Location of trench section 35 at Verbranden Molen, near Hill 60, Ypres

[sunflower]

Hi,

Is it possible to pinpoint the location of a trench section near Verbranden Molen? I am researching a soldier, Private McGrady, killed on 5th April 1915. He was from D Company, 2nd Battalion KOYLI. The war diary states 'April 5th – In firing line. Enemy brought up large “Minen Werfers” in front of 35 trench held by D Company. The trench was heavily bombed and shelled at intervals throughout the day causing 14 casualties and severely damaging the trench. Several men were buried also three officers (Lt Lee, Way, Hunter). The latter were unhurt. Our artillery gave us no support.'

There were 5 deaths from this company on this date from this shelling. 4 are on the Menin Gate, 1 buried in Bedford House.  Private McGrady is on the Menin Gate.

Some other info on these trenches:

WAR DIARY
of
1st Battalion The York & Lancaster Regt.

 
Vol. 2    page 24

 

---

VERBRANDEN MOLEN
... trenches, one machine gun was brought up for supporting Company K.O.Y.L.I., and placed on left of trench 36. -

5.30 am   28.2.15       "
Following message sent to Brigade Head quarters, all quiet nothing to report. -
Almost as soon as the message had been sent, a very heavy burst of Rapid firing took place on our right (in which serveral machine guns were firing). This was reported to Brigade head quarters. -

The following work and improvements were done to the trenches during the previous 24 hours -
33 trench - four reels of barbed wire were put up in front, two trenches made crest of parapet, front and rear improved. -
34 trench. Seven knife point entanglements put out also loose wire. Rear parapet built up and one traverse made. -
35 trench. Parapets repaired with sandbags and rivetted with facines. Bottom of trench repaired with logs and brushwood. -
36 trench. Parapet rivetted, the new machine gun emplacment made. Helped Royal Engineers improve connecting trench between 36 and 37 trenches. -
37 trench. Draining trenches, improving parapet and bottom of trenches. Working parties were also supplied to R.E. -

 

[Open Bolt]

Have you seen this recent topic?

@brianmorris547 has a trench 35 in I34 cf Hill 60 in I29...

[sunflower]

Hi, this is perfect, Thank you so much for your quick response and detailed info. 

[IRC Kevin]

From my book 'The Liverpool Rifles'.

 

 

[brianmorris547]

And this is from the March 1915 WD of 2 Bn Duke of Wellington's (West Riding). Courtesy TNA WO 95/1552.

The Bn was in Action on 05/05/1915 and hundreds of men were gassed. See this recent thread by David Blanchard.

https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/300244-gas-attacks-1st-may-6th-may-1915-hill-60-role-of-ramc/#comment-3152432

Brian