2nd Northumbrians Re-interment - Ypres

Entry posted by ianjonesncl 20 April , 2016

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On the 24th May 1915 the 2nd Northumbrian Brigade RFA were at Potijze, two miles NE of Ypres. The Brigade deployed one month earlier as part of the Northumbrian Division and was immediately engaged in the 2nd Battle of Ypres.

The Germans had released gas and tried to breakthrough the British lines, but were held by gallant actions.

The 50th Northumbrian Division were used to reinforce formations fighting in the Salient.

The 2nd Northumbrian Brigade RFA deployed in support of 28th Division.

2nd Northumbrian Brigade RFA Location 24th May 1915

It was on the 24th May the Germans renewed their attack on this date in an attempt to
capture the Bellewaarde Ridge. The Brigade War Diary of records intensive artillery fire from the early morning.

At 7pm a German shell exploded on No. 1 gun killing 5 of the detachment and severely wounding the No 1. The war dairy records the loss of;

Corporal JA Carr and Gunners JW Clarke, G Robinson, JW Rowbottom, AW Venus.

At 08:30 Driver Wilson was killed.

The six men were buried at 11:20

The Gunners remains were discovered in 2013. They were identified from their shoulder titles which identified them as members of the North Riding Battery from the 2nd Northumbrian Brigade RFA. Two of the six men could be identified; Gunners JW Rowbottom, AW Venus.

They were all reinterred on April 20th 2016 at a ceremony held in Ypres Town Cemetery Extension Cemetery. In the presence of the British Ambassador to Belgium and families, a burial party from 4th Regiment RA finally laid the men to rest.