Current Information:

Born-Leytonstone

Second Battle of Ypres (April-May, 1915)

In April 1915 the Germans, using gas for the first time, launched an all out attack on the salient around the Belgian town of Ypres. It became a gargantuan struggle that lasted well into the next month and at the end of it, the salient, though drastically reduced, still stood.

On 2nd May, 1915, the 1st York & Lancaster battalion of 83 Brigade, 28th Division, moved into the front line at Verlorenhoek where they remained, under heavy shell fire until relieved on 7th May. One of their casualties during this period spent in the trenches was Alfred Harris who was killed on 7th May.