The lecture held in Johannesburg on 9th June was "Up the Line on the Western Front. 1917" by Major Darrell Hall. When a WWI soldier went into the trenches, he went "up the line". The lecture dealt with the first time the 2nd/3rd London Regiment went "up the line", and, in particular, the activities of one of its young officers - Hugh Wilfred Hall.

As part of the 58th Division the 2nd/3rd Londons sailed to France in January 1917. After an initial training period the battalion moved into the trenches at Blaireville (10 km SW of Arras) in early February. Wilfred Hall's company was attached to 1st/5th KOYLI for instruction in trench warfare. The 2nd/3rd Londons suffered their firat casualties on 3rd February 1917, and, on 4th February, Wilfred Hall was wounded. The lecture then followed the format of as accurate a reconstruction of events as was possible some 70 years after the event.

The main hazards of the trenches were enemy action, rats, hygiene (lice) and mud. Fortunately, the latter was absent due to everything being frozen. Intensely detailed research enabled various deductions to be made concerning Wilfred Hall's movements. An analysis of troop dispositions and artillery logs make it probable that he was wounded at about 09h30 by a 10 cm shell end, after having his wound dressed, he returned to duty.

Who were the opposing German troops? At this time British Army Intelligence suspected that the 26th Reserve Division, which, included 119th Reserve Infantry Regiment in the Blaireville trenches, had been relieved. To this end a raid on the German lines by 1st/4th York & Lancaster was ordered for 5th February (the day after Wilfred was wounded). This battalion was situated just to the right of 1st/5th KOYLI and Wilfred Hall's B Company. This raid did not however achieve its objective of capturing some prisoners for identification purposes. Further raids followed, and, on the night of 17/18 February a prisoner was taken. The 4th (Hallamshire) York & Lancaster Regiment was also successful in capturing 17 prisoners in the same sector. As a result it was established that the Germans had moved a new division, the 220th, into the sector. A wealth of information was obtained on the morale, disposition and composition of the opposing forces. Also obtained were details of conditions in Germany.

Amongst the personal effect a returned to his parents after his death at Bullecourt in May 1917 was a photograph of Wilfred amongst a group of officers on a course of instruction. As it was known that he attended the Army Service Corps' Transport Course at Abbeville after being wounded it waa considered probable that this was a photograph of the officers on that course. Further painstaking research revealed the identity of the Course Officer and one other, 2/Lt Leslie Lane. By coincidence, it was eventually discovered that Lane served in the same battalion as Dick Hall - a cousin of Wilfred.

Mr. Ian Uys thanked the Speaker for his intensely detailed, fascinating, and, as always, superb presentation.

Future Meetings

Johannesburg

- July 14th Professor N.G. Garson - "Smuts and the South African Home Front: A Reassessment".

- August 11th Mr. Hamish Paterson - "The Bloody Game: The Battles of Bannockburn, Killicrankie and Prestonpans".

The Johannesburg Meetings take place in the J. C. Lemmer Auditorium, S.A. National Museum of Military History, Saxonwold Johannesburg at 20h00.

Durban

- July 21st - Major Darrell Hall - A series of 4 slide shows dealing with visits to Duxford RAF Station, HMS Belfast, the 25th Anniversary of the Commando Gunners and WWI in songs and pictures.

Cape Town

- July 14th - Dr. Frank Mitchell - "Military History through Medals".

Tea

It would be greatly appreciated if members would be prepared to help with the serving of tea after the Johannesburg meetings. Anyone who wishes to volunteer to assist in this regard can contact me at the telephone numbers listed below.

Journal

As a result of the many printing errors contained in the December issue the Journal has been reprinted. Revised copies are availnble on request from Mr. Mike Marsh, postal address as above.

Society Plaques and Ties

Attractive metal plaques of the Society's badge/logo mounted on a wooden backing are now available at the price of R20 each (postage inclusive). Society ties are also once again available at the price of R20 each plus R2 postage.

STEWART STILES