Current Information:

Age-21

Born-Islington

Russell Court, Strand

Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France

In the middle of February, 1915, 85 Brigade of 28th Division came under a heavy attack while holding the line to the south of Ypres during which trenches were lost and then regained after counter-attacks. On 15th February, the 1st Welsh battalion of 84 Brigade were sent from Ypres to relieve some of the battered battalions of 85 Brigade. The trenches they moved into had been badly damaged, were deep in water and mud and large parts of the parapet had been destroyed which greatly increased the danger from enemy snipers. The battalion remained here until 17th February when they were relieved and moved back to Chateau Rosendal. But their rest was short lived and on the next night were sent out to dig a new trench before taking over the existing trench line on 19th February. From this position they supported an attack by the 2nd Royal Lancaster on 20th February against Z Trench where a 50 yard section was still held by the enemy. The fighting was heavy and 1st Welsh suffered nearly 100 casualties. Henry Cain died from wounds on 22nd February, after having been sent to a base hospital on the coast, and is likely to have been one of those wounded during this operation.