Military History

Frederick is listed as being killed in action on 24th October 1918. The 2nd/8th Battalion war diary entries for the period 22nd to 25th October are transcribed below.

Rieux - 22.10.18: Wet day. 2 OR to base. Cpl Little to England for commission.

Rieux - 23.10.18 - 11.40: The Battn moved by march route to Montrecourt Wood. Rear details, AM Stores and transport to St. Aubert

20.30: The Battn crossed the Selle River and took up a position in P.34 SE of Saulzoir.

Trench strength 21 Officers and 544 Other Ranks. 11 OR rejoined from XI Corps Land Drainage Coy.

Verchain - 24.10.18 – 10.00: B & C Coys moved to German practice trenches in P.24c

14.30: The Battn moved to the front of the 4^th Division passing through Verchain to P.12.a and Q.1.d. At 16.45 in conjunction with Duke of Wellingtons, B & C Coys attacked from Muir Copse to Ecaillon River. The advance was covered by a barrage but hostile M.G fire very heavy.

Rapid progress was made and village of Sommaing cleared. Patrols later found Vendegies evacuated by the enemy. BN HQ in sand pit at P.12.d.65.95.

Casualties: Lt. Thomas and 3 OR killed. 14 OR wounded & 2 OR gassed.

Vendegies – 25.10.18: C, A & B Coys occupied high ground from NE corner of Muir Copse to sunken road about Q.2.d.5.5. No opposition. D Coy moved up and occupied position vacated by C Coy about Q.8.c.

Bn HQ moved to White House, No 20 Rue de Sommaing, Vendegies. A/Capt Berry joined.