Military History

Alfred it listed as dying of wounds on 27th March 1918 during the German Spring Offensive. The South Warwickshire Roll of Honour states that Alfred was shot in the stomach by an enemy sniper as he returned to the front lines after delivering an important message to his Battalion HQ. His position [in Rossignol Wood] was then overrun before he could be evacuated and he died in the hands of then enemy. The 1st/5th Battalion war diary entries for the period 25th to 31st March are transcribed below.

Arras – 25 Mar 1918: Battalion moved by forced march to Bucquoy to take part and operate to hold up German advance.

Bucquoy-Puisieux – 26 Mar 1918: Took up position in Bucquoy-Puisieux line awaiting German advance.

Bucquoy-Puisieux – 27 Mar 1918: German attack drives in right flank of 62^nd Division near Rossignol Wood. B & C Coys move into Brigade Reserve on right flank and counter with tanks driving the enemy back to Rossignol Wood. A & D Coys move to right flank in readiness for counter attack on the right on the 28^th inst.

Bucquoy-Puisieux – 28 Mar 1918: Counter attack launched at 5.30am in Rossignol Wood. A, B & C Coys push well forward and regain objectives (being our original point line).

D Coy held in reserve. Later A.B & C Coys are cut off by enemy and are missing. The Commanding Officer (Lt. Col O.C. Wilson DSO) killed during the counter attack. Major T. Shearman assumed command.

Rossignol Wood - 29, 30 & 31 Mar 1918: Battalion HQ & personnel move up to and occupy trench SW of Rossignol Wood on defensive flank. Remnants of D Coy join Bn HQ.