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Born-London

Neuville-Bourjonval British Cemetery, France

When the Germans retired to the Hindenburg Line in January 1917, the British moved their line up as well and during the next few months, before the major offensive around Arras in early April, they launched a number of local attacks to probe the German defences and search for any weaknesses, or to improve their own position. One such operation took place on 4th April, 1917 when 59 Brigade of 20th Division attacked and took Metz-en-Couture. The attack took place in the afternoon and was accompanied by a snow storm. There were two objectives. First the capture of the village of Metz-en-Couture and second the occupation of a German trench just inside Havrincourt Wood. On the right the attack made good progress but machine gun fire from Havrincourt Wood held up those on the left. A fresh artillery barrage was called for but this proved as useless as the first with the shells falling consistently 200 yards short. On the front attacked by 11th Rifle Brigade, “B” Company on the right brought pressure to bear on the German machine gun and eventually forced it to withdraw. This allowed “A” Company on the left to move forward again and by nightfall all the objectives had been taken. However, 59 Brigade had paid a heavy price with nearly 400 casualties, 96 of whom had been killed. One of these was Albert Cooper.