Current Information:

Born-Greenwich

At the outbreak of war in 1914, the 2nd East Kent (Buffs) 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.

During the evening of 10th February, 1915, the 2nd East Kent (Buffs) moved into the trenches at Ferme Chapelle where the water was knee deep and all they could do was to try to improve the conditions, not an easy task with the enemy’s trenches close by and the parapet disintegrating. The battalion was relieved on 13th February, too late for John Fiddler who was killed on 11th February.