Current Information:

Born-Kensington

The Battle of Arras was a series of offensives by the British Army between 9th April 1917 and 16th May 1917. It had been planned in conjunction with the French who would attack in Artois and between them the Allies would force the Germans out of the large salient they had held since the line of trenches was first established. But the Germans had spoiled this plan by falling back to the new and very strong Hindenburg Line in January 1917 and the salient no longer existed.  For the want of an alternative plan the attack went ahead anyway. It all started well for the British who made substantial gains on the first two days but then the offensive ground to a halt and by the end their losses amounted to over 150,000.

The First Battle of the Scarpe (9-14 April)

On 9th April, 1917, 30th Division attacked in the southern part of the battle front, just to the north of the River Cojeul. The assault by 21 Brigade on the left of the divisional front was made by 2nd Wiltshire and 18th Liverpool (Kings). Their attack was only partially successful and very costly in terms of casualties. 2nd Yorkshire were in reserve and although were not engaged in the fight in any major way, they did provide some carrying parties taking ammunition and other supplies to the attacking troops and were close enough to the action to be affected by shell fire. They suffered some casualties, one of whom was William Bridge.