16/08/2023
Today I remember the Battle of Langemark and the role of the 36th (Ulster) Division
Here is their story
Lest We Forget
The following text is from the 36th (Ulster) Divisional War dairy
THE BATTLE OF LANGEMARCK
36th (Ulster) Division attack
The attacking waves moved off at Zero hours (0445 hours). The ground owing to the recent rains was in a very bad state and the going was much more difficult. In some cases, men were struck in mud in shell holes and could not get out!
The enemy's barrage can be down very quickly mostly on the BLACKLINE and the ground immediately in the rear. Very few enemy shells fell in front of the BLACKLINE during the earlier hours of the attack.
The attack had scarcely launched before casualties from machine Gunfire were suffered and there was little doubt that the enemy's machine guns through the barrage.
Shortly afterwards different portions of the line encountered strong opposition from various enemy strongpoints and casualties from machine guns became heavy.
In addition, strong wire entanglements running from Capricorn Keep to Gallipoli were encountered. The wire was of considerable depth and in two distinct lines in most places. Very few gaps had been cut out in it and these were covered by enemy machine guns which swept down our men as they endeavoured to get through.
The inevitable result of this bad going, heavy machine-gun fire and was what the infantry was quite unable to keep with the barrage and very soon found themselves held up at all points by heavy machine-gun fire which was poured into them by both flanks as well as the front in most cases.
The enemy was holding in strength IBERIAN FARM, GALLIPOLI, SOMME, ASINE, HINDU COTT, POND FARM, SCHUMER FARM, BORDER HOUSE ~JEWS HILL, beside intervening shell holes. From most of these, at least two guns and often more were in action
Although some of our men reached Gallipoli on the right and others the green line on the left it was found impossible to hold at these points.
By 10 O'clock the right Brigade (108th) was back in the BLACKLINE. The left Brigade (109th) was able to hold onto a line running from C18. A 2.6 through Fort Hill to Corn Hill and strong point 66 and dug themselves in there
The advisability of attempting another attack later in the day was fully considered but reports from Brigadiers and staff Officers who visited the line were incapable of doing anymore. The disorganisation owing to casualties was considerable and the men were exhausted. Losses of Officers had been heavy and of the two attacking Brigades (108th & 109th) less than 1,000 were available.
It was decided, therefore, to relieve the troops in the line, the 107th Brigade accordingly took over the front on the night of the 16th/17th, the 108th & 109th Infantry Brigades being withdrawn behind the old British frontline from Congreve Walk and Liverpool trench
Photo 1. The 109th Brigade front and Pond Farm strongpoint
Photo 2. The 108th Brigade front and enemy strong points
Photo 3. Newsletter December 1917
Photo 4. Photo of troops during the Battle (Not Ulster Division IWN cc)
