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Born-Islington

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 2 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 Eventually, during the night of 3rd & 4th May the British forces were withdrawn from their forward positions and took up a new defensive line closer to Ypres.

On 23rd April, 1915, the 18th Hussars of 2nd Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division marched to Elverdinghe and took up positions in support of the French line there. The following day they came under shellfire as they dug trenches and Walter Borham was killed.