Current Information:

Age-18

554, London Road, Isleworth

Born-Cricklewood

On 2nd April, 1917, the 13th Middlesex battalion of 73 Brigade, 24th Division, moved into the front line in the Carency sector near Arras, taking over the trenches running from Boyau Brisson to the Souchez River. They remained in these trenches until the night of 8/9th April when they were relieved by Canadian troops who attacked Vimy Ridge on the following morning. 13th Middlesex moved back to Chateau de la Haie but the next night A and D Companies returned to the front line, relieving the Canadians after their attack. On 14th April the battalion moved to Aix-Noulette from where they moved forward, under shell fire, along the Arras road and Ration Trench, to form the Brigade reserve for the advance on Lens. On the following day, 15th April,  13th Middlesex advanced in small parties to the front line and then to the edge of the Bois de Riavmont. At 9.15am, a patrol moved out from the wood and immediately came under heavy fire from Cite Riavmont.  Other patrols pushed on and made progress despite steady opposition and a footing was established in northern end of Cite Riavmont where posts were established but that evening they were ordered to withdraw and fall back to the line of the wood. The operation continued on the following day and once again progress was made until they were stopped on the right by a strong position untouched by the bombardment. That evening they were relieved and moved back to support positions on the Souchez River line. During the two days of this action 13th Middlesex suffered 70 casualties, including Harold Stanley.