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Royal Dublin Fusiliers
Royal Dublin Fusiliers Major Battles
 
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IRISH BATTALIONS - MAJOR BATTLES (PART VI of XI)
SALONIKA, OCTOBER 1915

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 Conflicting orders were issued and some troops withdrawn, leaving others still within the village. After nearly 24 hours continuous battle, those members of the 6th and 7th Dubs who had been withdrawn were sent back to retake the village.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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