1917
In 1917, the 19th battalion was involved in the follow-up of German forces after their retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and was one of four battalions to defeat a counter-stroke by a German force, almost five times as strong, at Lagincourt.
The Battalion took part in three major battles before the year was out: second Bullecourt (3-4 May) in France, Menin Road (20-22 September) and Poelcappelle (9-10 October) in Belgium.
In February Bill is promoted to Sergeant after acting in that role for a month. He has a close call in the front line. Then he goes on an NCO training course and in April heads off to Emanual College at Cambridge for Officer Training. He is away for four months before returning to his battalion in August. There is a lot of action and he writes less frequently. His close friend, who was at officer school with him, is killed in action in October.
The Battalion took part in three major battles before the year was out: second Bullecourt (3-4 May) in France, Menin Road (20-22 September) and Poelcappelle (9-10 October) in Belgium.
In February Bill is promoted to Sergeant after acting in that role for a month. He has a close call in the front line. Then he goes on an NCO training course and in April heads off to Emanual College at Cambridge for Officer Training. He is away for four months before returning to his battalion in August. There is a lot of action and he writes less frequently. His close friend, who was at officer school with him, is killed in action in October.