LONDON REGIMENT POST OFFICE RIFLES- Arthur Reid

[barbarasambridge]

Looking for information on the 2/8th Battalion London Post Office Rifles. We would like to find out where the regiment were on 23rd March 1918.  Any help will be appreciated.  Thanks Barbara

[sillgen]

Presumably they were fighting near the cemetery where he is buried.  I assume you have seen the CWGC site.  If you use the google map link it shows where it is.  South of St Quentin.  I am sure someone will know more of the actual battle details though.
http://www.1914-1918.net/london.htm is an interesting link

Looks as if it was the Battle of St Quentin but I am sure the experts will be able to tell you more.
http://www.1914-1918.net/bat22.htm

[jds1949]

According to The Long Long Trail [http://www.1914-1918.net/london.htm] the 2/8 London Regiment was absorbed by the 1/8 London Regiment in February 1918. The relevant war diary is at the National Archives at Kew:
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C7355115

It does not seem to be available online as yet,

jds1949

[Peter J]

This from, 'The History of the Post Office Rifles, 8th Battalion, City of London Regiment' (2/8th Bn):

'About January 6th 1918, the whole Division was moved into the 3rd Corps, and, after detraining at Villers Brettoneux, the Battalion moved to Moreuil, and thence at the beginning of February to Pierremande, taking over from the 2nd Royal Scotch [sic] Fusiliers the southern-most portion of the British lines, at Barisis, with French troops on the right.

Barisis was a delightful spot, beautifully situated in the forest of Gouchy, though it seemed likely to prove a storm-centre. The fact that an attack in force by the enemy was impending was well known to the authorities. The French told us that it would be from Barisis to the south, and the British were inclined to favour an attack from Barisis to the north. As it turned out, Barisis escaped the turmoil of battle, and the grand enemy attack started from some four miles to the north, at La Fere, extending from there to the north.

In the early days at Barisis the amalgamation with the 1/8th took place. There were now no longer two fighting lines of the 8th Battalion City of London Regiment.'

Hope this is of some help.

P