Alderley -World War 1.May 1918

We will remember them, May 1918

By the end of April, the second phase of Ludendorff’s Spring Offensive, the Battle of the Lys, had ground to a halt. 

The Germans had gained ground but had been halted short of their objective, the channel ports.  There was then a lull before Ludendorff launched the third phase of the offensive, the Third Battle of the Aisne.

Again the Germans gained ground before being brought to a halt – but they were then only 35 miles from Paris. 

We do not know whether any Alderley Edge men were involved in this action, though it is quite likely as three battalions of the Cheshire Regiment and several battalions of Lancashire regiments were engaged in this part of the western front.

May 1918 was a good month for Alderley Edge.  Only one of its young men died.   Gunner John  Whalley died on 14^th May, aged 22.  He was the eldest son of Edwin, a general labourer, and Florence Whalley of Heyes Lane.

John attended the local school, leaving at 14 ‘to work’

He enlisted in Manchester and served in the Royal Garrison Artillery, but otherwise we know nothing about his military service. 

At the time of his death, from pneumonia, he was in Derby Hospital.  He is buried in Alderley Edge Cemetery.  

Footnote: Back in Alderley Edge, the cost of living was rising because of the war! On 31^st May, the Advertiser carried a notice from the Grocers’ Association: 

IN CONSEQUENCE of the Continuous and Steady INCREASING WORKING EXPENSES due to the prevailing conditions brought about by the War it has become necessary to make a CHARGE of One Penny Per Week for the DELIVERY of ALL ORDERS