Tactical Message
This scrap of paper was found amongst Frederick's memorabilia. It has a note written on it in Frederick's handwriting which says during retreat 1918. This means it was written between 21 March to 5 April 1918 and most probably on 27th March. At this time Frederick was with the 11th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment (Accrington Pals). They were deployed at Ayette in the centre and to the right flank of the line attack by the 16th Bavarian Regiment. They withstood the onslaught and held the line. One of the East Lancs officers, Lt Horsfall received the Victoria Cross during the action for his bravery.
A fuller account is given at http://www.pals.org.uk/ayette.htm
The content of the message is difficult to read, but may say something like this:
____________________________________
Batt(alion) is going to hold
line B L E U F A R M (?) - F 21 pinned
in on right X Y Z . Move
in conjunction with troops
on flanks.
C U Binley (?)
____________________________________
F 21 refers to the Map Square F, Area 21 and is clearly visible on the tactical maps. BLEU FARM is a puzzle. No identifiable map location or reference for this has been found. The message may have been sent from HQ down to the officers commanding in the trenches, which may be how Frederick came by the note.
Any comments would be welcome.
Front
CREATOR
John Hodges
DATE
1918-03-27
LANGUAGE
eng
ITEMS
1
INSTITUTION
Europeana 1914-1918
PROGRESS
METADATA
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