4th March 1917 Durham Light Infantry action

[depaor01]

Hi all,

My latest acquisition is a Victory and BWM to 22/945 Thomas Brandon of the 22nd Bn Durham Light Infantry. He died on the 4th of March 1917 and is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial. His service papers exist on Ancestry.

Looking for any info on what action the Durhams were involved in on that day. 15 of their number were killed on this date. I'm guessing the action tool place at Bouchavesnes. If it did there seems not to be a lot of info about this particular battle.

Also what is the significance of the "22/" prefix of his number?

Thanks,

Dave

[archangel9]

Hi Dave,

The 22 prefix indicates his battalion.

Unfortunately the 22nd Bn War Diaries are not in Documents Online but are available in

WO 95/1702

Scope and content 22 Battalion Durham Light Infantry (Pioneers)

Covering dates 1916 June - 1918 July

Held by The National Archives, Kew

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=-2241491&CATLN=7&Highlight=%2C22%2CBATTALION%2CDURHAM%2CLIGHT%2CINFANTRY&accessmethod=0

But you will need to visit Kew unless a forum member can come up with relevant pages for March 1917.

John

[Tyneside Chinaman]

Hi

attached two pages from "Durham Pals" the whole of the 22nd (Service)Battalion (3rd County Pioneer) is covered from raising to final disbandment.

Your man is named in the nominal roll at the back of the book.

regards

John Sheen

[depaor01]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks gents,

Dave