Current Information:

Born-Bow

Although the official History records the Battle of Arras as finishing on 16th May, 1917, that did not mean that fighting on that front stopped on that date. Objectives that had not been taken were still on the Command’s wish list as was further attempts to penetrate the Hindenburg Line, the German army’s formidable defence system.

On 16th May, 1917, 33rd Division relieved 21st Division along the stretch of the front line running between Bullecourt and the Sensée stream and on 20th May an attack was made against the Hindenburg Line by 98 Brigade and 100 Brigade. The effort by 100 Brigade was carried out by 2nd Worcestershire, 9th Highland Light Infantry and 16th King’s Royal Rifle Corps. They advanced, unseen, in the thick morning mist, behind a artillery barrage which had done a good job cutting the German wire and the first German line was taken relatively easily. After that things were not so easy. By now the surprise element was gone and although they managed to make a lodgement in the Hindenburg support line, strong counter-attacks meant that they were unable to retain this forward position. Nevertheless they had captured a portion of the Hindenburg Line which in itself was no mean feat. There were however the inevitable casualties, one of whom was James Eagle of 16th King’s Royal Rifle Corps.