Current Information:

Age-22

49, Cowley Road, Wanstead

Bray Hill British Cemetery, Bray-sur-Somme, France

The Battle of Albert was a continuation of the Battle of Amiens that had been fought earlier in the month and which had been the start of the Hundred Days Offensive that culminated in the collapse of the German army and the end of the war. On the first day, 21st August, the British Third Army attacked along a front that stretched over ten miles northwards from the town of Albert as far as Moyenneville and made significant advances everywhere. The following day the British Fourth Army came into action when they attacked the ridge of high ground that lay between the Somme and Ancre river valleys, stretching north from Bray to the town of Albert.

When the Battle of Albert began, 58th (London) Division were in reserve with one brigade in  position behind 47th and 12th Divisions, and another brigade as a reserve to 18th Division. They were called into action on 24th August when 12th London and 9th London of 175 Brigade and 140 Brigade of 47th Division attacked across Happy Valley towards the village of Maricourt. To deal with any opposition that might be found in Happy Valley, two companies of 2/10th London the reserve battalion of 175 Brigade, were attached. They soon reached their objective despite the enemy dropping some heavy shells on the valley as they crossed it, causing many casualties, and some troops even went beyond it. 12th London. 9th London and 2/10th London resumed the offensive at 2.30 the following morning, 25th August and by 6.30am the next objective had been achieved at which stage 173 Brigade passed through and continued the attack towards Maricourt. Among the casualties suffered by the battalion in this operation was Frederick Aylott who lost his life on 24th August.