Current Information:

Age-26

 9, Risborough Street, Borough

In early April, 1917, 56th Division moved into position in front of Neuville-Vitasse in preparation for the major offensive about to be launched at Arras. 1st London of 167 Brigade were in reserve trenches at Agny between 1st-4th April and on 5th April took over some of the front line trenches at Neuville-Vitasse. During the night of  7th/8th April three platoons of 1st London attacked Neuville Mill which had come under heavy bombardment by the British heavy artillery during the previous day. This however had not dealt with the enemy garrison there and the attack was stopped in its tracks by heavy machine-gun fire forcing the attackers to withdraw to their own front line. There were a number of casualties for 1st London in this operation, including eleven men killed. One of these was William Hutchins.