Current Information:

Born-Islington

Vadencourt British Cemetery, Maissemy, 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.

2nd 8th Sherwood Foresters arrived in France on 27th February, 1917 as part of 178 Brigade, 59th Division and on 29th March moved into the area vacated by the German withdrawal to dig trenches between the villages of Flechin and Bernes, some four miles to the east of Peronne. On the night of 6th-7th April they got their first taste of action when they attacked the nearby village of Le Verguier. It was not a successful baptism of fire. The artillery bombardment of the enemy positions began at midnight and although it was scheduled to lift forty minutes later, many shells fell short and did considerable damage among the ranks of 2nd 8th Sherwood Foresters as they moved forward. To add to their woes when they reached the German wire they found that it was uncut so were forced to seek shelter wherever they could. Eventually the battalion returned to Flechin having sustained over one hundred casualties. Among these was Harry Harrison.