SIR - January 1918 saw a change in the manning in the British Army, the Bradford Territorial battalion (2/6 West Yorks) was disbanded and the men distributed between the 2/5 West Yorks (Harrogate Territorials) and 2/7 West Yorks (Leeds Territorials).
These men were called on to hold the line at Bucquoy when the German Spring Offensive of March 1918 brought the fighting to the Arras sector (Pas-de-Calais) where the Yorkshire troops had been involved in intensive training (musketry skills, bombing and Lewis guns).
The Offensive had begun with a German attack over open country on March 21. By March 26 these Yorkshire Territorials were dug in on the edge of the village along a north-south road with hedges. This defence was part of the 185 Brigade of 62nd (Northern) Division being deployed to prevent a German breakthrough.
The Yorkshire men were well supplied with machine guns and were able to hold off the attacks which began at 0530 and continued until nightfall, each time preceded by an artillery barrage. Fighting continued for five days with the Yorkshire battalions rotating between front line and reserve positions with rest. After this fierce fighting, life became a mixture of patrolling, rest and training.
Peter J Palmer, Buttermere Road, Bradford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here