BOMBARDIER 785994 GEORGE ERNEST BUCKNALL, 'D' BATTERY, 312 BRIGADE, ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY.

BOMBARDIER 785994 GEORGE ERNEST BUCKNALL, 'D' BATTERY, 312 BRIGADE, ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY. KILLED IN ACTION 26th MAY 1917.

The 312th Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery had been in France since January 1917 and had been in almost constant action during the spring offensive around the city of Arras. A territorial unit, it was comprised almost entirely of men from the West Riding of Yorkshire and included a number of men from Ilkley. 

Brigades of the Royal Field Artillery were normally positioned some distance behind the front line and were responsible firing on the German lines usually under the direct control of observers located in the trenches. Of the four batteries that made up a brigade one, usually the 'D' battery, was equipped with howitzers which fired shell at a high trajectory and were used undirected to disrupt enemy positions behind the front line. With 5 or 6 guns to a battery each gun would be located in its own 'pit' which provided some protection against enemy gunfire. They would also employ camouflage netting above which offered some protection from being observed by German planes. The great danger for an artillery battery was for its position to be discovered for this would bring down the full weight of the enemy's artillery.

On the 26th May 1917 the 312th Brigade were dug in near to the village of Ecoust-st-Mein, south-east of Arras. The spring offensive had continued unabated into May and the Brigade continued to provide support for attacking infantry units. George Bucknall was with his howitzer as it bombarded the enemy lines when a spark ignited the camouflage netting above one of the guns. Realising the danger, several men rushed into the gun pit and used shovels to spread earth on the flames before they engulfed the howitzer. Despite their efforts, however, the flames reached ammunition stacked nearby and the resultant explosion killed thirteen men and wounded many more. Twenty one year old George Bucknall was one of those killed instantly by the violent explosion.

George Bucknell was born in Ilkley in 1896 the son of George and Annie who lived in Leamington Road. His father worked as a waiter in several of the town's bars and hotels and eventually moved to 20 Trafalgar Road. George was probably educated at the local National School and before the war worked as an assistant in the grocery department of the Co-op which was then on Leeds Road. In early 1916 he would have attended the recruiting office in nearby Otley to enlist in the 312th Brigade.

In a letter to George's parents Lieutenant Harold Sharpe wrote that their son had died as a result of an explosion and fire caused by a German artillery shell. This was clearly untrue and one can only speculate that this was to spare the parents feelings that their son had died as the result of an accident. George and his dead comrades were buried together in a grave dug near to where they had perished, but after the war they were moved to the H A C British Extension Cemetery where today they lie side by side. Bombardier George Ernest Bucknall is remembered on our war memorial in Ilkley.

Photo courtesy Carrie Pike Great War Forum

Letter written by Lieut. Harold Sharpe to George's parents. On behalf of the major and all the officers I write to express our deepest sympathy in this grievous loss that you have suffered. Your son was a favourite with us all. He was one of our brightest and best and had been in my section for over a year; being one of our most promising non-commissioned officers. We all feel his loss most keenly. He was such a good boy and I can realise what a loss you must have suffered.

 I hope it may be a consolation to you in your grief to know that he died heroically doing his duty.

A fire occurred in the gun pit caused by a German shell and thirteen others were trying to put it out when the ammunition exploded and all were killed or wounded. They all lie buried in a little valley. I am not allowed to tell you where. I can assure you that your son did not suffer. He was killed instantly.