Current Information:

Enlisted-Wimbledon

The 2nd East Surrey battalion of 85 Brigade, 28th Division, arrived in France in December 1914 and the first half of March, 1915 saw them in front line trenches one mile north of Wulverghem near Messines. On 12th March, 1915, in conjunction with the battle being fought further south at Neuve Chapelle, there was an attack on Spanbroekmolen by 7 Brigade, through the line held by 2nd East Surrey. The action was supposed to take place in the morning but heavy mist delayed it until the afternoon and when the attacking troops moved up to the trenches held by 2nd East Surrey they became very crowded. The enemy must have been aware of what was going on because these trenches were hit by artillery and machine gun fire and also British shells, falling short, adding to the carnage. Those not wounded were ordered to retire but in doing so they lost heavily. Fearing that one of the trenches might be rushed by the Germans the supports were ordered to reoccupy it but only 3 of the party of 26 reached the trench unscathed. All in all it was an unfortunate day for 2nd East Surrey, who had nearly 100 casualties in an action in which they were not intended to participate. One of these casualties was Thomas Robinson who was killed.