Military History

Alfred is listed as being killed in action on 28 Nov 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai. The 12th Lancers war diary entries for the period 27th to 30th are transcribed below.

Fins Area – 27^th: Mounted party remained in camp at Dessart Wood. Dismounted Company moved up into the front line NE corner of Bourlon Wood. 10 Remounts and 1 Charger arrived with B Echelon from Tetrey area. 2 [two] other ranks arrived from base. Heavy gunning all night.

Fins Area – 28^th: Mounted party remained in camp. Dismounted Company holding advance post in NE corner of Bourlon Wood facing Fontaine Notre Dame had a very hot time. Lt G.M. Brown MC was killed whilst making an attempt to save a Hotchkiss Gun.

2^nd Lieut A.E Hammond killed, Lieut A.A. McBean and T/Lieut G.W. MacIlwaine and 11 Other Ranks were wounded repelling a counter-attack

Fins Area – 29^th: Mounted party remained in camp. Dismounted party still holding NE corner of Bourlon Wood suffered very heavy casualties. Capt. D.C.H. Richardson MC wounded and 3 other ranks killed and 48 other ranks wounded. Sgt B.P. Edwards since died of wounds. 1 man missing (No 536 Pte. H Cummings).

Lt Col C Fane CMG DSO and T/Capt D. Kennedy Medical Officer visited No 48 CCS and saw Capt D.C.H. Richardson MC and T/Lieut G.W. MacIlwaine and a good number of the O.R’s who were all doing well.

The whole of the dismounted party rejoined the Regiment at Dessart Wood at 3pm. All looking very tired and done up, but cheery.  Out of the 5 Officers and 184 Other Ranks the total losses were:- 5 Officers and 61 O Ranks and 3 wounded at duty.

Fins Area – 30^th: Remained in camp, baths were allotted to the Regiment at Fins. Very heavy gunning has been going on since day-break. 1 other rank went on leave to England.