Current Information:

Age-34

Born-Shepherd's Bush

43A, Petersfield Road, Acton

Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France

During the winter of 1914-1915, 8th Division held a section of the line running north from Neuve Chapelle and on the 4th February, 1915, the 2nd West Yorkshire battalion of 23rd Brigade, left their billets in Pont Rerchon and moved into trenches at Rue-du-Bacquerot near Laventie where they remained until relieved on 7th February. The battalion diary recorded this as being a quiet period but nevertheless there were still casualties including Ernest Shelton who was killed on 6th February. The attrition rate among British soldiers on the Western Front was on average 300 each day and 60% of these were as a result of shellfire. When not involved in an actual battle it was either shell fire or a sniper’s bullet that caused most deaths and injuries.