1914-15 trio, 2nd battalion West Yorks regiment, died of wounds 13th March 1918.

1914-15 trio, 2nd battalion West Yorks regiment, died of wounds 13th March 1918. 1914-15 Star, 13070 Pte H. Whitehead, W. York.R.; British War and Victory Medals, 13070 Pte H. Whitehead W. York.R. Herbert Whitehead was from Whitehall Road, Leeds. His MIC confirms he landed in France on the 13th July 1915., Medal rolls show he served in both the 2nd and 10th battalions West Yorks regiment. Died of Wounds at aField Hospital on the 13th March 1918, whilst serving the the 2nd battalion West Yorks regiment. He is buried at Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres. Pension cards, medal rolls etc are available on Ancestry Condition – GVF During the opening months of 1918, up to 13th March, the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Own) served on the Somme sector under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel J. L. Jack. Operating as part of the 23rd Infantry Brigade in the 8th Division, the battalion held front-line and support positions near Rancourt and Priez Farm. This period was defined by harsh winter trench holding rather than large-scale offensive operations. The troops endured severe freezing conditions, waterlogged trenches, flooded dugouts, and persistent German shellfire. Exposure and physical exhaustion posed constant hazards, requiring continuous fatigue duties to drain mud, repair collapsed parapets, and string barbed wire. In February 1918, as the British Expeditionary Force reorganized its infantry brigades from four battalions down to three, the 2nd West Yorkshires were retained within the 23rd Brigade. Through early March, the battalion rotated between front-line duty, support at Priez Farm, and tactical training in reserve. Their main objective during these weeks was reinforcing defensive zones, digging deep battle posts, and heightening readiness for the expected German Spring Offensive, which launched shortly after on 21st March. NOTE: Sorry we cannot accept payment by PayPal for this item, We can accept payment by Credit / Debit Card, Bank Transfer or Cheque.