BATTIN, Israel George

Israel Battin was the son of Arthur and Elizabeth Battin of Wordsley. He enlisted in the Durham Light Infantry and joined the 22nd Battalion, probably in the Spring of 1918, as one of the youngest age-group who were sent to the Western Front. The Durhams were the Pioneer Battalion of the 8th Division and were involved in trench-digging, repair of lines and much more. The Division had suffered severely during the first two German Spring offensives and was sent in May to the quiet sector of the Aisne. Here they were unexpectedly hit by the next German offensive. The crucial days were the 27-28th May when the Durhams were stationed on the right of the line. They were forced back but never broken and their resistance allowed reinforcements to arrive and halt the enemy attack. Casualties, however, were very high and among them was Private Israel George Battin who was killed in action on the 27th May. He was 18 years of age and is commemorated on the Soissons and Wordsley Memorials.