Current Information:

Born-Ealing

During the First World War each infantry division included a Royal Engineers Signals Company of over 150 men, whose main duties were laying, operating and repairing telegraph communications wire. They were also used to carry messages and to handle and despatch official and private mail. The signallers were also used in forward positions to assist the artillery and provide information on their enemy targets. In these, often isolated, positions they were vulnerable to enemy fire, and many of them became casualties. 

The Home Counties Divisional Signal Company was originally in 44th Division but in January 1915, joined 28th Division. 

Battle of St Julien, 24th April – 4th May 1915

Spurred on by the success of their gas attack on 22nd April, the Germans struck again two days later on the northern sector of the Ypres salient at St. Julien.  Once more chlorine gas was used and despite a resolute defence the British and Canadians were pushed back and St Julien was lost. For nearly two weeks the fighting continued on this front. The Germans persisted with their attacks, the British fought desperate rear guard actions and launched many counter attacks but gradually they were pushed further and further back. Eventually, during the night of 3rd & 4th May the British forces were withdrawn from their forward positions and took up a new defensive line closer to Ypres. Harry Hubbard lost his life on 27th April, 1915 after 28th Division had been sent to try to stem the German attack at St Julien.