Chapter I: Foreword

"Yet the record of their actions is their best memorial." Field-Marshal Earl Haig wrote the above words in his foreword to the Royal Artillery War Commemoration Book. When it is recalled that during the Great War some three-quarters of a million of men fought guns of all calibres in every quarter of the globe, it may be realised that to write the history of the part taken by the Royal Regiment of Artillery as a whole must prove an impossible task.

All the more important therefore that each unit should take steps to place on record its own doings.

The 33rd Divisional Artillery fought in many important battles and engagements, and always fought with distinction and with the devotion worthy of the tradition of the Royal Regiment. This record bears witness of the high stage of efficiency attained by the Brigades and Batteries of the New Army, and we may say with our great Commander-in-Chief "The record of their actions is their best memorial."

HORNE OF STIRKOKE,
_General_.

H.Q., EASTERN COMMAND.
_May 31st, 1921._

CONTENTS.

PAGE
FOREWORD v
LIST OF MAPS ix
INTRODUCTION xi
CHAP.
I.— EARLY DAYS 1
II.— FIRST EXPERIENCES OF WAR IN THE LA BASSÉE SECTOR 6
III.— THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME, 1916 24
IV.— DAINVILLE, HEBUTERNE AND THE BATTLE OF THE ANCRE 52
V.— WINTER ON THE SOMME, 1916-1917 62
VI.— THE BATTLE OF ARRAS AND VIMY RIDGE, 1917 78
VII.— THE HINDENBURG LINE AND THE OPERATIONS ON THE COAST 100
VIII.— THE AUTUMN BATTLES OF YPRES AND PASSCHENDAELE, 1917 112
IX.— WINTER IN THE SALIENT, 1917-1918 135
X.— PART I. THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE IN FLANDERS, 1918 147