Published By John Davies
100 Days. Battle of River Selle, 17-25 October 1918
Battle of River Selle. Briastre. 1/8 Bn Lancashire Fusiliers. 23 October 1918.
Following the capture of Cambrai the pursuit of the enemy continued speedily. By 13 October the British reached the western bank of the River Selle, the Germans were on the east bank. The river crossing was forced on 17 October and, after a pause to bring up the artillery, recommenced on 23 October.
During the Battle of the River Selle the 1/8 Bn Lancashire Fusiliers would take part in the general advance by Third Army. They were to advance in support of the lead battalions from Viesly between the villages of Briastre and Solesmes, to cross the river Selle and establish a line east of the railway line. The troops moved up to their assembly position under fire from artillery and machine guns, the area was also drenched in gas. The attack began at 3.36am on 23 October 1918. They advanced under a creeping barrage with A, B and C Coys in the lead and D Coy following as ‘mopper ups’. To begin with strong resistance was met on both flanks mainly from MG nests, these were energetically overcome – one MG crew were bayoneted. By about 4.45am they had reached the first objective which was captured after a brief fight. They then continued towards the next objective. By about 5.30am all their objectives had been secured. At 8.40am New Zealand troops passed through them and continued the advance. The battalion remained in the line until about mid-day and were then withdrawn back to Viesly,
Casualties were- Officers, 2 wounded, ORs 7 KIA, 5 missing and 47 wounded.
GOOGLE MAPS Satellite view centres on village of Briastre.
References and Sources WAR DIARY 1/8 Bn Lancs Fus
B&O 1918. 100 Days. Battle of River Selle. Briastre. 1/8 Bn Lancashire Fusiliers. 23 October 1918.