Author Archives: mikebriggs1910

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About mikebriggs1910

I'm not a Historian by profession - merely an (over) enthusiastic amateur. By day I'm a Professor of Genetics at Newcastle University with a translation research interest in rare bone diseases. At weekends I can be classified as a Yorkshire Cricket & Psychedelic Rock fan, but mostly I'm just on the Fells (or in the pub - when they were open!).

On this day 31st August 1918: the capture of Epinette East Keep

See here for details of the Operations

The four men killed during the attacks on the 31st August were:-

  • 3588/241139 Pte Walter Gratton aged 25 and the son of Benjamin and Mary Gratton of 3 Rose Cottages in Upper Town near Bonsall, Matlock. Walter enlisted in November 1914 and would have arrived in France during 1916.
  • 60573 Pte Albert Edward Hook aged 21 and the son of Emma Annie and the late Frederick Hook of West View on Alfreton Rd. in Derby. Albert had previously served with the 15th and 1/7th Battalions.
  • 91366 Pte. Edwin Harold Hoyle who was the husband of Alice Hoyle of 6 East St. Ilkeston in  Derbyshire. Edwin was conscripted in early 1917 and posted to the Sherwood Foresters.
  • 3052/240873 L/Cpl Peter Ryan aged 32 and a fitter from Chapel-en-le-Frith. Peter was from Ballynahinch in County Tipperary and enlisted in October 1914. He went to France with the 46th Division in February 1915. He had served a total of 3 years and 317 days overseas, but had only just rejoined the 1/6th Battalion on 31st July. He is commemorated on the Ballynahinch and Chapel War Memorials.

All four men are buried in FOUQUIERES CHURCHYARD EXTENSION, Plot IV, Graves F1-3 & 8.

On this day 30th August 1918: front line trenches

30.8.1918: Battalion relieved 5th Battalion Sherwood Foresters in the front line GORRE SECTOR.

‘A’ Coy on left, ‘B’ centre, ‘D’ right

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


30.8.1918: Quite day. Line advanced to approx Sloane Square.

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

On these days 27th – 29th August 1918: patrols in touch with enemy along whole front

27.8.1918: Quite day. Our patrols were constantly in touch with the enemy.

28.8.1918: A good deal of heavy artillery fire on the area F4. Patrols in touch with the enemy along whole front.

29.8.1918: Artillery fire normal. At dawn our left piquet was advanced.

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

75th Trench Duty: 26th August

26.8.1918: Battalion relieved the 5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment in the left subsection of the main line of resistance GORRE SECTOR.

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


30.8.18: Relieved 138 Infantry Brigade night 26/27.

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

 

On this day 25th August 1918: Battalion was inspected

25.8.18 VAUDRICOURT PARK: Battalion was inspected by GOC Division on the training ground at HESDIGNEUL. Reported stated “satisfactory”. Great pains had been taken with the turnout.

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

On this day 24th August 1918: Military Medals were Awarded

The following awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry in action on a fighting patrol led by 2/Lieu Lake.

240526 Cpl James Vanes

240286 Pte Fred Wright

306187 Pte Charles Swift

On these days 21st to 25th August 1918: Brigade cleaning, bathing and training

21.8.18 to 25.8.18 FOUQUIRES: Cleaning and bathing under Battalion arrangements. Training. The GOC inspected the 6th Sherwood Foresters and expressed his satisfaction. Each Battalion spent on night in the forward area digging.

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