Current Information:

Born-Bermondsey

Sucrerie Cemetery, Epinoy, France

Throughout October 1918, the last full month of the war, the Allies were advancing all along the Western Front against a demoralised and drastically shrinking German Army which could do little other than fight, often desperate, rear guard actions. These continued to take a heavy toll of both sides, but failed to halt the forward momentum. Towns, villages and whole areas, which had been under German occupation for four long years were now liberated in a series of operations.

On 1st October, 1918, 11th Division had the task of protecting the left flank of an attack by the Canadian Corps to the north of Cambrai.. This was to be accomplished by denying the enemy the use of a spur running north from Épinoy to the Senseé canal which could be used for observation purposes. At first things did not work out according to plan. After crossing the Cambrai to Douai road the troops of 32 Brigade, 11th Division were held up by fire from a thick belt of newly erected wire and consequently the Canadians came under flanking fire on their left. At 2pm, 34 Brigade were sent up to make a further effort, The 5th Dorset battalion attacked behind an artillery barrage in the right sector, next to the Canadians, but were unable to breach the wire. However, at 6.30pm, they tried again with the assistance of 8th Northumberland Fusiliers and this time they were able to drive the enemy back from the railway and get abreast of the Canadians. Among the casualties suffered by 5th Dorset in this operation was Michael Norman.