9th Essex gallant advance on Morlancourt 1918
On 22 August 1918 the 9th Essex went over the top at 4.40am from trenches near Morlancourt.
The advance was a success with the first and second objectives taken despite heavy machine gin fire and sniping.
Six officers and 120 other ranks were killed in this advance.
The officers were Captain M B Robertson MC, Lt A M Bailey, 2nd Lt Robert Nellyn, 2nd Lt S Handley, 2nd Lt J A Bennett, 2nd Lt C E Songhurst and 2nd Lt H R Foxton.
Another soldier killed that day was Sergeant Wright whose conduct that day was described as gallant.
2nd Lt Charles Edward Songhurst has previously served in the 13th Essex in the ranks as a Corporal and a Lance Sergeant being awarded a MM when he was commissioned and transferred to the 9th Essex.
Lt Colonel G Green was admitted to hospital after being gassed with Major W Russell-Johnson taking temporary command.
