Current Information:

Born-Brentford

Rancourt Military Cemetery, France

Starting on 8th August, 1918, the Allies launched a series of offensives, collectively known as the Hundred Days Offensive, that resulted in the collapse of the German army and the end of the war by November. British, Australian and Canadian troops attacked across the old Somme battlefield and on the Arras front causing the demoralised German Army to fall back on a daily basis while the French did the same thing further south.

By the beginning of September much of the territory that had been lost earlier in the year,  when the Germans had made spectacular gains in March and April, had been won back but the Allies relentless pressure did not falter. At 5.30am on 1st September, 141 Brigade of 47th Division attacked, a few miles south of Bapaume, their objectives being Pierre St Vaast Wood and Moislains Wood.  The 19th London and 20th London battalions led the attack with 18th London in support. Advancing behind a protective artillery barrage, 19th London soon reached their objective, which for them, was the edge of Pierre St Vaast Wood where they captured many prisoners. However, it was not all plain sailing. German machine-guns firing from well prepared positions resulted in many casualties, including John Smith of 19th London who was killed.