Sunday 30 April 2017

Congratulations


Monday 30th April 1917

The attacks around Arras have again ended for the time being allowing another drawing in of breath by troops who are now very tired after some gruelling fighting.

The adjutant of the 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, tells us that 1st Army, to which 63rd (Royal Naval) Division belongs has received a telegram from the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Douglas Haig: “My congratulations to you and the troops engaged on the good work done yesterday especially in the capture of Gavrelle”. Clearly the telegram was sent on 24th April but has only just been read to the troops after their bitter engagements near Oppy over the last two days.

Brigadier-General W H E Finch yesterday sent a rather longer message to the men of his Brigade, 190th: “I wish to express to the Officers, N.C.Os. and men of the Brigade my high appreciation of the work they have carried out during the last tour of duty in the trenches. In spite of the very heavy casualties units have sustained, objectives have not only been gained but held, thus enabling the Brigade to retain the high reputation which it already holds. I trust C.Os. will acquaint all ranks of the above, and that the past fourteen days may serve as a fresh incentive to the training of the men of the Brigade”.

Source: X550/5/3

Roll of Honour - 30th April 1917


Died of Wounds

1st Battalion
  • 30471 Sergeant George Edwards MATTHEWS, as a prisoner-of-war, born and resided Kentish Town [London] (Tournai Communal Allied Cemetery Extension)

4th Battalion
  • 31101 Private Maurice Leslie EVERETT, 21, ex-20324 Suffolk Regiment, born Polstead [Suffolk], son of David Henry and Betsy Everett of Butcher’s Lane Boxford [Suffolk] (Étaples Military Cemetery)
  • 30791 Private Albert James LODGE, 20, son of Joseph and Alice Lodge of 16 Clifton Road, Loughton [Essex] (Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension)
  • 22754 Private Sydney Llewelyn READ, 24, born Bletchley [Buckinghamshire], resided Stevenage [Hertfordshire], son of Alfred Charles Read; husband of Edith Ellen of Chapel Cleeve [Somerset] (Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension)
  • 23725 Private Arthur WORBOYS, 33, born and resided Guilden Morden [Cambridgeshire], son of George and Lucy Warboys of Ashwell [Hertfordshire], husband of Ethel of Dove Cottages, Ashwell (Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension)

6th Battalion
  • 31981 Private Ralph John COCKS, 30, son of Frederick and Martha Cocks of Haultwick, Little Munden [Hertfordshire] (Étaples Military Cemetery)

Saturday 29 April 2017

Twenty First Day of the Battle of Arras


Sunday 29th April 1917

Last night at 7 o’clock 63rd (Royal Naval) Division and 2nd Division resumed their attacks of yesterday. 63rd Division was to advance far enough to form a defensive flank for 2nd Division’s attack on Oppy Wood and Oppy itself.

63rd Division’s included an attack by a composite battalion formed by 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers and 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. I spoke with the adjutant of the Bedfords at length today and he told me that the composite battalion achieved its objective, but was then counter-attacked and driven out. However, it rallied and then re-took the trench it was to occupy and had consolidated it by about 11 o’clock this morning.

99th Brigade of the Division achieved some success and, after similar vicissitudes to the Bedfords, eventually managed an advance of about one thousand yards. 2nd Division also managed an advance of about one thousand yards. Altogether, although Oppy Wood and Oppy itself remained in German hands the trench system defending them has been taken.


Sources: X550/5/3.

Roll of Honour - 29th April 1917


Killed in Action

4th Battalion: Battle of Arras: ultimately successful attack near Oppy
  • 27713 Private Lawrence Arthur BARKER, born Buckden [Huntingdonshire], resided Orton Waterville [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 19347 Acting Corporal Charles BIRD, 21, son of Emma Bird of Green Tye, Much Hadham [Hertfordshire] and late William Bird (Arras Memorial)
  • 4/7167 Private Robert Henry BOOTH, born Crawley [Sussex], resided Saint Albans [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 14913 Private Edgar Clarence BORN, 24, D Company, born Barry Dock [Glamorgan] son of E W and H E Born of Heywood Terrace, Pill [Somerset] (Arras Memorial)
  • 4/6836 Private William BURRELL, 25, born Hallingbury [Essex], son of Benjamin and Mary Ann Burrell of London Road,  Spelbrook [Hertfordshire]; husband of Annie Wren (ex-Burrell) of 331 Oakers Buildings, Saint Andrew’s Street, Hertford (Arras Memorial)
  • 17151 Private William Henry COLEMAN, born Grays [Essex], resided Brington [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 22757 Acting Sergeant Norman Frederick COX, 24, born New Barnet [Hertfordshire] son of Elizabeth Cox of 10 Oak View Terrace, South Whetstone [Middlesex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 29071 Private Harry CURSTON, 28, D Company, born Hockering [Norfolk], son of Alfred and Charlotte Curston of North Tuddenham [Norfolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23285 Private Thomas Henry DURHAM, 38, C Company, born Spalding [Lincolnshire], son of John and Annie Durham of 7 Russell Street, Saint Neots [Huntingdonshire]; husband of Emily Alice Bellamy (ex-Durham) of Huntingdon Street, Saint Neots (Arras Memorial)
  • 18439 Private Arthur EAMES, born and resided Sundon (Arras Memorial)
  • 23660 Acting Corporal John EDWARDS, born and resided Souldrop (Arras Memorial)
  • 28174 Private William Henry EDWARDS, born and resided Saxlingham [Norfolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 27828 Private Sam FLINDERS, 30, son of Samuel Flinders of Brook End, Northill and late Clara (Arras Memorial)  
  • 17444 Acting Corporal Thomas FRANKLIN, 19, son of Robert and Amy Franklin of 13 Collins Cross, Bishop's Stortford [Hertfordshire] (Canadian Cemetery No. 2, Neuville-Saint-Vaast)
  • 30458 Private Herbert GOWARD, born Griston [Norfolk], resided Walsingham [Norfolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23801 Private Herbert William HEARNE, born and resided Chalfont Saint Giles [Buckinghamshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23274 Private William LAWRENCE, born London, resided Saint Albans [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 7873 Company Sergeant Major Frederick Charles MART, born Tottenham [Middlesex], resided Kempston (Bailleul Road East Cemetery, Saint-Laurent Blangy)
  • 30026 Private Alfred William MILLS, born Battersea [London], resided Earlsfield [London], son of George and Alathea Mills; husband of Mary F Mills of 36 Townmead Road, Fulham [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 25572 Private Frederick James PEACOCK, 22, son of E Peacock of 1 College Place, Saint Albans [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 22970 Private William PEDDAR, born Bedford, resided Flitwick (Arras Memorial)
  • 25135 Private Frederick James REYNOLDS, 19, son of Jack and Mary Ann Reynolds of 52 Sun Street, Biggleswade (Arras Memorial)
  • 35992 Private William RIDING, 25, ex-21587 East Lancashire Regiment, born Blackburn [Lancashire] son of John Thomas and Sarah Riding of 10 Redvers Road, Darwen [Lancashire]; husband of Edith of 127 Kay Street, Darwen (Arras Memorial)
  • 18891 Acting Corporal Reginald SECKER, born Littleport [Cambridgeshire], resided Saint Ives [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 27589 Private George Flanders SEWARD, 34,son of George and Eliza Metcalf Seward of 4 Wood Street, Huntingdon (Arras Memorial)
  • 29735 Private Ernest Edward SHEMMING, 30, B Company, born Brockdish [Norfolk], resided Aldeburgh [Suffolk]; son of Frances Shemming of Mill House, Syleham [Norfolk] and late Frederick Shemming; husband of Evelyn May of May Villa, Fawcett Road, Aldeburgh (Arras Memorial)
  • 23477 Private Corbet Charles SMITH, born Eaton Socon, resided Northampton (Arras Memorial)
  • 22815 Lance Corporal Frank STOCK, born Bedford, resided Kempston (Arras Memorial)
  • 28218 Private Frederick WELLS, 37, son of John and Jane Wells of Chapel Street, Cawston [Norfolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 29745 Sergeant Charles WINTERINGHAM, 29, born Richmond [Yorkshire], resided Cambridge, son of late Robert Winteringham of 18 Havelock Road, Norwich [Norfolk], husband of Caroline of 18 Priory Road, Cambridge (Arras Memorial)

6th Battalion: Battle of Arras: relieved from front line at Greenland Hill
  • 13372 Private Christopher Philip ALDRIDGE, 22, son of Alfred and M A Aldridge of Battersea [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32099 Private Henry ANDREWS resided Luton (Sunken Road Cemetery, Fampoux)
  • 12082 Private Arthur AUSTIN, born and resided Rickmansworth [Hertfordshire] (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 31883 Private William Bottamley BROWN, 24, born Spalding [Lincolnshire] resided Fletton [Peterborough], husband of Millicent of 7 Priestgate, Peterborough (Arras Memorial)
  • 33574 Private William Frederick BROWN ex-27661 Northamptonshire Regiment, Kingsthorpe [Northamptonshire] Northampton
  • 32215 Private John Benjamin COLES, resided Woburn (Arras Memorial)
  • 17843 Private William COOK, born Bethnal Green [London], resided Hoxton [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 17676 Private Frederick CUNNINGTON, 23, son of John and Elizabeth Cunnington of Ivy Cottage, Lowick [Northamptonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23122 Lance Corporal Frederick James EMERY, born and resided Bedford (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 32117 Private George Alfred FOLKS, 22, son of George and I Folks of 30 Smart Street, Luton (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 14378 Private Jack FRENCH, son of H French of 12 Telegraph Place, Hitchin [Hertfordshire] (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 32199 Lance Corporal Harry GIDDINGS, 21, son of E and I Giddings of Ivydale, Potton (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 14451 Private Oliver George James GRAVESTOCK, born and resided Hemel Hempstead [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 25727 Private Arthur GUINAN, born and resided Harpenden [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 21982 Private George Frank GURNEY, born Tring [Hertfordshire], resided Bovingdon [Hertfordshire] (Sunken Road Cemetery, Fampoux)
  • 32125 Private Frank Joseph HODGSON, born Islington [London], resided Saint Albans [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32120 Private Walter George HUFFER, 26, resided Stotfold, husband of Mary Alice of 129 Ireland (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 12325 Lance Corporal Thomas JENKINS, 28, born Aberystwyth [Cardiganshire], son of E Jenkins of 1 Stanley Houses, Mundy Street, Hoxton [London] (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 19650 Private Charles William JUSTICE, born Saint John's Wood [London], resided South Tottenham [Middlesex] (Canadian Cemetery No. 2, Neuville-Saint-Vaast)
  • 12387 Lance Corporal George KIDMAN, 22, born Islington [London], son of Amelia Kidman of 16 Ashton Road, Luton (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 15765 Private Walter Ernest LEE, 22, born Lambeth [London], son of John and Caroline Lee of 22 Ayliffe Street, Southwark [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 22956 Private Frederick George MANNING, born and resided Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 23068 Lance Sergeant Frederick MARLOW, 21, son of Frederick and Emma Marlow of 7 Council Cottages, Sundon (Arras Memorial)
  • 26289 Private Albert NORMAN, born Fulbourn [Cambridgeshire], resided Cambridge (Arras Memorial)
  • 25263 Private Frederick PERCIVAL, 21, son of Paul Percival of 92 Railway Terrace, Apsley End [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 26133 Private John PIGGOTT, 20, born Stanbridge, son of Carrie Piggott of The Green, Tilsworth and late Frederick Piggott (Arras Memorial)
  • 31980 Private William Frederick PRIEST, 37, born Bedford, resided Walsworth [Hertfordshire]; son of Fred and Clarissa S Priest; husband of Anne Charlotte of 8 Denbigh Road, Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 3/8187 Private Harry Charles SIMS, 28, son of John and Emma Sims of 7 Rose Lane, Biggleswade (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 32258 Sergeant Charles Harold SLADE resided Southill (Arras Memorial)
  • 19577 Lance Corporal Frederick George Henry SMITH, born Kentish Town [London], resided Bovingdon [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 35961 Private Leonard SMITH MM, 30, born Peterborough, resided Luton; son of Florence Steward (ex-Smith) and Walter Steward; husband of Martha Alice of Wittering [Peterborough] (Arras Memorial)
  • 28018 Private Sidney George SMITH, 27, son of George and Julia Smith of Little Almshoe, Hitchin [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 12283 Sergeant John TAYLOR, son of Robert Taylor of Dunfermline [Fife], resided Marylebone [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 12693 Private Albert WALKER, born Oxford, resided Watford [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 12030 Private John William WARWICK, born Welwyn [Hertfordshire], resided Aldershot [Hampshire] (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)

Died of Wounds

4th Battalion
  • 30997 Private Alfred WALES, born South Heigham [Norfolk], son of Herbert Wales of 27 Salford Street, Norwich [Norfolk] (Duisans British Cemetery, Étrun)

1st/5th Battalion
  • Second Lieutenant Leonard Leader BRERETON, 22, son of L and Ruth Brereton of Natal [South Africa] (Cairo War Memorial Cemetery)

6th Battalion
  • 32112 Private Alfred John DAWSON, born and resided Leighton Buzzard (Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension)

Friday 28 April 2017

Twentieth Day of the Battle of Arras



Saturday 28th April 1917

Here in the city of Arras we were awakened this morning just before dawn by a roar of artillery as the Great Push resumed. 12th (Eastern) Division of VI Corps was given the task of advancing a short way to ensure that the northern flank of the bulge, or salient, around Monchy-le-Preux was reduced. The results were mixed, some advances being made but some attacking units taking dreadful casualties.

On the XVII Corps front, 34th Division was given the unenviable task of capturing Roeux, taken and then largely lost again by 51st (Highland) Division on Saint George’s Day. Some progress was made and parts of the village entered but a heavy counter-attack drove parts of the division back to its starting lines again. So Roeux, as I write this, still appears to be in enemy hands. This village is acquiring as bloody a name as Thiepval, Guillemont and Ovillers did last summer on the Somme.

37th Division also attacked yesterday, despite the fact that some Battalions had been reduced fro a theoretical strength of around one thousand to about two hundred by the severe fighting a few days ago. The target was again Greenland Hill, between Roeux and Gavrelle. The adjutant of 6th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, has wired me reporting that they almost gained their objective, but were hit in the flank by fire from the chemical works outside Roeux. From other sources we understand that the Bedfords were probably a long way from their objective, having mistaken a trench about two hundred yards from their starting point for the trench in front of their true objective which lay three hundred yards beyond that. 63rd Brigade of this Division actually managed a breakthrough just west of Fresnes but steady losses from German counter-attacks has forced them to fall back to the road between Gavrelle and Plouvain. Meanwhile 111th Brigade managed to advance its line by about 800 yards up to the Gavrelle to Plouvain road. My colleague Ian McLeod, who is with the 6th Battalion, tells me that the unit has lost 294 men in the attacks at Greenland Hill of whom 51 are dead and 57 missing. In total this month the Battalion has lost so many men that only 58 are fit for duty.

Attacks have also been made north of Arras by 1st Army at Oppy and Arleux. 188th Brigade of 63rd (Royal Naval) Division was given the task of forming a defensive flank for the attack of 2nd Division further north.  4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, was placed under the orders of 188th Brigade but did not go into action, despite the failure of the Brigade to achieve its objectives.

This failure had a serious impact on 2nd Division which had its right flank uncovered (“in the air” in military parlance) as it made its attack. The Division was already seriously under strength - around 3,500 men instead of a full strength figure in excess of 12,000. The Division was to capture the shattered remains of Oppy Wood and the village of Oppy itself beyond it. The attack began from forming up tapes laid by 1st Field Company, East Anglian Royal Engineers (now known officially as 483rd Field Company, Royal Engineers). 6th Brigade took the wood but were repulsed from the village and then from the wood as well. 5th Brigade made some progress north of the wood and the village. As I write this we believe that both 63rd and 2nd Divisions are to attack again in the next few minutes.

North of these two British divisions is the Canadian Corps which, fresh from its magnificent capture of Vimy Ridge, was given the task of taking the village of Arleux. They succeeded magnificently in their task and the village is now in their hands. These men from the prairies, mountains and wastes of Canada must be regarded as amongst the very best in the World.

Away from the fighting, we have heard that 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment has arrived at the Arras front. They are billeted in what the adjutant described as “Hun trenches” near Neuville-Vitasse and this evening expect to move up to the front line near Chérisy.

Sources: X550/5/3; X550/8/1; WW1/WD3; information from Ian McLeod

Roll of Honour - 28th April 1917


Killed in Action

3rd Battalion: Battle of Arras: 6th Battalion partially successful attack on Greenland Hill near Gavrelle, then relieved
  • Second Lieutenant Clement Roy Blackshaw SMITH, 19, attached 6th Battalion son of Clement Charles Smith JP and Jessie Smith of Walton Hall, Felixstowe [Suffolk] (Arras Memorial)

4th Battalion: Battle of Arras: front line near Oppy
  • 12368 Acting Sergeant Arthur William YEARRELL, born and resided Offord D'Arcy [Huntingdonshire] (Point-du-Jour Military Cemetery, Athies)

5th Battalion: Battle of Arras: 6th Battalion partially successful attack on Greenland Hill near Gavrelle, then relieved
  • Second Lieutenant Herbert Edward FOSKETT, 24, attached 6th Battalion, son of Herbert and Mary Foskett of Western Road, Tring [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)

6th Battalion: Battle of Arras: partially successful attack on Greenland Hill near Gavrelle, then relieved
  • 32105 Private Joseph James BEAVER, 24, son of James and Elizabeth Beaver of 43 James Street, Camden Town [London], resided Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 32053 Private Cornelius CHAPMAN, born and resided Stotfold (Arras Memorial)
  • 31786 Private Fred COSTIN, 23, D Company, born and resided Eaton Bray, son of John and Emma Costin, husband of Mary of Sparrow Hall, Edlesborough [Buckinghamshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 18939 Private Ernest CURRINGTON, 31, D Company, son of Thomas and Ann Currington of The Goss, Yelling [Huntingdonshire]; husband of Ellen Louisa Barrett (ex-Currington) of 1 South View, Yelling (Arras Memorial)
  • 33530 Sergeant James FLEE, ex-24220 Northamptonshire Regiment, born Fenny Bridges [Devon], resided Balham [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32223 Private Frederick George GURNEY, born and resided Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 17626 Lance Corporal Sidney Jack MAGNUS, son of George and Violet Magnus of 95 High Street, Marylebone [London] (Athies Communal Cemetery Extension)
  • 10547 Private Roland Charles RACHER MM, 22, D Company, born and resided Hatfield [Hertfordshire], son of Stephen Racher of 87 Embankment Grove, Chelsea [Australia] (Arras Memorial)
  • 30427 Private Ernest RAWLINGS, 21, born Tydd Saint Mary [Lincolnshire], resided Walpole Highway [Cambridgeshire], son of W Rawlings of Tilney Saint Lawrence [Norfolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • Temporary Lieutenant Ronald Henry Evan ROSE (Arras Memorial)
  • 10695 Corporal Francis George SIMMONS, born and resided Chesham [Buckinghamshire] (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 32161 Private John Ralph SPREAKLEY or SPRECKLEY, 22, son of John and Caroline Spreckley or Spreakley of 10 Elstow Road, Bedford (Arras Memorial)
  • 12348 Private Henry TILCOCK, born and resided Ware [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 20582 Lance Corporal Frederick TURNER, D Company, son of W Turner of Ashbrook, Hitchin [Hertfordshire] (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 43256 Sergeant Alfred William WILSON, ex-1518 Essex Regiment, resided Leytonstone [Essex] (Arras Memorial)

7th Battalion: Battle of Arras: front line near Neuville-Vitasse
  • 29794 Private Percy William COLE, born Lambeth [London], husband of Elizabeth Angelina of 5 Mill Street, Bishop's Stortford [Hertfordshire] (London Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse)
  • 30915 Private Frederick William PESTELL, born Lambeth [London], resided Luton (London Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse)

Died of Wounds

4th Battalion
  • 8481 Acting Company Sergeant Major Albert Edward GODMAN, 29, born Kempston, resided Hertford , son of John Kentish Godman, husband of Alice Mary Smith (ex-Godman) of 44 Fernlea Road, Harwich [Essex] (Boulogne Eastern Cemetery)

6th Battalion
  • 20435 Private Albert MILLER, 20, born Whaddon [Buckinghamshire], son of Charles Miller of 18 Filgrave [Buckinghamshire] (Boulogne Eastern Cemetery)

8th Battalion
  • 17330 Lance Sergeant William Thomas HIBBIT MM, born Peckham [London], resided Balham [London] (Longuenesse (Saint-Omer) Souvenir Cemetery)
  • 19762 Lance Corporal Frederick RICHARDS, 24, born Walworth [London], son of Frederick and Alice Richards of 11 Garden Row, Southwark [London] (Béthune Town Cemetery)

Thursday 27 April 2017

Nineteenth Day of the Battle of Arras


Friday 27th April 1917

After the disaster at la Coulotte on Saint George’s Day the 1s Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, has been withdrawn to a place called Gouy-Servins a few miles behind the lines. Here they have been training and today beat their fellow sufferers, 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment at football by two goals to one.

Meanwhile another of our battalions looks as if it is on its way to the front at Arras. The adjutant of the 7th Battalion has spoken with me by telephone. They have been at Bailleul-les-Pernes ten miles or so west of Béthune. Today they have been taken by train and are on the way to Arras.

Meanwhile, fighting has been taking place not just here around Arras but elsewhere. After the failure of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force’s second attempt to take the city of Gaza in Palestine, 1st/5th Bedfords have been digging. They have helped in the construction of roads and deep dug-outs as well as the unglamorous but vital work of digging refuse and latrine pits. They are in a neighbourhood of precipitous slopes and have been terracing these the accommodate the dug-outs and aforesaid pits.


Sources: X550/2/5; X550/6/8; X550/8/1

Roll of Honour - 27th April 1917


Killed in Action

1st Battalion: specialist training at Gouy Servins
  • 31484 Private Harold Alfred LAKE, 28, born and resided Luton, son of late George and Emily Mary Lake of Heath, Breachwood Green [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)

1st/5th Battalion: Sheikh Abbas near Gaza, strengthening defences
  • 200287 Sergeant William DAY, born and resided Luton (Gaza War Cemetery)

6th Battalion: Battle of Arras: front line east of Roeux-Gavrelle road
  • 32257 Lance Corporal Joseph RUTT, 27, resided Langford, son of late J Rutt (Arras Memorial)  
  • 12444 Corporal Arthur WIGGS, 24, D Company, son of George and Eliza Wiggs of 31 Lower Dagnall Street, Saint Albans [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)

Died of Wounds

1st Battalion
  • 15891 Private Harry BEAUCHAMP, A Company, born Clerkenwell [London] resided Pimlico [London] (Evin-Malmaison Communal Cemetery)
  • 27837 Private George DARNELL, 234, B Company, son of Stephen and Elizabeth Darnell of Seddington (Arras Memorial)
  • 13291 Lance Corporal Gilbert Harry Kendrick WILLIAMS, son of Charles James Williams of 1 Albert Cottages, Park Place, Clapham [London] (Point-du-Jour Military Cemetery, Athies)

2nd Battalion
  • 17820 Private James Stamford HOUGHTON, born Clapham [London], resided South Lambeth [London] (Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty)

6th Battalion
  • 32098 Private James ALLEN resided Marston Moretaine (Duisans British Cemetery, Étrun)
  • 3/7176 Private Arthur PEACH, 28, born Chalton, son of George and Elizabeth of Houghton Regis (Duisans British Cemetery, Étrun)

Died

1st Battalion
  • 33587 Private Frederick ADAMS, ex-2535 Bedfordshire Yeomanry, born Eaton Socon, resided Eaton Ford (Arras Memorial)
  • 30958 Private James MARDELL, born and resided Welwyn [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33383 Private Harry REYNOLDS, 39, ex-31124 Essex Regiment, born Parndon [Essex], son of Rose Reynolds of Foster Street, Harlow [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 6639 Corporal Stephen or Steven TURNER, born and resided Hoddesdon [Hertfordshire], husband of late Kate Amy Turner (Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez)

Wednesday 26 April 2017

Trials of the 8th Battalion


Thursday 26th April 1917

The adjutant of the 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, in the front line near Loos, has been in contact again today. The battalion as a matter of course, sends out regular patrols during the night to check its own wire entanglements and the approaches to its own front line. At 11.0 p.m. last night a hostile patrol slipped through a large gap on the Bedfords’ front immediately after the place had been patrolled.

The enemy bombed one of the Battalion’s posts in front of their front-line trench. This caused several casualties. The enemy also took away one man as a prisoner.

Source: X550/9/1

Roll of Honour - 26th April 1917


Killed in Action

6th Battalion: Battle of Arras: front line east of the Roueux-Gavrelle road
  • 14893 Private Herbert George ADDISON, 25, son of Elizabeth Addison of Saint Neots Road, Sandy (Arras Memorial)
  • 26741 Private Reginald HOMAN, born and resided Gamlingay [Cambridgeshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 28119 Corporal Bertie Fred TURNER, 22, son of Elizabeth Turner of Church Farm, Tibenham [Norfolk] (Arras Memorial)

8th Battalion: relieved from the front line near Saint-Élie
  • 40102 Private Frank COLLIS, ex-3732 Essex Regiment, born Little Addington [Northamptonshire] resided Thrapston [Northamptonshire] (Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery Extension)

Died of Wounds

1st Battalion
  • 32950 Corporal Herbert Ernest BALL, 22, son of James William and Caroline Ball of Cross Hall Cottage, Saint Neots [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)

4th Battalion
  • 31157 Private Fred DAVENPORT MM, 31, born and resided Oldham [Lancashire], son of J W Davenport of Hollies Cottage, Werneth [Lancashire] (Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension)
  • 40604 Private Ernest Walter SALE, 24, ex-27115 Northamptonshire Regiment, born Broughton [Northamptonshire], son of Walter and Annie E Sale of 34 Thorngate Street, Kettering [Northamptonshire] (Étaples Military Cemetery)

6th Battalion
  • 43128 Private William John EDWARDS ex-1809 Essex Regiment, son of Walter of Baldock Lane, Buntingford [Hertfordshire] (Duisans British Cemetery, Étrun)

8th Battalion
  • 23503 Private Richard William PUTMAN, born Houghton Conquest, resided Ampthill (Longuenesse (Saint-Omer) Souvenir Cemetery)

Died

1st Battalion
  • 43064 Private Frederick SMITH, 22, ex-1180 Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, born Hilton [Huntingdonshire], son of Emily Jane Smith of Papworth Saint Agnes [Cambridgeshire] (Point-du-Jour Military Cemetery, Athies)

Tuesday 25 April 2017

Seventeenth Day of the Battle of Arras



Wednesday 25th April 1917

After the severe fighting of the last two days the front has been much quieter here around Arras today. 17th (Northern) Division of VI Corps attacked again today but made little progress and, we understand, it is to be relieved tonight by 12th (Eastern) Division.

The adjutant of the 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, has been in touch to say that they are back in the front line at Cité-Saint-Élie near Loos. The enemy has been very active with artillery, shelling the reserve, support and front lines with 5.9 and 4.2 howitzers from 10.30 a.m. until about half an hour ago.

Source: X550/9/1

Roll of Honour - 25th April 1917


Killed in Action

6th Battalion: Battle of Arras: front line east of the Roeux-Gavrelle road
  • 43187 Private Arthur BRYANT, 19, ex-2267 Essex Regiment, son of Alfred and Emma Bryant of 6 The Warren, Manor Park [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 15606 Private William Francis CHALKLEY, born and resided Hitchin [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • Temporary Second Lieutenant Bernard Valentine COLCHESTER, 27, son of Edward and Marguerite Branford Colchester of Great Shelford [Cambridgeshire] (Arras Memorial); his brother Lieutenant Edward Cromwell Colchester died on HMS Irresistible on 18th March 1915 and is commemorated on Portsmouth Naval Memorial
  • 32192 Lance Sergeant Frederick William DUDLEY resided Upper Shelton (Arras Memorial)
  • 32218 Private James FASSNIDGE born Tunbridge Wells [Kent] resided Watford [Hertfordshire](Arras Memorial)
  • 13240 Private Albert HARRIS born Slip End, resided Luton (Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle)
  • 33083 Private Edward Alexander SPARROW, 36, ex-8988 Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), son of Edward Sparrow of 34 Albany Road, Walthamstow [Essex] (Arras Memorial)

Died of Wounds

1st Battalion
  • Temporary Second Lieutenant Donald Samuel WRIGHT, 22, attached 8th Battalion, son of Samuel E and Emma Westrope Wright of Lyndhurst, Walkern [Hertfordshire] (Calais Southern Cemetery)

8th Battalion
  • 18798 Private William James WEBSTER, 33, son of William James Webster of High Street, Baldock [Hertfordshire], husband of E M Webster of 2 Silver Hill, Royston [Hertfordshire] (Béthune Town Cemetery)

Monday 24 April 2017

Sixteenth Day of the Battle of Arras



Tuesday 24th April 1917

Late last evening VII Corps once more tried to take its first objectives. 33rd Division began its attack yesterday at around thirty minutes after six o’clock in the evening. Here, again, no progress was made, due to strong enemy defences and despite great courage and equally great casualties. At around the same time 30th Division tried a second attack which, again, was largely unsuccessful, though a foot-hold in the enemy’s front line was achieved by 18th Battalion, Manchester Regiment. A second attack by 50th (Northumbrian) Division resulted, quite unexpectedly given the fortunes of VII Corps yesterday, with success. Quite large numbers of the enemy were taken prisoner and the objective, a copse east of Wancourt Tower, was seized and held.

Daylight this morning has shown that VII Corps achieved more than the success by 50th Division yesterday as overnight the enemy had withdrawn down-slope to the line of the road from Chérisy to Croisilles and the Tommies of VII Corps gratefully advanced. 33rd Division was able to reach the road from Fontaine-les-Croisilles to Saint-Martin crossed the enemy second line. There they found parties of men of 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment and 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who had reached this point yesterday and had been given up for lost when the erst of the division fell back. Their heroism must have played a large part in deciding the enemy’s retreat. 30th Division was finally able to occupy its first objective of yesterday and 50th Division was able to advance a little further than yesterday. Thus, over the two days, we are told that the corps managed an advance of roughly  a mile at the furthest point and took around eighteen hundred prisoners. How the picture can change from one day to another!

On the VI Corps front 15th (Scottish) Division began a limited, renewed attack around six o’clock last evening. One Battalion, however, 10th/11th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, did not receive correct orders and advanced too far and alone, taking many casualties. They held out for a while but were eventually forced to fall back. Generally, however, the division achieved its first objective. 29th Division’s second attack last evening made limited progress and it was relieved by 3rd Division overnight. 17th (Northern) Division’s second attack last evening was as unsuccessful as its first had been yesterday morning. It has attacked again today and won a little ground but is still short of its first objective - the Blue Line.

51st (Highland) Division has replaced some of the battalions worn out by fighting yesterday by some from 34th Division. The division’s position is roughly along the road from Roeux to Gavrelle and yesterday they managed an advance of about a thousand yards, taking 350 prisoners.

63rd (Royal Naval) Division has had to face more counter-attacks today from its position in Gavrelle. A terrific bombardment of the village began about noon and the following attack was repulsed with what must have been equally terrific loss amongst the enemy.

On the surface it appears as if the army has suffered very high casualties, perhaps around eight thousand(1) without huge success. However, objectives have largely been taken and, I think it is fair to say, no one expected a clean breakthrough. The enemy is well aware that a major offensive is under way so no element of surprise exists and the Germans are alert to any movement. The feeling is that the men have done as well as can be expected in the circumstances.


Sources: X550/5/3; X550/7/1

Roll of Honour - 24th April 1917


Killed in Action

4th Battalion: Battle of Arras: relieved following the capture of Gavrelle
  • Second Lieutenant Horace Wellesley MUIR, 33, son of George Horace Muir of Hartfield Rise, Hartfield Square, Eastbourne [Sussex] (Arras Memorial)

6th Battalion: Battle of Arras: front line east of the Rouex-Gavrelle road
  • 26612 Private Alfred HAWKE, 28, son of Frederick and Ellen of Park Bridge Nursery, Park Road, New Barnet [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)

8th Battalion: front line near Saint-Élie
  • 32208 Private Albert BROWN resided Sandy (Mazingarbe Communal Cemetery Extension)

Died of Wounds

1st Battalion
  • 43065 Private Jesse Edward EARL, 32, ex-1184 Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, son of Edward and Eliza Earl, husband of Mabel of Chadleigh Lane, Godmanchester [Huntingdonshire] (Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension)
  • 12604 Lance Corporal Charles Thomas WOOD, born and resided Dalston [London] (Lapugnoy Military Cemetery)

4th Battalion
  • 18060 Lance Corporal Charles GUERIN, 33, born and resided Walworth [London], son of J Guerin of 25 Nuffield Road, East Dulwich [London] (Duisans British Cemetery, Étrun)
  • 25451 Private William HOUSDEN, 23, born Sawtry [Huntingdonshire], son of Edward and Charlotte Housden of Water End, Yaxley [Huntingdonshire] (Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension)

6th Battalion
  • 25889 Private Edmund John BLUNDEN, 28, born Hoddesdon [Hertfordshire], resided Dunstable; son of Edmund and Emily Blunden of 16 York Street, Bristol (Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension)
  • 31909 Private John William BURTON, 38, son of J W Burton, husband of Ethel of Spaldwick [Huntingdonshire] (Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension)

8th Battalion
  • 31205 Private Frank ARMIGER, 31, son of William Armiger, husband of Mrs Armiger of Northwold [Norfolk] (Lillers Communal Cemetery)
  • 17210 Private Percy George HILLS, 21, son of George and Emma Hills of Sutton (Boulogne Eastern Cemetery)

Sunday 23 April 2017

The Battle of Arras Begins Again



Monday 23rd April 1917 - Saint George’s Day

After a dormant period lasting eight days the Battle of Arras sprang into life once more today. There have been small, isolated flare-ups during those eight days but today saw the beginning of the second phase of operations with a concerted and widespread attack. Phase One saw VI, VII and XVII Corps making the running, today XIII to the north also joined in the attack. We here in Arras are hearing the fighting today has been gruelling(1)

The day began with a heavy mist from ground which was very wet after snow and rain over the preceding weeks. As the day developed it turned into a bright Spring day, whose beauty belied the grim struggle going on all around. The various objectives were grouped into two lines - the first known as the Blue Line and the second, east of that, known as the Red Line.

VII Corps was instructed to attack downhill towards the River Sensée between Vis-en-Artois and Bullecourt. 33rd Division, on the right flank, gained some ground but could not take all their objectives because the barbed wire was uncut. On their left flank 30th Division, still smarting from its lack of success in the opening phase of the battle, advanced on high ground overlooking the village of Chérisy. The 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, played no part in this attack, as it was in reserve around Neuville-Vitasse. Once again their attack was unsuccessful because enemy artillery rained down on them causing huge casualties. 50th (Norhumbrian) Division ‘s attack failed with heavy casualties. Finally we have just heard that 33rd Division has begun an attack of its own, with what results we do not yet know.

VI Corps to the north of VII Corps occupied a front from Wancourt and Guémappe to the River Scarpe, south-east of Fampoux, with a bulge, or salient, sticking out towards the enemy around the village of Monchy-le-Preux. 15th (Scottish) Division attacked Guémappe and points north. Guémappe fell after hard fighting and the rest of the Division was able to make some progress. Then a German counter-attack drove the Scots out of Guémappe, though the Germans could not occupy it and the battalions north of the village held their ground. 29th Division, on the Scots’ left flank, took most of its objectives.About four o’clock this afternoon, however, the enemy counter-attacked this division also and managed to force its right-hand units back. 17th (Northern) Division’s attack made very little progress, just obtaining a precarious foot-hold in the enemy trenches.

XVII Corps area lay north of the River Scarpe and their attack today was aided by a division of XIII Corps to its north - our old friends the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, with the 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment to the fore. Only two divisions of XVII Corps made any attack, both of them with local interest - 51st (Highland) Division, our Scottish friends who spent the first months of the war in Bedford, and 37th Division which includes 6th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.

51st Division were given the task of taking the village of Roeux and its chemical works and station and then moving on to the fortified ridge and Delbar and Hausa Woods. Thanks to the aid of a tank (C7 under Second Lieutenant L Victor Smith) which fired its cannons through the windows of the houses, the Highlanders were able to take Roeux. The chemical works, however, proved resistant to being captured and then the Scots were forced out of most of Roeux apart from its western fringe. Nevertheless the first objective - the Blue Line - had been taken.

37th Division did very good work today - its 111th Brigade capturing both first and second objectives and ended up two hundred yards east of the road from Roeux to Gavrelle, where it could advance no further, 13th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps even managed to reach the road from Gavrelle to Plouvain. 112th Brigade advanced on Greenland Hill, south-east of Gavrelle, thinking that the Germans had fallen back, however, they were frustrated by the failure of 51st Division to take the chamical works outside Roeux, from which fire stopped any advance. The adjutant of 6th Bedfords was able to send me just a brief message that the battalion took part in this attack on Greenland Hill but could go no further than the road from Roeux to Gavrelle, much to his frustration.

63rd (Royal Naval) Division ws allotted the capture of the village of Gavrelle and an advance three hundred yards beyond it. They were well-supplied with artillery for this limited objective, though the wire in front of the village was not well cut. The adjutant of the 4th Bedfords, like his colleague in the 6th Battalion, has had time for little more than a brief message. They attacked at 4.45 a.m. and captured Gavrelle, reaching their first and second objectives. Its third objective, along the railway line from Arras to Douai proved beyond them, however beuase one of the battalions fo the brigade - 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, failed to take any of its objectives, expising the Bedfords to murderous fire. No units of the division could advance beyond the village. The Bedfords were shelled very heavily during the day and this afternoon they were counter-attacked by the enemy, an attack which they repulsed. They gave suffered about 260 casualties, around a quarter of their entire strength.

So much for events at Arras. It will be seen that fortunes, as usual, have been mixed - some success, some failure. We may only be able to judge the effectiveness of the attacks today over the coming few days.

North of Arras is the village of Givenchy-en-Gohelle and the town of Avion. 5th Division has attacked in this region today, attempting to capture la Coulotte, despite the fact that wire was uncut and the prospects for success slim. I have just received a report from the adjutant of 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Their attack was no avail and the battalion has suffered terrible casualties - eleven officers, including at least five killed and 320 other ranks. The other battalions in the attack (1st Northumberland Fusiliers, 1st Devonshires and 1st Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry) have suffered correspondingly devastating casualties. Tonight the shattered battalion will withdraw, probably to Cambligneul. An attack further north by 46th Division was also a failure.

Sources: X550/2/5; X550/5/3; X550/7/1


(1) The Official History of the War states: “The fighting of 23rd April is described by more than one participant as the hardest of the War so far”.

Roll of Honour - 23rd April 1917


Killed in Action

1st Battalion: Battle of Arras: attack on la Coulotte
  • Second Lieutenant Thomas ACKROYD (Arras Memorial)
  • 32039 Lance Corporal Herbert ADAMS ex-23146 Suffolk Regiment, born London, resided Horsham [Sussex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33588 Private Arthur George ALLEN ex-2512 Bedfordshire Yeomanry, born and resided Wellingborough [Northamptonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 25935 Private William Edward ALLEN, 25, son of E Allen of Station Road, Knebworth [Hertfordshire], resided Harpenden [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 40036 Private James William ANDERSON ex-21395 Suffolk Regiment, born Faversham [Kent], resided East Greenwich [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33586 Private Leonard ANDERSON, 28, ex-2127 Bedfordshire Yeomanry born Markyate [Hertfordshire], son of Frederick and Annie Anderson of 92 Hastings Street, Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 32930 Private Horace Randall AYLES ex-12225 Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), born Hackney [London], son of Horatio Nelson Ayles of 27 Canterbury Road, Leyton [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32936 Private Donald Rutherford BAKER, 25, son of Robert and Eva Baker of 71 Queen Street, Louth [Lincolnshire], resided Paddington [London], husband of Ada of 268a Latimer Road, North Kensington [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23777 Private George Barnes BARKER, 33, born Renhold, husband of Elizabeth of 33 Pontycapel Road, Cefn Coed [Glamorgan] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32939 Private Sidney BARNES ex-8496 Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), born Mile End [London], resided Forest Gate [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 19644 Private Leonard Harold BARROW, born and resided Kentish Town [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33606 Private Charles BLUNDELL, 25, A Company, ex-2171 Bedfordshire Yeomanry, son of Mrs M Blundell of 32 Kingsley Park Terrace, Northampton,  husband of C A Blundell of 142 Stanhope Road, Queen’s Park, Northampton (la Chaudière Military Cemetery, Vimy)
  • 32945 Private Edward Adolphus BORLASE ex-8977 Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), born Windsor [Berkshire], resided Walthamstow [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 18069 Corporal Frank BRADLEY MM born and resided Balmain [New South Wales] (Arras Memorial)
  • 14949 Private Arthur Joseph BROWN, 23, born Hitchin [Hertfordshire], son of Ada Brown of Bygrave [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32960 Private Robert Thomas BROWN, 19, resided Wisbech [Cambridgeshire], son of Thomas and Lydia Brown of East End Cottage, Goldington (Arras Memorial)
  • 3/7448 Private Robert William BROWN born Langford, resided Biggleswade (Arras Memorial)
  • 18122 Private Archibald Walter BURR, 30, born Kempston, resided Bedford, son of Walter and Elizabeth Burr of 153 Gorton Reddish [Cheshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 43107 Private Herbert BUTLER, 32, ex-1547 Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, born Saint Ives [Huntingdonshire], husband of Eva Ellen of The Kennels, Croxton [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 43108 Private Percy Edward BYATT ex-1548 Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, born and resided Saint Ives [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32972 Private Harry Christopher CAMPS, 23, ex-9059 Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) born Waterbeach [Cambridgeshire], resided Stratford [Essex], son of T Camps of Station Cottages, Swaffham Prior [Cambridgeshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 13296 Private Walter CARPENTER, 36, born Bushey [Hertfordshire], husband of May Elizabeth of 6 Chalk Hill, Oxhey [Hertfordshire], son of Walter and Emily Carpenter of High Street, Watford [Hertfordshire]; enlisted September 1914 (Arras Memorial)
  • 32046 Lance Corporal Edward Arthur CHURCH, 25, ex-13526 Suffolk Regiment, born and resided Kirkley [Suffolk], brother of Charles Church of Myrtle Cottages, Barnby [Suffolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 13266 Corporal Charles CLARK, born and resided Rickmansworth [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 43008 Private Sidney Charles CLARK ex-565 Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, born and resided Huntingdon (Arras Memorial)
  • 32976 Private George CLARKE, 38, C Company, ex-9073 Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), born Saint Pancras [London] resided Forest Gate [Essex], brother of Ada Clarke of 9 Rosedale Road, Forest Gate (Arras Memorial)
  • 33373 Lance Corporal George COLE, 32, ex-26902 Essex Regiment, son of Jonathan and Mary K Cole of Chequer Road, Little Bromley [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 16477 Private Thomas COOK, born and resided Hemel Hempstead [Hertfordshire] (la Chaudière Military Cemetery, Vimy)
  • 33617 Private Sidney George CRAWLEY, 20, ex-2580 Bedfordshire Yeomanry, son of Edmund Crawley, horse dealer, of Market Place, Sandy (Arras Memorial)
  • 43066 Private Roger James William CRISP ex-1186 Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, born Long Stanton [Cambridgeshire], resided Warboys [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • Temporary Second Lieutenant Vernon Edward CURRY brother of Miss N A Curry of 15 Cross Street, Manchester [Lancashire], husband of Laura (Arras Memorial)
  • 32980 Private Herbert Aveley DARNELL, 35, C Company, ex-12238 Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), son of John and Eliza Jane Darnell of Clay Street, Soham [Cambridgeshire], resided Leyton [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 14295 Private Harry DAVIS, 30, son of William and Sarah of Mimram Road, Welwyn [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 43015 Private John Henry DIGHTON, ex-653 Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, born and resided Godmanchester [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33620 Acting Corporal David DILLEY, 23, ex-1984 Bedfordshire Yeomanry, born Gravenhurst, son of William and Mary Ann of 8 Milton Road, Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 22019 Corporal George DILLEY, born Clifton, resided Biggleswade (Arras Memorial)
  • 33621 Private Horace DOLTON, ex-2459 Bedfordshire Yeomanry born Woburn, resided Woburn Sands [Buckinghamshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 12766 Private Alfred DUDLEY, born Haynes, resided Biddenham (Arras Memorial)
  • 26140 Private Ross King DYER, 24, son of Alfred and Sarah Dyer of Brockley [Suffolk], resided Brockley Green [Suffolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 12089 Private George Edward FENSOM, 22, born Nazeing [Essex], son of Henry and Mary Fensom of 5 Occupation Road, Wormley [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 14598 Lance Corporal Reginald FLEMING, 27, born Portsmouth [Hampshire], husband of Louisa Gertrude of 8 Pains Road, Southsea [Hampshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • Temporary Second Lieutenant Thomas Murray Kilpin FLETCHER (Arras Memorial)
  • 20099 Private Harry FOUNTAIN, 29, son of the late William Richard and Sarah Ann Fountain of  Markyate [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 28970 Lance Corporal Walter Samuel FROST, 26, son of Walter and Mary Ann Frost of 5 Park Road, Diss [Norfolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 43426 Private Cyril Prior GAUNT, ex-1554 Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, born and resided Needingworth [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32033 Private Frank GIBSON, 34, ex-34822 Suffolk Regiment, son of Samuel Gibson of Priory Lodge, Saint Osyth [Essex], husband of Ellen E of Clacton Road, Saint Osyth (Arras Memorial)
  • 33010 Private George William GILBERT, 23, born Bromley [London], son of Maria Gilbert of Salterton, Seaton Road, London Colney [Hertfordshire] and late George William Gilbert (Arras Memorial)
  • Temporary Lieutenant Fred Donald Roberts ILLINGWORTH, 21, son of Leonard and Frances Elizabeth Illingworth of 2 Melville Place, Liverpool [Lancashire], twice previously wounded (Arras Memorial)
  • 13119 Private Arthur JACKSON, born and resided Eaton Bray (Arras Memorial)
  • 40052 Private Charles William JACKSON, ex-28840 Suffolk Regiment, born Beccles [Suffolk], resided Ringsfield [Suffolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 18611 Private Thomas JANES, 37,born Houghton Regis, husband of Emily Elizabeth of 105 Edward Street, Dunstable  (Arras Memorial)
  • 21250 Private James John JONES, 26, born Hendon [Middlesex], son of Henry Charles Jones of 10 Glynfield Road, Harlesden [Middlesex], husband of Annie of 94 New Holly Lane, Willesden [Middlesex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23286 Corporal Alfred KEEP, 26, born Turvey, son of Thomas and Sarah of Bedford Road, Stagsden (Arras Memorial)
  • 10212 Private John KENNING, born Bedford, resided North Kensington [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 27811 Private Wallace Frederick KING, 24, born Sandon [Hertfordshire], son of J and S of Slip End (Arras Memorial)
  • 33347 Private Cecil Harold LAWSON, born and resided Lewes [Sussex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 28132 Private George LEADER, 25, born Haslingfield [Cambridgeshire], son of Stephen and Martha of Waresley Road, Gamlingay [Cambridgeshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 12677 Private William John LINSDELL, born Linton [Cambridgeshire], resided Canning Town [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 20133 Private William Harold MARDLE, born and resided Watford [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 13284 Private Charles MAY born Camberwell [London], resided Tooting [London] (la Chaudière Military Cemetery, Vimy)
  • 12084 Private George MUNNS, born and resided Northampton (la Chaudière Military Cemetery, Vimy)
  • 12039 Lance Corporal James Daniel O'BRIEN, 21, born Saint Pancras [London], son of James Daniel and Elizabeth O’Brien of 80 Glebe Road, Letchworth [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33082 Private Bertie PARKER, 33, son of Elizabeth Parker of 3 Oakley Terrace, Stockwell Lane, Cheshunt [Hertfordshire] and late William Parker (Arras Memorial)
  • 14667 Sergeant Albert Victor PARSONS, 32, son of Susan Elizabeth Parsons of 1 Leighton Street, East Croydon [Surrey] and late James Parsons; resided Huntingdon (Arras Memorial)
  • 18641 Sergeant George Edward PETERS, 21, son of Arthur and Elizabeth Catherine Peters of Harefield, Pembroke Road, Baldock [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 22011 Private Sidney ROBERTS, 21, son of George and Alice Roberts of 4 Bedford Street, Leighton Buzzard (Arras Memorial)
  • 10352 Corporal Chris RUNHAM, 23, A Company, son of William George and Mary Runham of  30 Saint John’s Street, Biggleswade (Arras Memorial)
  • 25625 Private Frank Albert SAGE, A Company, son of Herbert and Florence Elizabeth Sage of Crown Street, Dedham [Essex] (la Chaudière Military Cemetery, Vimy)
  • 16973 Private Arthur SAUNDERS, born and resided Aldbury [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 25159 Private Ernest Joseph SAYERS, 42, born and resided Great Yarmouth [Norfolk], step-brother of Frederick Cox Fisher of 51 Kimberley Road, Stockwell [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 18592 Private Alfred SHADBOLT, 30, son of Frederic and Hannah of Cannins Cottages, Tewin [Hertfordshire], resided Welwyn [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 43445 Private Cyril Victor SLACK, 24, B Company, son of Harriet Slack of Bury [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 31709 Private John George SMART, ex-22603 Suffolk Regiment, born and resided Hanwell [Middlesex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33350 Lance Corporal Mark SMITH, ex-TS/2191 Army Service Corps, born Lambeth [London], resided Ewhurst [Surrey] (Arras Memorial)
  • 31483 Private Henry STEER, born Woking [Surrey], resided Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 17546 Private Alfred William THOMAS, born Bethnal Green [London], resided Stepney [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33351 Private Victor George Henry TORRANCE, born and resided Hastings [Sussex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 40057 Private Stanley George WALKER, ex-29213 Suffolk Regiment, born and resided Wickham Market [Suffolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 31505 Private Herbert WALLIS born Northampton, resided Woodhall Spa [Lincolnshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 40012 Corporal Robert WASPE, 32, ex-22919 Suffolk Regiment, born Welnetham [Suffolk], resided Ipswich [Suffolk], son of David and Rose Waspe of Westerfield [Suffolk] , husband of Rose Hearn (ex-Waspe) of 23 Borough Road, Ipswich (Arras Memorial)
  • 31497 Private Arthur Charles WHITTERING, 32, born Welwyn [Hertfordshire], husband of Alice Mary of Kimpton [Hertfordshire], son of late James and Mary Whittering (Arras Memorial)
  • 40043 Private Frederick Charles WICKS, ex-24133 Suffolk Regiment, born and resided Hemley [Suffolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33403 Private Reginald Morton WILCOX, 25, ex-23014 Northamptonshire Regiment, born Peterborough, resided Woodstone [Peterborough], brother of G A Wilcox of 182 Kempton Road, East Ham [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 10186 Private Fred WILSON, 23, born Market Rasen [Lincolnshire], resided Chiswick [Middlesex], son of Naomi Wilson of 31 Ropery Street, Grimsby [Lincolnshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33370 Private Cecil WOOD born and resided Hastings [Sussex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23357 Private Arthur George WOODING, born and resided Ridgmont (Arras Memorial)

3rd Battalion: Battle of Arras: capture of Gavrelle
  • Second Lieutenant Sidney Gerald MULLIGAN, 28, attached 4th Battalion, son of Samuel and Julia Jessop Mulligan of 39 Talbot Road, South Tottenham [Middlesex] (Arras Memorial)

4th Battalion: Battle of Arras: capture of Gavrelle
  • 15225 Private William Sidney ALLEN, 26, son of Eliza Allen of 55 Hassett Street, Bedford and late William Allen (Arras Memorial)
  • 18447 Private Walter Joseph AMBROSE, 25, son of John Ambrose of Post Office Row, Weston [Hertfordshire], resided Stevenage [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 17940 Private Herbert ASHTON, D Company, born Ampthill, son of George and Fanny of Flitton Road, Pulloxhill (Arras Memorial)
  • 30995 Private Albert George BARKER, 22, son of Robert and Jemima of 15 Branford Road, Norwich [Norfolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 4/5898 Private John BARNES, 29, born Saint Albans [Hertfordshire], son of Charlotte Lines of Avonmore, Seaton Road, London Colney [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 14041 Private Maurice BARNES, D Company, born and resided Clothall [Hertfordshire], son of Arthur Barnes of Hitchmans Hill, Baldock [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 15169 Sergeant Claud Cecil BELLAMY, born Stafford, resided Harwich [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 26710 Private Reuben BRADFORD, 36, born Stevenage [Hertfordshire], husband of Sylvia E Rix (ex-Bradford) of Baldock Road, Buntingford [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 16059 Private Frederick Stanley BRITTAIN, 24, son of Annie M Brittain of 37 Stanstead Road, Hoddesdon [Hertfordshire] and late Arthur Brittain (Arras Memorial)
  • 30819 Private Alfred BRUNT, 37, son of Emma Brunt of 33 Saint John’s Street, Biggleswade and late Arthur Brunt (Arras Memorial)
  • 17011 Corporal William George CARON, 26, son of Jacques Jean and Matilda Caron of 161 Saint Leonard’s Road, Windsor [Berkshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 40581 Private Harry CHERRY, ex-19606 Northamptonshire Regiment, born Bulbourne [Hertfordshire], resided Northampton (Arras Memorial)
  • 25124 Private Cyril COOK, 21, son of Sarah Cook of Cranfield (Arras Memorial)
  • 22802 Private Alfred Thomas COPPERWHEAT, 25, son of Walter and Julia Copperwheat of Upper Shelton, Marston Moretaine (Arras Memorial)
  • 31283 Private Christopher Amos CURTIS born Sutton [Suffolk], resided Snape [Suffolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 40572 Private Frank Cummings DAY, 37, ex-26261 Norfolk Regiment, husband of Mary of Abbess Roding [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 28133 Private Ralph George DICKERSON, born and resided Gamlingay [Cambridgeshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23125 Sergeant William Cyril DINES, 22, son of William and Ada Dines of 62 Cowper Road, Harpenden [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 27052 Private Archie Berrill DRAGE, 26, son of Berrill and Sarah Jane Drage of High Street, Bozeat [Northamptonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23044 Private George DRAGE, 26, born Cheshunt [Hertfordshire], son of Mary A Drage of 89 Queen’s Road, Royston [Hertfordshire] and late Arthur Drage; husband of Louisa M Martin (ex-Drage) of 38 Rock Road, Royston (Arras Memorial)
  • 27302 Private Stanley FEW, 25, son of William Few of 62 Blenheim Road, Ramsey [Huntingdonshire] resided Great Whyte [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 40112 Lance Corporal Thomas FOLKES, born and resided Wootton (Arras Memorial)
  • 27823 Private Fred FOUNTAIN, 36, born Bushey [Hertfordshire], resided Oxhey [Hertfordshire], son of late William and Maria Fountain (Arras Memorial)
  • 23078 Private Frederick GADSBY, 20, B Company, born and resided Riseley, son of W and Fanny Gadsby of 5 Swan Terrace, Goldington (Orchard Dump Cemetery, Arleux-en-Gohelle)
  • 23211 Private Jack GAUGE born and resided Biggleswade (Arras Memorial)
  • 25568 Private Arthur IVORY, born and resided Saint Albans [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 35997 Private John Albert JACKSON, ex-24357 East Lancashire Regiment, born Rawtenstall [Lancashire], resided Crawshaw Booth [Lancashire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 22836 Private Frederick JOHNSON, born and resided Cranfield (Arras Memorial)
  • 25419 Lance Sergeant Thomas Ebenezer LARKINS, born Ickleford [Hertfordshire], resided Stotfold (Arras Memorial)
  • 23304 Private Frederick Oliver LAYTON, 23, born Reed [Hertfordshire], son of W H Layton of The Cottages, Bury Farm, Newsells [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23441 Private Spares LOVERIDGE, born Tottenham [Middlesex], resided Bedford (Arras Memorial)
  • 13192 Private Clarence MAILING MM born and resided Redbourn [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 26205 Private Benjamin MITCHELL, born and resided Somersham [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 30078 Private John George MOORE, 19, D Company, born Walthamstow [Essex], son of F T and A Moore of 41 College Road, Bedford (Arras Memorial)
  • 23466 Private Hubert O'DELL, born and resided Shefford (Arras Memorial)
  • 25218 Lance Corporal George PAKES born Willesden [Middlesex], resided Ware [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 13195 Private James Walter Tearle PAYNE, 22, son of James and Emily Kate Payne of 37 Saint Michael’s Street, Saint Albans [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 26126 Acting Corporal Albert Edward PHILLIPS, 26, born Sandy, resided Hertford, son of Enoch and Annie Phillips of 2 Langer Terrace, Felixstowe [Suffolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23219 Private Oliver George RAWLINGS, 21, son of George Seymour and Mary Ann Rawlings of Church End, Earith [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33476 Corporal Oscar Harold REID, 27, son of George Thomas and Elizabeth Ann Reid of  10 Cambridge Road, Leytonstone [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23217 Private Herbert RICH, son of S A Rich of 12 Souldrop (Arras Memorial)
  • 29048 Private John William ROGERS, born and resided Norwich [Norfolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33707 Acting Corporal Herbert James ROPER, born and resided Ipswich [Suffolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 30540 Private Edward Victor Patrick ROSHIER or ROSHER, 19, born Norwich [Norfolk], resided Watford [Hertfordshire], son of A Roshier or Rosher of Great Ellingham [Norfolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 43058 Private Walter SANFORD, 32, ex-1143 Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, son of Samuel and Sally Sanford of Graveley [Cambridgeshire] resided Offord D'Arcy [Huntingdonshire], husband of Lucy Margaret of 2 Hanley Place, Datchet [Berkshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 4/7319 Sergeant Albert Edwin SCRIVENER, born and resided Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 23303 Private Charles SMITH, born Preston [Hertfordshire], resided Bedford (Arras Memorial)
  • 18904 Private Ernest Jesse SMITH, born and resided Knotting (Arras Memorial)
  • 26708 Private William Joseph SMITH MM, born Walthamstow [Essex], resided Dunstable (Arras Memorial)
  • 14429 Private Ernest STAUGHTON, born Hertford, resided Hitchin [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23473 Private Thomas STOCKER, born and resided Dunton (Arras Memorial)
  • 40606 Private Robert George Smith THORPE ex-27028 Northamptonshire Regiment, born and resided Brighton [Sussex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 23283 Private Alfred James TIBBLES born and resided Rickmansworth [Hertfordshire] (Orchard Dump Cemetery, Arleux-en-Gohelle)
  • 20864 Private Alfred TRIPLOW, born and resided Stotfold (Arras Memorial)
  • 13045 Corporal Maurice Alfred George WINCH MM, son of William and Minnie of 20 Council Cottages, Codicote [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 22677 Sergeant Thomas WORKER, born and resided Barton-le-Clay (Arras Memorial)

6th Battalion: Battle of Arras: in support to 63rd Infantry Brigade
  • 12057 Private Edwin BALDWIN, born Rickmansworth [Hertfordshire], resided Watford [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32204 Private Benjamin BETTLES, resided Hemel Hempstead [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 31898 Private George BISHOP, born Loughborough [Leicestershire], resided Barnet [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 10535 Sergeant Edward BRIND, 30, husband of Edith Mary of 3 Yew Tree Road, Shepherd's Bush [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 12214 Lance Corporal Charles CAVILL born Hatfield Broad Oak [Essex], son of Drusilla of Parvill’s Farm, Down Hall, Harlow [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32029 Private Isaac John COLEMAN, 35, ex-21289 Suffolk Regiment, son of late Isaac and Harriet Coleman of Kelsale [Suffolk] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32114 Private Albert DAY, born and resided Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 10603 Private Arthur DRAKE born Rickmansworth [Hertfordshire], son of Elijah Drake of 58 Holywell Road, Watford [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 14735 Corporal Joseph DURRANT, 29, son of Charles and Ann Durrant of 42 Hatfield Road, Watford [Hertfordshire] (Canadian Cemetery No. 2, Neuville-Saint-Vaast)
  • 20135 Lance Corporal George Samuel KING, 20, son of George Edwin and Anna King of 4 High Street, Whaddon [Buckinghamshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 12420 Private Edward KNELL, 32, born Camberwell [London], son of Samuel of 66 Smith Street, Kennington [London] (Arras Memorial)
  • 4/7185 Private Allen Arthur LONG, 21, born Essenden [Hertfordshire], son of George Long of Hawkswick Lodge, Saint Albans [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 18626 Private William Thomas NEAL, 35, born Millbrook, resided Saint Neots [Huntingdonshire]; son of late William and Lucy Neal, husband of Fanny of Wilden (Arras Memorial)
  • 33064 Private John Henry Claude NYE ex-8848 Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), born West Ham [Essex], resided East Ham [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32196 Private Walter Percy ODELL born Houghton Conquest, resided Kempston (Arras Memorial)
  • 32252 Private John REYNOLDS resided Letchworth [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32154 Private Jack RUSDALE, 41, son of John and S A Rusdale of Faith View, Yaxley [Huntingdonshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 33080 Private George Edward SCROGGS ex-12552 Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), born Custom House [Essex], resided Plaistow [Essex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 35962 Private William SEWELL, 40, son of William and Mary Sewell of Darlington [Durham], husband of Margaret of Chester Cottage, Bushey Heath [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32170 Private Thomas SIMPSON, born Iver [Buckinghamshire], resided Rickmansworth [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 31918 Private Harry TAYLOR, born and resided Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 33736 Private George Leonard THURLEY, 19, ex-29187 Suffolk Regiment, born South Tottenham [Middlesex], son of J W Thurley of 8 Glendish Road, Tottenham [Middlesex] (Arras Memorial)
  • 323171 Private George Albert TIMSON, born Hemel Hempstead [Hertfordshire], resided Leverstock Green [Hertfordshire] (Arras Memorial)
  • 32174 Private Alfred TITMUSS, 21, son of George and Sarah Titmuss of 40 Milton Road, Luton (Arras Memorial)
  • 26768 Private Horace WEEDEN, born and resided Shillington (Arras Memorial)
  • 14761 Private Frederick Harold WIGHTMAN MM, 22, born Hornsey [Middlesex], son of Emma Wightman of 78 Wellington Street, Luton and late Edward Wightman, husband of late Lilian (Arras Memorial)
  • 31788 Private Fred Charles WILLIS, 24, son of Arthur and Rebecca Willis of Kensworth, an organist (Arras Memorial)

Died of Wounds

1st Battalion
  • 9089 Sergeant Thomas Charles STEEL, 29, born Westminster [London], resided Walthamstow [Essex], husband of H J Steel of 5 Upper Frant Road, Maidstone [Kent] (Lapugnoy Military Cemetery)

3rd Battalion
  • Second Lieutenant William Robert BRIDGES, 22, attached 4th Battalion, son of Philip and Mary Bridges of Bridgend, Stonehouse [Gloucestershire], born Llanedy [Carmarthenshire] (Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension)

8th Battalion
  • 40078 Private Leonard George ALDRIDGE ex-3718 Essex Regiment, born and resided Wellingborough [Northamptonshire] (Étaples Military Cemetery)