Lateau Wood, 20 November 1917

[Jonathan Saunders]

Remembering the 6 Bn, The Queen's Own that took Lateau Wood 20th November 1917 and held it without relief for the next 10 days:

6/RWK War Diary entry for 20/11/1917

Assembly position S.W. of GONNELIEU – Zero hour 6.20am. The Bttn in conjunction with tanks and supported by a creeping barrage attacked the BROWN LINE including the highly important positions of LATEAU WOOD and LE QUENNET FARM. The enemy were taken completely by surprise and appeared utterly demoralised. Many prisoners, a battery of 5.9” howitzers and a MG were taken by the Bttn in its successful advance. All objectives were captured in accordance with plan and time table and the work of consolidation commenced at once. This was continued throughout the night. The death of Major WJ ALDERMAN DSO who fell just as the Bttn had achieved its objective sent a shadow over an otherwise brilliant day’s work. He led the Bttn throughout the action and his death is greatly deplored by all ranks. Casualties – Killed in action: Major WJ ALDERMAN DSO, Lt WM BOUCHER, Lt GT CARRE, Lt WE SYKES, 2/Lt CW CLARK and 8 Ors. Wounded Capt GH HODGSON, Lt A STIEBEL, 2/Lt RJ THURLOW and 45 Ors. Missing 7 Ors.

Duty Done.