Geddes Force

[Michael]

I'm off to the Salient in a couple of weeks and want to get a feel for where the Geddes Force went to hold the line in April 1915.

Am I correct in thinking that they were between Vancouver Corner and the canal ?

If anyone can post a section of a trench map I'd be most grateful.

Also does anyone know the EXACT location of where Geddes was hit by the shell on the 28th.

Michael

[jhill]

This contemporary sketch shows the initial position of Geddes' Detachment on 23 Apr 1915. On the last day, 28 Apr, they advaced up the Wieltje-St.Julien road.

The Report on Operations merely states that Col. Geddes was killed at his headquarters at 7.45 A.M., 28 Apr 1915 by the explosion of a 5.9 shell. I believe that his headquarters were still at St. Jean, but this is probably not "exact" enough for you.

However, I got this information at the Canadian War Diaries site at:

http://www.archives.ca/02/02015202_e.html

There is a lot of stuff there about 2nd Ypres including diaries, reports, and sketches from many British units. You may find what you need there.

[Michael]

Thanks James

I hadn't thought of looking for British war diaries in the Canadian archives, but the 85th Brigade for 2nd Ypres is there.

The sketch is just what I was after

Michael

[jimmyjames]

Michael

Attached, for interest, is a snap of Colonel Augustus David Geddes.

Hope the trip to the Salient goes well. Will you be visiting his grave in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery?

With kind regards

Jimmy