Service Number
40035
Rank
Private
Firstname
George Richard
Lastname
Finney
Battalion
7th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment
Notes

Medal Index Card British War Medal and Victory Medal with 7th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment – AVL Hull 1918 3rd Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment – Commemorated on Grammar School Roll of Honour – Commemorated in Holy Trinity Golden Book – Photo and write up – 7th Battalion History –

On 10th October 1918, the Brigade led the Division in its advance, the battalion being in support. Very little opposition was met in passing through Inchy, Beaumont and Audencourt, but soon enemy shell fire began to be troublesome. At about 8 am the battalion passed through the two leading battalions to attack the village of Neuvilly, but, on reaching the ridge overlooking Neuvilly and the valley of the Selle, came under heavy shell and machine gun fire from the high ground east of the village and were unable to advance further.
It was evident the enemy intended to make a stand along the river Selle, and battalions were therefore ordered to dig in and rest until a fresh attack behind an artillery barrage could be organised.
This attack commenced at 5 pm the battalion being allotted the north side of the village. Great difficulty was experienced in crossing the river which was considerably swollen. Captain O. Varley, M.C., commanding D company, together with Captain Craig, M.C., and the headquarters of C company succeeded in crossing the river about 600 yards north of Neuvilly partly by felled trees and partly by swimming and wading. After crossing the river, the troops came under heavy machine gun fire from the top of a high bank. They rushed this bank at the point of the bayonet and reached the railway line where 30 Germans were killed. Leaving some supporting troops at this stage, Capt. Varley attacked a trench about 200 yards east of the railway. Here they killed 50 or 60 of the enemy, and then consolidated posts in the trench. They captured also one officer and 39 others with seven machine guns. For his gallantry and good leadership Captain Varley was awarded the D.S.O.
At nightfall, it was considered this party was too exposed, as the rest of the Brigade and the adjoining Brigade had not advanced far, so they were withdrawn without loss about 9 pm.
Casualties, 3 officers wounded; Other ranks: 2 killed, 59 wounded and 4 missing, believed killed.

Age
19
Birthplace
Hull
Enlisted
Hull
Residence
Hull
How Died
Killed in Action
Memorial
NEUVILLY COMMUNAL Cemetery EXTENSION
Next of Kin
16 Lee Smith Street Hull , Son of William George and Elizabeth Finney, of 86, Mersey Street, Holderness Road , Hull.
Date Died
10-Oct-18