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quintinshill rail disaster
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C . R . TRA I N REG I STER
In April 1918, 52 (Lowland) Division, including 1/7 RS, were moved
quickly to France after the German spring offensive of March andApril. The
Battalion experienced its first spell of trench warfare in theVimy Ridge sector
in May after the German offensive against the British,but not the French sector
farther to the south, had been halted. Initially, after Palestine, they suffered
more discomfort from the weather than the enemy, but they soon acclimatised.
Furthermore,they quickly realised that,although the bombardments in France
were heavier than those experienced before, the protection afforded by the
trenches was much better.