Tuesday 6 December 2016

25th November 1917 – ON THIS DAY IN RWF HISTORY


40th Division, with 19 RWF, at attack on Bourlon Wood, France, 1917
The failure to take Bourlon ridge during the tank battle of Cambrai meant its capture was given to 40th Division with 19 RWF, a ‘bantam’ battalion of men under 5' 3". The wood was cleared, and the ridge occupied with difficulty. The Germans counter-attacked from dawn on the 24th and the defenders were driven off in the afternoon. It was regained by an assortment of ad hoc units. When relieved on 26th/27th 19 RWF had suffered 370 casualties.

No comments:

Post a Comment