Military History

Reginald is listed as being dying of wounds on 1st December 1917. It is most likely that he was wounded the previous day and taken to either the 21st or 48th Casualty Clearing Stations at Etres which used the Rocquigny-Equancourt cemetery for burials. The 4th Battalion war diary entries for the period 30th November to 2nd Decemberm are transcribed below.

Marcoing – 30 Nov 1917: Orders received about am to move out of MARCOING to a sunken road behind the copse on the Masineres Road. As the Battalion was about to move information was received that the enemy had attacked and were then on the outskirts of Marcoing.  The Battlalion, with the remnants of the Bde., moved out to the high ground overlooking the Canal valley, and drove the enemy back by a vigorous counter attack.

Consolidation of a line then commenced, and by 8pm the Battalion was dug in, all four Coys being in front line with 1/KOSB on R and in support, and remainder of 88th Brigade on L. No further enemy attacks during night.

Marcoing – 1 Dec 1917: Continued with consolidation of the line taken on 30th instant. All four companies still in front line with 1/K.O.S.B. on our right and 1/ Essex on our left. 'X' Coy captured 3 machine guns and took up position with 1 platoon in an advanced post. 2/Hampshire in support.

HQ. 2/Hampshire & 4/Worcestershire in same deep dugout in sunken road about 800 yards. SW Marcoing. No other infantry action on our immediate front, but attacks still in progress on both flanks.

Marcoing & Masnieres heavily shelled. Enemy aircraft very active. Commenced communication trench from Hampshire to front line.

Marcoing – 2 Dec 1917: A lot of hard work done in improving our line. Two platoons of 'X' Coy brought back into the support line. 1 platoon still being in advanced post. Continued work on Communication trench. Hampshire moved to reinforce left of 88th Infantry Brigade. who were suffering heavy casualties. 2 Platoons of the 16^th Middlesex sent to support this Battalion. No Infantry action, but great Artillery & arial activity. Marcoing & Masnieres again heavily shelled. Very cold.