Current Information:

Age-24

Born-Hanwell

Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France

During February and March, 1917, the Germans made a strategic withdrawal to a new and very strong line running from Arras to Soissons. By doing this they eliminated two large salients and greatly reduced the number of troops needed to man the new defences. As they pulled back to the Hindenburg Line (Siegfriedstellung) they adopted a ‘scorched earth’ policy, systematically destroying everything in their path so as to leave nothing behind that would assist the enemy. Railways and roads were dug up, wells poisoned and even trees chopped down. Mines and booby traps were set to further hinder the British and French troops who followed up behind them until they reached the new formidable defences where one again trench warfare was established.

On 27th March, 1917, 2nd Rifle Brigade of 25 Brigade, 8th Division moved into the line in front of Equancourt and Equancourt Wood and over next two days outposts pushed further forward as the enemy withdrew to the Hindenburg Line. By 29th March they had reached a line east of Fins and along the Fins-Nurlu road and it was here that Frank Dennis was killed, probably by shell fire but the Battalion Diary makes no mention of his death.