Bazentin

German Fort Garry Horse practice a charge. Date and location unknown.
Taken from The Fort Garry Horse Museum and Archives.

First World War

Date

14-17 July 1916

Geographical parameters

Road Hardecourt – Maricourt – Fricourt – Bécourt – Albert (exclusive); then the river Ancre

Context

A battle honour incorporating “Capture of Longueval”, “Capture of Trô nes Wood”, and “Capture of Ovillers”, formally entitled the “Battle of Bazentin Ridge”, and itself being part of “The Battles of the Somme, 1916”.^{Footnote 1}

Description

The Honour “Bazentin” was granted to units of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade for their actions as part of the 2nd Indian Cavalry Division in support of the British offensive on the Somme from 14-17 July 1916. The objective of the cavalry was to secure a line between High Wood, Flers and Le Sars when the attack by XIII and XV Corps between Longueval and Bazentin- le-Petit had broken the German second line defensive positions. The infantry was unsuccessful in breaking the full extent of the German line so the majority of the cavalry never made its advance. “B” Squadron of the Fort Garry Horse was involved in support of the British 7th Dragoon Guards that held a portion of the line between Longueval and High Wood throughout the night of 14-15 July.

Awarded to:

Currently serving units

• The Royal Canadian Dragoons
  Award to The Royal Canadian Dragoons (GO 5/31)
• Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
  Award to Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (GO 88/31)
• The Fort Garry Horse
  Awards to the 4th Canadian Infantry Battalion, CEF (GO 110/29) and Award to The Fort Garry Horse (GO 5/31)

Units on the Supplementary Order of Battle

• 38th Field Battery, RCA
  Awards to the Machine Gun Squadron, Canadian Cavalry Brigade, CEF (GO 5/31) and the 1st Cavalry Machine Gun Squadron (GO 5/31)