As an example of what can be found at the PRO in Kew, I am including an extract from someone who contacted me, who had already found an ancestor in the Buffs. She has also included a transcript of part of the unit diary for the period that he was killed. She said that "Of course being a private he was only listed as "OR" or "other ranks"!!". (This is very true and you are far luckier with the more complete records for officers).
She also said "If you put this on your webpage, it may encourage others to look at the unit diaries for the time their ancestors were killed."
I am also hoping that this will serve to get a few people to investigate further, rather than adding just a simple date to their records. Family History rules!
I have also included a relevant sketch map from the Regimental History to help explain the record.
Box 1, Part 8
1st Battalion Buffs (East Kent Regt.)
HOLLOWAY George Albert
b. Winkfield, Berks.
e. Maidenhead, Berks (Haywood Park, Maidenhead, Berks)
G/12743, Pte
k.in a. F.& F., 15/4/17
formerly G/24397, 9th Battn., Royal Berkshire Regiment.
From: Public Record Office Document WO95/1608
War Diary of 6th Division, East Kents
PLACE: TRENCHES, LOOS
12/4/17
5 O.R wounded. At this period the Army on our right were making good progress & from 6th to 12th the nervousness of the enemy opposite to us became more apparent each night. On two occasions hostile patrols attempted to enter the front line held by B Coy, & the increased activity of hostile snipers & M.G's showed that the enemy were very alert.
12/4/17
During the night of 12th/13th numerous small explosions & fires were observed in the enemy lines between THE DOUBLE CRASSIER and LOOS CRASSIER. These continued throughout the morning of the 13th. Sketch Map
13/4/17
This pointed to a possible withdrawal on the part of the enemy & other indications were not lacking. By this time the 24th DIV S of DOUBLE CRASSIER had made good progress and at 4pm the 2nd York & Lancs on our right advanced and found the enemy front line system unoccupied. B. Coy at once conformed with the advance & occupied the enemy front line S of LOOS CRASSIER. They also pushed out patrols who found the support line unoccuped. In conjunction with 2nd Y & L, B. Coy continued to advance during the evening, the enemy rear guard (chiefly MG) offering a stubborn resistance.
14/4/17
During the night a line was established running S from HARTS CRATER (M 6c 90 90) & this line was held under heavy artillery fire during the 14th. During the night of 14th/15th strong patrols were pushed out. These patrols met with no opposition. W of LOOS CRASSIER RY (M6b 50 30 to M6a 70 80).
15/4/17
4.30am In conjunction with 2nd Y & L, B.Coy again attacked & gained the LOOS CRASSIER RY. With the assistance of A. Coy this line was held and consolidated in spite of 2 vigorous counter attacks.
2.30pm
"A" & "B" Coys made a further advance during the afternoon & gained the SUNKEN ROAD (from M6b 75 35 to M6b 95 20 with the exception of one point at M 6b 80 45). During this advance C Coy assisted by attacking with small parties across NO MAN'S LAND. Unfortunately our casualties were heavy & the Battn. lost many good officers. Among the killed were CAPT. A.K.HARVEY JAMES, CAPT.T.A.BROWN, 2nd Lt W.B.GRIFFITH, 10 OR killed, 1 OR Died of Wounds, 65 OR Wounded.
16/4/17
"A" & "B" Coys were relieved during the early morning & went back to "B Keep" (LOOS CRASSIER) in Support. "C" Coy were relieved during the evening by the KSLI & went back into Cellars at about G 36d 50 35.
Officers
Non-Commissioned Officers
All Drummers + Privates A-D
Privates E-H
Privates I-N
Privates O-R
Privates S-Z
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