Pte. H.P. Chaplin
|
|
| First name(s): |
Harry |
| Rank: |
Private |
| Number: |
23999 |
| Regiment etc. |
9th Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry |
| Date Died: |
9th April 1917 |
| Cemetery/Memorial |
Cojeul British Cemetery
|
Harry Chaplin was killed in an attack on the formidable Hindenburg Line, just to the east of a village called St. Martin sur Cojeul, during the Battle of Arras.
The Hindenburg Line was a specially constructed defensive line, to which the Germans retreated after the battle of the Somme. The Line was characterised by extremely strong concrete fortifications with several wide belts of barbed wire in front.
The German trenches in front of the 9th KOYLI were protected by two huge belts of barbed wire.
The attack began at 3.54pm and the 9th KOYLIs advanced over 1,000 yards of open ground, before reaching the first belt of German wire. They managed to get through this, but could not penetrate the second belt and so ended up caught between the two.
The attack which cost Harry Chaplin his life, was unsuccessful and the 9th KOYLIs never even reached the German front line trench.