Current Information:

Born-Brixton

Enlisted-Kingston-on-Thames

At the outbreak of war in 1914, the 2nd East Surrey battalion were in India but they soon returned home where they joined 85 Brigade of 28th Division. In late January, 1915, 28th Division arrived in France and being a regular division they were quickly put into the trenches which in the case of 85 Brigade meant water-logged positions south of Ypres near St. Eloi and Oosthoek. It was a far cry from the warmth of India and there were many cases of sickness and frostbite.

On 6th February, 1915, 2nd East Surrey moved to Kruisstrat where one company moved into nearby reserve trenches and the rest of the battalion in billets. Over the next two days they kept one company in the trenches while the others were involved in trench construction. They had to contend with a considerable amount of shell fire and there were some casualties for the battalion including John Moss who was killed on 8th February.