No.24162, Private, Sidney Charles FLACK
Aged 24
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Sidney Charles Flack was born in Rede (1st qtr 1894 Thingoe 4a:776) son of Aaron and Frances FLACK (née POTTER)
1901 census...Aged 7, he was at The Croft, Rede with his father Aaron FLACK [62] farm labourer; his mother Frances [48] born Risby; brother Thomas [13] farm labourer; sister Lily [10] and his niece Daisy [5]. All except his mother were born in Rede. 1911 census...Aged 17, a farm labourer, he was at The Croft, Rede with his parents and brother Thomas (horseman on farm). His mother had lost one of her 6 children. On the pension card his mother was at The Croft, Rede. His brother Thomas was killed in 1917 see here |
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He enlisted in Brockley.
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.
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
