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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

2/Lt HUGH ROBERT EVANS 18th Bn attd 9th Welsh Regt


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Posted

Can anyone help me with the location and circumstances of the 9th Welsh on 19 September 1918, when this officer was killed?

John

Posted

9 Welsh were part of 58 Brigade of 19 Division,which in early Sept 1918 were involved in the Final Advance in Flanders.No battles around the 19th,and he is remembered on the Loos Memorial as he has no known grave.

You will need to see what the War Diary says about location at the time. Ref is

WO95/2092/2 but not yet digital.

Posted

This is from the History of the Welch Regiment, by TO Marden. It's not brilliant, but it's a start!

When the smashing victory of 8th August caused enemy reinforcements to be sent down to the Somme, there were clear indications that the Germans were preparing to fall back, and throughout August we began to nibble away portions of their defences. The 24th Welsh took part in these operations, [Casualties; 2nd Lieutenant C.W. Trask and 3 other ranks killed; 2nd Lieutenant G.E. Jackson and 52 other ranks wounded.] but it was not till 3rd September that any other Battalion of the Welsh was engaged in this area.

On that date, the 9th Welsh, together with other troops of the 19th Division, pushed forward under a barrage, at 5.30 a.m., from east of Vieille Chapelle, and carried the line as far as Richebourg St. Vaast and Croix Barbee. There was little resistance except from machine gun posts, which surrendered when surrounded, 53 prisoners being taken by the 58th Brigade. Casualties were light, amounting to only 6 killed and 42 wounded.

Lieutenant H. R. Evans was awarded the Military Cross and Private Gibbons the D.C.M. for gallant conduct in this action, while three others received the Military Medal.

The enemy was strongly entrenched in his old support lines, and was well supported by guns, which indulged in heavy bursts of harassing fire. Patrolling to ascertain if the enemy had withdrawn from his positions, was brisk, and, on 20th September, in a patrol encounter, the Battalion was unfortunate enough to lose 2nd-Lieutenants H. R. Evans, M.C., and J. Jeffery, with 2 other ranks killed, and 5 wounded.

Posted

Many thanks to both of you. Gives me a great start on him.

John

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