FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.
FOX. — Killed in action, somewhere in France, on April 5, 1918, Benjamin, eldest son of George and Jeannie Fox, “Rockland,” Fortrose; aged 26 years. “For Honour and Freedom.” -Southland Times, 26/4/1918.
PRIVATE B. FOX.
Born and educated at Fortrose 25 years ago. Private Benjamin Fox, of the 27th Reinforcements, has unfortunately been killed in action on 5th April. In days of peace he worked on his father’s farm and he will be mourned by a large circle of friends. -Southland Times, 30/4/1918.
On April 5, 1918, the NZ Rifle Brigade was in position in front of the advancing German Army, which was experiencing success after success in its Spring offensive. On this part of the front, however, their success ended.
On our left the Germans were driven back, but renewed the attempt at about 10 a.m. Against the salient at La Signy Farm the pressure was strongly maintained, and a 4th Battalion advanced post east of the Farm, one of those recently established here by the 1st Brigade, was captured. Pushing on after this slight success, the enemy overran the Farm and attempted to assault the 4th Battalion's main line, but the forward posts here had the situation well in hand, and after sustaining heavy casualties from our men the enemy gave up any further attempt to advance at this point. Never before had the Lewis gunners of the 4th Battalion had such targets as on this day, and of their opportunities they made full use, but they yield pride of place to Sergeant Lines, both for the magnificent hand-ling of his team and for his own personal exploits with the gun.
By noon the situation was again normal. Our casualties were not heavy. They were very slight in the 3rd Battalion; the 4th had one officer and 25 men killed, and one officer and 45 men wounded; while in the 1st, two officers and 26 men were killed, and one officer and 50 men wounded. A conservative estimate of the enemy's casualties opposite our immediate front places the number at over 500. -Official History of the NZ Rifle Brigade.
Although casualties were not heavy in Benjamin Fox's Battalion (the 4th) they were heavy enough for the boy from Fortrose, Southland.
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