Military History

Wilfred is listed as being killed in action on 13 Nov 1916. The 1st Battalion war diary for that day is transcribed below.

Line at Varennes – 13.11.16: Battn was the left of the 188^th Infantry Brigade which attacked German trench system. It was in touch on left with 1/7^th Gordon Highlanders. Following Officers took part – It then lists 22 officers.

The attack commenced on the opening of our barrage at 5.45am. When Battn advanced in 4 waves – one platoon of each company in a wave. There was a very thick mist. Every Company Commander was killed before crossing German front line.

Enemy trenches were practically obliterated by our artillery. No Mans Lane & ground between various German Lines, as far as slope down to Station Road was filled with shell holes, deep & very muddy. Ground crossed by this Battn was particularly muddy  which made advance difficult.

Within a minute of our barrage starting enemy replied with artillery barrage on support lines and No Mans land where they also opened a heavy machine gun fire. It is estimated that at least 50% of casualties occurred between No Mans Lane and German 1^st Line. Between 2^nd & 3^rd line ground was swept with M.G. fire. Here also were heavy casualties. Isolated parties of this Battn followed the barrage as far as the Yellow Line & got in touch with H.A.C. on right. They were however sufficiently strong to close gap between H.A.C and Battn on left. Remnant of this Battn held dotted Blue Line during night 13/14^th in partially constructed trench W of Station Road. Touch was maintained during the night with 4^th Gordon Highlanders on left.