Military History

Fred is listed as being killed in action on 16th July 1917. The 9th Battalion war diary entries for the period 15th to 17th July are transcribed below.

Right Sub-Sector, Onraet Wood – 15 Jul 1917: C Coy relieved the Coy of the 9^th Welch. The Bn now held the line with three Coys in front and one in reserve. The enemies artillery was very active, shelling the front areas and then communications.

The delivery of rations was delayed but never for long. A carrying party of 100 men, supplied to the Bn by the 9^th Worcester’s for carrying stores etc. This party suffered 18 casualties during the night [15/16^th].

Right Sub-Sector, Onraet Wood – 16 Jul 1917: Coys worked on improving the trench line, efforts being directed towards linking up the advanced posts and duck boarding the occupied positions.

1 O.R. reinforcement arrived.

Right Sub-Sector, Onraet Wood – 17 Jul 1917: C Coy was detailed to attack and consolidate Junction Buildings at O.17. The orders and arrangements are shown in App VII & VIIIa. The operation was well carried out and very successful. Casualties during the attack were 2 or 3 only, in spite of the enemy barrage, which was put down on near of our front trench.

Four unwounded and one wounded prisoners of the 31^st R.I.R [Reserve Infantry Regiment] were taken.