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47, Grove Road, Wanstead

The German offensive of 21st March, 1918

With an end to the fighting on the Eastern Front after the Russian Revolution, Germany was able to bring its troops from there to France and launch a series of offensives in the Spring of 1918, designed to bring the war to a swift conclusion. Four times between March and July they attacked in strength and on each occasion they broke through the British and French lines and made spectacular gains but in each case they over extended themselves and without adequate supplies keeping up with their rapid advances, they could go no further.

The first of these attacks, Operation Michael, was made on 21st March by 63 specially trained divisions, attacking along a 60 mile front held by 26 British divisions, many of them in a weakened state At 4.40am the German artillery opened up with the most ferocious and concentrated bombardment of the war, the likes of which the British had never experienced before. The Forward Zone, consisting mainly of individual posts was blown away. Very few of the men there made it back. Many were killed and many more were taken prisoner. The Battle Zone was also battered as were the British guns, firing from positions just to the rear. Brigade and Divisional HQs were targeted as well and then, from out of the thick mist came the German storm troopers. Moving fast, they skirted round the few remaining strongholds and penetrated deep into the British lines, including those of the Battle Zone, causing the utmost confusion. There were many cases of heroic stands being made but the relentless pressure forced the British back everywhere and there then began a general retreat that went on for two weeks and which ceded to the Germans a huge amount of territory, including all of that that had been won at such great cost during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

On 21st March, 18th Division were in the southern part of the line held by Fifth Army with the village of Vendeuil in front of them and the Crozat Canal behind. The 10th Essex battalion of 53 Brigade were in support positions in the Battle Zone and suffered a number of casualties during the ferocious bombardment that began at 4.40am. Prevented from seeing what was unfolding by the thick fog, the enemy storm troopers were able to infiltrate and bypass their positions but as the fog gradually lifted 10th Essex managed to put up a stout resistance for much of the day. However the numbers ranged against them were overwhelming and eventually the left flank of the brigade was turned and those who were able to, withdrew to the rear of the Battle Zone. Among the casualties sustained by 10th Essex during the day was Henry Hawksworth who was killed in action.