Robert Dale

Killed in Action on the 06/06/1916 at Hooge, the Battle of Mount Sorrel (east of Ypres)

Robert and the Battalion embarked from Canada aboard the S.S. Northland on the 29/05/1915 and arrived in England. On the 18/09/1915 they arrived in Boulogne. They were part of the 6th Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division. Actions in the Spring of 1916 (Western Front) : 14th February - 13th June 1916. The Division were part of the enemy diversionary attacks around the Ypres Salient : the action of St. Eloi craters, 27th March - 16th April 1916. Localised operations seeking tactical advantage. They include the loss and recapture of high ground east of Ypres in the Battle of Mount Sorrel. The Battle, 2nd - 13th June 1916 : The action described as the Battle of Mount Sorrel took place between Hill 60 at Zwarteleen and Hooge. Much of the ground was wooded, as it is again today. The eastern edges of Armagh Wood and Sanctuary Wood lay on a crest line, topped by the heights of Mount Sorrel and Tor Top. The latter was alternatively named Hill 62, as it rose to 62 metres above sea level, some 25-30 metres higher than the shallow ground at Zillebeke and on towards Ypres. Once on the crest line, an occupying force enjoyed excellent observation over the Ypres salient, the town itself, and the approach roads, railways and tracks. This important tactical location was the target for the next German attack. On the 6th June during operations at Hooge Robert was 1 of a party in an advanced post when during the afternoon the enemy exploded a mine burying the men. The Germans exploded four mines under the Canadian positions and captured the village of Hooge. Robert was reported missing on the 06/06/1916 (see photo of death register). His death was not confirmed until April 1917. SEE PHOTOS x 22 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY MAY - JUNE 1916. Between the 2nd June and 14th June 1916, the Canadian Corps lost a total of 73 Officers and 1053 Other Ranks Killed; 257 Officers and 5010 Other Ranks Wounded; 57 Officers and 1980 Other Ranks Missing, a total of 8430. German losses recorded were 32 Officers and 1191 Other Ranks Killed; 71 Officers and 3911 Other Ranks Wounded; 6 Officers and 554 Other Ranks Missing, a total of 5765. It is generally believed that German methods of reporting wounded differed and that losses were about the same on both sides. Robert is also remembered on the 1st Boys Brigade Roll of Honour and at the Family Plot in Old Monkland Cemetery (see photos). See photos for another photo of Robert, his name in the Canadian WW1 Book of Remembrance, Robert with his Machine Gun Section (3rd man in the 3rd row), his Attestation papers x 2, Robert's Memorial Plaque (Dead Mans Penny), his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial Panel List, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial x 3, the 28th Battalion establishing a signal station at the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the 28th (Northwest) Battalion Cap Badge. Finally, see photos for Newspaper clippings x 7 (Coatbridge Express x 3, Coatbridge Leader x 2 and Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser) and Robert's Service Records x 19.