Guest Paul I Marshall Posted 26 October , 2002 Share Posted 26 October , 2002 I'm looking for more information regarding the death of my Great Grandfather on 2 April 1918 during the Spring German Offensive. I have details of the memorial at Pozieres, but I want to know more about him and his colleagues during that 'bloody' period. I know he was a Private in the Bedfordshire Regiment and that he died aged 41 (quite old for a soldier). Any suitable leads would be appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hill 60 Posted 26 October , 2002 Share Posted 26 October , 2002 Paul, Do you know what Battalion your great grandfather was in? I take it you have checked all the usual avenues, like 'Soldiers Died' & the CWGC? My great uncle, William George Swain, was in the 2nd Bn Bedfordshire Regt and was killed on the 21st March 1918. I'll have a look through what little info I have and see if there is anything for you. Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Posted 8 November , 2002 Share Posted 8 November , 2002 Hello Paul. James Auberon Hodgson, Pte. 31063., 7th. Bn. The Bedfordshire Regt., 54th. Bde, 18th. Div, III, Corps, V Army. Killed in Action 2/4/1918 in France & Flanders. March 1918 was the start of the The First Battles of the Somme [spring Offensive]. On 2/4/18, on the Scarpe river the British repulse an attack, further South, Ayette is captured. There was local fighting between Moreuil and Lassigny although in general the fighting had died down. Arthur Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raster Scanning Posted 5 December , 2002 Share Posted 5 December , 2002 Paul The 7th Battalion Beds Rgt. was moved from St Aubin to Bouves (south of Amiens) by French 'busses (along with the rest of the 54th Brigade). This took all of the 30th March due to detours. It is recorded in the Brigade history that several French drivers fell asleep at the wheel and drove into trees! The following day the Brigade was moved to Gentelles. The first task was to hold the high ground between Hangard Village (in French hands) and Hangard Wood (53rd Brigade). The 6th Northants was first in the line. They were relieved by 3 Coys of the 7th Beds on the evening of April 1st 1918. They were again relieved 24 hours later by the 6th Northants. Your Gt Grandfather was killed while they were holding the line for this short period. The troops were only protected by slit trenches and it was very wet. The Germans shelled frequently and he was probably killed as a result of this shell fire. John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pimarshall Posted 5 December , 2002 Share Posted 5 December , 2002 John, Many thanks for the information regarding the Bedfordshire Regiment. Have you published your data on the Internet? I would be very much interested to see you work and see how you would use any photos that I may have. I'm sure I could dig a photo out of my Gt Grandfather. Many thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raster Scanning Posted 6 December , 2002 Share Posted 6 December , 2002 Paul I have replied by email, but if anyone else has a family member who served in the 7th Beds, I can probably give some extra info to them. John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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