Current Information:

Age-35

8, Settles Court, Settles Street, Whitechapel

Peronne Communal Cemetery, France

During February and March, 1917, the Germans made a strategic withdrawal to a new and very strong line running from Arras to Soissons. By doing this they eliminated two large salients and greatly reduced the number of troops needed to man the new defences. As they pulled back to the Hindenburg Line (Siegfriedstellung) they adopted a ‘scorched earth’ policy, systematically destroying everything in their path so as to leave nothing behind that would assist the enemy. Railways and roads were dug up, wells poisoned and even trees chopped down. Mines and booby traps were set to further hinder the British and French troops who followed up behind them until they reached the new formidable defences where one again trench warfare was established.

Richard Phillips died from wounds on 11th April, 1917 but as yet there is no information as to where and on what date he was wounded. The 2/4th Leicestershire battalion was part of 177 Brigade,  59th Division that arrived in France in February, 1917 and moved to the Somme sector of the Western Front to take part in the pursuit of the enemy to the Hindenburg Line.