Circumstances Leading to Death Normally from the Battalion War Diary

24 March 1918: What we had to fear here, was not the left, but the right flank. The enemy was very active there, and on the evening of Sunday the 24th attacked and took ERVILLIERS S.E. of Hamelincourt. He was, however, later evicted by the 2nd Battn. Irish Guards. The troops on our left were the Durham Light Infantry, and on these being relieved, the East Lancs. The right flank had to be constantly watched, and No. 1 Coy. had more than once to extend to his right in order to avoid a gap. At night orders were received for us to dig a new line on our right facing S.E., the situation on the right being considered dangerous. This was done by Nos. 1 and 2 Coys. Nos. 3 and 4 taking over the whole Battalion frontage. The new trench was to be occupied by the Grenadier Guards. Patrols were sent out this night through HAMLINCOURT village as a pre-caution. Later in the night orders came in to say the tactical situation might necessitate a withdrawal to the 5th System (in front of BOIRY, or even to the G.H.Q., a line just east of ADINFER). Representatives from each Company left at dawn to reconnoitre routes etc.

25 March 1918: During the afternoon of the 25th three different orders of action were received. That the Battalion was to be relieved by the 1st Battn. Irish Guards, that a retirement to the G.H.Q., Line east of ADINFER was to be made and that we were to form a defensive flank facing S.E. Eventually at 10 p.m. a 4th, and totally different order was received to retire to a new line. This was done, and at midnight the troops were in position, but this new system did not yet exist, even in tape, and had to be sited and dug that night. The Brigade was again left with its right in the air, for the 31st Division had in the meantime acted on the order to remain and dig a defensive flank. As the two Divisions were in the same Corps a more accurately co-ordinated scheme of action had been anticipated.

26 March 1918: the Germans showed considerable artillery activity in the afternoon; the villages of HAMELINCOURT and MOYENVILLE being severely shelled, as well as the Valley of the Cojeul and Boisleux and Boiry Roads. The line dug and occupied that night left the 4thSystem at the junction of No.2 and 3 Coy’s positions, and turned S.W. from there at an angle of 90 degrees. The new part was occupied by Nos. 4 and 3 Coys. Nos. 1 and 2 going into trenches vacated by Nos. 3 and 4. The 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards dug in, in support. Battalion H.Q. were established in the Hindenburg Line where the HAMELINCOURT-BOIRY track crosses it. A good deal of shelling took place this evening. H.Q. were followed all the way back by shells that rested on the Hindenburg line, as soon as they had got in. Humphrey was killed during the actions of the 26th March 1918.