Current Information:

Age-26

92, The Green, Kew

Avesnes-le-Comte Communal Cemetery, France

During February and March, 1917, the Germans made a strategic withdrawal to a new and very strong line running from Arras to Soissons. By doing this they eliminated two large salients and greatly reduced the number of troops needed to man the new defences. As they pulled back to the Hindenburg Line (Siegfriedstellung) they adopted a ‘scorched earth’ policy, systematically destroying everything in their path so as to leave nothing behind that would assist the enemy. Railways and roads were dug up, wells poisoned and even trees chopped down. Mines and booby traps were set to further hinder the British and French troops who followed up behind them until they reached the new formidable defences where one again trench warfare was established.

On 17th March, 1917, the 5th Shropshire Light Infantry battalion of 42 Brigade, 14th Division, relieved the 9th Rifle Brigade in H Sector of the front line at Ronville, Arras. At 2.59am the next morning, 18th March, the enemy began a heavy bombardment on the battalion’s front line and patrol lines which continued for some time. The situation had returned to normal by 4am and only two men had been wounded. Later in the day explosions and fires were noticed behind the enemy lines and patrols were sent out to investigate. They reported that the German trenches had been abandoned and these were occupied over the next two days. But then these positions were heavily shelled by the enemy resulting in many casualties, one of whom was Percy Gardner who died from wounds on 19th March.