Current Information:

Enlisted-Harrow Road

Hebuterne Military Cemetery, France

On 21st June, 1916, 3rd London of 167 Brigade, 56th Division moved into forward positions at Sailly-au-Bois and Hebuterne Keep in the Somme where preparations were well advanced for the forthcoming battle, the ‘Big Push’ as it was known in some quarters.  Large working parties were a feature of their stay here, digging jump-off trenches and bringing up supplies. The enemy was well aware of these preparations and did their best to disrupt them with their artillery. The Battalion Diary entry for 27th June, 1916 recorded that D Company moved up to the front line to relieve a company of 7th Middlesex and that the other companies provided working parties throughout the day. It makes no mention of the eight men who were killed, one of who was William Land.