Military History

Louis is listed as being killed in action on 20th November 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai. The 6th (F) Battalion war diary entries for the period 19th to 21st November are transcribed below.

Gouzeaucourt – 19 Nov 1917: The four wire pulling and two supply Tanks arrived at 2am and parked. Supply tanks loaded & sledges. Scheme of operation & operation orders explained to Officers of 18 Company.

Point of assembly taped & staked out & infantry guides taken over ground. Crossings prepared on support and front line trenches.

Tanks all assembled at 3am and infantry in position.

Gouzeaucourt – 20 Nov 1917: Tanks moved off at 6.10am followed by Infantry. Barrage came down at 6.20am.

36 tanks started, 33 reached objectives, 2 received direct hits, 1 ditched, 1 mechanical trouble. 32 rallied (1^st phase of operations)

13 tanks started, 11 reached objective. 1 sunk in canal, 2 mechanical trouble (2^nd phase of operations.)

Gouzeaucourt – 21 Nov 1917: Orders received at 12.30am for fresh operations at 6am. Finally postponed to 11am. 10 tanks started for Marcoing, 9 assaulted, 9 reached objectives. 2 received direct hits, 1 mechanical trouble. 8 rallied after action.

Orders received at R17.a.central (Gouzeaucourt 1:20,000) at 11am for attack on bridgeheads at Creve Coeur – 4 tanks started & 4 reached objectives & 4 rallied.