Current Information:

Born-Cambridgeshire

On 18th July, 1917, two companies of 1st East Surrey of 95 Brigade, 5th Division, undertook a raid against the enemy trench running along the south-west edge of Fresnoy Park which was part of the Vimy-Liévin line to the north of Arras. The other two companies remained in reserve trenches. The object of the raid was to obtain identification, to inflict as many casualties as possible on the enemy and destroy dug-outs and machine-gun emplacements. The raid was launched at 3.30am behind an artillery barrage and the raiders were soon in the German lines except on the right where they were held up by uncut wire and machine-guns. After half an hour the signal to withdraw was given and the raiding party, minus its casualties, withdrew to their own front line. Damage had been inflicted on the enemy but 1st East Surrey paid a price for this. Some men had pursued the retreating Germans too far into the park and had run into their own artillery barrage, whilst the uncut wire on the right accounted for more casualties. Four men were killed, twenty two were wounded and a further eighteen men were missing, all presumably killed. One of those who did not make it back was Stanley Chalk.