Current Information:

Age-20

43, Wentworth Buildings, Aldgate

Vauxbuin French National Cemetery

After the German offensive on the Aisne, which began on 27th May, 1918, had run its course, there was a large salient, many miles wide and deep in the French line, stretching down to the River Marne and threatening Paris. With their eyes on that glittering prize the Germans were keen to continue their attacks here and did so on 15th July. This time however things did not work out so well for them. The French now understood the German tactics and were ready for them. Most of the troops were withdrawn from the front line to avoid the carnage of the enemy artillery bombardment and placed in positions where they could counter attack. A few miles of territory were gained by the Germans but after three days their attack had petered out. Now it was the French turn to attack and on 18th July, the momentous Second Battle of the Marne began. British assistance had been requested and given in the shape the newly constituted XXII Corps consisting of the 15th, 34th, 51st and 62nd Divisions.

34th Division were sent to the western edge of the salient, a few miles to the south of Soissons and on 28th July, the start of the Battle of Soissons-Ourcq, the 4th Royal Sussex battalion of 101 Brigade, moved to assembly positions along the railway, south-west of the Bois de Montceau in preparation for an advance the following day. At 4.10 am on 29th July, 4th Sussex began their move forward. The Bois de Montceau was cleared and a further advance was made to the Grand Rozoy-Beugneux road, very few casualties having been incurred so far. But from now on they met stiffer opposition. Across the road in the Bois de Beugneux they were confronted by a line of enemy machine-guns which drove them back to the road. A hour later at 7am, the wood was rushed and captured but on reaching the north-east edge, severe machine-gun fire was encountered from both flanks and 4th Sussex were unable to progress any further than the Beugneux-Courdoux road. Lack of communications meant that artillery support was not forthcoming and in the face of increasing fire a withdrawal back to the wood was made. After the Germans brought up some of their field artillery, which they fired at almost point blank range, a further withdrawal was made back to the Grand Rozoy-Beugneux road and then, with enfilade fire from the village of Beugneux causing much damage, they were forced  back yet again, almost to their starting line where they consolidated. 4th Sussex suffered almost two hundred casualties with nothing to show for this sacrifice. Louis Gerlisky died from wounds on the followin day