THE OVERNIGHT attack on the German lines on June 7 was successful with few casualties.

But trouble came the next night after the men of the York and Lancaster Regiment had spent the day settling into their newly-captured trenches.

Heavy bombardment from the Germans killed dozens of men, including Keighley tram driver Walter Shepherd.

Walter, born in Keighley in 1888, had married Kate Wood in April 1914 and their daughter Jane Elizabeth was born a year later.

On February 1, 1916. Walter attested for the York and Lancaster Regiment at Barnoldswick, and was posted to France the following winter.

The regimental war diary for June 7, stated: “At 3.10am our artillery opened up a terrific barrage on the Hun front line and simultaneously the mines under Hill 60 and the Caterpillar were blown.”

Several waves of British soldiers went over the top, reaching their objective with very few casualties.

But the diary added: “The next night they endured a heavy counter bombardment and sustained many casualties before being relieved.”

Forty-three men were killed, 2017 wounded, and 18, including private Shepherd were missing. His body was never found, and he was eventually classified as killed.