Battle of Scarpe

[pier]

HEY, can anyone tell me of a book about this battle my Gt Grandad died there and i want to learn more about it

thank you

London girl

[truthergw]

Hi Battle of the Scarpe was part of the Battle of Arras 1917. Jonathon Nicholls " Cheerful Sacrifice" is the book. There are a couple of Battleground books describing actions. e.g. Monchy le Preux. There is another which covers the French battle at Chemin des Dames which preceded Arras and also covers Vimy. That is " The Spring Offensives 1917" by Yves Buffetaut. Arras in general has been neglected somewhat. Overshadowed by Messines and III Ypres later that year, ending in Passchendaele and the dreadful slaughter of the French armies at Chemin des Dames which led to the mutinies. If you post GGf's name and unit, you will find a lot of pals able to give much help.

[pier]

ok, thanks

he was Driver Herbert Hasler 55357 79th B Royal Field Artillery died 1 April 1917 remembered Maroeuil cemetery

i have had brilliant help so far, from the pals , i would like to read the story of what happened to him and his Bde

many thanks London girl

[tom compton]

hello .can i too recommend "cheeful sacrifice" a good book with some personal acconts from old soldiers .my granddad also died at arras in 1917 and the book helped me get a better understanding of the battle .you may be able to get the book at your local library .all the best. tom

[pier]

Hi Tom

thanks for reply i will get the book

take care

London girl

[truthergw]

Hi London Girl. Before you get the book. The Battle of Arras started on 9th April. So your GGF was killed in the run up to the battle. The artillery buffs will be able to give more details I hope. The Battles of Arras and Vimy were preceded by lengthy and intense artillery preparation. This started on 16th March and was carried on until the day of the infantry advance, 9th April. Of course this did not go unanswered. The couple of weeks preceding the infantry assault were an artillery duel with each side trying to dominate the other with what was known as counter battery fire. I do not recognise the place where your GGF is buried but his death may well have been a part of this artillery battle which preceded the infantry one.