4 replies to this topic

[Simon J]

Hello all,

In debate with a colleague over casualty figures and the British official history. In the case 32nd Division Edmonds records total casualties of 2,826 for the period 21 March to 5 April 1918. Of these 2,545 were wounded. My colleague, with access to battalion, brigade and division war diaries, contends there is no mention of any action apart from the 'Capture of Ayette' which produced very few casualties; indeed such casualties are not recorded. Other possibilities would seem to be the 97th Brigade being hit hard (maybe gas?) when attached to 31st Division on 28 March? Does anyone have an facts on if, where and how these very high casualties were incurred?

Cheers,
Simon

[sotonmate]

Simon

The LLT also gives 32 Division at the Battle of the Ancre on 5 April 1918. See this page for the notes on heavy losses there:
http://www.1914-1918.net/bat22.htm

Sotonmate

[Simon J]

sotonmate, on 17 March 2012 - 04:56 PM, said:

Simon

The LLT also gives 32 Division at the Battle of the Ancre on 5 April 1918. See this page for the notes on heavy losses there:
http://www.1914-1918.net/bat22.htm

Sotonmate

Hi soton, thanks for the reply. Yes, the official ORBAT lists 32nd Division engaged on the Ancre but, as I said, the diaries seem to have missed this fact. The (British) losses quoted on Chris's page relate to gross casualties compiled by Edmonds for the period 21 March to 5 April, not the Battle of the Ancre (5 April).

Cheers,
Simon

[Simon J]

Simon J, on 17 March 2012 - 05:11 PM, said:

Hi soton, thanks for the reply. Yes, the official ORBAT lists 32nd Division engaged on the Ancre but, as I said, the diaries seem to have missed this fact. The (British) losses quoted on Chris's page relate to gross casualties compiled by Edmonds for the period 21 March to 5 April, not the Battle of the Ancre (5 April).

Cheers,
Simon

Meant to bump this yestarday and forgot. Any ideas?

Cheers,
Simon

[Simon J]

Simon J, on 10 April 2012 - 01:47 AM, said:

Meant to bump this yestarday and forgot. Any ideas?

Cheers,
Simon

One last try. This is going to remain in RAM until solved. I have now seen other reports quoting casualties but nothing recording how such grievous losses were incurred.
I bet gas, but need evidence.

Cheers,
Simon