Current Information:

Born-Dulwich

Martinsart British Cemetery, France

Operation Michael, the German offensive that began on 21st March, 1918 had sent the British Army reeling back many miles across the Somme countryside, abandoning all those places that had been won at such a cost in the summer of 1916. By the beginning of April they held a line in front of Amiens, protecting that city and its vital railway network. However by now the British  been reinforced and their line had steadied whereas the Germans were not only worn out but had overextended their crucial supply lines. Nevertheless they were still a powerful force.

47th Division had been in the front line on 21st March and after only a short rest were back in it by the beginning of April, with 140 and 142 Brigades holding a line at Aveluy Wood. The 22nd London battalion of 142 Brigade held the front trenches here until they were relieved on 4th April. The records show that ten men from the battalion were killed on this day but the Battalion Diary makes no mention of any casualties. It is possible that these casualties were incurred during their relief, which was always fraught with danger, but it is more likely that they are the total for this period in the trenches and were only officially recorded once they had been relieved. Whatever the case Charles King was one of those killed.