Current Information:

Age-20

84, Ridsdale Road, Anerley

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.

As the Germans fell back they covered their retirement by leaving small infantry detachments in a series of strongly wired posts with many machine guns all of which had to be dealt with by the British troops as they moved forward into vacated territory. One such incident took place on 10th March, 1917 when 2nd Division and 18th Division attacked the village of Irles and Grevillers Trench, both lying just to the west of Bapaume on the Somme battlefield. 1st King’s Royal Rifle Corps and 1st Royal Berkshire of 99 Brigade, 2nd Division attacked Grevillers Trench while 8th Suffolk and 10th Essex of 53 Brigade, 18th Division took Irlies. A company of 23rd Royal Fusiliers, also of 99 Brigade, 2nd Division  were attached to 1st King’s Royal Rifle Corps for the purpose of this operation. The German wire had been well cut and there was  powerful artillery support for the offensive all along the 3,200 yard front. The few enemy defenders were soon overwhelmed but they did put up a stout resistance at Loupart Wood on the right and it was always the case that small, determined groups of machine-gunners were able to inflict considerable damage and loss on any attacking troops. This would account for the casualties among the British which included Henry Aldred of 23rd Royal Fusiliers.