Monday 8 May 2017

The Loss of Fresnoy


Tuesday 8th May 1917

A very heavy German attack took place at Fresnoy this morning. They crushed the British and Canadian defenders at the point where 95th Brigade (32nd Division) joined 4th Canadian Brigade. It seems our defenders have been pushed back to the eastern outskirts of Arleux. The adjutant of 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, was in contact today to tell us that the Battalion is moving forward again. At 9.30 this morning they received orders to advance on Fresnoy. The Battalion could go into action tomorrow. 

Towards noon today 8th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, attached The Red Patch in the south-west sector of the ruins of Bullecourt. At first the attack gave good expectation of success, we have been told, but was eventually beaten back again due to stiff resistance and sticky mud in the trenches after a night of rain. Meanwhile the 2nd Australian Brigade succeeded in taking about 150 yards more of the Hindenburg Line.

Source: X550/2/5

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