Current Information:

Age-28

117, St James's Road, Upper Tooting

On 25th January, 1915, the Germans launched a strong attack, the First Action of Givenchy, against 1 Brigade of 1st Division, both north and south of the La Bassée canal during which they penetrated Givenchy and were only stopped at the keeps or strongholds behind the support line. At 7.30am the 14th London battalion, who were in billets at Cambrin, were sent forward to support the 1st Coldstream and 1st Scots Guards who had been driven from their trenches. They made contact with the remnants of the Scots Guards in positions around Cuinchy church and set up machine-gun and sniper posts in nearby houses. At 5pm a company from 14th London was sent to assist the 1st Black Watch in a counter attack which, although not recapturing any of the lost trenches, prevented the enemy from making any further gains. Casualties were high on both sides and and included George Aitchison of 14th London.