Military History

Herbert is listed as being killed in action on 27th March 1918 during an enemy attack in the Battlion's positions. The 2nd/4th Battalion war diary entry for the 27th March is transcribed below.

Near Hebuterne – 27 Mar 1918: The night 26/27^th passed quietly except for sniping. Patrols were sent out but no encounters took place. C Coy got into touch with the 4^th Australian Brigade on its right.

9am: Large masses of the enemy were observed deploying K.22 & 23. O.C Boy Coy reported enemy massing in Sunken Road in K.17 & 18. Bombs were applied for but none were available. The enemy attacked B & A Coys, working up old communication trenches. These attacks went on throughout the day, B Coy being twice driven back each time regaining their position. Whenever enemy showed himself in the open heavy casualties were inflicted on him, but when bombing up the C.T’s there were nothing to oppose him with.

4pm: About 4pm the position was shelled by 77mm guns and trench mortars.

5.15pm: Bombed by Aeroplanes. About 5.15pm a heavy attack drove A & B Coys from their positions.

5.35pm: D Coy, which had been moved forward was relieved to counter attack & rescue the situation but it was too late & a defensive line was formed in in K.12.a. One Coy of the 5^th K.O.Y.L.I was sent to support the Battalion. This and a second Coy of the same battalion sent up were employed to extend the line to the right where a gap existed.

10pm: Six tanks followed by a Coy of the 5^th K.O.Y.L.I attacked the wood & returned reporting it empty. Orders received to counter attack & regain original line. Two Coys 5^th K.O.Y.L.I & 2/4^th Y & L [York & Lancaster] placed at disposal for this operation which was to be carried out before dawn [on the 28^th].

Casualties during the day amounted to 2/Lt Drake killed; 2/Lt J. Rainford & 2/Lt wounded; Capt A.E. Pilley, 2/Lt’s Maggs & Spink missing. Casualties to other ranks estimated at 160.