Maps of Iron Cross crossroads Aid Post- Pilckem Ridge 31 July 1917

[David_Blanchard]

I am looking for a map of the area around Iron Cross crossroads for the 31 July 1917 which may include the aid post there- the first day of Third Ypres. I have checked a number of diaries of medical services in this area but have drawn a blank. 

 

 

Any help appreciated.

 

 

David 

[Howard]

You know what I am going to say!

TrenchMapper has quite a few.

Howard

[David_Blanchard]

Howard,

 

many thanks for this.

 

David 

[brianmorris547]

David

There are maps showing Iron Cross at C 3 a 8 7 in the WDs of the Guards Div HQ GS but this map from the WD of 51 Div HQ GS shows that Iron Cross was in the 38 Div area. There are no maps in the WD of 38 Div HQ GS.

The WD of the ADMS 38 Div for 01/08/1917 records that RAPs were established at Corner Ho, Stray Farm and Iron Cross.

Map courtesy TNA/Ancestry WO 95/2846. 

Corner Ho is in C 2 and Stray Farm is in C 3.

Brian

 

[David_Blanchard]

Brian,

That's an excellent map! Thanks very much for this.

 

I have just found this map from the 14th Corps HQ War Diary for early August 1917, which shows the aid post of Iron Post RAP just west  of Iron Cross. However, I think this diary which purports to be of the 14th Corps HQ, is actually the DDMS for 14th Corps.

 

I believe this is where Welsh poet Ellis Evans (Hedd Wyn) died on 31 July 1917, and was then taken back and buried in Artillery Wood Cemetery. Will be useful as I am taking a school party from Cardiff here in early July.

 

David 

Edited 17 June , 2023 by David_Blanchard

[brianmorris547]

David

There is a clearer map in the WD of 115 Infantry Brigade of 38 Div.  The WD notes that the Brigade HQ on 31/07/1917 was at Iron Cross and stores were delivered there. No mention of RAMC though.

Brian

[David_Blanchard]

Brian,

 

Thanks I will have a look.

 

David

[brianmorris547]

David

I read about Ellis Humphrey Evans on IWM. I also looked at the WD of 38 Div A&QMG. The August 1917 WD has a list of Honours and Rewards and includes two RAMC Officers who were awarded the MC, One DCM from 130 FA and nine MMs, three each from 129 FA, 130 FA and 131 FA.

Included was 48192 Sgt Ernest Sweeting of 130 FA (MM). Photo courtesy IWM Lives of the First World War.

Officer casualties are also named with dates.