by Companies. [Signed] R.L Emerson Major for Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers
Index to Appendixes No. of Appendix Purport 1. Divisional Commander's congratulations on turnout of Battalion at Divisional Commanders inspection. 2. Roll of Officers with Battalion. 3. List of Awards to Battalion. [Signed] R.L Emerson Major Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 31 December 1918
36th Div. No. 129A I congratulate all ranks of the Division on their smart turnout and soldierly bearing and marching at the Corps Commander's inspection today. The Corps Commander was extremely pleased with the appearance of the Division and with the whole parade. [Signed] Clifford Coffin Major-General Commanding 36th (Ulster) Division 16 December 1918
9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers Roll of Officers 31st December 1918 Lieutenant-Colonel Tamplin R.J.A. DSO On Command Captain (A/Major) Emerson R.L. Captain Faris A.P. On Command Captain Brennan C.J. On Command Captain Gibson J.E. Captain MacClean P.E. On Command Captain Godson E.A. MC On Command Captain Sparks W. MC Lieutenant A/Captain Morrow J.B.K. Lieutenant A/Captain Kerr C.H. Lieutenant Wilson G.W. Lieutenant Graves T.F.H. Lieutenant Dobbyn A.L. MC Lieutenant Coombe-Jones K. Lieutenant McCrum R.I. Lieutenant Hartness F.C. Lieutenant Robinson G. MC Lieutenant Reynolds E.W. MC Lieutenant Carr A. 2nd Lieutenant A/Captain Burrows H.C. MC 2nd Lieutenant A/Captain Graham W.G. 2nd Lieutenant Warren A.H. 2nd Lieutenant Ross C.A. 2nd Lieutenant Leahy T.C. MC 2nd Lieutenant Boyd J. 2nd Lieutenant Mahoney W. On Command 2nd Lieutenant Steele C.H. MC 2nd Lieutenant Kemp H. MM 2nd Lieutenant Gregory J.R. 2nd Lieutenant Logan S. MC 2nd Lieutenant Lees R.L. 2nd Lieutenant Wightman A. 2nd Lieutenant Elliott W. MM On Command 2nd Lieutenant Sheehan M.T. 2nd Lieutenant Duncan R.S. [Signed] R.L Emerson Major Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 31 December 1918.
Awards during month of December 1918 Regimental No. Rank Name Award Lieutenant-Colonel R.J.A. Tamplin DSO French Croix de Guerre l'ordre Division (Silver Star). Captain C.H. Kerr French Croix de Guerre l'ordre Brigade (Bronze Star). 13507 Sergeant J. Campbell French Croix de Guerre l'ordre Regiment (Bronze Star). 8895 Private J. Moran French Croix de Guerre l'ordre Regiment (Bronze Star). The Army, Corps, Divisional and Brigade Commanders congratulate the above recipients. [Signed] R.L Emerson Major Commanding 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers 31 December 1918.