Current Information:

Born-Forest Gate

Zouave Valley Cemetery, Souchez, France

On 6th June, 1916, 17th Royal Fusiliers of 5 Brigade, 2nd Division moved into the front line trenches in the Berthonval sector,  just to the north of Arras Things were general quiet in this sector with both sides repairing and consolidating after some very heavy fighting here towards the end of May. The Battalion Diary of 17th Royal Fusiliers recorded that large enemy working parties were seen out in front during the night of 7th June and that they were fired on to prevent them from coming into contact with their own working parties, also out front repairing the wire. Leslie Dumbell was the only member of the battalion who was killed in action that day but the diary has no information concerning his death.