15 April 1918

15 April 1918

known 15th April 1918

On 9 April 1918 the Germans launched the 4th Battle of Ypres, code-name Georgette. The 2/6th Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment were part of the British 2nd Army holding the line South and East of Ypres. Just after midnight on 15 April 1918 the 2/6th Regiment took over front line trenches at Bailleul relieving the 76th Brigade. At 2.00 pm the enemy put down a heavy barrage and then attacked the line. This attack was driven off by a D Company counter-attack. The enemy barrage increased and then he attacked along the whole width of the front and forced the Battalion from its position at Mont-de-Lille. The CO organised and led a Battalion counter-attack to regain the position but it could not be held because it was now out-flanked by the Germans. The Battalion withdrew to the cover of the railway embankment but could not hold this position when it was enfiladed by heavy machine gun fire. The Battalion then withdrew to La Bourne Farm having suffered many casualties including Sergeant Bowman.

Created by: , Gordon760

  • Born 1879

    Died 1918

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