Military History

Jack is listed as being killed in action on 13 Apr 1918 during the German Spring Offensive. He was originally reported as missing in action and his family made two enquiries of the Red Cross seeking his whereabouts which were received on 2 Aug 1918 and 20 Nov 1918. The 2nd/7th battalion war diary entry for 13th April is transcribed below.

Calonne - 13^th – 5am: Our artillery opened a heavy bombardment in the enemy’s lines

9am: Situation normal on our front and on right and left flanks

11am: Another prisoner belonging to 29^th Inf Regt, 16^th Inf Div captured by our Centre Coy in the road about Q.8.a arrived.

1.35pm: Enemy worked his way up ands established himself at Q.8.c.8.0 and then north of Q.8.d.9.9. Artillery put down barrage from Q.8.c.8.0 to Q.8.d.3.6. Our line now held ran from Q.14a.5.0 to Q.8.a.1.0, Q.8.a.3.0 then north to bend of River.

2.50pm: Enemy M.G’s increased activity but situation good, our troops back in their old line and houses reoccupied. Artillery kept firing on out barrage lines & on village. Enemy opened fire on our Battn HQ.

Battalion relieved by 2/6^th R War Regt and 25^th Entrenching Bn. Relief proceeded very slowly owing to exceedingly black night and platoons got lost in the darkness. On relief Batn (less X Coy) proceeded to Hamet Billet and X Coy remained at Les Amusoires in reserve to 182^nd Composite Battn.

Other Ranks Casualties for the period 12^th to 14^th April were 28 Killed; 146 ounded and 61 Missing (including John)

Hamet Billet 14^th: Battn arrived at Hamet Billet. Men breakfasted and rested.