Military History

Wilfred is listed as dying of wounds on 25th April 1918 at the 25th Field Ambulance which inevitably means that he died soon after being wounded. The 2nd/10th Battalion war diary for 24th/25th April is transcribed below.

Haugard Sector - Apr 24th: After most intensive bombardment which the enemy put down at 4am, enemy attacked on Haugard Sector at 6am. This Battn was counter attack Bn for 173rd Brigade. Battn was immediately formed up in the counter attack positions. At 7.30am a report was received that left Bn of 173 Brigade front line had been compelled to yield ground. One Company was disposed to form a defensive flank. Before ordering counter attack the CO, Lt. Col Symonds DSO personally reconnoitred towards Haugard Wood. He was shot by a sniper. Badly wounded he was got in and evacuated. Capt F Goves took command of the Battalion.

Orders were given for the counter attack at 10.30am but attack was held up by heavy M.G. fire from Haugard Wood and men had to dig in after going 200 yards. Two companies were ordered to reinforce 173 Bde front line. At 5pm 9^th London’s took over our dispositions as Counter Attack Battn. All night elements of the Bn were held in reserve to 9^th London & 54 Inf Bde who counter attacked. A big gap formed in our line on right of 9^th London & a Coy & half were sent up & filled this gap. 2/Lt Martin wounded

Apr 25^th – Haugard Sector: Dispositions of previous night maintained. Lt Col Symonds died in CCS. Bn relieved on night of 25^th/26^th Apr by 12^th Londons & troops of units of 174 Brigade.