DENHAM, Lionel M

Lionel Denham was born at Swansea but moved to Stourbridge before the outbreak of war. He enlisted in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and was then transferred to the 6th Battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment. The Wiltshires had distinguished themselves in 1917 in leading the attack on the Messines Ridge in June and on the opening day of the Third Battle of Ypres. At the start of 1918 the Division moved from Ypres to the Flesquičres Salient facing the Hindenburg Line near Cambrai. When the first German Spring offensive started on the 21st March the Wiltshires were situated behind the front line at Velu Wood. With much shelling and counter marching on the first day of the battle they were able to escape the heaviest fighting. However, on the 23rd their position became the focal point of the massed German forces. A heavy barrage in the morning was followed by an enveloping German attack. There was much brave fighting but the Wiltshires and the whole Division were forced back with serious losses. Among those killed in action was Private Lionel Denham who is commemorated on the Arras and Stourbridge Memorials.