I always find that a map helps and have therefore plotted various places that I mentioned in my last post on a Google My Map.  In particular, I have worked out where Fosse 10 was located and have marked its location along with Verdrel, Coupigny, Marqueffles Farm and Maroc.  The approximate position of the section of the line that the 19^th Battalion held for the two periods in July 1917 is marked as “Lens Sector Trench”.

Further information suggests that the offensive that the 19^th Battalion were preparing for while at Fosse 10 at the end of July was an attack on Hill 70, to the north of Lens.  This was planned for the end of July as a diversionary tactic to draw German troops away from Ypres.  The offensive was delayed due to bad weather and the Battle of Hill 70 eventually began on Wednesday the 15^th of August.

August 1917 started with the 19^th Battalion still acting as Divisional Reserve stationed at Fosse 10.  On Saturday the 4^th of August, orders were received to relieve the 31^st Battalion in the front line Laurent Sector.  I’ve marked the approximate position they took up on the map as “Laurent Sector Trench”.  It is north-west of the centre of Lens, whereas the Lens Sector Trench was south-west of the centre.  A note on the standard message pad records the battalion’s strength going into the trenches as 28 officers and 811 other ranks.  As per their orders, the battalion set off at 9.15pm, aiming to have completed the relief by the early hours of Sunday the 5^th.