St Faiths War Memorial 1
St Faiths Memorial
In the grounds of the Church of St Mary and St Andrew, St Faiths
1914 - 1918
Charles Britcher
Name: BRITCHER Initials: C
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 43
Date of Death: 07/05/1916
Service No: 16496
Additional information: Son of Charles and M. A. Britcher, of St. Faith's; husband of Maria Britcher, of 3, Council Houses, St. Naith's, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. L. 11. Cemetery: BASRA WAR CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=509421
No match on Norlink
Genes Re-united search 1901 Census - Charles Britcher born 1873 St Faiths Norfolk, resident Horsham St Faiths and Newton St Faiths, profession Agricultural Labourer. Charles was the head of the household and lived with his wife Maria Britcher, (age 26, born St Faiths Norfolk and employed as a horsehair weaver) and their son Claude, age 1.
Kut falls
On 29 April 1916 Kut surrendered to the Turks. After agreeing terms, Townshend marched his troops out into captivity, and certain death for most of them. Most of the Arabs left in Kut were hanged by the Turks for helping the British.
Thus began the forced march from what is now Iraq into Turkey to prison camps. This forced march being a foretaste of similar marches in the Second World War, such as the forced march of American and Pilipino POWs on Bataan in 1942.
During May 1916, 2000 British Troops, including the Norfolks, started the march some were still in Khaki some were almost naked. The first day they walked 15 miles without food or water. Behind the column were many dead or dying, those who dropped out were killed by the Arab guards. They were first taken to a temporary camp at Shumran about 80 miles from Kut.
The Kurdish guards had stolen the troops food rations and even their water bottles and boots. The British officers were separated at Shumran and were taken up river by steamer leaving their men to walk and die. Wounded officers were then repatriated to India. From Kut to Baghdad is 100 miles, marching 12-15 miles a day lying at night on the open ground. They were herded like sheep by mounted guards with sticks and whips.
The route of the death march was through what is now Iraq into Turkey, a distance of over 400 miles: Aziziya, Baghdad, Tikrit, Mosul, Nisibin, Ras alAin, Mamourra and Aran
The American Ambassadors at Constantinople (Messrs. Morgenthau and Elkus) saw the results of the march and protested, but to no avail. Other diplomatic efforts during the siege, such as the payment of ransom to the Turkish Government, failed. It seems that the Turkish Government wished to impress its Central Power partners.
261 Norfolks were captured at Kut of whom only 78 ever returned to Norfolk, a rate of loss of 70%.; 7 out of every 10 Norfolks died during their captivity of maltreatment and disease.
www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/pte_wilby.htm
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Frederick Britcher
Name: BRITCHER Initials: F
Rank: Private
Regiment: Bedfordshire Regiment
Secondary Regiment: Labour Corps
Secondary Unit Text: ransf. to (215384) 447th Agricultural Coy.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 06/11/1918
Service No: 27120
Additional information: Son of Allen Britcher, of Bunns Row, St. Faiths. Casualty Type: Grave/Memorial Reference: 2. 10. Cemetery: HORSHAM ST. FAITH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803399
No Match on Norlink
GR search has Frederick Britcher born 1895 Norfolk St Faiths, Resident Horsham St Faiths and Newton St Faiths
Frederick’s family on the 1901 Census was made up of
Allen Britcher Head of Household and Father. Age 39, born St Faiths and working as Stockman on a Farm
Eliza Britcher, Age 37, Mother, born St Faiths, working as a Horsehair Weaver
George Britcher, Age 13, Brother, working as an Agricultural Labourer, born St Faiths
Jessie Britcher, Age 15, Sister, working as a Horsehair Weaver, born St Faiths
Lilian Britcher, Age 9, born St Faiths
Thomas Britcher, Age 2, born St Faiths
Frederick is listed on the Norwich Breweries memorial in Rouen Road, Norwich. It states he died at home.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/NorwichBreweries.html
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Frank Broom
Choice of six plus Frank Broome on CWGC
No match on Norlink
GR 1901 Census search has Frank Broom born 1896 at Newton St Faiths and still resident there, Schoolboy. Checked CWGC again - still leaves four who’s age is not known.
Frank’s family on the 1901 Census was made up of
James Broom, Head of Household and Father, Age 48, born St Faiths and working as a Teamster on a Farm
Lydia A Broom, Mother aged 44, born Newton St Faiths
Beatrice Broom, Sister, aged 16, working as Mothers Help, born Newton St Faiths
Charles E Broom, Brother, aged 26 and single, working as a Yardman on a farm, born St Faiths
Fred Broom, Brother, aged 11, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths
Harry Broom, Brother, aged 18 and single, working as a Yardman on a farm, born St Faiths
Horace Broom, Brother, Aged 9, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths
Sidney Broom, Bother, Aged 13, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths (see next entry)
Walter Broom, Brother, Aged 15, working as an Agricultural, Labourer, born Newton St Faiths
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Sidney Broom
Choice of four plus two S Broome ‘s on CWGC
No match on Norlink
GR search has a Sidney Broom born 1888 at Newton St Faiths and still resident there, Schoolboy. Checked CWGC again - only eliminated one of the S Brooms as the rest are age unknown.
Sidney’s family on the 1901 Census was made up of
James Broom, Head of Household and Father, Age 48, born St Faiths and working as a Teamster on a Farm
Lydia A Broom, Mother aged 44, born Newton St Faiths
Beatrice Broom, Sister, aged 16, working as Mothers Help, born Newton St Faiths
Charles E Broom, Brother, aged 26 and single, working as a Yardman on a farm, born St Faiths
Fred Broom, Brother, aged 11, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths
Harry Broom, Brother, aged 18 and single, working as a Yardman on a farm, born St Faiths
Horace Broom, Brother, Aged 9, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths
Frank Broom, Bother, Aged 5, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths (see entry above)
Walter Broom, Brother, Aged 15, working as an Agricultural, Labourer, born Newton St Faiths
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John Buck
Lots of potential matches, nothing obvious on CWGC
No match on Norlink
GR search has numerous John Buck’s of the right age born in Norfolk, but the most likely is one born St Faiths 1884, resident Horsham St Faiths and Newton St Faiths, profession Agricultural Labourer.
The 1901 Census has him resident at Mots farm with his father, William Buck, age 52, born St Faiths, who was working as a Shepherd and his mother, Susan Buck, aged 51, born St Faiths and working as a Horsehair Weaver.
Updated see comments below
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John A.Chapman
Most Likely
Name: CHAPMAN, JOHN ARTHUR
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Date of Death: 21/08/1915 Service No: 3780
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=697042
No match on Norlink
Genes Re-united has many matches for a John Chapman born in Norfolk on the 1901 Census, but the most likely match is either one born at St Faiths in 1868, profession Labourer in a Grind Pit, which would have made him 47 at the time he died, or one born in 1901, which would have made him 14. The two were father and son.
Having lost over 200 men from the battalion shortly before this on the 12th, the battalion was to lose at least another 36 on this day.
Hubert Attoe, aged 19 of Briston, Melton Constable
Joseph Bentley
Robert Beresford, age 29, of Holt
William Bond, age 20, of West Newton, Kings Lynn
Leonard Bridges
Cecil Bullimore, age 21, of Westwick
Ernest Bussey, age 20, of Melton Constable
Sidney Carter
Ernest Cramer, age 46, of East Dereham
Victor Craske
Arthur Futter, age 26, of Gorleston
John Goulder
Geoffrey Griston
Robert Halls, age 26, of Cambridge
George Harnwell, age 16, of Downham West
Frederick Heron, age 21, of Wymondham
Frank Heseltine, age 21, of Kings Lynn
William Humphrey
Frederick Kerrison, age 19, of Carleton Rode
Robert Lines
Captain Arthur Mason, age 32, of Necton Hall, Swaffham
Wallace Murrel, age 25, of Holt
Robert Nurse, age 22, of Dersingham
Walter Page, age 20, of Southtown, Great Yarmouth
William Payne, age 29, of Cromer
Roland Ringer, age 23, of West Newton
Thomas Robinson
George Rudd, age 21, of Norwich
CSM William Simpson, age 37, of North Walsham
Frederick Smith, age 22, of Kings Lynn
Frederick Spreckley, age 19, of Kings Lynn
Morris Walden
William Walker, age 24, of Roydon
Major Ernest Woodwark, age 37
Leslie Woolner, age 20, of Melton Constable
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Cecil W Chapman
Most likely
Name: CHAPMAN, CECIL WALTER
Rank: Air Mechanic 3rd Class Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force
Age: 17 Date of Death: 22/10/1918 Service No: 299286
Grave/Memorial Reference: 2. 9. Cemetery: HORSHAM ST. FAITH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803400
No match on Norlink
GR search of the 1901 Census has a Cecil Chapman born 1901 St Faiths Norfolk. Cecil’s father is listed as Walter J J Chapman, age 30, born Norwich and now working as a Groom Shopkeeper. His mother is Kate Chapman, age 24 and born at Honingham. Cecil had a sister, Violet A Chapman aged 2.
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George A Chapman
Name: CHAPMAN, GEORGE ARTHUR
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 29 Date of Death: 04/09/1916 Service No: 18243
Additional information: Son of the late Edward and Mary Arm Chapman; husband of Charlotte Chapman, of Back St., St. Faiths, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1543141
No match on Norlink
GR search of the 1901 Census has a George Chapman born Horsford, 1887, now resident at Horsham St Faiths & Newton St Faiths, Profession Agricultural Labourer.
The Chapmans were resident at Barrack Yard, Horsham St Faiths. The rest of the family were:-
Edward Chapman, Father and Head of Household, aged 79 (possible typo in transcript?), born Horsford and a former Agricultural Labourer.
Mary A Chapman, Wife and Mother, aged 49, born Horsford and working as a Charwoman
Albert Chapman, Single, aged 17, born Horsford, Butchers Slaughterman
Edward Chapman, Single, aged 19, born Horsford, Agricultural Labourer
Mabel Chapman, aged 12, born Horsford and still at school
Sophia Chapman, aged 10, born Horsford and still at school
Walter Chapman, aged 7, born St Faiths and still at school
4/5th September 1916 Action at Falfemont Farm near Guillemont
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...
The attack was held up and casualties were being caused by bombing and small arms fire before they eventually took the objective only to come under friendly artillery fire that caused serious casualties. According to the Regimental casualty book 56 all ranks were killed, 219 wounded and 94 missing, believed killed, a total of 369. The battalion was relieved the next day.
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Samuel Chapman
Name: CHAPMAN, SAMUEL
Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Age: 22 Date of Death: 07/06/1917 Service No: 205169
Additional information: Son of Samuel and Harriett Chapman, of Swan, St. Faiths, Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 3. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=744148
No match on Norlink
No direct match on GR 1901 Census - there is a Samuel born 1882, St Faiths Norfolk, now resident Essex as a Private in the Infantry Militia, otherwise there are no Samuels of the right age with any obvious connection on the 1901 Census. Going back to the 1891 census, the Samuel who was born in St Faiths is now resident at 6, Queen Caroline Yard, Coslany, Norwich, but his age is only 6, which would indicate 1885 as his year of birth. That would tie in with the CWGC record but the Head of the Household at this address is an Arthur Chapman, and while there is a Harriet, age 49, listed as living in Coslany, she is at another address. There is however a Harriet Chapman age 14 who appears to be Samuel’s sister.
There is a Harriet born 1855 Horsford and still resident there, but while she has 6 children living with her at the time of the 1901 census, there is not obviously a Samuel amongst them.
Samuel is the only fatal casualty of the 7th Battalion on that day. The 7th Battalion formed part of the 12th Division.
Between 17 May and 19 October 1917, the Division held positions east of Monchy le Preux, mounting several raids and small scale attacks and beating off some made against them, notably in the area of Hook Trench - Pick Avenue - Tites Copse. Much manual work took place, for the position held in May was of shell holes and disconnected parts of trenches, with few dugouts and no communications. When out of the line, units took part in training at Beaurains, where a scale model of the area occupied had been built for the purposes of instruction. A very successful major raid was carried out on 14 October. Five days later the Division was relieved by 4th Division, and returned to La Cauroy. (It should be noted that in holding the Arras front for as long as it did, 12th Division did not take part in the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele)).
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Henry Chilvers
Name: CHILVERS, HENRY
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 9th Bn.
Age: 27
Date of Death: 22/04/1917
Service No: 40711
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Chilvers, of Garden House, St. Faiths, Newton, Norwich; husband of Lucy Winifred Chilvers, of 32, Grove Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. B. 12. Cemetery: VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=251252
No match on Norlink
Most likely match is a Henry born 1890 Norwich and still resident there
On the 1901 Census he was living at 69 Spencer Street, Norwich. The family consisted of:-
William Chilvers, Head of Household, Married, age 44, born Norwich, occupation Brush Maker
Amelia Chilvers, Wife, age 43, born Norwich
Amelia Chilvers, Daughter, Single, aged 13, born Norwich, occupation Cigar Maker
Edith Chilvers, Daughter, aged under 1, born Norwich
Fred Chilvers Son aged 6, born Norwich
George Chilvers,Son, aged 18 & single, born Norwich, occupation Brush Maker
Henry Chilvers, Son, aged 11, born Norwich
Laura Chilvers, Daughter, aged 7, born Norwich
Maud Chilvers, Daughter&Single, aged 19, born Norwich, occupation Jacket Machinist
May Chilvers, Daughter&Single, aged 16, Born Norwich, occupation Tailoress
Nellie Chilvers, Daughter, aged 9, born Norwich
While Spencer Street would have been a fairly new house in 1901, it would still be little more than a glorified 2up/2 down - how did 11 people share it J
Henry is the only known fatal casualty of the 9th Battalion on this day.
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Arthur Fox
Too many to choose from, no obvious matches
No match on Norlink
Interestingly there are two Arthur Fox’s listed as being born St Faiths, Norfolk in 1892 and still resident there - one charmingly has their occupation listed as “School Cad” !
Updated see comments below
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John W Fox
Most likely
Name: FOX, JOHN WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 23/04/1917
Service No: 19173
Memorial Reference: Bay 3. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1557546
No match on Norlink
Genes Reunited 1901 Census has a John Fox born St Faiths 1881, resident Horsham St Faiths & Newton St Faiths, Occupation Teamster on Farm
The household consisted of:-
Dinah Fox Head of Household and Single Aged 43 Born St Faiths Occupation Horse Hair Weaver
Arthur Fox, (see above), son, aged 9 Born St Faiths “School Cad”
Ernest Fox, son, aged 14, Born St Faiths, “Dock”Feeder on Farm
John Fox, son, aged 20, Born St Faiths, Teamster on Farm
Dinah was also shown as being the head of the household on the 1891 census, when the family address was shown as 12, Fairstead, St Faiths.
The 1st Battalion formed part of the 5th Division. On this day, alongside Canadian forces, and as part of the battle of Arras, the division was involved in an attack on La Culotte, also known as the Second Battle of the Scarpe. The British lost 10,000 casualties - 61 of them fatalities of men from the 1st Battalion.
www.cefresearch.com/matrix/Nicholson/Transcription/Chapte...
(Casualty total from Geoff’s Search engine)
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Frederick W Furness
Name: FURNESS, FREDERICK WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: Hertfordshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 30/10/1917
Service No: 40877
Additional information: Son of Edward and Ellen Furness, of Cromer Rd., Newton St. Faiths, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VIA. G. 9. Cemetery: HOOGE CRATER CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=458049
No Match on Norlink
The 1901 Census on Genes Reunited has a Frederick Furness, born Newton St Faiths 1896 and resident Horsham St Faiths and Newton St Faiths
Frederick was living at Newton Street in the household of his grandfather, Frederick Woodcock, a 48 year old agricultural labourer who had been born in St Faiths, his grandmother, Sussannah Woodcock, a 46 year old who had been born in “Hortford”, (presumably Horsford) and various of his aunts and uncles.
Elias aged 16, a single agricultural labourer born at Newton St Faiths
Frederick aged 24, a market gardener born at Newton St faiths
John Woodcock aged 22, a single agricultural labourer born at Newton St Faiths
Louisa Woodcock aged 18, a single Hair Cloth weaver born at Newton St Faiths
Richard Woodcock, aged 17, a single agricultural labourer born at Newton St Faiths
Walter Woodcock aged 23, a single agricultural labourer born at Newton St Faiths.
Extract from an on-line copy of the 1st Battalions War Diary for 1917.
28-10-17. The Bn relieved the 1st R.W.F. on the left TOWER HAMLETS sector front line, relief being complete by 10pm. 2/Lt T.E. PENNY wounded whilst reconnoitring the line in the morning. 2/Lt E.F.M. [Edward Frederick Montague] BROWN wounded on the way up to the relief. The Bn suffered a few casualties during the relief.
31-10-17. The Bn was relieved by the 1st/1st Cambs Regt, relief being completed by 10pm. Bn moved into support with H.Qrs. & Nos 1&4 Coys at BODMIN COPSE in dugouts & trenches. Nos 2&3 Coys went into support at JAR TRENCH.
Casualties from 28-10-17 to 31-10-17; Killed – 6, Died of Wounds – 1, Died of Gas Poisoning – 1, wounded – 21, gassed – 9 + some cases of Trench Foot.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/hertsrgt/1stherts1917diary.html
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Herbert Harvey
Too many to choose from - at least four Herbert Harveys in the Norfolk Regiment alone
No match on Norlink
No obvious matches on the GR 1901 Census search
Updated see comments below
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William Harvey
Too many to choose from and no obvious matches
No match on Norlink
No obvious matches on the GR 1901 Census search
Updated see comments below
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George High
Name: HIGH, GEORGE
Rank: Private
Regiment: Lincolnshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 20
Date of Death: 09/07/1916
Service No: 15504
Additional information: Son of William and L. M. High, of Newton St. Faiths, Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 25. 10. Cemetery: ST. SEVER CEMETERY, ROUEN
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=515048
No match on Norlink
No obvious matches on the GR 1901 Census search but best guess in looking at all George High’s on the census born in the period 1895-1897, there is one George aged 4 living in The Street, Costessey with his 35 year old Widowed mother Lucy and his brothers Charles, (aged 3), William, (aged 6), and Richard (aged 10). Given Richard’s age you would expect Lucy High to appear on the 1891 Census along with the name of her husband, but interestingly there are only three on the entire census and none are anywhere near the right age.
July 9th: 70'-53' cloudy and fine. Large fire reported at Martinpuich and Station. Trones Wood fighting continues. E. S. Montagu appointed Minister of Munitions.
From the Battle of the Somme timeline at:-
The 1st Battalion had advanced towards Fricourt on the 1st day of the Somme. St Sever was associated with numerous Military Hospitals, so it is possible that George died of wounds.
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Edward Lubbock
There is no Edward on the CWGC online database but there is this:-
Name: LUBBOCK, ALBERT EDWARD
Rank: Driver
Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery Unit Text: 86th Bde.
Age: 25
Date of Death: 23/08/1918
Service No: 170563
Additional information: Son of Fredrick William and Frances A. E. Lubbock, of Newton St. Faith's, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: V. C. 24. Cemetery: DAOURS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=77383
No match on Norlink
No obvious matches on the Genes Reunited 1901 Census for Edward or Albert. The only Frances Lubbock listed lived at Aldenham in Hertfordshire, was born in 1846, so would have been 47 at the time Driver Lubbock was born.
There is a Frederick, living at Buxton aged 33 and employed as a coachman, who has a son Edward aged 8, but his wife, (and Edwards mother) is called Augusta. Interestingly, however, she was born at Stratton Strawless, and one of their other children, William aged 13 was also born in Stratton Strawless, a village which is comparatively close to Newton St Faiths.
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Herbert Mandall- Hall
Name: MANDALL-HALL, HERBERT
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Date of Death: 28/04/1917
Service No: 29678
Memorial Reference: Bay 3. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=780238
No match on Norlink
No matches for name, just surname only, surname of Hall and wildcard searches on Mand* on Genes Reunited search.
66 fatalities are recorded against the 7th Battalion on this day on the CWGC database, Herbert being one of them. Most like Herbert have no know burial place but are recorded on the Arras Memorial.
12th Division, of which the 7th Norfolks were part took part in the Battle of Arleux during the period 28/29th April 1917.
Battle of Arleux
28 - 29 April 1917
Although the Canadian Corps had successfully taken Vimy Ridge, difficulties in securing the south-eastern flank had left the position vulnerable. To rectify this, British and Canadian troops launched an attack towards Arleux-en-Gohelle on 28 April.[37] Arleux was captured by Canadian troops with relative ease, but the British troops advancing on Gavrelle met stiffer resistance from the Germans. The village was secured by early evening, but when a German counterattack forced a brief retreat, elements of the 63rd Division were brought up as reinforcements and the village was held. Subsequent attacks on 29 April however, failed to net any further advances.Despite achieving the limited objective of securing the Canadian position on Vimy Ridge, casualties were high, and the ultimate result was disappointing.[
St Faiths War Memorial 1
St Faiths Memorial
In the grounds of the Church of St Mary and St Andrew, St Faiths
1914 - 1918
Charles Britcher
Name: BRITCHER Initials: C
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 43
Date of Death: 07/05/1916
Service No: 16496
Additional information: Son of Charles and M. A. Britcher, of St. Faith's; husband of Maria Britcher, of 3, Council Houses, St. Naith's, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. L. 11. Cemetery: BASRA WAR CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=509421
No match on Norlink
Genes Re-united search 1901 Census - Charles Britcher born 1873 St Faiths Norfolk, resident Horsham St Faiths and Newton St Faiths, profession Agricultural Labourer. Charles was the head of the household and lived with his wife Maria Britcher, (age 26, born St Faiths Norfolk and employed as a horsehair weaver) and their son Claude, age 1.
Kut falls
On 29 April 1916 Kut surrendered to the Turks. After agreeing terms, Townshend marched his troops out into captivity, and certain death for most of them. Most of the Arabs left in Kut were hanged by the Turks for helping the British.
Thus began the forced march from what is now Iraq into Turkey to prison camps. This forced march being a foretaste of similar marches in the Second World War, such as the forced march of American and Pilipino POWs on Bataan in 1942.
During May 1916, 2000 British Troops, including the Norfolks, started the march some were still in Khaki some were almost naked. The first day they walked 15 miles without food or water. Behind the column were many dead or dying, those who dropped out were killed by the Arab guards. They were first taken to a temporary camp at Shumran about 80 miles from Kut.
The Kurdish guards had stolen the troops food rations and even their water bottles and boots. The British officers were separated at Shumran and were taken up river by steamer leaving their men to walk and die. Wounded officers were then repatriated to India. From Kut to Baghdad is 100 miles, marching 12-15 miles a day lying at night on the open ground. They were herded like sheep by mounted guards with sticks and whips.
The route of the death march was through what is now Iraq into Turkey, a distance of over 400 miles: Aziziya, Baghdad, Tikrit, Mosul, Nisibin, Ras alAin, Mamourra and Aran
The American Ambassadors at Constantinople (Messrs. Morgenthau and Elkus) saw the results of the march and protested, but to no avail. Other diplomatic efforts during the siege, such as the payment of ransom to the Turkish Government, failed. It seems that the Turkish Government wished to impress its Central Power partners.
261 Norfolks were captured at Kut of whom only 78 ever returned to Norfolk, a rate of loss of 70%.; 7 out of every 10 Norfolks died during their captivity of maltreatment and disease.
www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/pte_wilby.htm
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Frederick Britcher
Name: BRITCHER Initials: F
Rank: Private
Regiment: Bedfordshire Regiment
Secondary Regiment: Labour Corps
Secondary Unit Text: ransf. to (215384) 447th Agricultural Coy.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 06/11/1918
Service No: 27120
Additional information: Son of Allen Britcher, of Bunns Row, St. Faiths. Casualty Type: Grave/Memorial Reference: 2. 10. Cemetery: HORSHAM ST. FAITH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803399
No Match on Norlink
GR search has Frederick Britcher born 1895 Norfolk St Faiths, Resident Horsham St Faiths and Newton St Faiths
Frederick’s family on the 1901 Census was made up of
Allen Britcher Head of Household and Father. Age 39, born St Faiths and working as Stockman on a Farm
Eliza Britcher, Age 37, Mother, born St Faiths, working as a Horsehair Weaver
George Britcher, Age 13, Brother, working as an Agricultural Labourer, born St Faiths
Jessie Britcher, Age 15, Sister, working as a Horsehair Weaver, born St Faiths
Lilian Britcher, Age 9, born St Faiths
Thomas Britcher, Age 2, born St Faiths
Frederick is listed on the Norwich Breweries memorial in Rouen Road, Norwich. It states he died at home.
www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/NorwichBreweries.html
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Frank Broom
Choice of six plus Frank Broome on CWGC
No match on Norlink
GR 1901 Census search has Frank Broom born 1896 at Newton St Faiths and still resident there, Schoolboy. Checked CWGC again - still leaves four who’s age is not known.
Frank’s family on the 1901 Census was made up of
James Broom, Head of Household and Father, Age 48, born St Faiths and working as a Teamster on a Farm
Lydia A Broom, Mother aged 44, born Newton St Faiths
Beatrice Broom, Sister, aged 16, working as Mothers Help, born Newton St Faiths
Charles E Broom, Brother, aged 26 and single, working as a Yardman on a farm, born St Faiths
Fred Broom, Brother, aged 11, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths
Harry Broom, Brother, aged 18 and single, working as a Yardman on a farm, born St Faiths
Horace Broom, Brother, Aged 9, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths
Sidney Broom, Bother, Aged 13, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths (see next entry)
Walter Broom, Brother, Aged 15, working as an Agricultural, Labourer, born Newton St Faiths
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Sidney Broom
Choice of four plus two S Broome ‘s on CWGC
No match on Norlink
GR search has a Sidney Broom born 1888 at Newton St Faiths and still resident there, Schoolboy. Checked CWGC again - only eliminated one of the S Brooms as the rest are age unknown.
Sidney’s family on the 1901 Census was made up of
James Broom, Head of Household and Father, Age 48, born St Faiths and working as a Teamster on a Farm
Lydia A Broom, Mother aged 44, born Newton St Faiths
Beatrice Broom, Sister, aged 16, working as Mothers Help, born Newton St Faiths
Charles E Broom, Brother, aged 26 and single, working as a Yardman on a farm, born St Faiths
Fred Broom, Brother, aged 11, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths
Harry Broom, Brother, aged 18 and single, working as a Yardman on a farm, born St Faiths
Horace Broom, Brother, Aged 9, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths
Frank Broom, Bother, Aged 5, schoolboy, born Newton St Faiths (see entry above)
Walter Broom, Brother, Aged 15, working as an Agricultural, Labourer, born Newton St Faiths
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John Buck
Lots of potential matches, nothing obvious on CWGC
No match on Norlink
GR search has numerous John Buck’s of the right age born in Norfolk, but the most likely is one born St Faiths 1884, resident Horsham St Faiths and Newton St Faiths, profession Agricultural Labourer.
The 1901 Census has him resident at Mots farm with his father, William Buck, age 52, born St Faiths, who was working as a Shepherd and his mother, Susan Buck, aged 51, born St Faiths and working as a Horsehair Weaver.
Updated see comments below
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John A.Chapman
Most Likely
Name: CHAPMAN, JOHN ARTHUR
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Date of Death: 21/08/1915 Service No: 3780
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 42 to 44. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=697042
No match on Norlink
Genes Re-united has many matches for a John Chapman born in Norfolk on the 1901 Census, but the most likely match is either one born at St Faiths in 1868, profession Labourer in a Grind Pit, which would have made him 47 at the time he died, or one born in 1901, which would have made him 14. The two were father and son.
Having lost over 200 men from the battalion shortly before this on the 12th, the battalion was to lose at least another 36 on this day.
Hubert Attoe, aged 19 of Briston, Melton Constable
Joseph Bentley
Robert Beresford, age 29, of Holt
William Bond, age 20, of West Newton, Kings Lynn
Leonard Bridges
Cecil Bullimore, age 21, of Westwick
Ernest Bussey, age 20, of Melton Constable
Sidney Carter
Ernest Cramer, age 46, of East Dereham
Victor Craske
Arthur Futter, age 26, of Gorleston
John Goulder
Geoffrey Griston
Robert Halls, age 26, of Cambridge
George Harnwell, age 16, of Downham West
Frederick Heron, age 21, of Wymondham
Frank Heseltine, age 21, of Kings Lynn
William Humphrey
Frederick Kerrison, age 19, of Carleton Rode
Robert Lines
Captain Arthur Mason, age 32, of Necton Hall, Swaffham
Wallace Murrel, age 25, of Holt
Robert Nurse, age 22, of Dersingham
Walter Page, age 20, of Southtown, Great Yarmouth
William Payne, age 29, of Cromer
Roland Ringer, age 23, of West Newton
Thomas Robinson
George Rudd, age 21, of Norwich
CSM William Simpson, age 37, of North Walsham
Frederick Smith, age 22, of Kings Lynn
Frederick Spreckley, age 19, of Kings Lynn
Morris Walden
William Walker, age 24, of Roydon
Major Ernest Woodwark, age 37
Leslie Woolner, age 20, of Melton Constable
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Cecil W Chapman
Most likely
Name: CHAPMAN, CECIL WALTER
Rank: Air Mechanic 3rd Class Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force
Age: 17 Date of Death: 22/10/1918 Service No: 299286
Grave/Memorial Reference: 2. 9. Cemetery: HORSHAM ST. FAITH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2803400
No match on Norlink
GR search of the 1901 Census has a Cecil Chapman born 1901 St Faiths Norfolk. Cecil’s father is listed as Walter J J Chapman, age 30, born Norwich and now working as a Groom Shopkeeper. His mother is Kate Chapman, age 24 and born at Honingham. Cecil had a sister, Violet A Chapman aged 2.
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George A Chapman
Name: CHAPMAN, GEORGE ARTHUR
Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 29 Date of Death: 04/09/1916 Service No: 18243
Additional information: Son of the late Edward and Mary Arm Chapman; husband of Charlotte Chapman, of Back St., St. Faiths, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1543141
No match on Norlink
GR search of the 1901 Census has a George Chapman born Horsford, 1887, now resident at Horsham St Faiths & Newton St Faiths, Profession Agricultural Labourer.
The Chapmans were resident at Barrack Yard, Horsham St Faiths. The rest of the family were:-
Edward Chapman, Father and Head of Household, aged 79 (possible typo in transcript?), born Horsford and a former Agricultural Labourer.
Mary A Chapman, Wife and Mother, aged 49, born Horsford and working as a Charwoman
Albert Chapman, Single, aged 17, born Horsford, Butchers Slaughterman
Edward Chapman, Single, aged 19, born Horsford, Agricultural Labourer
Mabel Chapman, aged 12, born Horsford and still at school
Sophia Chapman, aged 10, born Horsford and still at school
Walter Chapman, aged 7, born St Faiths and still at school
4/5th September 1916 Action at Falfemont Farm near Guillemont
1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...
The attack was held up and casualties were being caused by bombing and small arms fire before they eventually took the objective only to come under friendly artillery fire that caused serious casualties. According to the Regimental casualty book 56 all ranks were killed, 219 wounded and 94 missing, believed killed, a total of 369. The battalion was relieved the next day.
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Samuel Chapman
Name: CHAPMAN, SAMUEL
Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Age: 22 Date of Death: 07/06/1917 Service No: 205169
Additional information: Son of Samuel and Harriett Chapman, of Swan, St. Faiths, Norwich, Norfolk.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 3. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=744148
No match on Norlink
No direct match on GR 1901 Census - there is a Samuel born 1882, St Faiths Norfolk, now resident Essex as a Private in the Infantry Militia, otherwise there are no Samuels of the right age with any obvious connection on the 1901 Census. Going back to the 1891 census, the Samuel who was born in St Faiths is now resident at 6, Queen Caroline Yard, Coslany, Norwich, but his age is only 6, which would indicate 1885 as his year of birth. That would tie in with the CWGC record but the Head of the Household at this address is an Arthur Chapman, and while there is a Harriet, age 49, listed as living in Coslany, she is at another address. There is however a Harriet Chapman age 14 who appears to be Samuel’s sister.
There is a Harriet born 1855 Horsford and still resident there, but while she has 6 children living with her at the time of the 1901 census, there is not obviously a Samuel amongst them.
Samuel is the only fatal casualty of the 7th Battalion on that day. The 7th Battalion formed part of the 12th Division.
Between 17 May and 19 October 1917, the Division held positions east of Monchy le Preux, mounting several raids and small scale attacks and beating off some made against them, notably in the area of Hook Trench - Pick Avenue - Tites Copse. Much manual work took place, for the position held in May was of shell holes and disconnected parts of trenches, with few dugouts and no communications. When out of the line, units took part in training at Beaurains, where a scale model of the area occupied had been built for the purposes of instruction. A very successful major raid was carried out on 14 October. Five days later the Division was relieved by 4th Division, and returned to La Cauroy. (It should be noted that in holding the Arras front for as long as it did, 12th Division did not take part in the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele)).
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Henry Chilvers
Name: CHILVERS, HENRY
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 9th Bn.
Age: 27
Date of Death: 22/04/1917
Service No: 40711
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Chilvers, of Garden House, St. Faiths, Newton, Norwich; husband of Lucy Winifred Chilvers, of 32, Grove Rd., Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. B. 12. Cemetery: VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=251252
No match on Norlink
Most likely match is a Henry born 1890 Norwich and still resident there
On the 1901 Census he was living at 69 Spencer Street, Norwich. The family consisted of:-
William Chilvers, Head of Household, Married, age 44, born Norwich, occupation Brush Maker
Amelia Chilvers, Wife, age 43, born Norwich
Amelia Chilvers, Daughter, Single, aged 13, born Norwich, occupation Cigar Maker
Edith Chilvers, Daughter, aged under 1, born Norwich
Fred Chilvers Son aged 6, born Norwich
George Chilvers,Son, aged 18 & single, born Norwich, occupation Brush Maker
Henry Chilvers, Son, aged 11, born Norwich
Laura Chilvers, Daughter, aged 7, born Norwich
Maud Chilvers, Daughter&Single, aged 19, born Norwich, occupation Jacket Machinist
May Chilvers, Daughter&Single, aged 16, Born Norwich, occupation Tailoress
Nellie Chilvers, Daughter, aged 9, born Norwich
While Spencer Street would have been a fairly new house in 1901, it would still be little more than a glorified 2up/2 down - how did 11 people share it J
Henry is the only known fatal casualty of the 9th Battalion on this day.
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Arthur Fox
Too many to choose from, no obvious matches
No match on Norlink
Interestingly there are two Arthur Fox’s listed as being born St Faiths, Norfolk in 1892 and still resident there - one charmingly has their occupation listed as “School Cad” !
Updated see comments below
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John W Fox
Most likely
Name: FOX, JOHN WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 23/04/1917
Service No: 19173
Memorial Reference: Bay 3. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1557546
No match on Norlink
Genes Reunited 1901 Census has a John Fox born St Faiths 1881, resident Horsham St Faiths & Newton St Faiths, Occupation Teamster on Farm
The household consisted of:-
Dinah Fox Head of Household and Single Aged 43 Born St Faiths Occupation Horse Hair Weaver
Arthur Fox, (see above), son, aged 9 Born St Faiths “School Cad”
Ernest Fox, son, aged 14, Born St Faiths, “Dock”Feeder on Farm
John Fox, son, aged 20, Born St Faiths, Teamster on Farm
Dinah was also shown as being the head of the household on the 1891 census, when the family address was shown as 12, Fairstead, St Faiths.
The 1st Battalion formed part of the 5th Division. On this day, alongside Canadian forces, and as part of the battle of Arras, the division was involved in an attack on La Culotte, also known as the Second Battle of the Scarpe. The British lost 10,000 casualties - 61 of them fatalities of men from the 1st Battalion.
www.cefresearch.com/matrix/Nicholson/Transcription/Chapte...
(Casualty total from Geoff’s Search engine)
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Frederick W Furness
Name: FURNESS, FREDERICK WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Regiment: Hertfordshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 30/10/1917
Service No: 40877
Additional information: Son of Edward and Ellen Furness, of Cromer Rd., Newton St. Faiths, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: VIA. G. 9. Cemetery: HOOGE CRATER CEMETERY
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=458049
No Match on Norlink
The 1901 Census on Genes Reunited has a Frederick Furness, born Newton St Faiths 1896 and resident Horsham St Faiths and Newton St Faiths
Frederick was living at Newton Street in the household of his grandfather, Frederick Woodcock, a 48 year old agricultural labourer who had been born in St Faiths, his grandmother, Sussannah Woodcock, a 46 year old who had been born in “Hortford”, (presumably Horsford) and various of his aunts and uncles.
Elias aged 16, a single agricultural labourer born at Newton St Faiths
Frederick aged 24, a market gardener born at Newton St faiths
John Woodcock aged 22, a single agricultural labourer born at Newton St Faiths
Louisa Woodcock aged 18, a single Hair Cloth weaver born at Newton St Faiths
Richard Woodcock, aged 17, a single agricultural labourer born at Newton St Faiths
Walter Woodcock aged 23, a single agricultural labourer born at Newton St Faiths.
Extract from an on-line copy of the 1st Battalions War Diary for 1917.
28-10-17. The Bn relieved the 1st R.W.F. on the left TOWER HAMLETS sector front line, relief being complete by 10pm. 2/Lt T.E. PENNY wounded whilst reconnoitring the line in the morning. 2/Lt E.F.M. [Edward Frederick Montague] BROWN wounded on the way up to the relief. The Bn suffered a few casualties during the relief.
31-10-17. The Bn was relieved by the 1st/1st Cambs Regt, relief being completed by 10pm. Bn moved into support with H.Qrs. & Nos 1&4 Coys at BODMIN COPSE in dugouts & trenches. Nos 2&3 Coys went into support at JAR TRENCH.
Casualties from 28-10-17 to 31-10-17; Killed – 6, Died of Wounds – 1, Died of Gas Poisoning – 1, wounded – 21, gassed – 9 + some cases of Trench Foot.
www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/hertsrgt/1stherts1917diary.html
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Herbert Harvey
Too many to choose from - at least four Herbert Harveys in the Norfolk Regiment alone
No match on Norlink
No obvious matches on the GR 1901 Census search
Updated see comments below
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William Harvey
Too many to choose from and no obvious matches
No match on Norlink
No obvious matches on the GR 1901 Census search
Updated see comments below
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George High
Name: HIGH, GEORGE
Rank: Private
Regiment: Lincolnshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 20
Date of Death: 09/07/1916
Service No: 15504
Additional information: Son of William and L. M. High, of Newton St. Faiths, Norwich. Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 25. 10. Cemetery: ST. SEVER CEMETERY, ROUEN
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=515048
No match on Norlink
No obvious matches on the GR 1901 Census search but best guess in looking at all George High’s on the census born in the period 1895-1897, there is one George aged 4 living in The Street, Costessey with his 35 year old Widowed mother Lucy and his brothers Charles, (aged 3), William, (aged 6), and Richard (aged 10). Given Richard’s age you would expect Lucy High to appear on the 1891 Census along with the name of her husband, but interestingly there are only three on the entire census and none are anywhere near the right age.
July 9th: 70'-53' cloudy and fine. Large fire reported at Martinpuich and Station. Trones Wood fighting continues. E. S. Montagu appointed Minister of Munitions.
From the Battle of the Somme timeline at:-
The 1st Battalion had advanced towards Fricourt on the 1st day of the Somme. St Sever was associated with numerous Military Hospitals, so it is possible that George died of wounds.
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Edward Lubbock
There is no Edward on the CWGC online database but there is this:-
Name: LUBBOCK, ALBERT EDWARD
Rank: Driver
Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery Unit Text: 86th Bde.
Age: 25
Date of Death: 23/08/1918
Service No: 170563
Additional information: Son of Fredrick William and Frances A. E. Lubbock, of Newton St. Faith's, Norwich.
Grave/Memorial Reference: V. C. 24. Cemetery: DAOURS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=77383
No match on Norlink
No obvious matches on the Genes Reunited 1901 Census for Edward or Albert. The only Frances Lubbock listed lived at Aldenham in Hertfordshire, was born in 1846, so would have been 47 at the time Driver Lubbock was born.
There is a Frederick, living at Buxton aged 33 and employed as a coachman, who has a son Edward aged 8, but his wife, (and Edwards mother) is called Augusta. Interestingly, however, she was born at Stratton Strawless, and one of their other children, William aged 13 was also born in Stratton Strawless, a village which is comparatively close to Newton St Faiths.
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Herbert Mandall- Hall
Name: MANDALL-HALL, HERBERT
Rank: Private
Regiment: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Date of Death: 28/04/1917
Service No: 29678
Memorial Reference: Bay 3. Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=780238
No match on Norlink
No matches for name, just surname only, surname of Hall and wildcard searches on Mand* on Genes Reunited search.
66 fatalities are recorded against the 7th Battalion on this day on the CWGC database, Herbert being one of them. Most like Herbert have no know burial place but are recorded on the Arras Memorial.
12th Division, of which the 7th Norfolks were part took part in the Battle of Arleux during the period 28/29th April 1917.
Battle of Arleux
28 - 29 April 1917
Although the Canadian Corps had successfully taken Vimy Ridge, difficulties in securing the south-eastern flank had left the position vulnerable. To rectify this, British and Canadian troops launched an attack towards Arleux-en-Gohelle on 28 April.[37] Arleux was captured by Canadian troops with relative ease, but the British troops advancing on Gavrelle met stiffer resistance from the Germans. The village was secured by early evening, but when a German counterattack forced a brief retreat, elements of the 63rd Division were brought up as reinforcements and the village was held. Subsequent attacks on 29 April however, failed to net any further advances.Despite achieving the limited objective of securing the Canadian position on Vimy Ridge, casualties were high, and the ultimate result was disappointing.[