Military History

Benjamin is listed as having died of wounds on 25 March 1918. As he is buried in a place not used by Field Ambulances or Casualty Clearing Stations it is thought that he died on the battlefield on the same day that he was wounded. Given that he is buried near Rosieres which is south of Proyart and that on the 25th the Battalion moved south from Morlancourt of Proyart it is thought that he was killed later in the day of the 25th. The war diary for 25 Mar 1918 is transcribed below.

West of Bray – 25^th March: Moved along Bray-Corbie Road half a mile W of Bray, arrived at 12MN

Standing patrols posted on all approaches to village leading from river. Standing patrols and reconnoitring patrols sent out covering this front. Battn billeted in outskirts of village by 2am.

Old is given by Divisional [16^th] Commander reconnoitre position for defence of Morlancourt and high ground E & S.E of village.

16^th Division transferred to XIX Corps.

Throughout operations from 21^st to this date weather had been very fine. The heavy mist in morning lasting sometimes as late as 11am with hot sunshine throughout remained of day. The nights were bitterly cold. Troops often unable to sleep owing to this, even when they were able to get an hour or two’s rest from the fighting.

2.25pm: Orders received for Bn to move into Divisional Reserve at Proyart. Moved off at 2.50pm reaching Proyart at 6.30pm.

6.30pm: Bn HQ established in a house nearest to Church on eastern edge of town & men settled in comfortable billets. END