MOORE, Donald James

Donald Moore attended Oldswinford C of E School and lived in Oldswinford. On enlistment he joined the Royal West Kent Regiment and was later transferred, perhaps after injury, to the 1/20th London Regiment. This was part of the 47th (London) Division which played a major role in all the main campaigns from 1915 to 1918. The battalion suffered heavily in the first German Spring offensive of 1918 but after a period of retraining the battalion returned to the front line in July. It then took part in the initial advance from Amiens and in the Advance to Victory. On the 22nd August the first attempt had limited success, but by the 31st the 47th Division was ready for a more extensive attack near the village of Moislains just north of Peronne. The battalion advanced at 5.30 a.m. under a creeping barrage and gained all its objectives. Large numbers of prisoners were taken. They were again involved in a successful advance on the 2nd September. However, casualties were sustained and among them was Private Donald Moore. He is buried in the cemetery at nearby Sailly-Saillisel (X B 7) and is commemorated on the Stourbridge, Oldswinford church and Oldswinford C of E School Memorials.