Mine craters east of souchez france

**Peter sharpe** · 08-03-2016, 09:41

Can anyone help me find out where my great uncle Thomas Breedon Sharpe died. I know that be died in a mine crater east of souchez france on the 18.05.1916 but was hoping that there is some information about exactly where it was. He doesn't seem to be mentioned in the war diary at all but maybe one of you guys know something about it. His service no was 8065. 1/4battalion rwf and I am quite sure he was in B company. Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks, Peter

**Baconwallah** · 08-03-2016, 18:20

At 14 Meg I can't email the trench map to you, Peter, so I have put it in a cloud folder. Link valid until tomorrow evening or until you acknowledge receipt (whichever is earlier).

Download here https://copy.com/eeWKtGTnnz8Oa2Kd

You'll see the three large craters E of Souches. This is the 1916 situation (there were more than three in 1918)

John

**Peter sharpe** · 09-03-2016, 22:47

Thanks for the map John, very much appreciated.I think that he died in the group of craters which includes New Cut and Irish directly east of souchez as that was were the battalion was working at the time according to battalion war diaries. But trying to get some concrete proof of which crater it was is proving difficult to say the least.
If you have anymore pointers please drop me a line.
Again many thanks, Peter

**Baconwallah** · 09-03-2016, 23:28

Do you have his service record? I have added it to the cloud folder. Same link.

John

**Peter sharpe** · 10-03-2016, 14:15

Thanks again John great stuff. I've noticed in his Attestation that he was a volunteer in the 1st VB RWF for 4 years before joining up for the war. Would his records still exist within the Regiment? If they do how can I get to see them. Many thanks Peter

**Baconwallah** · 10-03-2016, 15:33

The only service records available (through the NA) are those I found for you. There may have been a record of his prior service, but it was very likely destroiyed in the Blitz.

The old 1st Vol Bn RWF became the 4th Bn RWF (TF) on 01/04/1908.

John

**Peter sharpe** · 10-03-2016, 16:58

I thought as much John, still never mind a lot more information on him has survived than I thought possible and thanks to you and others I've got a lot to get on with. I'm off to souchez on May 18th to visit his gravestone in Cabaret Rouge and now think I know Thomas a better. Thanks again, Peter