The History of the Twentieth (Light) Division

The History of the Twentieth (Light) Division is by Valentine Erskine Inglefield, with an introduction by Lieut.-General the Earl of Cavan. The chapter headed The Somme, 24th of July to 7th of September 1916, covers the line between Beaumont Hamel and Hebuterne, the Move to the Somme area and the Battle of Guillemont. The account says that as soon as all units were concentrated in the district round Doullens, the 20th Division was ordered to relieve the 38th in the hilly country between Beaumont Hamel and Hebuterne.

A battle order lists the front line, from right to left, as 6th Connaught Rangers, facing east opposite the Quarries, and 7th Leinsters, facing south-east, with 8th Munster Fusiliers in support. The 61st Brigade, less the two battalions supporting the attack, was in Divisional reserve, with headquarters in Bernafay Wood close to the west edge. One message reads that the Commander-in-Chief and the Corps Commander both wish to express their gratification at the most successful action of both the artillery and infantry of the 20th Division yesterday under novel conditions.