Description of war-games held near Reading … … Field Redoubt. Major Lawson, R.E.; Captain Latter, 2nd V.B. R. West Kent; Captain Aston Lewis, Inns of Court R.V. Special Reconnaissance. — Enemy’s Artillery positions, Captain Labalmondiere, R.A., Adjutant H.A.C. Delay operations. Right flank: Major Balfour, London Scottish R.V.; front, Major Latter, 2nd V.B.R. West Kent Regiment; left flank, Captain Fennor, 2nd V.B. Royal West Kent. Enemy: — Captain Borland, Captain Ellison, 1st V.B., Berks. Regiment. In addition to the above officers, Captain Hermon Hodge, Oxfordshire Yeomanry; Captain Harrison, Adjutant 1st V.B. Berkshire Regiment; Lieutenant Godfrey Faussett, R.E., were present during the operations, assisting the Staff. The position occupied extended from Pincent’s Farm, near the main Newbury. Reading Road on the south, to Purley Hall on the north, a front of 24 miles, following the range of heights overlooking the Theale-Pangbourne valley — a fairly straight line, with the exception of the salients of Sulliam Village, Pigeon House Spur, Pincent’s Farm Spur, and a re-entrant 4-mile south of Sulliam. The crest is, for the most part, wooded, and the field of fire to the front somewhat restricted by the copses and osier beds in the valley. Both flanks were undoubtedly strong, the right being perhaps the stronger, because of the defensibility of Pangbourne as an advanced post. The counter-attack, therefore, was designed for the left flank by posting the reverse northeast of Pincent’s Farm. Theale was not defended on account of its exposed situation; but it was made use of as a decoy to lure the enemy into the trap set for him on the left flank. The position was weak as regards suitable Artillery positions. The enemy had everywhere greater facilities for the deployment and effective working of his guns. The redoubt, placed in advance of Pincent’s Farm, was a half-closed work for two companies, executed in two reliefs, with shallow ditch, deep trench, and parados: in shape, a blunted lunette. The second rendezvous was at Pincent’s Farm at 1.30. After lunch al fresco, Colonel Smith received reports of dispositions and reconnaissance, beginning at the left flank. This continued until 5.45 p.m., when Pangbourne was reached, where the party entrained for Reading. … …
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