This page shows the deployments of a typical 'New Army' unit, the 102nd Field Company of the 23rd Division as recorded in the official Unit Diary. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The 102nd embarked for France from Southampton on the SS Australind on 25th August  1915. In September 1915, they played a supporting role in the Battle of Loos. By July1916, they were at Dernancourt on the Somme, supporting the 23rd Division's part in the battle. During this, they were deployed on forward works at Contalmaison, Black Watch Alley (Pozieres), Martinpuich, Destremenont Farm, Bapaume Road, and Le Sars. 

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In October 1916, the 23rd Division was moved to the Ypres Salient, and the 102nd underwent training at Ouderom/Vlamertinghe. They were soon back in the line at Hill 60, Larch Wood Tunnels, Menin Road, Glencorse Wood, and Polygon Wood, supporting the 23rd Division in the Battles of Messines and the Menin Road Ridge . Casualties mounted, and included the 102nd's Commanding Officer, Major John Ouchterlony, killed on the 7th June whilst working on the Steenbeek (Black Line) trenches. 

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When the Battle of Passchendaele began on 12th October 1917, the 23rd Division were in the line immediately south of that front, between Becelaere in the south, to Broodseinde in the north. However the 102nd were sent to support the assault, working on tracks between Glencorse Wood, Polygon Wood, and Reutel. On the 13th October, they suffered their last fatalities on the Western Front (see casualties page).

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On the 31st October, the entire 23rd Division was withdrawn and moved to the Italian Front. It took part in engagements at Asiago Plateau, Montella, Trissino, and the Piave River. The Italian Front Armistice took effect on 3rd November. 

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