2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

[evilrebel17]

I am trying to piece together where exactly 2 Lan. Fus. were during April 1918. This is the regiment my great grand uncle was serving with when he died on 24th April that year but I really can't figure it out.

From what I've gathered, by 1916 they had returned with 12th Brigade to 4th Division. And in April 1918, 4th Division were a part of the Battle of the Lys but there were no significant battles on the 24th April 1918 so I'm slightly confused.

This is all I can find out:

First Battle of Kemmel (17–19 April)

Battle of Béthune (18 April)

Second Battle of Kemmel (25–26 April)

Battle of the Scherpenberg (29 April)

Can anyone help me piece it together? I would really appreciate any information.

Thanks,

Francesca

[Blackblue]

Hi Francesca,

From the LF History:

They were in trenches at Riez Du Vinage between the 16th and 24th. On the 18th they repelled a German attack. They were involved in patrolling over the next few days. On the 23rd they participated in an attack North of Riez Du Vinage to straighten the allied line.

On the 24th the Germans counter attacked the 2/5th Gloucesters on the LFs left. The 2nd Battalion were not attacked and held their line but were subject to heavy sniping which caused increased casualties. They were relieved by the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders that evening. 3 officers and 48 ORs killed, 3 officers and 120 ORs wounded, 1 officer and 58 ORs missing over the period.

Your GG Uncle may have been the victim of a sniper. I am sure someone on the Forum would have the War Diary which might have some more detail.

Rgds

Tim D

[BillyH]

The whole diary has been digitised and can be downloaded from National Archives for just £3.36 here :

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C4554658

BillyH.