Video: 'The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century (4of7): Slaughter' (Apr. 9 1917, at 41:20)

(Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, 5:30 a.m. CEST; on the Western Front during World War I) — The Battle of Arras, a British offensive against German defenses near the French city of Arras, began today east of Arras, with the 12th Division attacking Observation Ridge, north of the Arras—Cambrai road.

Video: 'The Battle of Arras [World War I]'

British poet Edward Thomas, 39, was among those killed today in the battle, being “shot clean through the chest.”

Thomas was survived by his wife, Helen, their son (Philip) Merfyn and their two daughters (Rachel Mary) Bronwen and (Helen Elizabeth) Myfanwy.

Video: 'The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century (4of7): Slaughter' (segment on Edward Thomas at 15:47)