8th KOYLI

[FRICOURT]

Could any KOYLI expert tell me where the 8th were on the 7 June 1917. Was it somewhere around the Messines Ridge.

My other problem relates to my wife's great uncle Pte 14477 William W Best (8 KOYLI) from Leeds who was KIA on that date but his is not listed by the CWGC.

Any suggestions please as we are visiting that area in a couple of weeks.

Thanks

Charlie

[Doug Lewis]

Charlie

He is listed-

BEST, WILLIAM

Initials: W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment: King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

Unit Text: 8th Bn.

Date of Death: 07/06/1917

Service No: 14477

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 47.

Cemetery: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

http://www.cwgc.org/cwgcinternet/casualty_...casualty=927651

Regards Doug.

[kpm]

Hello Charlie,

The 8th KOYLI were involved in the Flanders Offensive [7th June to 10th Nov 1917] opening with the Battle of Messines. Planned by Sir Hubert Plumer and resulted in a complete success for the 2nd Army, which he commanded.

8th KOYLI, part of 23rd Division, and X Corps in Second Army.

In the first days of June, from a camp near OUDERDOM, the 8th KOYLI moved up the battle concentration area for the Messines offensive.

There were five days of bombardment prior to the attack. Mines at Hill 60 and The Caterpillar were fired at Zero Hour and were the signal for the assault.

The first objective was Image Trench and part of Illusive Trench in the enemy's front line, the second being Image Crescent.

The 8th KOYLI moved in rear along a tunnel towards Hedge Street, emerging at the Winnipeg exit. The Battalion then moved down the front line trench into Living Trench. About 2 hours after Zero hour they advanced to their assembly positions in Image Reserve. After they had captured their objectives Image Crescent was consolidated under the protection of Lewis Gunners, while bombing parties wsere immediately pushed forward up the communicating trenches.

In the 4 days June 7 - 10th the Battalion had 250 casualties in other ranks.

That's a brief summary from the KOYLI in the Great War by R.G. BOND.

Enjoy your trip.

Ian.

[FRICOURT]

Thanks Doug and Ian, your help is much appreciated.

Charlie