Tag Archives: BROADMARSH Crater

On this day 19th April 1916

19.4.1916 ACQ: Battn moved into billets as follows:-

  • Battn HQ C & D Coys & details MAROEUIL (Billets)
  • Lt B Coy & 1/2 A Coy ANZIN (Dug-outs)
  • 1/2 A Coy ROCLINCOURT (Dug-outs)

And relieved 3rd WORCESTER REGT. who took over Huts and Billets at ACQ.

1916 rear areas eloi

19.4.1916 to 29.4.1916 (inclusive): Battn provided mining fatigues on 51st (HIGHLAND) DIVISIONAL front for 181 & 185 Companies Royal Engineers & 7/1 FRENCH GENIE (latter on 25th Divisional Front).

War Diary [WO/95/2694]


The 6th Battn S.F. relieved the 3rd Battn Worcester Regt at MAROUIL & took over the duties of mining fatigue on the 51st Divisional Front.

The 7th Battn S.F. relieved the 1st Battn Wiltshire Regt on the ROUTE DE BUTHUNE & took over the mining fatigues on the 46th Divisional Front.

The weather continues to be extremely bad & the trenches are going back. Work was continued on the BROADMARSH CRATER improving the look out posts on the lip.

It was found quite impossible to complete the trench round the base of the Crater, as the mud there was knee deep & sticky to the spade.

A mine was exploded at 10.30 p.m. on the 138th front, which was the cause of considerable shelling on the front for some little time. afterwards; particular attention being paid to BOYAU CENTRAL.

139 Infantry Brigade: Headquarters War Diary [WO95/2692]

On this day 18th April 1916

18.4.1916 ACG: Lt & QM W.N. BROOMHEAD invalided to England.

War Diary [WO/95/2694]BROOMHEAD copyBroomhead 1916 to England


The consolidation of the BROADMARSH Crater was continued this evening & good progress made though the trench was not quite joined up at the North side. Two observations posts were established on the lip of the Crater, one which was occupied in the morning.

At 6.45 this evening the enemy sprang another mine, just S. of our sector, on the front of the 137th Bde.

Weather is now vile.

Both on the evening of the 16/17th and on the two following nights the 139/1 T.M. Battery did good work.

139 Infantry Brigade: Headquarters War Diary [WO95/2692]