On 15/02/2011 at 05:09, michaeldr said:

VALENTINE, HENRY EDGAR

Initials: H E

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Honourable Artillery Company

Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Date of Death: 14/02/1917

Service No: 3540

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 8 A.

Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

14th February 1917 must have been a very bleak Valentine's Day

From the HAC's history 'The Honourable Artillery Company 1914-1919'

"… … …throughout this period the weather continued icily cold, and no impression could be made on the ground with pick and shovel… … …

On the 9th (February 1917) inter-company reliefs were effected and consolidation was continued as much as possible, notably in the Sunken Road. Enemy bombardment was maintained systematically, and very great difficulty was experienced in keeping in touch with our own artillery on account of the telephone line being repeatedly broken; as a matter of fact it was broken in eighty places during the 7th and 8th…. … …

On the following day (10th Feb. 1917) patrols were sent out in front of Baillescourt Farm to report on the enemy posts, and L-Cpl Freter with a patrol from 'B' Company reached the junction of Miraumont Alley and the trench leading east... … … … … During the next…days the bombardment by the enemy was intense, and, owing to casualties, it was impossible to relieve the men in the forward shell-holes more frequently than once in forty-eight hours. However, at 12 midnight on the 14th, the Battalion was relieved and moved down to Englebelmer, where everything that could be done for their comfort had been arranged."

R. I. P.

Source: Private Henry Valentine