Bourlon Wood, November 1917: What 185 Brigade Did Next | Fraser Skirrow

Over the years, we have filmed quite a lot of speakers at the branch. These have been available to view on the WFA's YouTube channel, and can also be found as 'articles' on the WFA website. However these videos have not been separately grouped for those visiting the Yorkshire branch 'landing page' on the website.

By starting a process of loading these onto the branch page, this makes a number of talks that stretch back to about 2019 'visible'.

In this presentation, Fraser Skirrow talks about 'Bourlon Wood, November 1917: What 185 Brigade Did Next' - which was given to the branch in November 2024.

On 20 November 20 1917 at Havrincourt 185 Brigade of the 62nd West Riding Division carried out a highly successful attack. Called back into action days later the Brigade found itself in an unplanned and confused engagement with an enemy rapidly recovering from the shock of the assault. How did the officers and men of 185 apply their tactical skills to this situation and what can be learned from the fight at Bourlon Wood?