SHORE, Arthur


No.40893, Private, Arthur SHORE
Aged 21


2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
formerly No.4351, Suffolk Regiment
Killed in Action on Friday, 28th March 1918


Arthur Shore was born in Linton (Linton Q4-1896 3B:502), son of Walter and Mary Ann SHORE (née CHAPMAN).

1901 census...Aged 4, he was at Rivey Hill, Linton with his father Walter SHORE [41] gamekeeper; his mother Mary A [40] born Fen Drayton; brothers Harry [10], George [8] and William [7]; sister Ethel [5]. All except his mother were born in Linton.

1911 census...Aged 14, he was at Horseheath Lodge with his parents (mother now recorded as born in Linton); brothers Harry Herbert (gamekeeper), George (domestic gardener) and William (assistant gamekeeper) and sister Ethel



The family later moved to The Hall, Six Mile Bottom.

His elder brother George was killed in action serving in France in 1916 with the Royal Sussex Regiment see here




He enlisted in Linton
Just before the Kaiserschlacht, the German Spring offensive, the British Army was weakened so far as to reduce divisions from 13 to 10 brigades and brigades from 4 battalions ( 2 in and 2 out of the line) to three, 2 in and one out, hence 2 tours in the line and only one out. Added to which the Germans were able, since the Russian Revolution, to move many battle hardened troops from the Eastern to the Western Front. The German offensive began on 21st March.

On the 28th the 2nd Suffolks were in the front line overlooking Wancourt. At 3 am a violent bombardment was opened on them, continuing until 6:45. The 15th Division on the left were seen retreating, followed by the Germans, which left the Suffolks left flank open and by 11 am the Germans had penetrated their line. Two German batteries then came up and knocked out the Suffolks machine guns. The situation deteriorated still further and at 4 pm the order was given to withdraw to a line just north of Neuville Vitasse (which was occupied by the Germans). They were eventually relieved by the Canadians on the 30th.

The 2nd Suffolks had 67 killed on 28 March 1918, only 12 have identified graves.



photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission



Arthur Shore is commemorated on the Arras memorial, Faubourg d'Amiens, bay 4
and on the memorial at Little Wilbraham (the Six Mile Bottom connection)

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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