Current Information:

Age-21

Born-Hoxton

On 22 July, 1915 14th Division relieved 3rd Division at Hooge in the Ypres Salient. As a parting gift, the 3rd Division had exploded an enormous mine which brought into existence the famed Hooge Crater. The German retaliation came on 30th July, 1915, in the form of a liquid fire attack on the British trenches opposite the crater formed by the mine. 7th Rifle Brigade of 41 Brigade were spared this awful experience because their turn in the front line trenches here was from 22nd July until 29th July. During that time things were hotting up as the Germans prepared their revenge and there would have been an increase in artillery and sniper activity, day and night.