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To
deter German invasion, 150,000 allied troops were promised to Greece
in exchange for co-operation. 30,000 were actually sent, including
the 10th (Irish), which contained the 6th and 7th Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
They received reinforcements on arrival at Salonika in October 1915.
The Balkan winter took its toll, as did disease-bearing insects
and dirty drinking water in the hot summer. Between September 30th
and October 6th, 1916 when the 10th Division were in action, hospital
admissions for wounded were 836 and 554 for illness.
On October 3rd, 1916, the 6th Dublins and 7th Munsters, with the
7th Dublins and 6th Munsters in support, (the 6th Irish Rifles to
follow), had the objective of Jenikoj (Yenikoi) village. A successful
artillery barrage meant it was taken with few casualties. As they
advanced, some 7th Dublins were killed by their own artillery and
both Dubs battalions were caught between the allied bombardment
and Bulgarian counter-attack. The 6th Leinsters and 6th Royal Irish
Rifles arrived to consolidate the Dublins' line, but the Bulgarians
attacked strongly. Conflicting orders were issued and some troops
withdrawn, leaving others still within the village. After nearly
24 hours continuous battle, those members of the 6th and 7th Dubs
who had been withdrawn were sent back to retake the village.
After service with the 10th (Irish) Division, the 6th Dublins served
in Italy and France. The 7th Dublins served in France and were re-distributed
into the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the regiment.
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