Walking Arras: Hénin Hill

Posted on September 23, 2023 by

14 Comments

On a hill above the village of Hénin, close to Arras, stood a wooden cross remembering soldiers who fell there in 1917. Preserved in Beverley Minster in Yorkshire, what happened to this memorial and what can we find of the men who fought here at Hénin Hill in 1917?

BATTLEFIELD MAP:

RECOMMENDED READING:

Podcast Extras:

Category: Arras, Hindenburg Line, Podcast Episode, WW1 Cemeteries, WW1 History

14 Comments on “Walking Arras: Hénin Hill”

  1. I am taking a school group in October and 2 students (twins) have a relative killed at Bullecourt April 1917. He was a tank instructor. Cannot be too far from Henin? I look forward to hearing the podcast.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. Excellent as always. But what a sad story about the widow and as you say food for thought about the impact on women.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Another excellent podcast, Paul. I confess to having a lump in my throat and shedding a tear as I listened to this one. So very sad to think of the families left behind.

    Like

    Reply

  6. An excellent podcast Paul, with a very sad story at the end. I agree that there were probably many more like that.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Thanks for this Paul – It great to listen to and is a walk I have done many times while following the footsteps of my Great Uncle who was KIA on the 9/04/17 after leaving the trenches to attack the Hindenburg line! He was in D Coy 1st Bn East Yorkshire Regiment. Albert Edward Cooper Pte was 26 when he died. His number 12/91 was given to him when he joined and I believe that was related to the 12th Battalion Hull Pals But he seems to have been in the 3rd EYBn transferred to the 6th Bn and then to the 1st Bn late in 1916. His Brother Joseph Cooper 8283 also a Pte was KIA on the first day of the battle of the Somme with the 1st Bn and will of been in close proximity to the 9th KOYLI that you have also talked about in your podcasts. In total 5 Brothers Cooper joined up, 2 Died and 3 survived. All five where on my Mums maternal side of the family, her Dad Richard James Cooper 794087 so their Brother was only a toddler when the Great War started but joined up in 1929 and was in the rear guard at Dunkirk he went onto Burma as a Chindit, he returned home But never spoke of his experiences.. But strangely on my Mums paternal side her Dad who was older than all the other side of the family fought in the Boar War and was a reservist from 1910 in the 1st Bn so he ended up going straight back into service, again another Pod cast that you have done mentions this happening.He James Caldwell 5824 served exactly one year and then he was allowed to leave. He did not come back to his wife ( my mums mother) as he decided to leave that part of his life and move on to pastures new! He basically left them for another woman.

    I find it strange that I had a great Grandfather in the 1st Bn for a year, then a Great Uncle who was sadly KIA and then another Great uncle who was also sadly KIA and none of them I assume served together. Also it was not until my Grandmother married Richard James Cooper that the link happened.
    You are right when you talk about coincidence and that both the Great War and WW11 cross paths regularly.
    Going to start looking for Arthur Charles Cooper who joined up with Joseph and Albert But ended up going into the Ox and Buck Reg after a short stint with the 3rd EYB, he survived and at some point may have met up with his brothers but as far as I can tell he was only in the EYR for a short period. the other two brothers Jack was on a mine sweeper and the eldest Robert h Cooper was a corporal with the 32nd Res Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers and I don’t believe they were in active service abroad.

    Anyway – sorry to ramble on – looking forward to more of your Podcasts and my next visit in March 2023.
    Cheers Phil

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. I knew I’d look forward to this one. The Arras battlefield has really peeked my interest recently.
    I took a father (and son) on a tour earlier in this year, his grandfather was killed on 11/4/17, 1st Lincolnshire Regt, 62 Brigade, 21 Division. They were the follow up Brigade, got caught in between Outpost and main Hindenburg Line, situated right where the windmills are, next to railway on opposite from Cojuel cemetery.
    Originally there were three cemeteries in close proximity to each other, Cojeul being the only remaining one. He was originally buried on opposite side of the track in Lincolns cemetery, but later concentrated to Wancourt where he’s a ‘Known to Be Buried’. Some of his Battalion are in Cojuel, first row as you enter.
    Was fascinating researching him and telling his story.
    Just re-read Cheerful Sacrifice, you’re right, it’s a must have, and alongside yours, has really got my juices flowing around the Arras sector.

    Thanks again, great podcast mate.!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to N Cherry Cancel reply

Enter your email address to follow the Old Front Line and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 4,372 other subscribers
Paul Reed on Twitter