Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of George, a Farm Labourer, and Hannah Knight. The War Diary entry for the 11th April 1917 records. At 3.00am the Battalion was ordered to become the leading right Battalion in the attack on high ground between MONCHY LE PREUX and GUEMAPPE. The Battalion crossed to the north of the CAMBRAI ROAD in artillery formation by short rushes in rear of LES FOSSES FARM. After reforming along a chalk terrace at N.12.a. (left). Battalion advanced and occupied a position about 50 yards east of -?- and MONCHY LE PREUX – LA BERGERE ROAD covering a frontage of about 450 yards, the right resting on the CAMBRAI ROAD. Outposts were put out and Battalion HQ moved to LES FOSSES FARM. About 3.30pm the enemy counter attacked in strength after heavy artillery preparation but was everywhere repulsed with heavy losses. Outposts were put out and the position consolidated. Enemy snipers and machine guns remained active throughout the rest of the day. During operations on this day two German heavy Howitzers (8th) were taken south of LES FOSSES FARM. The following officers were casualties:- 2nd Lt. G. W. ALABASTER (Lewis gun officer), Lt. F. H. LAYMAN (“A” Company), 2nd Lt. R. C. LEESON (“A” Company) were all wounded. 2nd Lt. R. W. T. THOROGOOD while on his way to reinforce “B” Company was slightly wounded in the leg just outside ARRAS. The Battalion was relieved by the 11th ROYAL SUSSEX REGT and marched back to TILLOY where they remained in cellars and dugouts till the morning of the 12th April.