During the period of the 9th April to the 16th June 1917, the Arras offensive took place. Once again
the British were called upon to launch an attack in support of a larger French offensive: the battles
of the Chemin des Dames and the Hills of Champagne. The opening Battle of Vimy and the First
Battle of the Scarpe were very encouraging, but once again the offensive – often known as the
Battle of Arras – bogs down into an attritional slog. Final attempts to outflank the German lines at
Bullecourt proved terribly costly.
George Edgar Maddocks was eligible for the Victory Medal, also called the Inter Allied Victory
Medal and the British War Medal.
He is buried at Achiet- Le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension.
In the Penarth Times was written a fitting tribute to George;
LATE PENARTH BOOKING CLERK KILLED IN ACTION – VOLUNTEERS FOR SERVICE
CAME UNDER SHELL FIRE – It is with great regret that we announce the death of Gunner G.E.
Maddocks, son of Mrs Maddocks of High Street, Penarth. Deceased was only 19 years of age and
was for some time booking clerk at Penarth Railway Station and lately of Grangetown. Mrs
Maddocks has received the following letter from a comrade who was serving with deceased,