Lives of the First World War

The 2nd Bn of The Duke’s were called up plug a gap in the line during an attack on a German strong point at Landing Farm.Realising the importance of the task the CO,Lt Col Horsfall,lead the men forward himself.Jumping from shell hole to shell hole he skilfully brought his men into position and established contact with neighbouring units on either flank.Just as he was issuing some final instructions he was shot through the heart by a sniper.Lt Col Horsfall had come to the 2nd Dukes from the 1st Bn in India.He had already earned a reputation for his courage,leadership and professionalism and was earmarked for promotion.More than once he had been offered a more senior position which involved training the new armies back in England but this sort of “soft option” held no attraction for Horsfall. he said at the time “I did not thank it was a man’s job.They ought to take only fellows who are maimed or unfit for active work.” Alfred Garnett Horsfall paid for his refusal to leave the front.

As a young Officer with 2 Btn Duke of Wellington, West Riding Rgt

A letter written to my great grandmother, wife of Alfred on 11th November 1917, in response to her offer to knit socks for Alfred men.

In uniform