POW

[sue.tiffany]

My Grandfather James Whillans Alder (Pte 3rd KOSB) was a POW in 1918. I would like to know where he was captured, on his record which I attach it looks like Stairs but where is this?

[nealw66]

Hi Susan,

While I can't help with the location at the moment, I would note that James transferred to the 1st KOSB in September 1917 and was with them when he was captured.

The war diary is available here - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documen...p;resultcount=5

It might help attract the attention of the KOSB experts on the forum if you added the regiment to the title of your post.

All the best,

Neal

[Stebie9173]

I would think that the location is Estaires, west of Lille, and south-west of Armentieres.

A brief outline of the battle of Estaires, part of the German offensive based around the river Lys, is here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Lys

A bit more detail from the perspective of the Division in front of the 29th Division is here:

http://www.4thbnnf.com/47_180409_180417_estaires.html

Steve.

[sue.tiffany]

I would think that the location is Estaires, west of Lille, and south-west of Armentieres.

A brief outline of the battle of Estaires, part of the German offensive based around the river Lys, is here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Lys

A bit more detail from the perspective of the Division in front of the 29th Division is here:

http://www.4thbnnf.com/47_180409_180417_estaires.html

Steve.

Thank you very much. This would appear to fit as James was captured on 11th April 1918 and the Battle of Estaires was 9-11 April. It is only recently that I have discovered he was a POW.

Susan