Why the 3rd May 1917, Battle of Arras

I have been asked by a forum member, why my request for information on the Battle of Arras, and in particular, Why the 3rd May 1917. My ‘little’ project started only a few months ago, as you will see in my notes to follow.
The reason why I started to investigate a particular day, again is highlighted in the following information. However I had never thought that so much information and detail was available from so many people and so many sources. The specific date remains my target but the story must be spread over a period of time leading up to the 3rd May 1917 and well beyond.
I thank every one who has contributed to my ongoing research and to those who may be able to help me in the future. I would hope to be in a position where my experience will be able to help someone in the not too distant future.
Please forgive me , however I have based the following notes much as they were, when I sent them out to so many organisations, seeking information, and who have all responded so magnificently.
I have been off work for nigh on 16 months, so I am using the time to work on a ‘small’ project that started, with my mother giving me a very old silver pocket watch.
Please be assured, I am not asking for research to be carried out, however I am asking if it is possible to obtain any relevant information from database’s you may have at your disposal. If you have any threads of information available, that may be of use to me, so that I can carry out my own ongoing research, I would be so grateful
The project, relates to my Grandfather and his untimely death at, or around Arras in May 1917. I will also say at the outset, that this is not a family tree that I seek to complete, but rather a ‘snapshot in time’, in essence trying to find out what did happen prior to and post, 3rd May 1917.
Why am I writing to you? I am writing in the hope, that you may be able to cast some light, or point me in a direction regarding the availability of any information, relating to the type of Shipping, Weapons, Equipment, Armour, Aircraft and Vehicles etc.etc. that would be in use during 1917.
My research program started with a fairly simple question to my Mother, following my Father’s death in January this year, when she handed to me, the silver pocket watch, ‘Mither, wha’ did the pocket watch belong ta’ afore faither’?
The watch which was returned to my Grandmother Lizzie, by the Army during 1922, was the only personal effect found, that belonged to her late husband. Walter, aged 25 years was killed (presumed ) in action near to Arras, France on 3rd May 1917. The watch case was badly damaged, I suspect by a projectile, no doubt the same that killed him.
I had initially thought that my Grandfather was a volunteer with the 6th Battalion KOSB, from when he signed on in Hawick, Roxburghshire, Scotland, during July 1915 until his death. However further study has indicated that he was with the 8th Battalion KOSB at the Loos, with the combined 7th/8th Battalion KOSB after their mauling on the Somme. My research also indicates that Walter was wounded, prior to his promotion to Lance Corporal and his transfer to the 6th Battalion KOSB prior to the Battle of Arras.
The pocket watch was made, or purchased in Longtown, in the county of Cumbria, England not 6 miles from where I live, around 1879. I have a few contacts in Longtown and they have confirmed through records the watchmaker, John Clark, had his shop in Netherby Street, however lived in the High Street.
Why now, you may ask; only a few weeks before my fathers death he spoke in depth about his experiences with the Royal Signals during World War 2. He also brought up on numerous occasions what his Father, Walter would have gone through during the Great War. My father was only 11 months old when Walter was killed.
A watch maker, who is a friend of mine spent many hours repairing it for me and I gave it back to my father as a Christmas present some years ago. It was the first time I had experienced my father being emotional, he was a very, very private person.
Over my lifetime, I had never really taken on board, until now the human sacrifice made by all those young men all those years ago, however if you think seriously about the numbers killed during these actions, it is beyond rational thought. Let us hope we will never experience that again.
I started looking for information only a few months ago, and with my ongoing investigation, or what my wife refers to, my obsession, I am beginning to understand a bit more about what went on during those dreadful dark day’s.
Thank you for reading my wee story.
IanS

[MikeW]

Ian,

No, we should say thank you for sharing it with us.


Mike