Second Hand With the 47th (London) Division at Cambrai and Afterwards

"With the 47th (London) Division at Cambrai and Afterwards." An anonymous, apparently unpublished carbon typescript account by a soldier of D Company, 1/15th London Regiment (Civil Service Rifles). The account comprises 14 pages, approximately 6,000 words, bound in plain maroon cloth.

The writer describes the German Spring Offensive of 20-21 March 1918 near Havrincourt Wood on the Cambrai front. As German attacks developed on both flanks, his battalion's position became isolated. He records the attempt to withdraw towards Fins, heavy shellfire, exhaustion, and the difficulty of bringing rations to men still holding the trenches.

The account describes a counter-attack by a mixed group of London troops led by Colonel Nealy of the London Irish. The writer recalls Nealy urging the men forward before being shot down. He then describes the dead and wounded in the trenches, the position being overrun, and his subsequent experiences as a prisoner of war.

A vivid first-hand account of the fighting and its aftermath from the perspective of a rank-and-file soldier.

Condition is good overall. The maroon cloth binding shows surface marks and rubbing, including more noticeable marks to the rear board. The photographed typescript pages show some age-toning and handling wear but remain legible. Please examine the accompanying photographs for condition and contents.