NEO’F BERQUIN 23.3.15. Battalion moved to Billets about 1 1/2 miles further out
War Diary [WO/95/2694].
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23rd March 1915. Battalion fell in at 9-00 a.m. for field operations watched by General Gough. Stretcher bearers fell in for lecture at 11-30 a.m.
[2381 Pte. George Potter Bagshaw]
Mar 23rd. Practicing skirmishing again. Still off with bad feet. Parcel from home arrived.
[3289 Pte George William Beardsley]
On MARCH 13th we marched 9 miles to a place called Neuf-Barquin, and there we were billeted in a barn. Here they have split our Division up, the Sherwood Foresters Brigade is attached to General Cough’s Cavalry Division. We have been near the firing line all the time we have been in France, the Germans occupied this place on March 9th and they have been driven back 12 miles. While we are here we have a route march everyday, from 12 to 15 miles.
[1415 L/Cpl Alfred Afford]
13th March 1915. Standing by till 2 o’clock when we got orders to move. Marched about eight miles to Neuf Berquin. Marched past General Gough on our way. Slept in an outhouse all night. Very comfortable.
[2381 Pte. George Potter Bagshaw]
Mar 13th. Marched to Neuf Berquin. Billeted in a house till 3 p.m.
[3289 Pte George William Beardsley]
12.3.15 (Bac St. Maur): SHERWOOD FORESTERS Brigade detached to II CAVALRY DIVISION under Major Gen. Gough.
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12th March 1915: We were standing by all day. At night we could see an artillery duel in the distance. Part of the mill here has been used as an ammunition stores by the Germans. The English had blown it up. I never saw iron twisted as much in my life. On this day the Notts and Derby Brigade was attached to a Cavalry Division Commanded by General Gough. Nearby was a big naval gun 15.7 ins. Shook the whole factory when fired. Aeroplanes flying in all directions.
[2381 Pte. George Potter Bagshaw]
Derbyshire Territorials in the Great War 