Military History

Ernest is listed as being killed in action on 4th November 1918 during the attack on the German held Landrecies. The 1st/5th Battalion war diary entry for the 4th November 1918 is transcribed below.

Landrecies - 4 Nov 1918: 75^th Brigade attacked at 06.15 hours, the objective being the town of Landrecies. Dispositions [of Brigade] - 1/5^th Gloucesters on the right, 1/8^th Warwicks on the left and 1/8^th Worcesters in reserve.

Disposition of Battalion A Coy (right front) C Coy (left front) D Coy Moppers up & B Coy in reserve.

Objective was to reach the bank of the Sambre Canal and if possible to bridge and cross it. The attack started in a thick mist which at first caused a little confusion owing to the close country and A Coy became somewhat split up, but B Coy moved up to the front line and the attack progressed successfully right to the Canal Bank, where a few of B Coy crossed.

The Worcesters then came through us, crossed the Canal and advanced through Landrecies followed by the Battalion, who after successfully crossing formed a defensive flank facing south. The Battalion in this operation captured about 350 prisoners, 3 anti tank guns, 1 Field gun, 1 Motor Ambulance, 1 Horse Ambulance complete and numerous machine guns.

Our casualties were: Capt Well? & 2/Lt Scrobbie killed; Capt Hawkins; Lt Gilshenan & 2/Lts Powell and Jackson wounded.

12 Other Ranks killed and 49 wounded.

In this operation we were protecting the flank of the 74^th Brigade who had passed through us early in the evening. The 32^nd Division were on our right. Between 20.00 & 22.30 hours three enemy patrols were seen to be approaching A Coy’s posts, these were at once dealt with in a satisfactory manner and as a result the enemy lost 4 prisoners and 4 M.G’s captured.