Current Information:

Age-29

444, Cable Street, Shadwell

When the Germans retired to the Hindenburg Line in January 1917, the British moved their line up as well and during the next few months, before the major offensive around Arras in early April, launched a number of local attacks to probe the German defences and search for any weaknesses, or to improve their own position

59th Division, which included the 2/5th Lincolnshire battalion of 177 Brigade, had only recently arrived in France and this was their first taste of battle. At the beginning of April they were pushing forward to the east of Péronne. On 9th April 2/5th Lincolnshire moved to Templeux and then took over the trenches there before establishing an outpost line along the eastern edge of Hargicourt. At 4.30am on 11th April, 2/5th Lincolnshire attacked the Quarry and Cologne Farm which patrols had reported to be clear of the enemy who had fallen back on the Hindenburg Line. However this was not the case. These positions were still strongly held and 2/5th Lincolnshire were soon driven back to their starting line with heavy casualties of over 250. One of these was Thomas Crane.