Bulcher-Yorck.
Ypres. Dickebusch. 1 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. 26-30 June 1918.
After their involvement during Operation Michael in March 1918 the 1 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry moved up to Ypres and spent April on tours in the support and front lines. At this time Operation Georgette was going on and the battalion were frequently in action. During the first weeks in June the battalion was taken out of the line and spent until 26 June in camps. At this time the main thrust of the Kaiser Offensive- Operation Bulcher-Yorck – was focused to the south, that Offensive too was drawing to a close.
On 26 June the 1 Bn KSLI went into the support lines at Dickebusch which the Regiment History describes as ‘an unpleasant spot due to dominating position of the enemy on Kemmel Hill (Ridge)’. They relieved French troops with Bn HQ at Micmac Farm. The War Diary describes the tour of duty as quiet despite aerial activity being more than usual, MGs very active at night firing on roads and trackways and shelling of the back areas with HE and gas. They were employed on working and carrying parties taking supplies up to the front lines. On 30 June, throughout the day and into the evening, activity increased with hostile artillery firing on Bn HQ and nearby roads, aircraft were again also very active. Casualties were 1 OR KIA (Private 27501 H Parkin CWGC) and 1 wounded – John Pritchard who died next day.
GOOGLE MAPS – Satellite view centres on Micmac Farm, Dickebusch.
Dickebusch. 1 Bn KSLI. 30 June 1918. (National Archives)
References and Sources War Diary 1Bn KSLI. Regimental History KSLI.
B&O 1918. KO. Bulcher-Yorck. Ypres. Kemmel Ridge. 1 Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. 30 June 1918.
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