Military History

Cyril is listed as being killed in action on 26th August 1918 during a raid on enemy lines. The 7th Battalion war diary for the period 25th to 27th October 1916 is transcribed below courtesy of The Wardrobe website.

Ravine des Senelle - 25 Oct 1916: Patrol at 0430hrs towards Mamelon reported digging, wiring and the sound of talking. Enemy artillery active between 1045 and 1230hrs on Ravine des Senelle sector and hill S of Battn HQ and also W ravine. Artillery also active between 1500 and 1630hrs in particular on hill S of Battn HQ. Our artillery active during the afternoon. Hill S of Battn HQ again shelled at intervals between 2200 and 2400hrs. Patrols report working parties in Ravine des Jumeaux and on Ravine des Senelle. Remarks. 2 OR to hospital sick.

Ravine des Senelle - 26 Oct 1916: A raid was carried out on the Mamelon about 450yds NE of Doldzeli at 1845hrs. Our artillery shelled the Mamelon and trenches E and W at intervals during the day. The raiding party consisted of 100 men of A Coy with two flanking parties of 2 Lewis guns and 20 men each from C and B Coys - the former at the NE corner of Doldzeli and the latter on the hill N of V trench over looking the Mamelon. The raid was unsuccessful owing to the wire not being damaged by the artillery but it was discovered that the enemy had evacuated his original trench just N of the crest of the Mamelon and retired and dug a new trench with strong wire 100yds further back. Our assault came as a complete surprise to the enemy and the whole affair was very well carried out.

After trying for 10 minutes to penetrate the enemy's wire the raiding party returned in good order to our trenches. The flanking parties were of great assistance for not only did they keep down the enemy's fire but they also drew fire off the raiding party. The enemy heavily shelled the sector during the raid especially the left flanking party and C4-W trench. Our artillery was very effective except as regards the wire cutting. Casualties 3 killed, 17 wounded, 1 missing, 1 OR 78th MG Coy (attached) wounded. Remarks. 1 OR rejoined from 26th IBD, 2 OR to hospital sick.

Ravine des Senelle - 26 Oct 1916: L/Sgt Barrett with a search party at 1630hrs went over the crest of the Mamelon in the mist and from original enemy trench corroborated statements of raiding party concerning enemy new trench and wire. Enemy working party was heard at 1100hrs on N side of Mamelon and shelled. 2Lt T.A. Hall and 5 OR attached to 78th Trench Mortar Battery. Remarks. 5 OR rejoined from 26th IBD, 7 OR to hospital sick.