Good evening I am new to the dug out and wondered if anyone could help.
My great grandmothers brother was killed on the 12th October 1917 at Passchendaele. Age 32. He was a private in the Prince of Wales Own [West Yorkshire] Regiment 11th Service Battalion.
According to what I have read the 11th Battalion was pulled back in preparation for Italy and didn’t take part in Passchendaele. My Great Great Uncle was called Claude Reginald Peter Taylor service number 41220. His body was never found and he has no marked grave but is remembered with honour on a panel on the Tyne cot memorial
Can anyone give an explanation as to why he would not have fallen back with the rest of his battalion.
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.
Hello crpt1917 and welcome to the Dugout.
The war diary of the battalion can be downloaded free of charge from the National Archives. Its reference number is WO95/2184.
You will probably know that the battalion was part of 23rd Division, which did soon proceed to Italy but on 12 October 1917 the orders that would lead to that had not yet been issued.
The diary shows that the battalion moved up to a front line position on 12 October but is a bit vague on what happened on the day. It was not called upon to go into an attack, but held a position while others did so. The diaries of 69th Infantry Brigade and 23rd Division General Staff have much more detail.
This may help a little. It is from the published history of 23rd Division.
I hope that this helps.
Chris
Thank you so much for your speedy response and the information contained in your email.
I have downloaded the war diaries from the National Archives which will be a great help.
You’re a genius and a font of great knowledge. Your help is very much appreciated.
Kindest Regards
Peter Burke
