Cambrin. 4 Bn, The King’s (Liverpool Regiment). February 1916
The 4 Bn King’s Liverpool was a regular army unit and, at the outbreak of war, was based in Seaforth, Liverpool. They went over to France in March 1915. During the last week of January 1916 the 4 Bn King’s Liverpool had been in billets at Locon and La Pannerie. At the end of the month they moved to La Sart near to Merville. Here they went into billets and began a fortnight of training. On 13 February A & B Coys. moved to Laventie where they were attached to 255 Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers. For the next days the battalion companies were apart, some on tunnelling duties, some manning posts in the reserve area and some engaged in training. By 17 February they were in billets in the reserve area at Le Drumz. The weather was becoming colder, with rain and cloud turning to snow and frost. Hostile aircraft were active and there was one heavy bombardment. Casualties were slight. On the 23 February the battalion reassembled and the next day moved to Le Creix Marmeuse and onward to Bethune and then Annequin where they were billeted in Annequin South Keep, a redoubt in the reserve line near to Noeux les Mines. On 28 February they moved up to the front line east of Cambrin relieving the 19 Bn Royal Fusiliers. The 29 February (the extra ‘day’ in 1916, a leap year) was cold and snowy, one man was wounded – William Roberts. He was probably evacuated to 33rd CCS in Bethune where he died of his wounds the same day. The battalion remained in this sector until the middle of March and then moved back to barracks at Bethune.
GOOGLE MAPS – centres on approximate position of Annequin South Keep. To the north west is Cambrin, the front line of 4 Bn KLR late February 1916.
4 Bn KLR, February 1916 Annequin South Keep in the reserve lines at Bethune. behind the position is one of the coal mines and pit heads that featured in the Loos area. (National Archives)
References and Sources WAR DIARY 4 Bn KLR.
B&O 1916. Bethune. Cambrin. 4 Bn, The King’s (Liverpool Regiment). Feb 1916.
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