208/200012 Transport Sergeant Arthur Oldknow

1/5th Battalion was killed on this day

“The transport had very uncomfortable journeys in this sector, especially when passing Fosse Cite de Loos. On 21st June 1917, the whole column was wiped out by shell fire – All the animals were killed, the wagons wrecked, rations and ammunition strewn around. This necessitated the turning out of a fresh column & rations, and, as was invariably the case, they got through eventually. Unfortunately Sgt. Oldknow was killed by the first shell that dropped. He was a transport section in himself, one of those who not only did things, but got things done….”

Arthur’s brother, William Henry, also served with the 1/5th Battalion see here

21.6.1917 FOSSE 10: Lt.-Col CB JOHNSON rejoined and resumed Command of Battalion.

Cyril Benton Johnson

1/6th Battalion War Diary [WO/95/2694]

June 21: No Change. See disposition of units App 9.

139 Infantry Brigade: Headquarters War Diary [WO95/2692]