Attested 10 December 1915 – Mobilized 17 May 1918 – Posted 3rd Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment 15 May 1918 at Withernsea East Yorkshire – Medal Index Card British War Medal and Victory Medal with 7th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment – Documents Available – Effects to Father George for self – Commemorated East Yorkshire Regiment War Memorial Beverley Minster East Yorkshire – Commemorated on War Memorial St Michael and All Angels Churchyard Church Street Houghton Le Spring Sunderland Tyne And Wear- Cousin of 39457 William Oxenham
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 p.m. 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this party was too exposed, as the rest of the Brigade and the adjoining Brigade had not advanced far, so they were withdrawn without loss about 9 p.m.