Military History

Alfred is listed as being killed in action on 8 May 1917 during the Battle of Arras. He was initially listed as missing and enquiries about him were made to the Red Cross before his death was accepted as being on 8 May 1917. The battalion war diary for that day is transcribed below.

Trenches E of Fresnoy - 8.5.1917: Rain began to fall about midnight. At 3.45am a very heavy enemy barrage started on all lines and Bn H.Q. There was a thick mist rendering observation at 50 yards difficult. S.O.S was reported at once by H.Q observer as having been seen on front and SOS was sent through to Brigade and Artillery by telephone.

The enemy attacked in force, it being afterwards found he had brought up the 5th Bavarian division for that purpose. After checking his first assault, the remnants of our frontline fell back. Counter attacks were made immediately bye B Coy, D Coy 1/DCLI and remains of C Coy and the frontline was recovered but could not be held owing to the enemy having already got in on the high ground on both flanks. D coy were later send forward to establish a line and join up with Canadians on left and E Surrey's on right. For report see appendix A attached.

Eventually the battalion was relieved by 1/Devons at 10pm. The following details marched out of the line with the battalion, 5 Officers and 177 other ranks. The battalion went into Bivouac at Nine Elms at 1.30am on 9^th.

Casualties. Officers: 1 Killed; 7 Wounded; 2 wounded and missing; 3 missing. 288 Other Ranks killed, wounded and missing.