Military History

Ernest is listed as being killed in action on 21st March 1918, the first day of the German Spring Offensive. The 10th Battalion war diary entry for that day is transcribed below.

Barastre 21.2.18 – 5am: The Battn was in rest camp in Barastre when the alarm was given by to stand to arms and extra S.A.A, Bombs, rifle grenades, rations and C were issued. The Battn was ready to move by 5.45am. Breakfasts were then served.

11.50am: Orders to move assembly positions were received and the Battn with first line transport marched across country to the Copse in I.36 central; strength 20 Officers and 611 other ranks.

1pm: Concentration at the Copse was complete and under orders from Brigade. C Coy was detached to form 4 Platoon posts on the ridge to NE of Velu behind the 3^rd system of trenches extending from about J.28.a.0.4 to Beaumetz (inclusive) i.e. a distance of over 1500 yards.

3.20pm: The Battn was ordered to move into position for a Brigade counter-attack on Doignies; for this Battn was in Brigade Reserve in accordance with a scheme previously prepared and practised.

4.35pm: The Battn was ready in position of assembly

6.40pm: The remainder of the Brigade assisted by 1 Coy 8/Tank Bn, launched the counter-attack.

7.45pm: The Battalion moved up to the position occupied by C Coy with orders to hold their ground to the last and dug in assisted by some R.E. and a Coy of the 5/S.W.B. C Coy was slightly withdrawn to the cable trench south of railway to form Battn Reserve and ordered to convert a portion of the cable trench to a Fire trench. The order of the Coys from left to right was D, A, B; Bttn HQ was temporarily established in the cable trench at J.26.b.6.9.

The line dug roughly followed the 120 contour in J.20.d & 21.c then crossed to S of railway into 27.b

11pm: The Battalion was placed under the orders of 154^th Infantry Brigade of 51^st Division.