During World War I, the unit fought at many of the worst battles, including Ypres, Loos, Arras, Messines, Cambrai, Somme and Passchendale. They earned 54 battle honors and six Victoria Crosses but lost some 12,000 dead.
James Cockburn signed his name on April 1, 1917, so this would have been right before the Battle of Arras which began on 9 April and was intended as a diversion for the French attack at Nivelle. The British and Durham Light Infantry advanced 4,000 hard-fought yards through the Hindenburg trench system until April 10th.
The Battle of Messines was 7-14 June 1917 and Somme Offensive began July 1917.
So, James Cockburn sure had a busy time before him.
--Cooter
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