Lives of the First World War

known 18th October 1914

"At noon on the 18th [of October 1914], B Company [under the command of] Captain Furnell, was detached to take up a position from which fire could be brought to bear on Fournes, which was being attacked by the French. At 2 pm, on reaching Le Riez (actually Les Riez), this company came under very heavy artillery fire and, finding Le Pilly still occupied by the enemy, was unable to advance further or to find a position from which fire could be brought to bear on Fournes. Captain Furnell then entrenched his company on the southern side of Le Riez facing Le Pilly. C Company [under the command of] Captain French, which had been sent to support B Company, entrenched on the eastern side of Le Riez facing Fournes. At 7 pm B Company was attacked, but held their position. The French, whose attack on Fournes had failed, withdrew towards Fromelles. A and D Companies reached Le Riez about midnight and occupied the gap between B and C Companies. The whole battalion continued entrenching until daylight. The 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers filled the gap between Herlies and Le Riez." (From The Campaigns and History of the Royal Irish Regiment, Vol.II )

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