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Enlisted-London

Battle of St Julien, 24 April – 4 May 1915

Spurred on by the success of their gas attack on 22nd April, the Germans struck again two days later on the northern sector of the Ypres salient at St. Julien.  Once more chlorine gas was used and despite a resolute defence the British and Canadians were pushed back and St Julien was lost. For nearly two weeks the fighting continued on this front. The Germans persisted with their attacks, the British fought desperate rear guard actions and launched many counter attacks but gradually they were pushed further and further back. Eventually, during the night of 3rd & 4th May the British forces were withdrawn from their forward positions and took up a new defensive line closer to Ypres.

During the night of 2nd-3rd May, the 12th London battalion of 84 Brigade, 28th Division were sent to dig trenches at Verlorenhoek on the Frezenburg Ridge and then to man these trenches. The following night the British front line fell back from the Zonnebeke salient and this position became the new front line. 12th London remained in these trenches, under heavy bombardment until they were relieved on the night of 7th-8th May. Douglas Dawson was killed on 5th May.