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On 9th April, Operation Georgette, the second major German offensive of the Spring of 1918, was launched along a seventeen mile front running from La Bassée to Houplines, just north of Armentières, and resulted in a wide break through of the British defences near Laventie after the line held there was breached.

On the following day, 10th April, the German attack was extended further north to include the sector held by 25th Division where 1st Wiltshire of 7 Brigade were in trenches in front of Ploegsteert Wood. Before dawn on 10th April there was a very heavy artillery bombardment of their positions followed by an infantry assault which penetrated the line either side of them, and cut off their forward company.  After one hour the battalion withdrew to the wood where they held on for the rest of the day. The heavy fighting continued the next day and 1st Wiltshire, along with the rest of 7 Brigade were forced back again when the Germans renewed their attack and captured Ploegsteert Wood. On 12th April they were holding a position near Neuve Eglise and coming under heavy fire and as a consequence were withdrawn that evening to Crucifix Corner between Neuve Eglise and Ravelsberg. On 13th April, despite having suffered many casualties, they were called on to take part in a counter-attack which successfully drove the enemy back in places. By now 1st Wiltshire  had been reduced to three officers and around one hundred men and they were relieved from the line. Among those who did not survive this encounter with the enemy was George Partidge who was killed on 12th April.