Military History

Fred was originally listed as have gone missing in action 28th April 1917. It was later accepted that he had been killed in action on that day, his remains were never recovered. The 2nd Battalion R.M.L.I war diary entries for the 27th to 29th April 1917 are transcribed below.

Gavrelle Trenches 27^th April: Hostile artillery more than usually active during early morning. At about 8am one of our aeroplanes was brought down south of Oppy Wood by hostile AA gun. Coys proceeded to assembly positions ready for attack.

Casualties: Other Ranks killed 8, wounded 14 and missing 4.

Gavrelle Trenches 28^th April: 4.25am Battalion attacked in 4 waves, the enemy trenches NE of Gavrelle with one platoon under 2^nd Lt Newling detailed to take the Windmill. The Windmill on the left of the front was reached and held but at 1^st Bn RMLI on our left and 2^nd Division on their left were hung up apparently by wire & owing to a large number of machine guns, casualties were very heavy. Only two officers beside 2 Officers Commanding and Adjutant who took part in the operations came out alive.

Casualties: Officers Killed: 1 and missing 8
Other Ranks: Killed 25, wounded 72 and missing 72.

Gavrelle Trenches 29^th April: Situation unchanged. Enemy made serial violent counter attacks.

Casualties OR’s 14 wounded.