Military History

Frederick is listed as dying from wounds on 5 Jul 1916 at the 29th Casualty Clearing Station in Gezaincourt. The war diary entries for the period 1st July to 5th July 1916 are transcribed below.

Firing Line July 1^st 1916: Z Day. In accordance with orders the Battalion advanced on the objective which consisted of the first three lines of German trenches, the Batt advancing in lines of platoons in single file on the following rotation B, A, D Coys, C Coy being held in reserve in the original front line trench.

Immediately our lines appeared on the parapets the enemy brought heavy machine gun cross fire to bear which heavily decimated the advance, none being able to gain further ground than the enemys Wire. Under the circumstances the advanvce failed in the sector allotted to the Batt as it was also found impossible to bring up Reserves.

Strength of Battalion in entering the action Officers 36. Other ranks 916.

Casualties – Officers – Killed 4, Wounded 11, Missing 4 – Total 19

Casualties – Other Ranks  – Killed 50, Wounded 265, Missing 225 – Total 540

Remainder of Batt rallied in the Front Sector near St. Johns Road.

St. John’s Road - July 2^nd 1916:

Under orders received at 10.00 Battalion under the temporary command of Temp Capt Nicholls marched to Hamel and took up position as Brigade Reserve. Major Hardress-Lloyd arriving to take over Command. Captain Nicholls taking up the duties of Acting Adjutant. Casualties – Nil

Hamel - July 3^rd 1916: Battn in Brigade Reserve. Casualties – Nil

Hamel - July 4^th 1916: Battn in Brigade Reserve. A patrol sent out to locate an enemys Post in the marsh below Thiepval Wood. Casualties – Killed 3; Died of Wounds 3; Wounded 3

Hamel - July 5^th 1916: Battn in Brigade Reserve. Casualties – Nil