[Steve]

I’m researching my Great Uncle, Guardsman Robert Shirkie who was killed on Hill 70, next to Loos, on 27th Sept 1915.

Are there any aerial photos that were taken of the terrain around Hill 70 ? My understanding is that the German trench positions were at the top of Hill 70, and the advancing British infantry had to cover open ground… with a few exceptions incl. Chalk Pit Wood, Puis14 etc. I have the brigade war diaries and know that Robert died somewhere between Loos and the Chalk Pit Wood. It would be really helpful to know if any reconnaissance flights around Loos were made prior to the end of September, or indeed after the battle. I also wondered whether the Germans had any aerial reconnaissance of this area from their planes or balloons ?

I have tried looking in the IWM archives but I find their search engine difficult to use. So any advice and guidance would be gratefully received. many thanks

[Author]

Posts