Military History

Alfred is listed as being killed in action on 8th October 1917 having initially being reported as missing. The 1st/7th Battalion war diary entries for the period 5th to 11th October are transcribed below. The date Alfred was reported missing does not really tally with the description of events in the war diary and so we have given a wide range of dates. The Battalion had been involved in an attack on enemy lines on the 4th October.

NE of Ypres – 5 Oct 1917: Rain fell during the day and the weather became very cold. No enemy attack took place but his shelling was very severe at times. Sniping was active on both sides. The enemy firing continually from Beek House. At night a dry change of socks was got up together with rations.

NE of Ypres – 6.10.1917: Rain still continued which together with the cold made conditions very difficult and trying. Enemy posts were located near Oxford House and Beek House, between Beek House and the Cemetery and a machine gun post in the cemetery. Burns House was reported to be strongly held. Very little enemy movement took place.

NE of Ypres – 7.10.1917: Rain fell again most of the day. Enemy shelling was heavy growing into a barrage towards evening. No infantry action followed.

A taped track was marked out from Mon du Hibou to Tweed House. At night the Battalion was relieved by the 1/1 Bucks Regt and moved into bivouacs near Irish Farm. Everyone being in by 4pm.

Irish Farm – 8.10.1917: Weather fine, battalion moved by motor lorry to Siege Camp.

Poperinghe – 9.10.1917: Battalion marched to Poperinghe and in billets in Rue du Bruges, Rue de la Balance and Rue d’Ypres.

Poperinghe – 10.10.1917: Baths were taken and companies paraded for CO’s inspection.

Poperinghe – 11.10.1917: Company parades and kit inspections, reorganisations carried on with. Weather cold but fine.

Casualties during operations [3^rd to 11^th Oct?]:
Killed: Officers 2 & Other Ranks 23
Wounded: 3 Officers & 140 Other Ranks
Missing: Other Ranks 14.