Military History

John is listed as being killed in action on 23 Aug 1918 during the attack on Lupart (Loupart) Wood. The 14th Battalion war diary entry for that day is transcribed below.

22nd August 1918 - S of Bucquoy: The Battalion is still in reserve. The G.O.C. Division decides not to use the 13^th Infantry Brigade until 23^rd if possible.

23^rd August 1918 - In the Field S of Bucquoy - 10.00am: Orders are received to reconnoiter forward & find suitable trenches for the Battalion near the Blue or Brown Lines or in between them. Our troops are reported to be holding Red line & Red dotted line. Patrols are therefore sent out.

1.30pm: Battalion is in position in valley south of Bucquoy on the slope of the hill in L.10. B & D Coys are in the front line & C in support & A in reserve. Bn HQ is at L.13.a.2.1.

6.00pm: The CO is sent for by Brigade & given orders to attack through the Red Dotted line with 1 R W K Regt on right and 15 R W R on left. The attack is to take place at 7.30pm

7.30pm: B & D Coys, with only 10 minutes notice, pass through the Red Dotted line. The advance is gallantly made. Messages form two Coy Cmdr who formed the front line are attached.

8.00pm: The CO goes forward with HQ details & orders Capt Gibson to move through B & D Companies to capture Loupart Wood if at all feasible in conjunction with an advance by 15 R War R on Grevillers, but by the time C Coy was in position it is too dark. A Company moves up into reserve behind B & D Coys in the trench recently captured by C. END

24^th August 1918: The Battalion remains in its positions all day. KOSB clear Loupart Wood. END