B teams?

[CarolineBoo]

In the 9th Bn, Manchester Regiment's War Diary for October 1918, under an Operation Order issued on Oct 5th, the following appears:

'B teams of companies will remain in present camp under Major RML Scott MC also the following Officers:- Capt FO Thorne MC, Capt JP Goldschmidt, Capt GT Newman (leave), Lt J Trevivian (course), 2/Lt EF Laird, 2/Lt H Smith, 2/Lt E Lees, 2/Lt C Groves (course), 2Lt PHH Davies (to return from destination after conducting party).'

In three days time the 9th Bn, as part of the 199th Brigade of the 66th Division, will go to the front.
Can anyone shed any light on what the B teams are and what their purpose would be? 
Thanks and best regards
Caroline

[PhilipG]

Caroline,

I would suggest that "B teams" was a term used in respect of those officers and men who were to be "left out of battle".   The purpose was to ensure that after a battle in which casualties could be heavy, there would be a nucleus of officers and men available to reconstruct the battalion following the arrival of the necessary reinforcements.

It would seem that the battalion was about to take part in one of the Battles of the Hindenburg Line, namely the "Battle of Cambrai - 8th & 9th October 1918".   PhilipG.

[CarolineBoo]

Thanks Philip. Would they use any criteria to select the B team.  For example, those that were medically weaker than others?
Caroline

[PhilipG]

Caroline,

The aim would be to retain those with military skills and specialisations so as to enable the battalion, when reinforcements later arrived, to be rapidly returned to its former efficiency.    Having also to consider the needs of the battalion going into action, the CO would have difficult decisions to make.  PhilipG.

[CarolineBoo]

Philip
Thanks for the insights.  They must have been very difficult decisions.  Probably also difficult conversations.  - especially with those being left behind.
Caroline