Current Information:

Born-Limehouse

Battle of St Julien, 24 April – 4 May 1915

Spurred on by the success of their gas attack on 22nd April, the Germans struck again two days later on the northern sector of the Ypres salient at St. Julien.  Once more chlorine gas was used and despite a resolute defence the British and Canadians were pushed back and St Julien was lost. For nearly 2 weeks the fighting continued on this front. The Germans persisted with their attacks, the British fought desperate rear guard actions and launched many counter attacks but gradually they were pushed further and further back. Eventually, during the night of 3rd & 4th May the British forces were withdrawn from their forward positions and took up a new defensive line closer to Ypres.

On 2nd May, 2nd Gloucestershire, 81 Brigade, 27th Division were among the units holding the line forward from Sanctuary Wood in the Ypres salient. The Germans were concentrating their artillery on 4th Division and battalion diary records this as being a quiet day for 2nd Gloucestershire. Not quiet enough however for Lance Corporal Berry who was probably a victim of shell fire.