2 September 1918

The battalion is in action to the north of Arras

The Bn assembled east of the SENSEE river and REMY by 4 am and for this attack was attached to the 11th Bde (who supported the 12th Bde) the 4th Canadian Division being on the right of the 4th British Division, Warwicks & Dukes being in Divisional reserve. At 5 am the barrage opened and the attack started. At 5.30 am the Bn moved forward; enemy barrage was almost ineffective. The advance went straight on to the 1st objective and a great many prisoners were taken. The DURY ridge and DURY were captured an hour before the advance to the second objective was due to start. At this point, the 11sth Bde went through the 12th Bde, Somersets, Hants and Rifgle Brigade, being in front and the Battn in support to assist any of them as necessary. After advancing to the last trench of the DROCOVA-QUEANT system, enemy artillery fire became very active and held up the advance. D coy were sent to assist the Somersets on the left flank to clean up any guns; during this operation Capt Mackintosh Walker was again wounded seriously and also 2/Lt Cochrane. D coy being left without officers at tall. C Coy pushed forward to assist the Rifle Brigade but the advance was checked for the time being. During the remainder of the day, no further change took place. C Coy being in front with Rifle Bde. A coy and B coy in close support, D coy with Somersets. The latter rejoined the battn in the evening. Shelling on the line was very heavy but casualties were for us very light on the whole. Units were reorganising and sorted out and the whole situation cleared up with a review to resuming the attack at dawn. The battn received no water and rations during the night but stood the strain in every way admirably.

Lewis casualty
Corporal JOHN MACRITCHIE
Son of James and Catherine McRitchie, of 28, Lionel Ness, Stornoway.
Last address in Lewis: 28 Lionel
Military unit: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/8462
Date of death: 2 September 1918 at the age of 24
Killed in action in France
Interred: Dury Crucifix Cemetery, grave II. K. 43
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross