Harold Dexter

Harold Dexter was in the territorial force- 1/7th battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). He went to France on 25 June 1915 and joined the 1/7 Battalion on 29th along with 102 other men. The battalion was based in tents near Poperinghe Belgium. When in the front line, they were in Sanctuary Wood. At some point Harold was re-numbered (70752) and posted to 1st Battalion. On 4th March 1917 the battalion attacked to take a ridge south of St Pierre Vaast Wood. The barrage opened up at 5.15 am but as the men left their trenches, the enemy replied. Sgt Kemp had nine of his platoon hit by one shell but despite this the men kept on going and took the enemy trench. The enemy were just getting out of their dugouts, therefore the assaulting battalions went straight on to Pallas Support trench and left the 'moppers up' to deal with Pallas Trench. In several places hand to hand fighting took place and enemy bombers (grenades) held the men up for a time. Some Germans hid in the deep dugouts but these were dealt with. During this time 'A' and 'B' companies were carrying ammunition and materials from the original front line to Pallas Front and Support trenches, crossing over No Mans Land continuously through enemy fire. By 6.16 am, all the objectives had been taken and held. During the day the enemy made four local counter attacks but failed each time. The attack had achieved all of its objectives and cleared the enemy from a ridge which they could see Aldershot Valley. Harold was one of 49 men killed during the day. He is buried in Aveluy Wood Cemetery (Lancashire Dump) Mesnil - Martinsart. It is likely that his remains were reinterred in this cemetery after the armistice. John Morse

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