War Diaries

[MaxD]

AnnieP

I should explain.  Jim1 and I are in agreement that A1, rather than a map reference, is the code, if you will, for a section/sector of the front line trenches.  Others mentioned in neighbouring battalions are A2, Z0, Z South and so on.  Quite common for this to be seen but without a sketch map or a listing of map references for each sector which the division, brigade and battalion diaries don't have, knowing exactly where A1 is not easy.

Jim1 finds the enemy in A 28 and A 21.  Referring to the supporting artillery, I find reference to the front line extending from A 21 d 9 7.5 to A 28 d 0.5 1.5 (gunner precision) which accords with those references.  The map is 36C NW1 1/10000.  The side by side map at the link:
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=14&lat=50.5105&lon=2.7693&layers=101465011&right=BingHyb
shows Auchy (also accords with one of jim1's findings) and squares 21 and 28 are in the middle of the map.  The map is from June of 1916 and the front line of the time is shown.

In sum, my reading of A1, failing finding a trench sketch, is somewhere on the line between the two squares mentioned.

An interesting exercise for a snowy day!

MaxD

[MaxD]

Quick follow up. Auchy-les-mines is only some 2 miles from the cemetery at Cambrin.

MaxD

[AnnieP]

I'm amazed at the wealth of information coming from the pair of you. I may have a quick glance but any deeper research may well be left until another day. Even with my experience of maps many years ago as a cartographical draughtswoman in the Ordnance Survey I found it quite difficult possibly because of not being familiar with the French towns and village names.
Thanks to the pair of you, I now have more than enough to write about.
AnnieP

[jim1]

This map helps us a bit.
Reading the numerous diaries it would appear that the Northern Brigade boundary is in A.15 with the Southern boundary in A.28.
I believe A1 is at the Northern end.

[AnnieP]

That's brilliant. I shall be able to add this to the chapter and give a clearer picture of where he died.
You've done all the hard work for me, thank you.
AnnieP

[jim1]

Slight alteration. A1 is at the Southern end. 98/Bde.-100/Bde. (The Queens) relief table puts a guide at F. 29 Annequin crossroads.