Current Information:

Age-36

15, Annesley Road, Upper Holloway

On 20th December, 1914, 3 Brigade of 1st Division, left Outtersteene and marched to billets at Merville on their way to reinforce the India Corps which, on the previous day, had been heavily attacked from Cuinchy to the cross roads south of Neuve Chapelle. North and south of Givenchy trenches had been lost while on the front east of Festubert a 300 yard breech had been made in the line by the enemy. On the next day, 21st December, 3 Brigade moved forward to Bethune and prepared to attack from the road running north to south past Festubert with the 1st Gloucestershire battalion on the right and the 1st South Wales Borderers on the left. The 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers and 2nd Welsh battalions were in support. At 3.05pm, as the two battalions attacked from Festubert they immediately came under heavy shell and rifle fire and lost contact with each other. Progress was slow and difficult over water-logged ground, intersected with deep ditches and their rifles were soon clogged with mud. 2nd Welch were sent forward to plug the gap between 1st Gloucestershire and 1st South Wales Borderers and an order was given to press home the attack. The attack got as far as 150-250 yards of the enemy line but could go no further. Casualties had been heavy and included John Abell of 1st South Wales Borderers.