tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53464939524563234542024-03-06T00:56:08.246+00:00Remembering the fallen heroes of New Whittington WW1Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-26034083463081528552019-06-28T11:00:00.000+01:002019-06-28T11:00:05.155+01:00The Treaty Of Versailles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <b>Treaty of Versailles </b>was signed on this day, 28th June 1919, it signified the official end to World War 1 and gave the people of New Whittington and the world a chance to live in peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the locals of New Whittington we can hope that the day was a happy occasion, a day where they could look forward with optimism, something they had not done for a long time. They would no doubt remembered their loved ones, friends and family members who had played a part in the devastating war which had unfolded five long years earlier in 1914. But now they had a vision for the future, a future with a comforting promise that never again would men be expected to fight one another in such a way, after all, lessons had been learnt during this war, the future generations could rest assured no government would ever let this tragedy occur again! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normality had begun to return to the streets of New Whittington, family life had continued when the "lucky" survivors of the war had returned to their homes. Lives were different, husbands, fathers and brothers were living with the memories of the terrible events they had witnessed, many suffering their torment in lonely silence. Many returned to find that they had no job, times in the village had changed during their military service.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the families, widows and fatherless children of the 85 men named on St Barnabas Church War Memorial then life continued but with a huge void. Some widows were lucky and they married again, raising more children and getting a second chance at love and happiness. Others remained loyal to their true love, living a life with grief and broken hearts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sacrifice and memory of both the living and those who gave their lives was duly acknowledged by the local community. They held charity events raising monies to assist those in need of help after the war, names were read out in Church in honour and a memorial plaque was erected within the safe confines of St Barnabas Church; the named of 85 fallen men were inscribed in gold lettering onto the wooden memorial plaque which stands just behind the church organ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In August 1919 the community raised money to award a silver memorial cup to those "<i>who had been awarded war honours</i>". James Craig was one of the twenty recipients, for his service at Mons. The Derbyshire Times covered the presentation with an article which noted "<i>a touching incident was witnessed when Master Craig, aged 4 years, came forward to receive his fathers cup</i>". This act, when young Gordon Craig toddled proudly down to collect his fathers cup would signify the terrible loss which this community had suffered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fallen men were remembered affectionately, photos and letters treasured, memorabilia passed on to their children; and then on to the next generation, the memory of the men was proudly retorted; <i>we had a hero in our family you know</i>. It is as a consequence all of these actions one hundred years ago, that we have been able to remember and honour the lives and times of the community of New Whittington during World War 1. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The stories of the 85 men and their families have been told within this blog, a booklet has been published telling the stories of the men who lost their lives in Belgium, this booklet was given to the school children of Whittington Green School to assist with their visit to the Belgium battlefields in 2018. We have also produced some very interesting and informative material which is available in exhibition form; this has been on display on several occasions at St Barnabas Church and the nearby Barrow Hill Roundhouse. In September 2018 we held a Remembrance Event at St Barnabas Church, family members of the men came form far afield to pay their respects to their own fallen hero. A new memorial plaque was also unveiled, proudly standing on the outside of the church, it has now brought the names inscribed on it into public view.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During my research into the stories of the 85 men I have been humbled, shocked and sometimes brought to tears by the bravery, determination and selfless acts which I have unearthed. It has been an honour to tell these stories and I hope that we can all continue to read them and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LEST WE FORGET </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along my way during my quest to research the 85 men, their are too many to name but you have all been a great help, without which the stories would be incomplete - Thank you.</span></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-20523474624082798352018-04-11T11:00:00.000+01:002018-04-20T11:13:51.604+01:00GEORGE CROSSDALE<h4 style="text-align: center;">
GEORGE CROSSDALE</h4>
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Lance Corporal</h4>
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2nd Battalion South Wales Border Regiment</h4>
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Killed in action - 11th April 1918</h4>
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MILITARY MEDAL RECIPIENT</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George joined the army in the name of CROSSDALE however his birth was registered with the name spelt slightly different - CROAYSDILL. The spelling of his surname appears as many different versions throughout the life time of his family, as many people of that time were unable to read or write we will probably never know what the correct spelling is. The spelling on the St Barnabas War Memorial is CROSDALE.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George was born in the early months of 1898 the son of John and Sarah, one of eight children born into the Croaysdill household. John was from Belper in Derbyshire but he had met Sarah Ann Horn and the couple married at Sarah's local church in Staveley on 8th April 1889. John was working as a boot maker at the time, he had taken his father's trade.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Croaysdill family were living at 85 London Street in New Whittington when the 1901 census was taken. John was now employed as a plasterer's labourer, no longer a boot maker. George was a toddler aged 3 years old, his siblings were: John aged 12, Thomas aged 10, Florence aged 8, Arthur aged 7 and baby Mary Ann just 6 months of age. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George was 13 years of age, he would have left school at 12 years of age however the census return doesn't list an occupation for him. The family had moved house to live just along the road at number 45 London Street. George's brother Thomas was working as a coal miner, his sister Florence was in service and Arthur was an iron moulder. There were two new additions to the family: Margaret "Maggie" and Sarah Ann.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Older brother John had flown the nest, he was serving with the 1st Battalion Notts & Derby Regiment (Sherwood Foresters). In 1911 he was stationed at Gough Barracks, Trimulgherry, India. John's death is recorded in army records as 10th October 1913 at Netley Military Hospital, Southampton. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Unfortunately George's service records have not survived. We can piece together some of his war service using contemporary newspaper articles, battalion war diaries, medal cards and medal rolls.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George was said to have enlisted sometime in 1915. If this was the case then he would have been around 17 years of age. The <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zcvdhyc" target="_blank">legal age</a> limit to join the British Army at that time was 18 to sign up and 19 to serve overseas. George would be 18 in early 1916, we know that he did not serve overseas during 1915 as he was not awarded the 15 Star Medal. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Conscription started after the Military Service Bill was passed in January 1916, it deemed that all single men between the ages of 18 and 41 should either sign up immediately, sign up to the <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-group-scheme-derby-scheme/" target="_blank">Derby Scheme</a> or if they did none of these then the men would be automatically enlisted with effect from March 1916. George would meet the criteria for general conscription in 1916, if this was how he enlisted then he should not have been called up until he was 19 years of age which would be in the early months of 1917. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Alternatively, George may well have been one of thousands of under aged "boy soldiers" who lied about their age to fight for King & Country. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Regiment....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George is documented as serving with both the 2nd and 12th Battalion South Wales Border Regiment. He was given soldier number 24218. He appears to have served with the 12th battalion first then been transferred to the 2nd at a later date as this was the battalion he was recorded by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC) on his death.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 12th battalion were a "<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31023270" target="_blank">Bantam Battalion</a>" which would recruit men </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">between 5 ft and 5 ft 3 inches tall with their expanded chest being 34 inches. Unfortunately, we do not know whether George fell into these height guidelines. </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The 12th battalion were also known as the 3rd Gwent Regiment they were formed in March 1915 and moved to Aldershot in September that year when they became part of the 119th Brigade 40th Division. The battalion landed at Le Harve on 2nd June 1916. </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">They were present at the action following the German retreat behind the Hindenburg Line and at the battle to capture the Fifteen Ravine. April 1917 found the battalion stationed at Littledale Barracks in the north of France near Equancourt. The battalion moved off on 8th April headed for Etricourt. The war diary describes in detail the disciplined way in which the men marched "<i>In single file to Bouchavesnes, in file to Moislains and in fours to Etricourt". </i>The men would be a sight to be seen no doubt, proud but weary.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Football for heroes....</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">On 12th April a football match was planned between the 12th and the 18th Battalion South Wales Borders. The weather disrupted this when the snow came down so heavily the match had to be postponed. Luckily the next day saw a thaw and the usual April showers throughout the day. The match was played "<i>From the first the 12th B.N S.W.B was far superior to that of the 18th S.W.B. The finishing whistle blast found the 12th S.W.B winners by 7 goals to nil". </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The 17th Welch also played against the Machine Gun Coy that night, the winners were the 17th that would play the George's battalion the next night. Spirits would be high, the battalion were excelling on the football pitch. </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The night of the final came and the 17th Welch were said to have "<i>turned out quite a good team to meet us. But to no avail. Final score was:- Borders 3 goals, 17th Welch nil". </i>The 12th reigned supreme, the two main goal scorers were noted as "<i>Messrs Evans and Palmer". </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully these two matches would put a smile on the faces of George and his fellow comrades. They had been away from home for a long time now, living in horrendous conditions. A simple football match would boost morale and brighten even the most sorry of situations.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In May 1917 George received a gunshot wound to his left arm for which he was admitted to the 3rd Stationary Hospital in Rouen, France. Here he would be given the medical care he needed well away from the dangerous front line. The stationary hospitals could care for around 400 patients, there were two stationary hospitals per Division. George's parents received a War Office telegraph telling them of their son's injury, we cannot imagine how they must have felt at this time as they had already lost one son to the war the year earlier. </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The month of May started quite pleasantly, the weather was good, the enemy were quiet and the men were able to spend many valuable days wire cutting around the village of La Vacquerie. On 5th May the battalion received orders to "<i>raid La Vacquerie with a view to inflicting loss on the enemy, damaging his defences and obtaining identification and material". </i>The 12th battalion were placed in the front line right attack and the raid was carried out through the day of the 5th May to the morning of the 6th. For the remainder of the month of May the battalion were put to working parties, clearing up from the raid, tunnelling work, front line around Fifteen Wood and more light hearted entertainment when the Officers and men put on a show with singing and recitals.</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDeUceviTErHp-U9bt5yB3posSsDFum1aiETMBUbyD5m23R93FoJNFjjzIx6r6iK6NhiHERaHZWWbYb5Lbi5GNrG8jgNioWSzrbCm0LwdBQocSGFJI5MG7u3hv-hwiAZZ0L4CF6-NtlY/s1600/George+CROSSDALE+MM+-+DC+061017+p5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="510" height="313" id="id_5a63_74d4_6464_56e4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDeUceviTErHp-U9bt5yB3posSsDFum1aiETMBUbyD5m23R93FoJNFjjzIx6r6iK6NhiHERaHZWWbYb5Lbi5GNrG8jgNioWSzrbCm0LwdBQocSGFJI5MG7u3hv-hwiAZZ0L4CF6-NtlY/s320/George+CROSSDALE+MM+-+DC+061017+p5.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derbyshire Courier 6th October 1917 page 5</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Military honours....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A further telegraph was to arrive at the door of London Street in New Whittington in October 1917 which brought good news of George's heroic actions. These actions had been rewarded and George was "mentioned in dispatches" in the London Gazette on 21st August 1917. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George was awarded the Military Medal for his deeds on the night of the 4th to the morning of 5th July when "<i>on the occasion of a raid on the enemy's trenches Private Crossdale showed great gallantry and devotion to duty. When the torpedoes failed to blow in the enemy's wire, he materially assisted in cutting a gap. His bomb throwing greatly helped the withdrawal of the party".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary for the 12th South Wales Borders on 4th July reads:-</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"4th. One lateral patrol sent out on left coy. Three listening patrols. No enemy seen. 2nd Lieut H R Hill took a raiding party of 33 other ranks and 2 officers out at 10.30 pm. They raided Barrack Trench and Barrack Support inflicting casualties on the enemy, and returned at 3 am. Artillery and machine guns active. One other rank wounded. 2nd/Lieutenant E Edwards wounded on enemy wire"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNJl-SLYaCcDgNec-lktDpNc-OFwVUMFnuOwqO5yQLesvCFWs_dwZ5w4EpNjG4R2yrqR5yfpuvbTsnjUAHsMNa_jWFk3DaNvZ0jGlYWD50C0p59r7_8rb4kFi76MewJuaocoY4XgrwXo/s1600/War+diary+clip+re+G+Crossdale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="68" data-original-width="705" height="60" id="id_7f14_5d34_b77c_ea95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNJl-SLYaCcDgNec-lktDpNc-OFwVUMFnuOwqO5yQLesvCFWs_dwZ5w4EpNjG4R2yrqR5yfpuvbTsnjUAHsMNa_jWFk3DaNvZ0jGlYWD50C0p59r7_8rb4kFi76MewJuaocoY4XgrwXo/s640/War+diary+clip+re+G+Crossdale.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">War Diary 12th Battalion South Wales Border Regiment</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George was presented with this Military Medal on 9th October 1917 whilst the battalion were based at their billets at Doingt. The actual ceremony took place in the square at Peronne and was conducted by the Company General Sir W P Pulteney. The battalion were all out on display and were praised for how smart they all looked.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George's parents, family, friends and neighbours in New Whittington must have been so very proud of George, who at only 19 years of age had carried out such a brave and selfless act he had been awarded the Military Medal.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1918....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 12th battalion were disbanded on 10th February 1918. Five Officers and 100 men were transferred to the 2nd Battalion South Wales Border Regiment. It is likely that George was one of these men.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 2nd Battalion were located at Watou a district of the town of Poperigne in Belgium. The war dairy records that the reinforcements arrived on 11th February, whilst the battalion were out on the front line. The next week was spent "<i>cleaning and smartening up"</i> musketry, saluting and arms drills were carried out. They practiced trench to trench attacks under and barrage and spent time on the rifle range. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At the end of February the men moved to Poperinge billeted on Rue des Furness, from where they carried out work on the army line in groups of 400 men each day. Then at the beginning of March they took the train the town of Weiltje where they found billets at "<i>English Camp" </i>until on 9th they moved into position on the front line close to <a href="https://battleofpasschendaele.weebly.com/what-happened.html" target="_blank">Goudberg Spur</a>. The coming days saw a heavy barrage from the enemy but the 2nd battalion were able to report that "<i>the enemy were driven back to their trenches". </i>The battalion returned to English Camp on 13th and the "<i>men slept till 12 noon". </i>The remainder of March continued in this fashion, the men took tours of the trenches and the enemy were particularly active including launching gas shells into the battalion's front line.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 3rd April at 3.30 pm the battalion took over the line directly in front of the village of Passchendaele Village. The next two days were fairly quiet and the men were able to send out observation patrols, work on the wires was also achieved. On the 5th the enemy sent out a barrage of shells killing two men outright, another died of wounds and five were wounded. The battalion were relieved in the early hours of 9th April and moved by light railway back to Poperinge from where they then route marched to St Janter Biezen. Moving the next day to Oustersteene where they received orders to retake the village of Estaire.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On the 11th April the enemy launched another attack on the battalion, they managed to surround them and take the battalion headquarters. The situation was disastrous for the 2nd battalion, chaos ensued and the men became detached from their units "<i>casualties were very heavy and men became disorganised, small parties fighting with different units throughout the remainder of the day". </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary gives the following figures for the days of 11th and 12th April 1918....</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Killed - 18 OR</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Wounded - 3 Officers, 146 OR</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Wounded and missing - 1 Officer, 12 OR</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Missing - 17 Officers, 335 OR</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>TOTALS - 21 Officers, 511 Ordinary Ranks"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George was killed in action on 11th April 1918 at what would become known as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Lys_(1918)#Battle_of_Estaires_(9%E2%80%9311_April)" target="_blank">Battle of Estaires</a>, the opening battle of the <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battles-of-the-lys-1918/" target="_blank">Fourth Battle of Ypres</a> which ran from 7th to 29th April 1918. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George has no known grave, he is remembered on the Ploegstreet Memorial in Belgium, panel 5.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Private" 24218 George Crossdale was awarded the Victory and British Medals along with his Military Medal for his service.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George is documented as a Private rank until his death when CWGC records state he was Lance Corporal. His medal roll and the "register of soldiers effects" all state that he was Lance Corporal. It is likely that he gained this promotion of rank after he was awarded the Military Medal in 1917.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>John and Sarah</u> George's parents remained in New Whittington. In 1939 they were living at 98 Devonshire Avenue and John's occupation is recorded as "<i>retired shoemaker". </i>John died in 1947 and Sarah followed in 1948, both were aged 79 years of age.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Thomas</u> married Georgina Barker in 1914 and had a daughter named Ivy in 1917. The family lived in Newbold on Arundel Road and Thomas worked at the colliery. He died in 1979 aged 88 years old.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Arthur</u> served with the 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. He also gained promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal 18959. He lost his life on 31st October 1916. </b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oddly Arthur's surname has been spelt differently to that of George's on the St Barnabas Church War Memorial.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Mary Ann</u> married Albert Laird in January 1921, they had a son named Jack in 1924. Albert was a plumber by trade and the family lived at 16 Lower Grove Road in Chesterfield. Mary died in 1978 aged 78 years old. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Margaret</u> married John Revell in March 1924 and they had a daughter also named Margaret. The family moved to Eckington and lived at 54 Sitwell Street, John worked at the colliery as a coal hewer. Margaret died aged 74 years of age in 1977.</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What became of Florence and Sarah Ann is not known at this time.</b></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on George Croaysdill or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</strong></span></em><br />
<em style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></em><em style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</strong></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></b></i></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>With kind thanks to the Derbyshire Times Newspaper</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>for permission to use the photograph of </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George Croaysdill in this blog.</b></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Census</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal rolls</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Derbyshire Times 19th May 1917 page 4</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Derbyshire Courier 6th October 1917 page 5</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a>.org</div>
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War diaries - 12th Battalion South Wales Border Regiment WO 95 2606/6<br />
- 2nd Battalion South Wales Border Regiment WO 95 2304/2</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">South Wales Border Regiments <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/south-wales-borderers/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/south-wales-borderers/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Age limit WW1<b> </b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zcvdhyc" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zcvdhyc</a></span></div>
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The Derby Scheme<b> <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-group-scheme-derby-scheme/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-group-scheme-derby-scheme/</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bantam Battalions <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31023270" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31023270</a></span><br />
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Passchendaele <a href="https://battleofpasschendaele.weebly.com/what-happened.html" target="_blank">https://battleofpasschendaele.weebly.com/what-happened.html</a><br />
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Battle of Estaires<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Lys_(1918)#Battle_of_Estaires_(9%E2%80%9311_April)" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Lys_(1918)#Battle_of_Estaires_(9%E2%80%9311_April)</a><br />
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Battle of Lys <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battles-of-the-lys-1918/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battles-of-the-lys-1918/</a><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-71181709835353633592018-04-10T11:00:00.000+01:002018-07-05T20:44:07.078+01:00AMOS BRISCOE FREEMAN<h4 style="text-align: center;">
AMOS BRISCOE FREEMAN</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEgQ0wd1rFvBWJz5zsiZs4cYDUdmdE__oUF4pch4OId_1Bcf8uf3PZ6buX455PihRtMUOcxrPXUNje9sUiH426JDkVNn_G8eOCLM2p5ph_UTYdWogfMcimjMBh9HnA1lJDHnyD19JFBQ/s1600/Royal+Welch+Fusilliers+insignia+RWF+museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="97" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEgQ0wd1rFvBWJz5zsiZs4cYDUdmdE__oUF4pch4OId_1Bcf8uf3PZ6buX455PihRtMUOcxrPXUNje9sUiH426JDkVNn_G8eOCLM2p5ph_UTYdWogfMcimjMBh9HnA1lJDHnyD19JFBQ/s200/Royal+Welch+Fusilliers+insignia+RWF+museum.JPG" width="153" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Private 45770</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
19th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Died from wounds - 10th April 1918</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Amos was born in the early months of 1891 at Brimington near Chesterfield. His parents were Amos and Annie (nee Jenkins), he was their first child and was named after his father. Amos snr and Annie had married on 20th April 1890 at St Michael's Church </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">in Brimington </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">they lived a stones throw away on Church Street. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The young family moved to live on South Street in New Whittington not long after and settled into family life. Amos snr worked as a colliery clerk, it is possible that they may have moved to be close to his work. Sadly on 4th January 1895 Amos snr passed away, he was 25 years of age. Annie became a young widow, left alone to raise Amos who was around 4 years old. It is not known why Amos snr died (<span style="font-size: x-small;">the death certificate would be needed</span>) however he did leave a will so the future of Annie and young Amos was planned for. He bequeathed £113 10s 2d to Annie, John Limb a rent collector and Levi Jenkins an engine tester. This amount would equate to around £9,000 of today's money. In the 1890's this amount would be around 343 days worth of wages for a skilled tradesman <span style="font-size: x-small;">(1).</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A new chapter....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Annie married Thomas Huddless the year later in early 1896, he worked as a stationary engine driver at the iron works and was around 33 years of age. A son was born on 5th January 1898 whom they named Albert Ernest. Amos would be 7 years old by now and probably very pleased to have a younger brother. The Huddless family lived at 54 South Street and on 17th June 1903 a little girl named Doris Maria became the new edition to the family. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Amos was aged 20 years old and worked as a cast iron pipe fitter at the iron works. He still lived at home on South Street with his mother Annie and step-father Thomas. His siblings 13 year old Albert and 8 year old Doris both attended school. He also had a new baby sister named Evelyn Mary she was just 2 months of age. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sadly the family suffered a terrible loss only weeks after the 1911 census had been taken when baby Evelyn passed away. She was only 3 months old and was buried on 2nd May. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy times....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Amos married his sweetheart Barbara Taylor Briggs at St Bartholomew's Church in Old Whittington on 17th April 1911. The newly weds had their first son on 25th August that same year. He was named following the family tradition as Amos Briscoe Freeman. A second son named James Walter was born on 9th August 1916. The Freeman family was complete. They had moved into their own home during this time and lived close to Amos' family at number 69 South Street.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Amos' war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Amos enlisted for the 18th Sherwood Forester Regiment in Chesterfield on 11th November 1915. He was 24 years and 10 months old and worked as a pipe fitter at the time. His application was approved on 16th November and he was posted to the battalion at Derby that same day. Amos was now known as Private 32292.</b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrF12X9NN-wpicnGV5aptBoYvnHgLJRQ9i8qCJaHXrxvk-XLgxz1KekqE0oI-N-rmLH82SygtHGu9zSCAnrQOZNsIxn-AFBHZtblNyeWc1y6YBuSp3KrR2cEt_uHb8LoAyYJegzoERgA/s1600/Service+record+Ancestry+height+info.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="816" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrF12X9NN-wpicnGV5aptBoYvnHgLJRQ9i8qCJaHXrxvk-XLgxz1KekqE0oI-N-rmLH82SygtHGu9zSCAnrQOZNsIxn-AFBHZtblNyeWc1y6YBuSp3KrR2cEt_uHb8LoAyYJegzoERgA/s640/Service+record+Ancestry+height+info.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amos Briscoe Freeman service records<br />
www.ancestry.co.uk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Amos was just 5 ft tall, in the beginning of WW1 the minimum height requirement was 5 ft 3 inches. Whether Amos had already tired to enlist and been turned away due to his height is not known. It soon became apparent to the British Military that they were limiting themselves and excluding some very good soldiers with this height limit and so <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31023270" target="_blank">Bantam Battalion's</a> were established. The men would need to be between 5 ft and 5 ft 3 inches tall with their expanded chest being 34 inches, Amos fulfilled this criteria.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 18th Battalion Sherwood Foresters were a bantam battalion, raised in Derby on 27th July 1915 they remained there until October when the battalion was moved to Aldershot and joined the 121st Brigade 40th Division. Amos would receive his basic training to equip him for warfare and carry out physical fitness activities to gain peak performance ready for embarkation to overseas action. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Amos must have shown promise and leadership as on 31st January 1916 he was promoted to Lance Corporal. This was a non-commissioned role which would give Amos first line authority over a section within his battalion. On 28th March 1916 Amos was transferred to another bantam battalion, the 19th Royal Welch Fusiliers his regimental number was changed to 45770.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This battalion were also part of the 40th Division but with the 119th Brigade. Amos remained in Aldershot a little longer but found himself in a spot of trouble at the end of May when he outstayed his pass and did not return to barracks until 23 hours later at 8.30 am on 25th. He had been given his pass to attend the local military tattoo. Amos lost his Lance Corporal stripe and was demoted to the rank of Private he was also charged two days pay for this offence. The next day </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">HRH King George was present at Aldershot to inspect some of the troops, whether Amos was amongst these men is not known.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Off to active service....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Maybe Amos knew he was about to leave the safety of England and that was why he overstayed his pass a few days earlier as on 1st June 1916 he was to embark from Southampton when his battalion set sail to join the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) in France. They arrived in Le Harve the next day and moved to number 5 rest camp for the night. Over the coming days the men took trains and marched to join the B.E.F in the trenches at Calonne on 10th July 1916. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Amos' service records state that he was attached to D Company (whether he remained with them is not known). Once in trenches C and D Coy were attached to the 1st Gloucestershire Regiment to receive instruction on trench warfare. This was Amos' first glimpse of what the would become an arduous two years of battle for him. The war diary states "T<i>he tour of duty lasted four days, during which time the enemy's artillery was fairly active though there was but little rifle or machine gun fire. The total casualties were four men killed by shells and one man wounded by rifle or machine gun fire. During the whole four days the weather was cold and wet".</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Two bouts of illness....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 28th August 1916 Amos was admitted to hospital suffering with conjunctivitis. This condition was very common during WW1 with the use of chemical warfare the poisonous gas was highly irritant to the eyes of the soldiers. He was returned fit for duty on 6th September, back to life in and out of the trenches.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Amos became sick with a fever in December, he was once more admitted to hospital with "<i>P.U.O"</i> which was <u>P</u>yrexia of <u>U</u>nknown <u>O</u>rigin. Many men became ill with high temperatures, sickness, hallucinations and many other symptom's to which the actual cause was unknown. Life in the trenches came with dirty unsanitary conditions, the lice which rampaged through the men would spread disease quickly and was near impossible to prevent. Amos' illness was short lived and he returned to the battalion a few days later.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1917....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>January 1917 dawned and the battalion relieved the 17th Welsh Regiment near Rancourt and remained there until they were relieved on 5th January. During the month of March the enemy began their infamous retreat behind their massive defence line known as the <a href="http://www.remembrancetrails-northernfrance.com/history/the-battlefield/the-hindenburg-line.html" target="_blank">Hindenburg Line</a>. This retreat was like no other, as the enemy fell back they left a landscape of carnage one which would cause the allies a great deal of effort to cross. The towns and villages, roads and countryside were raised to the ground. The 19th battalion's war dairy recounts this as the men were put to and "<i>repaired roads and reconstructed billets in broken down houses"</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At dawn on the morning of 21st April the battalion took part in an attack to take the areas of Gonnelieu and the Fifteen Ravine (a ravine so named as it was lined by fifteen trees). At 4.20am "<i>zero hour the barrage opened and our troops advanced. At 5.15 am all our objectives had been taken</i>". Over the next 48 hours the men continued to fight off the enemy retaliation, so much so that several Private ranks were mentioned in the war diary "<i>no 33307 Pte E Pomford did excellent work sniping off hostile machine gun fire......Pte George Atkinson 28784 stretcher bearer with great courage under heavy shell fire attended to wounded going backwards and forwards from front line".</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary tells of one of the battalion's gunners who went missing during a patrol at the beginning of July. This man "<i>after concealing his gun and laying out in no mans land for three days and nights he returned to our lines on the afternoon of the fourth day and with the exception of two or three slight wounds, he was little the worse for his experience". </i>Amos would have missed this event as he had been granted leave on that same day the gunner went missing Amos was taking his first days leave to the UK, back home to "Blighty" after thirteen months overseas. This would be the first time Amos had met his young baby son James Walter who had been born the year earlier.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Leave was soon over....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Amos' home leave ended on 16th July and he would return to join the battalion some time over the coming days. They were still based in the Gonnelieu and Cambria Road area and were alternating between tours of the trenches, working parties and reserve battalion. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battalion were part of a planned raid on the enemy trenches at Villers Plouich on the morning of 14th August. At 1 am the raid commenced with five minutes of barrage towards "B<i>arrier Trench"</i> after which the men pushed forward to find the trench was heavily manned by the enemy. They managed to secure the trench "<i>inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy garrison, destroying his shelters and dugouts and bringing back with them two unwounded prisoners of the 6th Bavarian Res. Infy Regt".</i> This bravery in action resulted in one Military Cross and five Military Medals being awarded for the men of the battalion. Total casualties whilst in the line were - </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"1 Officer & 17 Other Ranks wounded</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>2 Other Ranks killed"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Light relief....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Life wasn't all bad for Amos and his comrades, in the month of October there was a sporting competition held. Football games and sports activities took place with the following results (which if Amos was still in D Coy then he would be pleased with) - </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"D Coy 21 1/2 points (winners)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>C Coy 21 points</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>B Coy 15 1/2 points </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A Coy 8 1/2 points"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Back to reality and on 23rd November they were present at the Battle of Bourlon Wood working alongside tanks the battalion began their attack at 10.30 am and an hour later had taken their objective. The battle was fierce with heavy enemy fire, during the night they tried several times to retake the area but were unsuccessful. The next morning the enemy made another attack from the direction of Bourlon Village, this managed to force the battalion back along the line in all but the north east edge of the wood. The bombardment continued all day with the battalion putting up a strong fight but eventually at around 4.30 pm the men were forced back. Not to be beaten the allies launched a counter attack and by the evening of 25th had recaptured their objective. The war diary records the enemy's losses "<i>were enormous"</i> the allies took 280 prisoners during this battle. The battalion were relieved the next night and retired to dug outs on the Hindenburg Line. The battalion received a message of thanks and congratulations from the Officer in Command of the 119th Brigade -</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"The valour and endurance displayed was beyond all praise"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 23rd December Amos left his battalion and went back home to see his family. This was the second time that year that he had been granted leave, no better time than to spend the Yuletide and see in 1918 than with his wife Barbara and two young sons Amos and James.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1918....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Regrettably Amos' leave soon came to an end and he returned to France on 5th January. The battalion were based around the Bullecourt area when on 15th January the men were dealt with another difficult problem to solve when the frozen ground suddenly thawed so rapidly that all of their trenches fell in and were impassable.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 19th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers were disbanded on 6th February 1918. The war diary records that "<i>8 Officers and 150 OR from D Coy proceeded to join the 2nd Bat RWF". </i>The remainder of the men marched to Bailleulval and later joined the 8th Entrenching Battalion.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 9th April 1918 Amos received gunshot wounds to his left leg, hand and back injuries which necessitated in his hand being amputated. He was taken the the 33rd Casualty Clearing Station where he died the next day.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Whether Amos was transferred to the 2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers or the 8th Entrenching Battalion is not known at this time. The 2nd battalion war diary does not mention any casualties around the date of Amos' death. Unfortunately Amos' story can not be completed at this time, but I will continue to research him to hopefully one day draw to a conclusion his life story.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Amos was buried at the Haverskerque British Military Cemetery in France, grave ref; A9. His grave shows the sign of the cross, no additional inscription was chosen by his family.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private Amos Briscoe Freeman 45770 was awarded the Victory and British Medals for his service. Amos never regained his Lance Corporal stripes.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Barbara Freeman</u> was widowed with two young son's to bring up after the death of Amos in 1918. The terrible news arrived on 18th April when she received a telegraph informing her of the death of her husband. Barbara was living at Ringwood Cottage, Private Road, Brimington at the time, she later moved to 52 Manor Road in Brimington.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Barbara was awarded a pension of 25 shillings 10 pence per week for her two sons upkeep. The pension didn't however start until 21st October 1918, six months after Amos' death. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Barbara found happiness again and married John Frederic Cropper in the summer of 1925. John was a builder by trade and was well known in the area. The family returned to New Whittington and set up home at 66 Wellington Street. Sadly John became ill and after a long illness he died at Chesterfield Infirmary on 21st April 1939. John was aged just 52 years old. A service was held at St Patrick's Church on Wellington Street and then the interment took place at Brimington Cemetery. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Later that year the 1939 Register was compiled and showed Barbara had son Amos and 19 year old John D Mann living with her. Both Amos and John worked as hairdressers, John was the business owner. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In 1942 Barbara married a man named John D Mann, whether this was the young man who lived with the family in 1939 is not known (<span style="font-size: x-small;">marriage certificate would confirm</span>). She died in 1966 aged 73 years old. John died in 1989.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Amos Briscoe Freeman</u> married Beatrice Mosley in 1940. The couple had their own children but the naming pattern of "Amos Briscoe" appears to have been dropped. Amos lost his wife Beatrice in 1971, he died a year later aged 62 years of age. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>James Walter Freeman</u> married Dorothy Barker in 1948. He died in 1976 aged 60 years of age. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Annie Maria Huddless</u> Amos' mother died on 29th September 1914. She was only 43 years of age. The family still lived on South Street where she left her husband Thomas. Thomas was living with his nephew Harold* and family in 1939 at 17 Hardwick Avenue, New Whittington, he died on 12th December 1943. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>*The son of Harold also named Harold is also named on the St Barnabas War Memorial after he lost his life during WW2. Harold was serving with the RAF and aged 22 years of age.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Albert Huddless</u> married Florrie Mitchell in 1916. The couple had three sons and one daughter. Albert died in 1980.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Doris Maria Hudless </u>married Samuel Wilson on 22nd June 1925 at St Bartholomew's Church, Old Whittington. The couple lived at 91 London Street. Doris died in 1985.</b></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Amos Briscoe Freeman or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</strong></span></em><br />
<em style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></em><em style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</strong></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></b></i></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Census</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
Service records - www.ancestry.co.uk </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal rolls</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a>.org</div>
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War diaries - 19th Royal Welch Fusilliers WO 2607/3</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(1) <a href="http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter/#currency-result" target="_blank">http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter/#currency-result</a></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">18th Battalion Sherwood Foresters</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"> </span><a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/</a></span><br />
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19th Battalion Royal Welch Fusilliers <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/royal-welsh-fusiliers/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/royal-welsh-fusiliers/</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/317/royal-welsh-fusiliers/" target="_blank">https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/317/royal-welsh-fusiliers/</a></div>
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Bantam Battalions -<br />
<a href="https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Bantam-Battalions-of-World-War-One/" target="_blank">https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Bantam-Battalions-of-World-War-One/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31023270" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-31023270</a><br />
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Hindenburg Line <a href="http://www.remembrancetrails-northernfrance.com/history/the-battlefield/the-hindenburg-line.html" target="_blank">http://www.remembrancetrails-northernfrance.com/history/the-battlefield/the-hindenburg-line.html</a><br />
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<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-4562807047729482872018-04-03T11:24:00.001+01:002018-04-03T11:51:27.001+01:00WILLIAM HENRY TOLLEY<h4 style="text-align: center;">
WILLIAM HENRY TOLLEY</h4>
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Lance Corporal 20296</h4>
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1/5th West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own)</h4>
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Killed in action - 3rd April 1918</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William Henry Tolley was born in 1891 at East Ham in Essex the son of Samuel and Phoebe Tolley. His father Samuel was working as a dock labourer at the time but he was a coal miner by trade. Samuel and Phoebe (nee Crampton) married in 1873 at Dudley in Staffordshire. The couple moved around the country during their married lives, most likely travelling to wherever work could be found.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Samuel and Phoebe had thirteen children in between the years of 1873 and 1895, William was the eleventh child. Sadly only eight of the children lived into adulthood; Samuel born 1878, twins Samuel and Wisdom born 1883, Phoebe born 1889 and Phoebe born 1895 all died as infants or toddlers. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The surviving children were; Richard, Alice, Mary Ann*, John, Matilda, Elizabeth Mercy, William and Albert. The family moved to live in Barlborough </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">around 1892 </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">just after William was born. On the 1901 census they were living at California Lane, Barlborough and Samuel was employed as a coal miner once more. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A new century dawns....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The decade of the 1900's brought with it much change for the Tolley family. On 15th September 1904 William's brothers Richard and John set sail on the Ionian destined for Quebec, Canada. They arrived on 21st of September and began their new lives. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The men no doubt wrote home to their parents and told the Tolley family how wonderful it was living in Canada. Canada was actively seeking immigrants to work in its country, the boom years of British immigration into the country were 1912 and 1913 when the numbers made up 39% of Canada's total immigrants. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The lure of the new country must have encouraged William as on 17th June 1910 he to set sail from Liverpool to Quebec. William was aged 19 years and worked as a coal miner at the time. He sailed 3rd Class on the Empress of Britain and arrived on 23rd June 1910.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Samuel and Phoebe were living at 97 Cresswell Road, Clowne by now. Richard had returned from Canada and Albert was also still living with them. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">William and John do not appear on the UK 1911 Census so we can assume that they were settled in Canada. The girls had left the family home; </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Alice married James Stretton in 1893 they had three children Thomas, Clarence and Constance. James died sometime between 1901 and 1911 as Alice was living in Leeds as a widow with her three children on the 1911 Census.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Matilda was working as a cook for the Harper family in Idle, West Yorkshire. The head of the household James Harper was a business owner in the woollen textile trade. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I have not located </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">(Elizabeth) </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Mercy on the 1911 census. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Canada beckons....</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Having heard stories from their children it seems the idea of a new life in Canada also appealed to Samuel and Phoebe and so in August 1913 they to set sail for a new beginning. They sailed with Richard and Albert on the Empress of Ireland and arrived on 14th August 1913. Richard had already done this exciting journey he would be able to lead the family through the process of immigration.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Once in Canada the Tolley family started a new life in <a href="https://tourismfernie.com/" target="_blank">Fernie</a>, British Columbia. The city is located in the south east of British Columbia and is surrounded by the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The city was founded in 1898 and grew in 1904 when it was officially declared a city. The area was home to the Crowsnest Coalfield which would no doubt have been the lure for the Tolley family. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William however did return to England as on 15th February 1915 he married his sweetheart Mary Ellen Fortune Taylor at St Mary's Church, Laisterdyke, Yorkshire. William was aged 24 and worked as an engineer, Mary was slightly older at 26 years of age. Mary was the daughter of grocer Herbert Taylor. Both gave the address of 34 Campbell Street. Two witnesses signed the marriage register Margaret Ellen Fortune and "Herb" Fortune.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Celebrations soon followed when on 14th June 1916 a son was born to the young couple. They named him after his father William Henry Robert Tolley.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>William's war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 27th January 1916 the <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-1916-military-service-act/" target="_blank">Military Service Act</a> was announced, this act deemed that all single men aged between 18 and 41 were automatically <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-lives/yourcountry/overview/conscription/" target="_blank">conscripted</a> into the Army Reserve from 2nd March 1916, unless they fell into certain categories. As a recently married man, William was exempt from this act.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A further <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-1916-military-service-act/procedure-for-call-up-under-the-military-service-act/" target="_blank">amendment to the Act</a> was passed on 25th May 1916 which now included married men. William was now eligible for conscription into general service with the Army. He would receive a call up notice which would tell him of the date and place he was requested to enlist at. There would also be general posters around the local area and in the newspapers advising the men of what was expected of them, each man had a duty to make sure he was informed of his obligations.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William signed his papers on 21st June 1916 at Halifax, West Yorkshire. He was aged 25 years and 219 days and worked as a foreman at the time. He was placed with the 7th Reserve West Yorkshire Regiment and given his own regimental number of Private 6023. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It appears that William had a few days to enjoy time with his family after enlisting as his </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">home service commenced three days later on 24th June 1916. This would have been especially important to William and Mary as their first child had been born only weeks earlier on 14th June 1916*. </b><br />
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Once attested William would be taught the art of warfare, how to march, use weapons and would partake in physical fitness activities. On 9th December he was ready to see active service and he set sail from Folkstone landing in Boulogne that same day. On Christmas Eve of 1916 William was posted to the 1/5th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment. His regimental number was also changed to Private 202916. His wife and six month old son would be spending Christmas Eve without him.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Active service....</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The 1/5th West Yorkshire Regiment was part of the 146th Brigade, 49th West Riding Division. They had landed in Boulogne to join the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) in April 1915 and taken part in some major battles of the war so far, including; the Battle of Albert (Somme), Bazentine Ridge, Poziers and Flers-Courcette. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">William joined up with the battalion at the village of Bouquemaison which is located in the Somme area. The war diary gives the following account of Christmas Day 1916, the day which William most likely joined the battalion;</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Christmas Day. H.Q and party of A Coy bathed in the Bde Baths a(t) Bouquemaison. The men had Christmas Dinner at midday. Officers dinner at H.Q at 8pm. No work on training was done. Reinforcement of 68 O R joined the Battn, the majority being from the 3/7th and 3/8th West Yorks Regt".</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The following days were spent with further training in musketry, Lewis Gun fire, bomber training and bayonet fighting. Working parties were sent out wood cutting and other general duties. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William probably took his first taste of life in the trenches on 6th January 1917 when the battalion relieved the 19th Manchester Regiment in trenches at Bailleulmont. The enemy fire was relatively quiet but work was hard for the men as they were put to pumping out the water from the trenches, general repairs and erecting some head cover for the men to shelter under. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The weather was bad, heavy rain was filling up the trench system and rendering their jobs impossible. On 9th January the battalion received its first fatality since William had joined, when enemy gun fire killed a man of A Coy returning from a working party. On 11th January they were relieved by the 1/6th West Yorkshire Regiment and took up their billets back in the village of Bailleulmont.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Life for William and his comrades would continue in this way for the months through till May 1917, taking tours of the trenches, working parties, training and rest in the billets. </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In May of 1917 however the training became more intensive, they were given four days training which included a "<i>tactical scheme and full attack practice</i>". The men were being prepared for an upcoming attack to be carried out jointly by the British and the French forces.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Secret plans....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 49th West Riding Division were part of the force which were to launch an attack on the Belgium coast. The intention was to regain hold of the stretch of Belgium coastline which was in the enemy's hands. The plan was named "<i><a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/operation-hush-including-the-battle-of-the-dunes/" target="_blank">Operation Hush</a>" </i>and was to take place in July or August 1917.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William's battalion moved to Estaires and then on to Oost Dunkirke by mid July in anticipation and continued their specialist training. However the attack was eventually cancelled due to the lack of advance from Ypres. The enemy gained information regarding the planned invasion and set about a massive attack on the British to offset Operation Hush.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The battle of Poelcapelle....</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Part of the Third Battle of Ypres; </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In October 1917 the 1/5th battalion found themselves in the middle of a terrible run of wet weather, the rains came down so heavily the ground was like a quagmire. The men were close to Wieltje and ordered to take up assembly positions on 9th October. Due to the weather they would have trudged through miles of mud and were worn out before they had even reached the assembly point. The attack commenced on the Passchendaele Ridge at 5.20 am and saw most of the allies advances eventually being pushed back to their starting points. Only the villages of Veldhoek and Poelcapelle made any advancement, by 6.40 am the battalion had taken its first objective. They managed to hold on to their positions until the night of the 10th when they were relieved and fell back to the Reserve Line at Wieltje. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The B.E.F recorded around 12,000 troops wounded, missing and killed on the days of 9th and 10th October 1917. For the battalion these numbers were also high;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>Officers - 4 killed, 8 wounded, 2 missing</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Other ranks - 48 killed, 182 wounded, 44 missing"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 17th October the men paraded for the II Anzac Company Commander and he complemented them "<i>on their gallant attack on Passchendaele Ridge". </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Promotion....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William received recognition for his service and experience when on 12th December 1917 he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. This was an unpaid role until 20th when he was awarded the salary to reward his higher rank.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1918....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The early months of 1918 were spent in and out of front line trenches, providing working parties and undertaking training at several brigade camps around the Ypres area. At the end of March they were in the line at Glenclose Wood Tunnel and were relived on 30th by the 1st Battalion Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. The men marched to the Scottish Wood Camp the next day attending a Church parade service in the Y.M.C.A hut at nearby Forester Camp. The battalion were joined by reinforcements of 68 other ranks and were inspected by the Commanding Officer.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The rest was brief and at 6pm on 1st April the men marched to relieve the 1/5th Yorks & Lancaster Regiment in the line near Birr Cross Roads. Relief was completed by 11.15 pm with no casualties sustained. The 2nd April was described as a fairly quiet day until the enemy "<i>put over in all about 50 gas shells". </i>A patrol of six ordinary ranks were sent out into "no-mans land" and reported hearing the enemy talking in their occupied front line trenches. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The following day the 3rd April saw much more heavy artillery fire into the reserve trenches. B Company were stationed at Jargow Tunnel and "<i>were heavily shelled about 7.30 am and one of the entrances to the tunnel was blown in". </i>The war diary records the following list of casualties for 3rd April 1918;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>Casualties killed 4 OR (shell), wounded 1 OR accidental"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Lance Corporal William Henry Tolley was reported as killed in action in the activity on that day. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William was buried at the Menin Road South Military Cemetery in Belgium, grave ref; III.D.9</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Williams grave shows the sign of the cross and the loving inscription was also added by his wife Mary and family;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Lance Corporal William Henry Tolley 202916 was awarded the Victory and British Medals for his service.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William was remembered in the Derbyshire Times, 4th May 1918 page 4. The obituary included a photograph of Henry and read....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"A former resident of New Whittington</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Lance. Corpl. William Henry Tolley (27)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>West Yorkshire Regt., has been killed in action.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>He was the third son of the late Mr S Tolley,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>and of Mrs Tolley, Fernie, British Columbia, late</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>of New Whittington and Clowne.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>His wife and two children live at Leeds"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Mary Tolley</u> was living alone at 21A Back Lane, Bradford in 1939. She never remarried but held the memory of her beloved William and what could have been if only the war had not reared its ugly head. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>She was awarded a weekly pension of 20s 5p for her and one child which commenced on 21st October 1918. The newspaper article informing of William's death states that there were two children to the marriage. I have only found the one son, if any one knows differently please let me know.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Mary died in 1970 aged 82 years of age.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>William Henry Robert Tolley</u> would never remember meeting his brave father. He no doubt had a photograph or a keepsake which would keep the memory of William alive forever. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William married Edith Hemingway in 1939. I believe they had a son and daughter in 1940 and 1947 respectively. William died in Ryedale in 1973 he was 77 years old. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Samuel & Phoebe Tolley</u> were still living in Canada during WW1. Samuel died not long after he had emigrated, never knowing that his son William would lose his life to the war. Samuel died on 30th March 1915 aged 73 years. He was buried at St Margaret's Cemetery at Fernie, British Columbia. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Phoebe died on 11th November 1920 aged 68 years old. She too was buried at St Margaret's Cemetery in Fernie.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Richard Tolley</u> also lived his life in Canada. He died on 6th December 1939 at Kamloops, British Columbia. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Alice Stretton</u> was to remain a widow. She lived in Leeds in 1939 and died there a year later. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>John Tolley</u> was living in Fernie, British Columbia in 1921. He worked as a coal miner and had ten children; Albert, Dorothy, Annie, Alice, Raymond, Harold, Sampson, John, Mildred and Phoebe.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John remained in Fernie until he died on 25th May 1950. His wife Annie died there a few years earlier in 1947.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Matilda and (Elizabeth) Mercy Tolley</u> boarded the ship named the Victorian at Liverpool destined for Canada. The two sister's travelled to live with their family members in Fernie. They arrived on 7th July 1920, just months before their mother Phoebe died. Matilda worked as a cook and Mercy as a tailoress.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Matilda died aged just 43 years old on 14th January 1930, she was buried with her parents in St Margaret's Cemetery.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Mercy married Robert Gash on 28th December 1926 at Victoria, British Columbia. The couple a daughter named Joan a few years later. Mercy died aged 69 years old on 9th July 1956.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Albert Tolley</u> also remained in Fernie, British Columbia. He died aged 65 years old on 2nd November 1959 and was buried along with his parents and sister Matilda at St Margaret's Cemetery, Fernie.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>* Mary Ann Tolley - possible child. The 1911 census states Samuel and Phoebe Tolley had 13 children - 8 living and 5 dead. I have only been able to fully document 12 of these children at this time.</b></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another local man named Frank Fareham also lost his life on the same day as William whilst serving with the 1/5th West Yorkshire Regiment. His story can be found via the link <a href="https://staveleyremembers.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/fareham-and-bennett.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on William Henry Tolley or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</strong></span></em><br />
<em style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></em><em style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</strong></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></b></i></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>With kind thanks to the Derbyshire Times Newspaper</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>for permission to use the photograph of </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William Henry Tolley in this blog.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Census</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
Service records - www.ancestry.co.uk </div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal rolls</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Derbyshire Times obituary - 4th May 1918 page 4</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a>.org</div>
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War diaries -</div>
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1/5th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own) - WO 2794/1<br />
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Frank Fareham <a href="https://staveleyremembers.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/fareham-and-bennett.jpg" target="_blank">https://staveleyremembers.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/fareham-and-bennett.jpg</a><br />
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1/5th West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own) <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/the-prince-of-waless-own-west-yorkshire-regiment/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/the-prince-of-waless-own-west-yorkshire-regiment/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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Battle of Poelcapelle <a href="https://www.cwgc.org/learn/news-and-events/news/2017/10/09/07/48/8-facts-about-the-battle-of-poelcappelle" target="_blank">https://www.cwgc.org/learn/news-and-events/news/2017/10/09/07/48/8-facts-about-the-battle-of-poelcappelle</a><br />
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Operation Hush <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/operation-hush-including-the-battle-of-the-dunes/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/operation-hush-including-the-battle-of-the-dunes/</a><br />
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Conscription <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-lives/yourcountry/overview/conscription/" target="_blank">http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-lives/yourcountry/overview/conscription/</a></div>
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Recruitment WW1</div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruitment_to_the_British_Army_during_the_First_World_War#Conscription_1916%E2%80%9318" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruitment_to_the_British_Army_during_the_First_World_War#Conscription_1916%E2%80%9318</a><br />
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Military Service Act 1916 <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-1916-military-service-act/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-1916-military-service-act/</a><br />
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Amendment May 1916 <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-1916-military-service-act/procedure-for-call-up-under-the-military-service-act/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-1916-military-service-act/procedure-for-call-up-under-the-military-service-act/</a><br />
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Canadian immigration <a href="http://www.british-immigrants-in-montreal.com/canadian-immigration-early-1900s.html" target="_blank">http://www.british-immigrants-in-montreal.com/canadian-immigration-early-1900s.html</a><br />
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Fernie, British Columbia <a href="https://tourismfernie.com/" target="_blank">https://tourismfernie.com/</a><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-2324563550543052372018-03-21T11:30:00.000+00:002018-03-25T16:12:26.908+01:00HENRY WARREN<h4 style="text-align: center;">
HENRY WARREN</h4>
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Corporal 11241</h4>
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2/5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment</h4>
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Missing presumed dead - 21st March 1918</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Henry was the youngest of seven children born to Arthur and Annie Warren. He was born in the winter of 1896/early 1897, baptised at Whittington on 8th January 1897. He was affectionately known as "Harry".</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">World War 1 brought tremendous loss to the Warren family; Arthur and Annie Warren lost three sons to the cause, the first was William on 10th March 1916. Next came Henry on 21st March 1918 and later that year Arthur on 29th June 1918. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The Warren family....</i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Arthur Warren was a sawyer born in Therfield, Hertfordshire and Annie Matilda Hunt was from Grafton Underwood near Northampton; they married on 16th May 1881 at Staveley parish church. Annie had lived in the Staveley area since she was a child. Their first son was baptised on 26th January 1882, his name was James Edward (named after his maternal grandfather James Hunt). Next came a daughter Lily in 1884 who sadly did not survive infancy, she died later that year. Two more son's followed; John Frederick baptised on 22nd December 1886, then Arthur baptised 17th January 1889 at New Whittington.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a tough few years Annie and Arthur found hope again, when in 1890 a daughter was born, they named her Annie after her mother, she was baptised on 20th November 1890.</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The 1891 census shows the Warren family living at London Street, New Whittington. Not long after the census was taken John Frederick died aged just 4 years old. Over the coming years more children were born to Arthur and Annie; William and Ellen were baptised on the same day, 21st June 1895 and then came Henry (Harry).</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Another sad time had troubled the Warren family, when in 1896 their eldest son James Edward died aged 15 years old. James was employed at Staveley Company's wagon shop. He "<em>got wedged between two wagons, and suffered in consequence serious injuries internally, which necessitated his removal to the Chesterfield Hospital". </em>Unfortunately the doctors were unable to save James and he died the following night <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">(1).</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em>1911 the eve of war</em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">....</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Warren family had left New Whittington and were now living at 2 Higher Albert Street, Stonegravels. Henry was aged 14 years old and had begun his working life as an apprentice in engineering at the iron works. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">William was 15 years old and had found employment as a pipe moulder also at the iron works. Arthur Snr and Arthur Jnr were both employed as sawyers at the local timber yard. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Poignantly this, the last census before the Great War shows Arthur and Annie living what was probably a very ordinary life, their three sons Arthur, William and Henry still lived in the family home. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br />The girls had left home; Annie was the cook at the Temperance Hotel also known as the Park Hotel, run by Henry Victor Davis. I have not located Ellen on the 1911 census.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few years later on 14th September 1913 Annie married George Venus Lloyd at Scarborough. George was living at Coventry at the time.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sadly Annie, Harry's mother died not long after in 1913, she was 53 years of age.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Harry's war....</i></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry went to Chesterfield and signed his papers to serve for "Short Service" on 28th August 1914, just a few weeks after war had been declared. His service record states that Harry was aged 19 years 14 days old and worked as a labourer in the iron foundry. Harry must have lied about his age as this would mean that he had been born in the August of 1895. Harry was in truth aged just 17 years old when he enlisted. He needed to be 18 to sign up and 19 years old to serve over seas. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>He was posted the very next day, straight to the depot, no time to be found out for falsifying his age. We may never know if his parents or siblings knew of his enlistment before this date, did he spend one last night at home before leaving or did he set out on the 28th and not return until he was a soldier? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 5th September 1914 Private 11241 Henry Warren was posted to his first battalion, the newly formed 7th Lincolnshire Regiment. Ten months later on 10th July 1915 the battalion received their orders that they would be moving overseas. They marched out of Flowerdown Camp to Winchester Station on 14th July; 29 Officers and 932 Other Ranks. The march would pass through the local community, people would be out in the streets cheering the brave men along the way. Harry was now 18 years of age, his war was just about to begin.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Harry and his battalion embarked from Folkstone and arrived on the shores of Boulogne, France at just past midnight on 15th July, from there they moved on to Ostehove Camp for a short rest. At 9am the battalion was again on the move, they took a train journey to the village of Wizernes near St Omer. Harry would spend most of the month moving from place to place until on 27th the "B Company (Coys)" saw its first tour in the trenches, its not known which Company Harry was attached to, but by the end of the month all had spent time in the trenches; the battalion recorded 4 other ranks killed and 16 wounded for that first month with the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F). </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Accidental injury....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry found himself the subject of speculation when on 21st August 1915 he caused himself accidental wounding. A witness statement given by Pte. G Bates;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"In the trenches about 10am, 21/08/15, I was standing near No7, 11241 Pte. H Warren, who was in the act of cleaning his rifle - he was at the same time conversing with me. I noticed the man had his right hand near muzzle of his rifle, cleaning the trigger guard with left hand. I heard a report & found that Pte Warren had accidentally discharged his rifle, the shot taking away the forefinger of right hand."</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Injuries like this were taken very seriously by the military leaders, they would need to decide if the incident was by accident or in fact done in a deliberate act to avoid further service. Harry was tried by a Field General Court Martial, this type of trial could if necessary issue a death penalty. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The court martial took place on 26th August 1915, he was tried "<i>for neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline (self inflicted wound)".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The verdict;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"The Court found the accused not guilty"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Through the winter months of 1915 to spring 1916 the battalion saw some heavy fighting around the Hooge / Ypres area. On 1st March the battalion prepared to take part in an operation to recapture an area known as "The Bluff". At 5pm "<i>Companies taking up position in assembly trenches. Battalion march out 20 Officers 558 Other Ranks". </i>The attack commenced at 4.30am on 2nd March, the battalion were a forward support battalion. By 8am "<i>Runners reported that whole objective was in our hands and we, consolidating recaptured trenches". </i> The casualties were high;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Officers - 1 killed, 5 wounded</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Other ranks - 33 killed, 178 wounded, 16 missing"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The Somme offensive....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 1st July 1916 the battalion marched to take up their positions in the front line trenches at Fricourt. At 8am the next day they received orders that they were to attack the town of Fricourt along with the South Staffordshire Regiment. The attack began at just after midday with B and D Coys in front, A and C Coys as support. They reached their first objective not long after and thirteen prisoners were taken. Heavy fighting continued, with many casualties for the 7th battalion. Twenty four hours later the battalion made progress when they captured "<i>Railway Alley</i>". The battalion began work to consolidate the trench until 10.30pm when they were relieved by the South Staffordshire Regiment. They moved to billets at Ville for a well earned rest. The casualties for those four opening days of the Battle of Albert were;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Officers - 4 killed, 4 wounded</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Other ranks - 35 killed, 153 wounded, 18 missing"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battalion played an active part in the Battle of the Somme, they were part of a successful mission to capture of the town of Fricourt. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 28th August 1916 Harry was transferred to the 8th battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. He joined the men the next day whilst they were stationed at their billets in Villers-Au-Bois, just north of Arras.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment....</i> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry spent the first month with the 8th battalion receiving training, it wasn't until the middle of July that the men were to relieve the Nelson battalion of the Royal Naval Division in the trenches at Sain. The months ahead took on the same routine; training, rest and duties in the trenches.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1917....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry had reason to celebrate with the coming New Year when he was awarded ten days leave to England. We would hope that Harry visited his family back in New Whittington and I am sure that they were overjoyed to have their beloved youngest son back home where he belonged, especially as the family were in turmoil over their son William being declared missing in action the year earlier.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry's leave ended on 12th January and he returned to the B.E.F in France. This time his stay in France was short lived as at the end of February 1917 Harry became ill with a condition called Adenitis, inflammation of the lymph nodes within the abdomen. Often confused with appendicitis, the condition would have been extremely painful and Harry would also suffer with a fever. He was admitted to the General Hospital however his condition must have deteriorated as on 12th March he was transferred back to the UK on hospital ship "<a href="https://birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/HS_Stad_Antwerpen" target="_blank">HS Stad Antwerpen</a>".</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 8th June 1917 Harry was transferred to the 3rd battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. This was a reserve training battalion which were based at Grimsby at this time.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Back to the front....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Unfortunately for Harry the time came when he was deemed fit and able to return to active service. He embarked at Folkstone on 17th July 1917 and arrived once again in Boulogne that same day. He was attached briefly to the 6th battalion before joining the 2/5th battalion on 10th August. The war diary records that the battalion received 219 Ordinary Ranks in the month of August, bringing its strength to; 37 Officers and 957 Ordinary Ranks.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At 11pm on 25th September 1917 the battalion moved to their point of assembly just south of Wieltje, as part of the attack around Hill 37. The night was a misty night, their objective could not be seen in the darkness. A day later the diary reads "<i>The battalion attacked, gained and held its objectives". </i>The enemy put up a barrage of shells and gunfire over the day of 27th, the battalion were eventually relieved at 11pm.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Promotion for Private Warren....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry gained recognition for his service and experience when on 13th October 1917 he was promoted to Lance Corporal. With this promotion came more responsibility but unfortunately his service records note that this was "<i>unpaid" </i>meaning he would not receive a higher pay allowance for this promotion. </b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The promotion would make Harry's family very proud back in "Blighty", some positive news to chat about in the village of New Whittington.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Further paid promotion followed in January 1918 when Harry was made Corporal, this was a senior non-commissioned rank. Harry had done well and would now be in charge of a section within his battalion. More reason for his family and friends to be extremely proud. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The early months of 1918 were spent in training and exercise; bayonet and open warfare training were taught, but also football, boxing and running were all part of the itinerary. On 9th February the men marched out of Ambines, they marched for three days, resting only at night, before arriving in Bullecourt on 12th February. They went straight into position, relieving the 20th Middlesex Regiment in the front line and the 13th Yorkshire Regiment in support. The coming weeks saw the battalion involved in some heavy bombardments, by both sides. On the 20th the war diary records "<i>Enemy used gas shells today which burst like ordinary H.E shells. Five men were affected and sent down. These shells are difficult to detect as the smell of the smoke from the H.E masks the smell of the gas" </i>("H.E" High Explosive).</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>March 1918....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary tells an interesting account of how some members of the German Army had an "<i>attempt at fraternisation" </i>with the battalion. It goes on to comment "<i>It appears the German soldier will do anything for "bully beef" offering our men cigarettes etc in exchange". </i>The battalion however did not succumb to such bribery and returned their approach with gunshots and grenades. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The German Army was about to launch a surprise attack on the allies, German prisoners and deserters "<i>all state that an attack would be made shortly".</i> This act of "friendship" would have rendered the allies hungry and weak, the Germans would have benefited from the extra rations at a time when both armies were working on empty stomachs. The battalion spent the coming weeks preparing for the enemy attack; maintaining and building strong front line trenches and support trench systems. On 19th March the men were relieved from the trenches and moved to Mory South Camp. The men were on high alert, "standing to" an hour before day break each morning in anticipation.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The attack....</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It was a foggy morning on 21st March 1918 when the German Army launched a massive attack on the British Army. Known as "Kaiserschlacht" or "The Kaiser's Battle", this attack was launched on a huge scale. Code named <a href="http://www.greatwar.co.uk/battles/somme/1918-somme-spring.htm" target="_blank">Operation Michael</a> the Germans bombarded the B.E.F for five long hours. After the initial artillery attack 6,600 men of the German Army left their trenches and moved under cover of the dense fog to the British front line trenches. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Harry and his comrades were in reserve on the morning of the 21st March 1917, they were still in camp at Mory when it became clear that "<i>something was happening on the front line". </i>The enemy had been firing intermittent gun fire throughout the night, which had been "<i>increasing in violence till about 4am". </i>At about this time the order was given for the men to <i>"Stand to". </i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Three hours later at 7am the battalion were ordered to move to the assembly position which they had achieved by 7.36am, all ready in artillery formation. At 12 noon orders were further received to "<i>advance and occupy support trench of the First Battle System". </i>The battalion were split; A Coys went to the right and B, C and D Coys to the left. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It was soon noticed that the men were moving off of their allocated lines towards the right. Further investigation found "<i>large masses of enemy were seen streaming over the ridge to the S.E of Longmatte". </i>The German army had already occupied the Lincolns intended target and so the Company Officers had decided to change track and aim to occupy an area known as Norevil Switch. By now the battalion and its companies had become completely detached from each other, some behind the front line.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Several attempts were made to send patrols out to find the remainder of the battalion, but unfortunately these men continued to come into the lines of "<i>large bodies of enemy troops". </i>Thus they were forced to retreat, many of the men were wounded in these efforts. The enemy were getting closer, they were moving from right to left "<i>in large numbers" </i> across the battalion's front lines. At one stage they did reach the wire of the allies <i>"but were beaten off".</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At 3.15pm it was decided that the Battalion Headquarters should be moved back from the front line to the support lines. By 5.20pm it was feared that the brigade would lose its right flank and so supporting troops were rushed to the line to assist. Eventually at 8pm the battalion received the welcome news that they would be relieved in the front line. Nine hours later the relief was complete, at 5am on 22nd March the battalion were further back in the support line. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Throughout the day of 22nd the enemy continued its attack, at around 3.45pm the message was sent to confirm that they had in fact taken a key position, the village of Vraucourt. The order was given for all men to be withdrawn, the 2/5th Lincolnshire Regiment were collected "<i>and acted as general reserve".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Corporal Henry Warren 11241 was reported as killed in action on 21st March 1918. He died carrying out his duty under the most terrifying circumstances "<i>During the whole of this advance the Bn was under heavy artillery and M.G (machine gun) fire". </i>His battalion spent the following days under continued heavy fire, trying as they might to move to safety the enemy were constantly at their heels. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary estimated that 490 other ranks were killed, wounded or missing between the dates of 21st to 25th March 1918.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry is remembered on the Arras Memorial, Pas De Calais, France ref Bay 3 & 4. He has no known grave.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Corporal Henry Warren 11241 was awarded the Victory, British War Medal and 15 Star for his service.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry was reported as missing in the Derbyshire Times 27th April 1918 page 4. The article included a photograph of Henry and read....</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"As reported in our last issue Corporal Harry Warren,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Lincolnshire Regiment, of 31 Victoria Street, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Chesterfield, has been posted as missing from</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>his Regiment since March 21st.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Enlisting at the commencement of the war, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>he has been wounded once and came </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>to England last year after a bad illness.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>He is 21 years of age. His brother William Warren,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Leicestershire Regiment has been missing for two years"</i></b></span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life went on....</span></em></strong><br />
<u style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></u><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Arthur Warren</u> Williams father lived with his daughter at 31 Victoria Street, Stonegravels at the time of Williams death. He was employed by Allen & Orr Timber Merchants. </span></b><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Newspaper articles in 1918 state that Arthur was a cripple. He died in 1925 aged in his early 70's. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Henry's siblings -</span></strong><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Arthur Warren</u> served with the 11th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment. A newspaper article <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">(2)</span> on the front page of the Derbyshire Courier stated that Arthur was employed at Sheepbridge furnace's prior to enlisting. He was reported killed in action on 29th June 1918 whilst fighting in Italy. The article also told that he had been wounded and gassed the year earlier. Arthur's story will be told on this blog on 29th June 2018.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Annie Lloyd nee Warren</u> and her husband George remained living in Scarborough. In the December of 1916 George signed up for active service. At that time they were living at 83 Beechville Avenue, Scarborough.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">George served with the Royal Tank Corps; a remarkable time for George to be involved in the new technology of modern warfare. Looking at this service records he was only a short man of 5ft 1", this height would have made an ideal candidate for tank warfare. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Annie was left in Scarborough to look after their two young children; Barbara Gladys born on 6th April 1914 and Robert Venus born on 18th August 1916.</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thankfully George survived the war, being demobilised on 26th January 1919. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory medal for his service. The couple lived out their married lives by the sea in Scarborough; Annie died in 1961 and George died not long after in 1965.</b></span><br />
<u style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></u><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Ellen Warren</u> may have married George H Draper in 1919. If this is correct then the couple may have had a son named Arthur H Draper in 1919. What became of Ellen after this date is not known? can anyone shed any light on the story of Ellen Warren? please let me know if you can. Ellen may have had a son out of wedlock, born in 1914 James Edward Warren was the beneficiary of his uncle Arthur Warren's soldiers effects in 1918. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>William Warren</u> served with the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. He enlisted in the early stages of the war and joined the B.E.F in France on 4th October 1915. In November 1915 the battalion moved to Egypt and became part of the 28th Indian Brigade. </span></b><br />
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<strong style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private William Warren 16689 was missing presumed dead between the 8th - 10th March 1916. His official date of death is 10th March 1916. His full story can be read <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/william-warren.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Henry Warren or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</strong></span></em><br />
<em style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></em><em style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</strong></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></b></i></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>With kind thanks to the Derbyshire Times Newspaper</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>for permission to use the photograph of </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Henry Warren in this blog.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>With kind thanks to the Lincolnshire Regimental website</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>for permission to use the picture of the insignia </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>in this blog. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.thelincolnshireregiment.org/">http://www.thelincolnshireregiment.org</a>/</b></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Census</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
Service records - www.ancestry.co.uk and www.findmypast.co.uk</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal rolls</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - Derbyshire Times, Derby Courier</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Derbyshire Times obituary </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a>.org</div>
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War diaries -</div>
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7th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment - WO 2007/1</div>
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8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment - WO 2529/1</div>
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2/5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment - WO 3023/3-4</div>
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Lincolnshire Regiment <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/lincolnshire-regiment/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/lincolnshire-regiment/</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/273/lincolnshire-regiment/" target="_blank">https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/273/lincolnshire-regiment/</a></div>
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7th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment <a href="http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/battalion.php?pid=6568" target="_blank">http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/battalion.php?pid=6568</a><br />
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HS Stad Antwerpen <a href="https://birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/HS_Stad_Antwerpen" target="_blank">https://birtwistlewiki.com.au/wiki/HS_Stad_Antwerpen</a><br />
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Operation Michael <a href="http://www.greatwar.co.uk/battles/somme/1918-somme-spring.htm" target="_blank">http://www.greatwar.co.uk/battles/somme/1918-somme-spring.htm</a><br />
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(1) Derbyshire Times 20th June 1896 page 8.</h4>
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(2) Derbyshire Courier 20th July 1918 page 1.</h4>
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(3) Derbyshire Courier 22nd July 1916 page 5.</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-42678222962288702742018-03-21T11:00:00.000+00:002018-08-27T07:38:33.001+01:00ARNOLD CALLIS <h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ARNOLD CALLIS</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBLsaXRRpMTA1X_rGmg43v8DE-DFhByHL2fa_bYXRRYJl0LXjXeVtyP0KL8MGwcHTkXe1jnzwkUGxYQh4afYww0rXjLg3DmqBsYqJxt9dQfC97BmqCzh-_RzCp3qrnfg5yf7ZA2Q4SUA/s1600/south+staffs+emblem+from+national+army+museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="568" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBLsaXRRpMTA1X_rGmg43v8DE-DFhByHL2fa_bYXRRYJl0LXjXeVtyP0KL8MGwcHTkXe1jnzwkUGxYQh4afYww0rXjLg3DmqBsYqJxt9dQfC97BmqCzh-_RzCp3qrnfg5yf7ZA2Q4SUA/s200/south+staffs+emblem+from+national+army+museum.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Private 242158</h4>
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2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment</h4>
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Killed in action - 21st March 1918</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Arnold Callis' name was spelt incorrectly when it was inscribed onto the St Barnabas Church War Memorial. It was was written with "SS" on the end, when in fact his birth registration and war records all spell the surname with one "S".</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Arnold was born in the autumn of 1897 at New Whittington, he was the son of Catherine (nee Hayes) and William Callis. His parents married in 1894, Catherine was a young widow with two young children at the time; Alice aged 8 and Charles aged 4 years. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KNn7_uOrTIGDZ-7vJyWZ9q_fpzQWgqj9C48K7Eb7O_54F4J_MPuV-3b6tgkARtxw87LPO_G-n8XNnS4XwYPwqUVjthfcxvS5fQ94VjDbJE75vjgx7RT203YqNcpRDAsR1g2BhgqvfRw/s1600/Charles+Hubbard+death+-+DT+20021892p5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="49" data-original-width="482" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KNn7_uOrTIGDZ-7vJyWZ9q_fpzQWgqj9C48K7Eb7O_54F4J_MPuV-3b6tgkARtxw87LPO_G-n8XNnS4XwYPwqUVjthfcxvS5fQ94VjDbJE75vjgx7RT203YqNcpRDAsR1g2BhgqvfRw/s400/Charles+Hubbard+death+-+DT+20021892p5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derbyshire Times - Charles Hubbard death</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Arnold's mother Catherine had married Charles Hubbard in 1885, he wasn't a local lad, he was born in Claypool, Lincolnshire. In 1891 the family were living on Bamford Street and Charles worked as a coal miner. A year later on 14th February 1892 Charles passed away, leaving his young wife to bring up Alice and toddler Charles. His burial took place at St Bartholomew's Church on 17th February 1892.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>A new start....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>In 1894 Catherine married William Callis a shoe and boot <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boot_and_shoe_clicker" target="_blank">clicker</a> from Sheffield. His job was to cut out the upper part of the shoe from the roll of leather, it was a very skilled job. He would become step father to Alice and Charles. Later that year the couple had their first child together; a son named William. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In 1896 another son was born, </b></span><b>named Bertram </b><b>he died aged just nine months old, he was buried at St Bartholomew's Church on 29th October 1896. Arnold would bring new hope for the family when he was born in 1897, followed by their first daughter Winifred in 1900.</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the 1901 census the Callis family are recorded as living at 11 Bamford Street, Arnold was 3 years old. His father William was 32 and his mother Catherine was 36 years of age. William was noted as being a "<i>boot maker and repairer.... own account" </i>meaning William worked for himself. He may well have run his business from his house or if he was doing well he might be able to afford a workshop to trade from. One thing we can be sure of, Arnold and his siblings would have quality footwear on their small feet.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Arnold was 13 years old by now, he had left school and was employed as a mouse trap maker. The family had grown, another sister for Arnold named Bertha she was born in 1902. The Callis family had moved home to live at 15 Bamford Street, this was a six roomed house not the usual two up, two down terraced house. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>All of the children still lived at home; Alice and Charles Hubbard were in their twenties now, Charles worked as a colliery labourer above ground. William was 16 years old and employed as a bell lad, Winifred and Bertha were still attending school. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>There was one more new member of the Callis family; a baby boy named Charles William Hubbard, recorded as "<i>step grandson"</i> to the head of the household. Baby Charles was the son of either Alice or Charles Hubbard.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>The boot making/repair business appears to be doing well, the family have upgraded their home and Catherine is noted as "<i>assisting in the business".</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Arnold's war....</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Arnold's service records have not survived, his medal card gives us a brief clue to his service as he was not awarded the 15 Star, thus we can surmise that he did not see active service in a theatre of war in between the dates of 5th August 1914 and 31st December 1915. A newspaper article states that he enlisted as soon as he was old enough, which would have been around 1915 as the minimum aged to enlist was 18 years (he could not serve overseas however until he was 19 years old).</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>On enlisting Arnold would be transferred to a training camp where he would be taught the basic skills he would need for the war he was about to enter. He would be given a medical to ensure that he was fit and fell within the required parameters for active service. He was given soldier number Private 242158 and attached to the 2/6th South Staffordshire Battalion.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>This battalion was formed in Wolverhampton in September 1914 as a home service regiment. From 1915 the regiment was part of the 176th Brigade 59th Division (2nd North Midland Division). In July 1915 it moved to St Albans.</b></span></div>
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Voluntary enlistment was dwindling and large numbers of men were needed to sustain the war effort. All men were given the option to enlist voluntarily under the <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-group-scheme-derby-scheme/" target="_blank">Derby Scheme</a> which would allow them to attest to serve if needed at a later date, the closing date for this voluntary act was 15th December 1915. Once they had enlisted they were free to go back to civilian life until they were called for at a later date. Whether or not Arnold took up this offer is not known, but if he did he would have been placed in "Group 1". This group were given notice of their call up on 25th February 1916, they were mobilised on 28th March 1916.</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In April 1916 the 2/6th South Staffordshire Battalion were sent overseas, but not to join the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) in France, they were sent to Dublin, Ireland to quell the Easter Uprising. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>A call to arms....</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>After nine months away the battalion returned to the United Kingdom, based at Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire from January 1917 until they received the call "mobilise for war" in February. The war diary reads "<i>24/2/17 instructions received under secret cover to embark at Southampton". </i>The next day 31 Officers and 653 Other Ranks took a train journey from Codford Station, Wiltshire arriving at Southampton to embark on the HMS Viper by 11.30am. They arrived at Le Harve at 7am on 26th February 1917.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battalion were based near Genermont, moving in and out of the trenches. In March the war diary records that "<i>rain fell heavily on two nights. Communication and front line trenches were very wet and muddy, in some places the mud being knee deep. Great difficulty was experienced in getting up water and rations owing to the mud and the men were very exhausted". </i> Arnold may have tried his hand at household chores when for two days the battalion were "<i>engaged cleaning clothing and equipment and making up deficiencies".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>From 14th March to 5th April 1917 the German Army made its retreat to behind its newly built defence system known as the <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/pursuit-of-the-german-retreat-to-the-hindenburg-line/" target="_blank">Hindenburg Line</a>. The Germans had planned this manoeuvre with great detail, making sure that the British Armies would struggle to occupy their vacant positions. They made the land as difficult as possible to cross, for example when the 2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment arrived at the town of Mons-En-Chaussee they found "<i>All houses, wells and fruit trees in this town were destroyed by the enemy before their retirement". </i>The battalion were put to work remaking the roads and communication lines which had been German army had sabotaged.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In late September 1917 the battalion were present at the <a href="https://www.cwgc.org/learn/news-and-events/news/2017/09/15/13/13/7-facts-about-the-battle-of-polygon-wood" target="_blank">Battle of Polygon Wood</a>, part of the infamous Third Battle of Ypres / Passchendaele. The battle took place just outside Ypres in the areas in between Menin Road and Polygon Wood. The battalion took their position at "<i>Oxford Road"</i>, north of Ypres by 4am on 26th September and were ready to advance as support to the 59th Division attack. They moved forward into front line trenches at 5am and spent the next few days moving back and forth from those trenches. By the 30th September the war diary noted "<i>During the time the battalion was in the front line trenches and in immediate support the casualties averaged about 20%". </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battalion were involved in yet another difficult battle when on the night of 28th/29th November they relieved the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards south west of <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-cambrai-operations-1917-battle-of-cambrai/" target="_blank">Bourlon Woods</a>. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">They were then heavily bombarded by the enemy with heavy artillery and gas shells for two further days. The war diary records the terrible consequences of this attack as "<i>During these two days the battalion suffered heavy casualties from gas, the whole of A C & D Coys. becoming casualties". </i>The battalion were relieved and moved back into billets, the month of December being relatively quiet in comparison to the terrible times Arnold and his comrades had seen.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">On Christmas Day 1917 the war diary comments "<i>Church parades. Christmas dinner served by Companies. Extras and geese bought by Regimental Funds and grant of 600 Francs from Divisional Canteen".</i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I hope that Arnold and his chums had a peaceful and happy Christmas Day, I think that they more than deserved it.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1918....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The month of March began as many others had, with the battalion doing tours of the trenches and carrying out routine repairs "<i>large working parties were found nightly for digging and wiring in defence systems". </i>time was spent "<i>cleaning up etc, bathing, specialist classes were commenced". </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>What happened next would have been unexpected for Arnold and his fellow men....</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It was a foggy morning on 21st March 1918 when the German Army launched a massive attack on the British Army. Known as "Kaiserschlacht" or "The Kaiser's Battle", this attack was launched on a huge scale. Code named <a href="http://www.greatwar.co.uk/battles/somme/1918-somme-spring.htm" target="_blank">Operation Michael</a> the Germans bombarded the B.E.F for five long hours. After the initial artillery attack 6,600 men of the German Army left their trenches and moved under cover of the dense fog to the British front line trenches. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 2/6th South Staffordshire war diary tells of the day....</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>Heavy enemy shelling of back areas commenced between 2 & 3am, also heavy bombardment by enemy of Front and Support line with H.E (high explosive) and gas shells from 4am - 8am. Enemy attacked in massed formation at 9am and succeeded in capturing the Front Line and also affected a flank move and got through to Railway Reserve and Battalion Headquarters. 23 Officers & about 600 O.R are "missing".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Despite such a terrible bombardment some of the front line was held until they had to give way due to the "<i>flanks being exposed and heavy enemy attacks". </i>They held their own until 1am on 23rd March when they had no choice but to withdraw to safety.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battalion received a surprise visitor to their billets when on 30th March, they were inspected by His Majesty The King. The battalion also received the following letter from the Divisional Commander;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>Will you please convey to all ranks of your Division my admiration and thanks for the very gallant stand they made against overwhelming numbers of the enemy supported by a tremendous artillery.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The Division nobly did their duty on the right of the VIth. Corps. and from all accounts that have reached me have inflicted heavy loss upon the enemy. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I grieve for the heavy casualties among your gallant Officers, N.C.O's and men but the 59th Division have the satisfaction of knowing that they did their duty in as trying circumstances as can possibly happen in war".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Arnold was pronounced missing in action on 21st March 1918. He served through some of the most horrendous battles of the war, he was just 20 years old when he was killed.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CWGC burial record at Bullecourt German Cemetery</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>He was buried by the German Army at Bullecourt as an "<i>Unknown British Soldier". </i>On 17th April 1924 his body was exhumed by the CWGC and identified using his clothing and his general service buttons. The exhumation file describes Arnold as being 5' 9" tall and having light brown hair, some of his teeth were missing but his remaining teeth were "<i>very good and even".</i> </b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Arnold was buried at the H.A.C Cemetery at Ecoust-St-Main in France, grave ref; Viii.B.34. His grave is marked with the sign of the cross and his family chose the following inscription to be added;</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"EVER IN OUR THOUGHTS"</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private Arnold Callis 242158 was awarded the Victory and British Medals for his service.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Arnold was reported in the Derbyshire Times 4th May 1918 page 5. The article shows that his parents had not given up hope of his return. It included a photograph of Arnold and reads....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>"Mr and Mrs Callis, 15 Bamford Street,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>New Whittington, the parents of </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Private Arnold Callis, South Stafford </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Regiment are anxiously awaiting for further news</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>of their son, who has been missing since </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>March 21st </i></b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>1918.</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is 20 years of age and in pre-war days belonged to </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the B.P Scouts. When war broke out and he was old </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">enough to enlist he joined up. He crossed over to France</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in February last year. He has two brothers serving </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">with the Colours. Before enlisting he worked at </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Messrs. Locker's Waggon Works, New Whittington."</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Life went on....</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><u>Catherine & William Callis</u> Arnold's parents remained in New Whittington and no doubt continued to offer the boot repair service to the local people.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aVjPWdspn0XBqE_q50WGBQj3-QjXR51ayenZDG0jY7aEr6Ca_C0Zr0nSovK705h-sa2OQgvncrWOqZCydz9gF7aqtHulrMMUmYo81aBWToarCj9UKkRDY6Va0xdcwE2dAYqXPIS3eZ0/s1600/Arnold+Callis+-+DT+250119p4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aVjPWdspn0XBqE_q50WGBQj3-QjXR51ayenZDG0jY7aEr6Ca_C0Zr0nSovK705h-sa2OQgvncrWOqZCydz9gF7aqtHulrMMUmYo81aBWToarCj9UKkRDY6Va0xdcwE2dAYqXPIS3eZ0/s320/Arnold+Callis+-+DT+250119p4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Article with kind permission of the Derbyshire Times<br />
25th January 1919 page 4</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Catherine clung on to the hope that one day her beloved son would return to family in New Whittington. In January 1919, ten months after his death Catherine placed an article in the Derbyshire Times. She asked..</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>"<i>Will any returned prisoner of war know anything about Pte. Arnold Callis 242128, 2/6th South Staffordshire Regt. Battalions runner missing since 21st June 1918 and stationed at Bullecourt, please communicate with Mrs Callis 15 Bamford Street, New Whittington, Chesterfield"</i>. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>We will probably never know if anyone came forward and gave Catherine and William the news they longed for. But, five years on in 1924 her son was finally laid to rest, with their chosen words to remember him by inscribed on his gravestone.</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">William died on 6th December 1938 aged 70 years. Catherine lived on until 1953 when she died aged 88 years old. </span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ifb0PbsztFt8oaTdEei87Olj5w3yzcfekmkb8AQerQ3US_aFSTw3IyCLbQhVIy3X8mqCW9tQ7Fi8t0P-_yrihYBcO4HYY-Idc27mjP6NkU09BUcPlCuGPY6IUareZBTpQidgd1O6_eo/s1600/iphone+photos+329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ifb0PbsztFt8oaTdEei87Olj5w3yzcfekmkb8AQerQ3US_aFSTw3IyCLbQhVIy3X8mqCW9tQ7Fi8t0P-_yrihYBcO4HYY-Idc27mjP6NkU09BUcPlCuGPY6IUareZBTpQidgd1O6_eo/s320/iphone+photos+329.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken by author</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br />The grave of William can be found in St Bartholomew's Church graveyard. The gravestone also remembers Arnold, the inscription reads;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>"<i>In loving memory of</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>WILLIAM</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>the beloved husband of</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>CATHERINE CALLIS</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Died Dec. 6th 1938 aged 70 years</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>Also ARNOLD their dear son</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>South Staff Regt HQ Runner</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>killed in action March 21st 1918</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>aged 20 years</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>also</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>CATHERINE CALLIS"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>The family home of 15 Bamford Street continued to be the Callis home, on the 1939 register Catherine was living there with her son Charles Hubbard and daughter Bertha.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><u>William Callis</u> Arnold's elder brother enlisted to the Royal Field Artillery (RFA) on 13th January 1915. He was given the soldier number 79939 and posted at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to receive his training. His service records have survived and show that he was a gunner with the RFA. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>William embarked from Southampton on 21st July 1915, arriving in Le Harve the following day. He returned to England in November 1918 and was posted to Woolwich on 24th December 1918. William served the whole of the war and was finally given his Protection Certificate and Certificate of Identity on 4th March 1919. He also received a disability certificate, but the reason for the disability was not recorded.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>William was awarded the Victory and British medals along with the 15 Star for his service to King & Country.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Back home in New Whittington William married Alice Philpott on 1st January 1921. The marriage took place at St Bartholomew's Church, with Winifred Callis, Ambrose Knowles and David Bingham as witness. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>The couple may have the following children; Winifred, Dorothy and named after his brave uncle; Arnold William Callis was born in 1924. Family life however was short lived as in William died in 1931 aged just 36 years old. He left three children under the age of 10 years.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Alice took in washing to make ends meet, on the 1939 Register she and her three children were living at 11 Bamford Street, New Whittington (the house that the Callis family occupied all those years ago in 1901). She lived on until 1972 when she died aged 88 years old.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><u>Winifred Callis</u> married Ambrose Knowles (one of the witnesses at William and Alice Callis' marriage). They married in 1923 and had two sons; Douglas and Alwyn. The family resided at 79 Handley Road, Ambrose worked as a machine tool fitter. Winifred lived to the age of 84 when she died in 1985, her husband Ambrose had died three years earlier in 1982.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><u>Bertha Olive Callis</u> married a Henry (Harry) Vickers in 1943. Henry had been widowed when his wife Beatrice had died in 1938. Harry had two daughters by Beatrice. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Bertha and Harry's wedding was covered in the Derbyshire Times </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(5th November 1943 page 6). </span><span style="font-size: small;">The marriage took place at the Methodist Church on Wellington Street, New Whittington and was very well attended. Bertha was given away by her half brother Charles Hubbard and her sister Dorothy was one of the bridesmaids. Bertha's nephew Douglas Knowles was a groomsman. The reception was held at the Methodist Church and around 80 people were present, including the Mayor and Mayoress.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The couple lived at 167 Handley Road, not far from Bertha's sister Winfred. Harry died on 6th December 1960.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Bertha found happiness again when she married neighbour Charles Wilfred Arblaster. Charles lived at 213 Handley Road, his wife Winifred had died in 1957. He worked above ground at the colliery.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Bertha and Charles notched up 25 years of marriage until Bertha died on 8th February 1985 aged 82 years old, she still lived at 167 Handley Road. Charles died in 2001. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Arnold's half siblings -</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Alice Hubbard</u> may have married Frank Goodwin on 26th November 1911. The marriage took place at St Bartholomew's Church but Alice's fathers name was left blank on the marriage register entry. If this is correct then the couple had one son named Frank in 1914. What became of the Goodwin family after that date is not known. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Was Alice the mother of illegitimate Charles William Hubbard born 1910? without the birth certificate I cannot say for definite. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><u>Charles William Hubbard</u> (Snr) lived with his mother until he died in 1945. He was only 55 years old and appears never to have married.</b></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Arnold Callis or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</b></span></em></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</b></span></span></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></b><br />
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<u style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> -</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Census</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Register of soldiers effects</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Service record - www.ancestry.co.uk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif; text-align: center;">With thanks for the kind permission of the Derbyshire Times to include the images of the relevant newspaper articles within this write up.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif; text-align: center;">Newspaper articles </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">- Derbyshire Times </span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">4th May 1918 p5</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> - Derbyshire Times 25th January 1919 p4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> - Derbyshire Times 20th February 1892 p5 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";"> - Derbyshire Times 8th December 1939 p11</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - piece 3021/9 2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment February 1917 - July 1918</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment <a href="https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/321/south-staffordshire-regiment/" target="_blank">https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/321/south-staffordshire-regiment/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">2/6th South Staffordhire Regiment <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/south-staffordshire-regiment/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/south-staffordshire-regiment/</a></span><br />
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Battle of St Quentin <a href="http://www.greatwar.co.uk/battles/somme/1918-somme-spring.htm" target="_blank">http://www.greatwar.co.uk/battles/somme/1918-somme-spring.htm</a><br />
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German retreat to the Hindenburg Line <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/pursuit-of-the-german-retreat-to-the-hindenburg-line/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/pursuit-of-the-german-retreat-to-the-hindenburg-line/</a><br />
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Battle of Polygon Wood - interesting facts <a href="https://www.cwgc.org/learn/news-and-events/news/2017/09/15/13/13/7-facts-about-the-battle-of-polygon-wood" target="_blank">https://www.cwgc.org/learn/news-and-events/news/2017/09/15/13/13/7-facts-about-the-battle-of-polygon-wood</a><br />
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Battle of Bourlon Woods <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-cambrai-operations-1917-battle-of-cambrai/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-cambrai-operations-1917-battle-of-cambrai/</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Shoe and boot clicker<b> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boot_and_shoe_clicker" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boot_and_shoe_clicker</a></b></span></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-61584472508299489482018-03-10T11:00:00.000+00:002018-03-10T11:00:11.267+00:00BERNARD MILLINGTON<h4 style="text-align: center;">
BERNARD MILLINGTON</h4>
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Lance Corporal 241421</h4>
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1/6th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment</h4>
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Killed in action - 10th March 1917</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Bernard was born in the neighbouring village of Eckington in 1895, the son of Thomas and Emma Millington. His father Thomas was from Brierley in Staffordshire, he had come to live in Eckington with his parents when he was a young boy. Thomas met local girl Emma Shaw and the couple married on 26th April 1886.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas and Emma had their first child a baby daughter born in the winter of 1887. They named her Mary Lizzie. Sadly Mary died in the March of 1889, she was just 2 years of age. She was buried at Ridgeway on 30th March 1889. In 1894 another daughter was born named Edith, she also died in infancy. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Next came the couples first son; Bernard was born in the spring of 1895. He was baptised at Ridgeway on 16th April 1896. Bernard's parents must have been thankful to have a healthy little baby boy, no doubt especially loved after the premature deaths of his two elder sisters.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>More sadness followed for the Millington family; another baby daughter named Edith Emily was baptised on 31st October 1897 but once again the little girl died. Edith was buried two months later on 30th December 1897. A second son was born on 9th July 1900; George Kirk Millington was thankfully another male survivor for the Millington family.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 1901 census shows Bernard and his family living at 138 Devonshire Terrace at Staveley. His father Thomas was a coal miner hewer as were many of the local men at the time. A few years later in the early summer of 1905 another female child was born; named Ivy she was baptised on 11th June 1905. Once again this little life was taken at an early age when she died the year later in 1906. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Around the same time of baby Ivy's death another terrible blow hit the family when Bernard's mother Emma also died aged just 41 years of age. Thomas was made a widower and was sole parent to two young boys; Bernard and George.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of WW1....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Bernard was now 16 years of age, he worked as did many local lads of that age, as a pony driver below ground in the coal mines. His father was still working the coal mines and young George aged 10 still attended school. The family had moved, they now lived in the village of New Whittington at 5 High Street.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Bernard's war....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Unfortunately Bernard's service records have not survived, but using information from CWGC, medal rolls and cards, war diaries and newspaper articles we can gain an insight into the service Bernard saw during WW1.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>He was said to have enlisted at Chesterfield in May 1915, attached to the Sherwood Foresters he would have joined alongside many other local men. Documents give two service numbers for Bernard; Private 4267 and Private 241421 (the later was the number at his death).</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Bernard served with the 1/6th Sherwood Foresters, the battalion had seen some fierce fighting prior to him enlisting. They were present at </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">the <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battle-of-loos/" target="_blank">Battle of Loos</a> and were urgently in need of reinforcements. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Bernard would receive training in basic war survival techniques prior to him embarking overseas to join the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) on 10th November 1915.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1916.... </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 1st January 1916 Bernard and his comrades were at Isbergues near Marseilles in France. The war diary notes "<em>observed as a holiday throughout the brigade". </em>On 14th January they were camped at Boreli Camp and 97% of the battalion received their vaccinations.</span></strong></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana;">The 1/6th Battalion were at Mont St Eloy when on 16th March 1916, 143 men were drafted as reinforcements. One of these men was local New Whittington man <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/harry-straw.html" target="_blank">Harry Straw</a>. On 31st March a further 122 other ranks arrived, the battalions Lewis guns had arrived a few days earlier. </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 16th April the battalion received orders to explode two mines that night; Birkin and Grange. This order was carried out and the mines were successfully exploded during the night of 16th into 17th April. Two men were killed and 3 wounded in this exercise.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">May 1916 saw the beginning of preparations for the Somme offensive. On 2nd May Bernard and his battalion were given practise in carrying out a smoke attack. On 6th May they marched to billets at Ivergny and then on to Humbercamps the following day. For the week commencing 10th May until 18th May the battalion were set to work digging communication trenches at Foncquevillers. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 19th May 1916 Bernard and his comrades would relieve the 6th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment in the trenches, where the battalion remained until 27th May when they were relieved by the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">June 1916 saw the battalion spending time in and out of the trenches, marching and digging. The end of June was particularly wet and the was diary on the 24th June notes "<i>every man wet through & covered with mud from digging". </i>On 30th June they were at Fonquevillers "<i>preparatory to attack on German trenches".</i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>The Battle of the Somme....</i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Bernard and his comrades were part of the 139th Brigade. On the 1st July 1916 they <i>"attacked on a front from N.E corner of Gommecourt Wood". </i>The war diary tells that the plan was to attack the German trenches under partial cover of smoke, but owing to the heavy rain that had preceded the event the "<i>very muddy state of our own trenches, part of 4th wave greater part of 5th & 7th (....) carrying companies could not get away before smoke lifted, and all attempts to advance by these and 6th A & B Coys were met by heavy artillery and machine gun barrage. The attack therefore failed with heavy losses to assaulting Battns, but the main object was achieved of containing enemy forces near Gommecourt." </i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The men were relieved that evening by the 8th Sherwood Foresters. The diary gives the total casualties as 170 men.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The following days were spent marching from village to village, drafts of reinforcements joined the brigade. On the 8th and 9th July the battalion were carrying gas accessories to the trenches. On the night of the 11th July into the morning of the 12th July the battalion relieved the 5th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment in the trenches at Bailleulmont. The dairy then misses three days until 15th when it states that some of the companies were relieved.</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"></b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">August of 1916 came with relative calm, on 4th August the battalion were based at Bailleulval. They spent the day partaking in some light relief and friendly rivalry when they held "<i>Inter company competitions in Bayonet fighting and Gas helmet drill. Winners, bayonet fighting, "A" Coys. Gas helmet drill, Bombers". </i>The second half of 1916 continued in a more calm manner; in September and October the 1/6th were in and out of the trenches in the Bellacourt area. In November the men set of marching through the French villages to reach Sus St Ledger and Soustre where they remained throughout the month of December.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1917 a muddy start....</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The area around the Somme had suffered tremendously after its continued bombardment during the summer of 1916. The land was battered and very difficult to work on; shell holes, water logged trenches, mud, snow and a very wet winter would cause the battalion great hardship. Soldiers and horses were found sunken in the muddy ground, boots and equipment were swallowed up by the earth. The January of 1917 saw a brief reprieve when a hard frost made the ground solid, however the land was flat and offered little in the way of shelter to avoid German snipers. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Man power was short, experienced soldiers were even more scarce; on 7th January the war diary records "<i>Draft of 180 OR's (160 partly trained) joined battalion and sent to Bde Training Department"</i>. Only 20 of the 180 men were trained soldiers, how much further training would the 160 men receive prior to being flung into warfare I wonder?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>During the months of February and on into March Bernard and his battalion would move in and out of the trenches and spend time marching on foot across the war worn area of the Ancre Valley. On 4th and 5th March the 1/6th battalion split; A and C Coys went to Foncquevillers and B and D Coys to Gommecourt. The next day they relieved the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters in the trenches at Foncquevillers; B and C Coys in front line, A Coys in support and D Coys in reserve. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>At 11pm on 8th March the men attacked Kite Copse and Burg. They successfully took Kite Copse and B Coy were guarding their new position but Burg remained in enemy hands. By 5.40am on 9th March "<i>Kite Copse evacuated by us without loss. Identification of 91st R.I.R obtained". </i>The 91st R.I.R were a German reserve infantry regiment also known as the Oldenburg Regiment.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The battalion were relieved in the trenches by the 8th Sherwood Foresters at 10.10pm on 10th March. The war diary reads;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>"Casualties;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>8 other ranks killed</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>2 other ranks missing</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>38 other ranks wounded"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Lance Corporal 241412 Bernard Millington is officially recorded as being killed in action on 10th March 1917. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 1/6th Sherwood Foresters were part of the British 5th Army who between 11th January 1917 and 13th March 1917 managed to force the German Army back a total of 8 miles over a 15 miles front, during their operations in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operations_on_the_Ancre,_January%E2%80%93March_1917" target="_blank">Ancre Valley</a> in early 1917. Private Bernard Millington was part of this heroic stand.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sc4C5d9xFa6VjOTlEGkkd9YQwmvaclDNUD5KJrIkVSzvkPpudVjkk6W7W6S446QCAK8_sdLyrF0FJQOJlexHKzKIZH7WQb_OiKH81BlAtEl5Y_tNXS0RvQw6tSwJhQFV1cdT937rYiA/s1600/CWGC+B+Millington+49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sc4C5d9xFa6VjOTlEGkkd9YQwmvaclDNUD5KJrIkVSzvkPpudVjkk6W7W6S446QCAK8_sdLyrF0FJQOJlexHKzKIZH7WQb_OiKH81BlAtEl5Y_tNXS0RvQw6tSwJhQFV1cdT937rYiA/s320/CWGC+B+Millington+49.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private 241421 Bernard Millington is buried at Foncquevillers Military Cemetery in France, grave reference iii D 7. His grave is marked with a CWGC stone and shows the sign of the cross, no personal inscription was chosen by his family.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozUyt6ZdYuga_hEWGz-PQkUakixJRxrhp4S3UD5ZvKh7KttT3zlSRZDwB7YWAJeCZ51m4NYJMsE_acBBRTGhutmveKpLqGrAAGcmr1lkeKXcQ-El1Uf_XNZ9J2ZDJOPyvfbUrPLjMrgg/s1600/Medal+card+B+Millington+49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="626" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozUyt6ZdYuga_hEWGz-PQkUakixJRxrhp4S3UD5ZvKh7KttT3zlSRZDwB7YWAJeCZ51m4NYJMsE_acBBRTGhutmveKpLqGrAAGcmr1lkeKXcQ-El1Uf_XNZ9J2ZDJOPyvfbUrPLjMrgg/s320/Medal+card+B+Millington+49.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Bernard </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana;">was awarded the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and 15 Star for his service.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Bernard's death was reported in the Derbyshire Times dated 31st March 1917 page 7. It included a photo of a very smart Bernard in his civilian clothes, with shirt and tie. The obituary reads as follows;</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>"WHITTINGTON CORPORAL KILLED</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>New Whittington has been singulary free</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>from war casualties of late, but there now</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>comes along the news of the death of </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lance Corporal Bernard Millington,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>who resided with this parents in High Street.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The sad news was conveyed to his parents </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>in a letter from the Chaplain - Rev W.G Uthwutt -</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>who states he was killed on the 10th inst., </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and was buried by him in the British Cemetery</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>of the place, the name of which would be given in due course.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>He adds that his Commanding Officer spoke in high terms </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>of his bravery and devotion to duty, and that he would </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>be much missed by the men of his Section and Platoon.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Deceased was 22 years of age and joined the Sherwood's </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>in May, 1915. He went to France in November. He </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>had shared in many of the engagements which had taken </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>place. He formerly worked at the Staveley Co's Ireland Colliery.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Thomas Millington</u> may have died in 1935 aged 72 years of age.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>George Kirk Millington</u> Bernard's only surviving sibling married Ella Woodward on 2nd August 1920 at St Bartholomew's Church. He was aged 20 and worked as a coal miner, Ella was aged 18 years the daughter of John Robinson Woodward. Her sister Sarah was one of the witnesses to the happy event. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George and Ella lived at 13 Spital Lane in 1939, he continued to work as a coal miner below ground. As far as I can see the couple never had any children.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George died in 1978 aged 77 years, Ella lived on until 1997 when she died at the grand age on 95 years old.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Bernard was one of many local men who also served with the 1st/6th Battalion; fellow comrades also named on the St Barnabas Memorial are;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/abraham-longden-savage.html" target="_blank">Abraham Longden Savage </a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/harry-straw.html" target="_blank">Harry Straw</a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/george-edward-pratt.html" target="_blank">George Edward Pratt</a></i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/john-arthur-andrews.html" target="_blank">John Arthur Andrews</a></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">*****</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Bernard Millington or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</strong></span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></em></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>If you are descendant of the Millington family and would like to add your own family "story" then please do feel free to contact me.</i></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</strong></span></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal rolls</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - Derbyshire Times 31st March 1917 page 4</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece 2694/1; 1/6th Sherwood Forester Regiment Feb 1915 to June 1919.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">1/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters - <a href="http://www.1914-1918.net/notts.htm" target="_blank">http://www.1914-1918.net/notts.htm</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters - <a href="https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/319/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-and-derbyshire-regiment" target="_blank">https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/319/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-and-derbyshire-regiment</a></span><br />
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Ancre Valley January - March 1917 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operations_on_the_Ancre,_January%E2%80%93March_1917" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operations_on_the_Ancre,_January%E2%80%93March_1917</a></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-7223550323177423742018-02-09T09:37:00.000+00:002018-07-27T14:01:13.658+01:00LEONARD WILLIAM DAVIDSON<h4 style="text-align: center;">
LEONARD WILLIAM DAVIDSON</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8JxLedRtWkIqxZBpbA7cIfdN32C8EdEjjGeuL5adQEDqPCRuApPw9WxU1_7xoYZqC33fEHyUcxZA-ykGbzdUr8rBpcTjBxuHlY_OzaOiC01bsU8kG9D2gxnvf6qg13rkTrgjh-rMQzs/s1600/Sherwood+Foresters+drawing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="323" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8JxLedRtWkIqxZBpbA7cIfdN32C8EdEjjGeuL5adQEDqPCRuApPw9WxU1_7xoYZqC33fEHyUcxZA-ykGbzdUr8rBpcTjBxuHlY_OzaOiC01bsU8kG9D2gxnvf6qg13rkTrgjh-rMQzs/s200/Sherwood+Foresters+drawing.JPG" width="170" /></a></div>
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Private 26883</h4>
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3rd Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment</h4>
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Died of influenza / Pneumonia - 9th February 1919</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Of the 85 men named on the WW1 section of the St Barnabas Church War Memorial, Leonard William Davidson was the final man to lose his life. He survived the Great War only to succumb to the devastating pandemic which was sweeping the world at the time; the <a href="https://virus.stanford.edu/uda/" target="_blank">influenza</a>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Leonard was the only son of John and Clara Davidson, he was born in 1896 and had an elder sister named Alice* who was three years his senior.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Leonard's father John had married Clara Sophia Cooper in the summer of 1895. Clara was born in Stanningfield, Suffolk. In 1901 the family were living at 17 South Street in New Whittington; Leonard was aged just 4 years old, his sister Alice was 7 years old. John worked as a pipe labourer.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of WW1....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Ten years on and the Davidson family had moved home to live at 98 South Street and John continued to work as a general labourer at the iron foundry. Leonard had left school by now and set out on his own life path, he worked as a shop assistant at the local pawn brokers. He was aged 14 years old, still a child by today's standards but a valuable wage earner in 1911.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Leonard's war....</i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Zt35Y0FylKU8BWHgiu-uZ6pHLTn99D1voA96FmqSB3eO00_euOejW6SXRxAzflYikLDepMS7bvTn8aPC48gYtbvVWU3eTlJKYQrW3muFRW-tlQbs-cldW5hOKB-VErgHpWdsXLMsb_U/s1600/signature+at+enlistement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="830" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Zt35Y0FylKU8BWHgiu-uZ6pHLTn99D1voA96FmqSB3eO00_euOejW6SXRxAzflYikLDepMS7bvTn8aPC48gYtbvVWU3eTlJKYQrW3muFRW-tlQbs-cldW5hOKB-VErgHpWdsXLMsb_U/s640/signature+at+enlistement.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signature of Leonard William Davidson on his service records<br />
www.ancestry.co.uk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Leonard signed his attestation papers at Chesterfield </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">on 3rd June 1915</b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">, agreeing to serve for the duration of the war . He was aged 19 years and 8 months and lived at 101 Wellington Street with his parents. He was 5ft 5 1/2 inches in height and weighed 120lbs. He was given the soldier number Private 26883.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Leonard would receive basic training in warfare. He was posted to the newly formed 16th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. These were a local battalion known as the Chatsworth Rifles due to their being raised by Duke of </b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Devonshire. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> The battalion were part of the 117th Brigade, 39th Army Division.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Off to join the British Expeditionary Force in France....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The main body of the 16th battalion left <a href="http://www.tudorrow.com/202battalion/witley.html" target="_blank">Witely Camp</a> on 6th March 1916 and sailed from Southampton that same day. They arrived in Le Harve at 7am on 7th March to find themselves in the middle of a heavy snowstorm. Leonard was amongst those men, after his months spent in training his war was now about to commence. After miles of marching and several inspections the battalion were flung straight into the thick of it; A and B Coys were moved to the trenches near Laventie on 19th March, there they would receive instruction on trench warfare from the West Yorkshire Regiment. On 22nd March C and D Coys relieved them in the trenches to receive their training from the 3rd Scottish Rifles. Less than one month in France, the weather was bitter and Leonard and his comrades had been faced with the horrors of trench warfare.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In the middle of April 1916 the 16th Battalion Sherwood Forester's were inspected and a glowing report was written;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Officers. A good keen lot, they are fortunate in having</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>such a good Commanding Officer and</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>second in command.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>N.C.O's. A far better stamp than in most of the </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>New Army battalions.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Men. A very tough lot. Good physique generally</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Discipline, Morale. Good, the officers seem to have</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>their men in hand.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Sanitation, Organisation. Satisfactory.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I consider from what I have seen that this is a good</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>battalion and well commanded. They seem to have a </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>good system of work and organisation and only</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>require further experience.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>SD P W Robertson, Brigadier General"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 16th battalion saw some fierce fighting in France, they were present at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Boar%27s_Head" target="_blank">Battle of Boars Head </a>at the end of June/early July 1916. This attack was a diversionary attack to divert German soldiers away from the Somme area which was to be the location for the big Allied push on 1st July. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 12th July the men were ordered to go over their parapet and "<i>lie down in NO MANS LAND ready to advance". </i>A successful mission was had by No1 party who were able to advance through the gaps in the German wire and found themselves facing the enemy. The war diary tells how "<i>Six Germans were bayoneted and four dugouts full of Germans were bombed". </i>The remaining parties were unable to gain access through the enemy wire and the mission was not completed. No1 party were forced to retreat with their wounded. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>For service on this night the 16th Sherwood Foresters Sergeant 25699 R.G. Hildreth was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Ordinary ranks; Private 25812 J Hutchinson and Private 25863 T.E Pegg were awarded the Military Medal. Leonard may have witnessed the presentation of the Military Medal Ribbons to the two men in a service conducted by General Sir C Monro G.C.B. on </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">27th July.</b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> This would boost morale and spirits would be high amongst the men of the Chatsworth Rifles.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In September 1916 the war diary starts by stating that the 39th Army was now "<i>part of the RESERVE ARMY commanded by General Sir H De La P Gough K.C.B" </i>On 3rd September the 39th Army began its attack on the German front line trenches at Beaumont-Hamel. The 16th battalion were in reserve from the north of the River Ancre. The war diary reads "<i>the 16th Bn Sherwood Foresters were employed chiefly as carrying parties for the two assaulting battalions. Several of these carrying parties reached the German lines, in some instances making several journeys across NO MANS LAND".</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 6th September the men were moved from reserve and placed on the front line, relieving the 1/4th Gloucester Regiment in the trenches at Beaumont-Hamel. They remained under intermittent shell fire from the enemy until 13th when they retired to their billets at Mailly Wood for a well earned rest, including watching a football match between the officers (which the Sherwood's unfortunately lost).</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The men spent the remainder of September in and out of the trenches, they were under some very heavy fire at times and suffered direct hits to their trenches. The war diary reads "<i>24th.... casualties, one man SHELL SHOCK"....."Sept 25th.....one man killed, two men wounded and one man suffering from SHELL SHOCK". </i>The words "shell shock" were written in capitals in the diary, we can not even begin to imagine how terribly frightening and traumatic this war was for young Leonard and his fellow men. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A further spectacle may have been witnessed by Leonard when </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">on 29th </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">news was heard that <i>"we brought a German aeroplane down behind their own lines at 4.30pm". </i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Capture of Schwaben Redoubt....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The month of October saw another triumph for the 16th Battalion Sherwood Foresters when they were to play an important role in the fall of the German strong hold of the Schwaben Redoubt. The area was close to the village of Thiepval and was a strategic point due to its view of the River Ancre. The area was heavily controlled by the Germans using "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamethrower" target="_blank">Flammenwerfer</a>" (Flame Throwers). </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At 4.30am on 9th October the 16th battalion launched their attack on the German trenches, still under cover of darkness the war diary tells "<i>the assaulting waves had not gone more than half the distance across NO MANS LAND before enemy machine guns and rifle fire was opened. The enemy barrage was not put on until 4.38am, although their was some intermittent shelling."</i> B Company were able to gain a hold on the enemy trenches, but losses were considerable. After 2 hours of bombardment by the enemy the 16th were unfortunately forced back and their position was lost. Both allied and enemy suffered a large number of casualties, wounded and dead in this attack.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Over the following days <i>"2 Officers and 100 other ranks (were) sent to assist the 118th Infantry Brigade as additional stretcher bearers during their attack on the remainder of Schwaben Redoubt" </i>On 14th October 1916 the Schwaben Redoubt was successfully captured into the allies control.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrMWTzn-kyn2Hj7GhXj5i_bvuRquN3dgVz3eSNTxNkgszWkiAMuG9898uloPIV_Rm1E8BKFL31D0m0-xJaj3WOQlzZjtJwzgu__x2_lOEM6VzIFK688X9RC3A5XzBBoLmWDiVe4BaPYA/s1600/Trenches+-+internet+archive+flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrMWTzn-kyn2Hj7GhXj5i_bvuRquN3dgVz3eSNTxNkgszWkiAMuG9898uloPIV_Rm1E8BKFL31D0m0-xJaj3WOQlzZjtJwzgu__x2_lOEM6VzIFK688X9RC3A5XzBBoLmWDiVe4BaPYA/s1600/Trenches+-+internet+archive+flickr.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The capture of St Pierre Divion....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 13th November the battalion were once more in action when "<i>the 16th Sherwood's were to advance with three Companies at 6.13am. One Company being left in reserve. A Tank was to cooperate on our right". </i>Leonard and his fellow comrades made the advance in thick mist and were soon upon the German front line trenches. The right flank however came against some fierce opposition from the enemy and so at 6.30am the Reserve Company were called in to assist. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary continues "<i>The objective allotted to the Battalion was secured but nothing could stop our men, who advanced with the greatest dash and finally secured the whole of St PIERRE DIVION, including the German Battalion Headquarters and the famous tunnel dugouts".</i> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By 8.15am, only two hours later the 16th Sherwood's had run out of bombs and needed extra men to assist with guarding the prisoners and the newly taken tunnels. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By 9.15am the whole area was captured and the prisoners were being marched from their dugouts. The newly acquired German Battalion Headquarters were now Allied Headquarters. An astonishing number of prisoners was recorded;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>13 Officers including the Battalion Commander and </i><i>720 Other Ranks were taken prisoner"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The casualties for the battalion were described as "<i>slight";</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Lieut. S.G Burke & 4 Other Ranks} Killed</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>67 Other Ranks including Company Sergeant Major J H Robinson} wounded"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Leonard was one of the 67 wounded men on that day, he received a bayonet wound to his right thigh. The tank did arrive at the German front line in ahead of its scheduled time, however it subsided into a dugout and thus had to be taken out of action. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Chemical warfare....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary states that this for this attack "<i><a href="http://spartacus-educational.com/FWWgas.htm" target="_blank">White Star</a> bombs (poison gas) were used for the first time and found most effective in dealing with dugouts from which the enemy had been snipping or bombing". </i>White Star bombs were one of many types of <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/weaponry/gas.htm" target="_blank">chemical weapons</a> invented and trialed during WW1. The bomb was made up of a mixture of phosgene and chlorine, the chlorine gas being the carrier of the poisonous phosgene.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>We shall always remember....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Major General Cuthbert whom commanded the 39th Brigade wrote the following words of thanks to the 16th Sherwood's;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"You have had a good deal of hard fighting which has shewn (sic) up the good quality of your Brigades and Battalions and the spirit and dash of the men has been most conspicuous. </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>We shall always remember the gallant defence of the Schwaben Redoubt and the way your troops beat off counter attack after counter attack".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>His Majesty the King sent Sir Douglas Haig the following telegram regarding the triumphant work of the 39th Brigade;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"I heartily congratulate you upon the great success achieved by my gallant troops during the past three days in the advance on both sides of the Ancre. This further capture of the enemy's first line trenches under special difficulties owing to the recent wet weather rebounds to the credit of all ranks."</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Wounded soldier....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>After Leonard was wounded on 13th November he was transferred to the 5th General Hospital at Rouen the next day. On 19th November he was to board the HMS Dunluce Castle which was a hospital ship and was transported to England. He would remain on home ground to regain his health and fitness. On 10th February 1917 he was posted to the 4th Battalion Sherwood Foresters where he remained until August when he was transferred to the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters posted at the Infantry Base Depot.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Tyne Garrison....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 3rd and 4th battalion Sherwood Foresters were based at Sunderland as part as the <a href="https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/sunderland-s-hylton-castle-marks-its-role-in-world-war-one-1-6867833" target="_blank">Tyne Garrison</a> during WW1. This may well be where Leonard learnt his role as a signaller. </b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizY_i1aKiKadOP2GxRVXIRXTKb6jITdTEMugOZPzZ-rn-o5hyphenhyphen-ycLBuEegZPXsiTHUvs013fFqIoysQpviZiOwsbIGm8JpODzXboPr4A1zON8oM_ke0EObqvcq__R7G5xXaX6tfj01ATA/s1600/4700440774_e4975979d5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizY_i1aKiKadOP2GxRVXIRXTKb6jITdTEMugOZPzZ-rn-o5hyphenhyphen-ycLBuEegZPXsiTHUvs013fFqIoysQpviZiOwsbIGm8JpODzXboPr4A1zON8oM_ke0EObqvcq__R7G5xXaX6tfj01ATA/s320/4700440774_e4975979d5_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Signal Station - using daylight lamp<br />
via National Library of Scotland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br />Various methods were used to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/ww1/25401271" target="_blank">transmit a signal</a> when on the battlefield; lights, mirrors, flags, whistles could all be used to send a special message in Morse code and where possible cables could be used to pass the signal to the receiver. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Leonard moved battalion yet again in October 1917 and was sent overseas, back to France to join the B.E.F with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Peak_Rifles" target="_blank">1/6th Battalion</a>. The 1/6th had seen fierce fighting just months earlier when they played their part in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hill_70" target="_blank">Battle of Hill 70</a>. Leonard would most likely have joined the battalion at Hill 70 where they remained on patrol, guarding the front line. At the beginning of November the men were sent to raid the enemy trenches, capturing "<i>3 prisoner and inflicting severe casualties on the enemy".</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By the end of November the battalion had been relieved from the front line offensive position and were now in support. Leonard </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">was no doubt still suffering from the effects of his injuries the year earlier. The months ahead consisted of tours of duty in the trenches in the quieter areas of France. Despite this the men would need to remain on constant alert, many times the war diary records enemy attack and snipping, the men were still being killed and wounded. </b><br />
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">On 30th August 1918 Leonard received a gun shot to his left cheek. On that day the war diary tells that the battalion relieved the 5th battalion Sherwood Foresters in front line trenches at Vaudricourt Park. The following day the battalion made advances forward and captured Epinette E Keep.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derbyshire Courier 14th September 1918 page 8</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br />The Derbyshire Courier covered the story, stating that the wound was caused by shrapnel and that this incident was the third wounding Leonard had received. Leonard was being treated at a private hospital at Kirkby Moor Side in Yorkshire. Leonard may well have been receiving pioneering plastic surgery for his facial injuries, but at this stage unfortunately I have no more information on this hospital.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Homeward bound....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Service records state that Leonard returned to the UK on 1st September 1918, he was posted to Ripon Camp on 4th December and transferred two days later to Clipstone Camp. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Whilst on demobilisation leave Leonard contacted the deadly influenza virus which was causing mayhem throughout the world. Nicknamed the "Spanish Flu" this disease reached pandemic proportions. Leonard was typical of many of the influenza's victims, he was young and healthy, but had been ravaged and most likely suffered from malnutrition whilst serving overseas. He may well have travelled in cramped conditions on his journey from the front line to the UK, at a time when the virus was at its peak. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Leonard had bravely fought the enemy and battled heroically for over three years of warfare but the influenza sadly beat him. His illness became worse and he contracted pneumonia which took his life on 9th February 1919.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Leonard is buried in the St Bartholomews Church graveyard, his grave is marked with the CWGC headstone and includes the inscription of the cross and the Sherwood Foresters emblem. He was just 22 years of age.</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grave of Leonard William Davidson<br />
photo bloggers own</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The grave has the following words inscribed;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"BELOVED SON OF JOHN WM & CLARA DAVIDSON"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private 26883 Leonard William Davidson was awarded the Victory and British Medals for his service. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Leonard was remembered in the Derbyshire Times 22nd February 1919, page 8, the obituary read....</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"<i>Much sympathy has been extended (to)</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Mr and Mrs J. W. Davidson, Wellington Street,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>New Whittington, in the loss of their only son, Leonard,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>who died after a short illness.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Deceased, who was 22 years of age, was a signaller</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>in the Sherwood Foresters, and while on</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>demobilisation leave from the Clipstone Camp </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>contracted influenza, followed by pneumonia</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>which caused his death.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Joining up in June 1915 he had seen much active service, </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and had been wounded on three occasions, having been</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>in hospital in France, Scotland and Leeds.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>In civilian life he was an assistant with Messrs. Senior Bros.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>pawnbrokers, New Whittington and was engaged to </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>be married to Miss Crofts, of Chesterfield**.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>The internment took place last weekend at Old Whittington, </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>the coffin being draped with the Union Jack. </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>The Rev. </i></b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>E A Compton officiated"</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Life went on....</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't been able to find a definite death for John Davidson, Leonard's father but his mother Clara died in 1939 aged 62 years.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">*<u>Alice Davidson</u> has been difficult to ascertain the story of Alice. According to the census returns she was born around 1894, which was just her parents married. She appears on the 1901 census with the family, but not the 1911 census. </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The 1911 census states that John and Clara had bore two children together; one alive and one deceased. This deceased child may be Florence Davidson born and died in 1902. Baby Florence was buried at Whittington on 21st November 1901. <span style="font-size: x-small;">I have not confirmed this is the child of John and Clara.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The obituary for Leonard states that the funeral was attended by "<i>Father, mother and sister".</i> </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It looks likely that Alice as she was born out of wedlock she may be the child of Clara only? </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">There is no birth registered for Alice in either the surname Davidson or Cooper. </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In 1911 there was an Alice Davidson recorded as living at Wharf Road, Chesterfield who worked as a domestic servant for Mr and Mrs Wheatman the grocery shop keepers. </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>If anyone is descended from Alice I would love to hear from you to complete this story.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>**Does anyone descend from Miss Crofts, Leonard's sweetheart? She may have been called Gladys, but this is not definite.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>*****</b></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Leonard William Davidson or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</b></span></em></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</b></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</b></i></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">*****</b></div>
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<u style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> -</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Census</span></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Register of soldiers effects</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Service record - www.ancestry.co.uk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif; text-align: center;">Newspaper articles </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">- Derbyshire Times </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">22nd February 1919 p8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> - Derby Courier 14th September 1918 p5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - 39th Army 16th Battalion Sherwood Foresters </span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Piece WO 2587/1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> - 46th North Midland Division 1/6th Sherwood Foresters Piece WO 2694/1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Sherwood Foresters Battalions information </span><a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/" style="font-family: times, serif;" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/</a><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Chasworth Rifles Somme Roll of Honour - </span><a href="http://somme-roll-of-honour.com/Units/british/16th_sherwood_foresters.htm" style="font-family: times, serif;" target="_blank">http://somme-roll-of-honour.com/Units/british/16th_sherwood_foresters.htm</a><br />
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Witley Camp <a href="http://www.tudorrow.com/202battalion/witley.html" target="_blank">http://www.tudorrow.com/202battalion/witley.html</a><br />
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Photo of 16th Battalion Sherwood Foresters at Redmires Camp<br />
<a href="http://www.picturesheffield.com/frontend.php?keywords=Ref_No_increment;EQUALS;y05818&pos=2036&action=zoom&id=96342" target="_blank">http://www.picturesheffield.com/frontend.php?keywords=Ref_No_increment;EQUALS;y05818&pos=2036&action=zoom&id=9634</a>2<br />
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1/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Peak_Rifles" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Peak_Rifles</a><br />
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Battle of Boars Head <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Boar%27s_Head" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Boar%27s_Head</a><br />
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Flame throwers <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamethrower" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamethrower</a><br />
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Chemical warfare during WW1 <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/weaponry/gas.htm" target="_blank">http://www.firstworldwar.com/weaponry/gas.htm</a><br />
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White Star bombs <a href="http://spartacus-educational.com/FWWgas.htm" target="_blank">http://spartacus-educational.com/FWWgas.htm</a><br />
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Tyne Garrison <a href="https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/sunderland-s-hylton-castle-marks-its-role-in-world-war-one-1-6867833" target="_blank">https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/sunderland-s-hylton-castle-marks-its-role-in-world-war-one-1-6867833</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Signaling during WW1 </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/ww1/25401271" style="font-family: times, serif;" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/ww1/25401271</a><br />
<a href="http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/signaller_ww1" target="_blank">http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/signaller_ww1</a><br />
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Battle of Hill 70 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hill_70" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hill_70</a><br />
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Influenza / Spanish Flu <a href="https://virus.stanford.edu/uda/" target="_blank">https://virus.stanford.edu/uda/</a></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-72060197826017020022017-12-08T11:00:00.000+00:002018-07-27T16:16:01.035+01:00HARRY ALFRED LETTS<h4 style="text-align: center;">
HARRY ALFRED LETTS</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8JxLedRtWkIqxZBpbA7cIfdN32C8EdEjjGeuL5adQEDqPCRuApPw9WxU1_7xoYZqC33fEHyUcxZA-ykGbzdUr8rBpcTjBxuHlY_OzaOiC01bsU8kG9D2gxnvf6qg13rkTrgjh-rMQzs/s1600/Sherwood+Foresters+drawing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="323" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8JxLedRtWkIqxZBpbA7cIfdN32C8EdEjjGeuL5adQEDqPCRuApPw9WxU1_7xoYZqC33fEHyUcxZA-ykGbzdUr8rBpcTjBxuHlY_OzaOiC01bsU8kG9D2gxnvf6qg13rkTrgjh-rMQzs/s200/Sherwood+Foresters+drawing.JPG" width="170" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Private 204512</h4>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
9th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment</h4>
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Died from wounds - 8th December 1917</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjYfRQMr322ctHjCQCcqOzJTLAlgVlvDYgi5lfP4xbreGLRfa_DWRe_J7Av3OehTOaCxxBTDzKFDesbNcnRh30SprL6mrhQf0awlc2FLy3fQ_L5PuqDOzoMf3DjdVJm1U6yEF57L6ULw/s1600/IMG_20171113_0009+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="485" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjYfRQMr322ctHjCQCcqOzJTLAlgVlvDYgi5lfP4xbreGLRfa_DWRe_J7Av3OehTOaCxxBTDzKFDesbNcnRh30SprL6mrhQf0awlc2FLy3fQ_L5PuqDOzoMf3DjdVJm1U6yEF57L6ULw/s200/IMG_20171113_0009+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Alfred Letts embarkation photograph<br />
with kind permission of Mr Letts<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> (</span>Harry's<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Grandson)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br />Harry Alfred Letts was born on 20th November 1879 to Alfred and Mary Jane Letts. He wasn't a local lad to New Whittington, he was born at Cold Ashby in Northamptonshire. He may have moved to New Whittington for his employment as a gardener, sometime between 1901 and 1903.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Cold Ashby....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry's parents married on 25th December 1870 at St Andrews Church in Bordesley, Warwickshire. Alfred was a young widower, having two children; William and Betsy, their mother Ellen Rebecca Letts had died in March 1869. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By 1881 the family had grown; Thomas, John and one year old Harry Alfred were now part of the Letts household; younger brothers for William and Betsy. Harry's father Alfred worked as a groom and William was a gardener. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Tragic accident....</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKrFo0q4ASZM0nU8GFyKc1tpNPvxki_JZdoZ7eb5bQtP3OajLGQfvXznGvVjb9Ozz28P3zhIY6_H9oooN1ZLKFdmjYs-na4ZA9Ra4kdf_uR-t_5kpORHGpiVACvnh01tXRTBdqiIEq-w/s1600/Death+of+William+Letts+1884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="406" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKrFo0q4ASZM0nU8GFyKc1tpNPvxki_JZdoZ7eb5bQtP3OajLGQfvXznGvVjb9Ozz28P3zhIY6_H9oooN1ZLKFdmjYs-na4ZA9Ra4kdf_uR-t_5kpORHGpiVACvnh01tXRTBdqiIEq-w/s320/Death+of+William+Letts+1884.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shields Daily Gazette, 15th November 1884<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William the eldest son of Alfred was employed as a railway porter for the Midland Railway Company. He had worked for them since August 1883 but had only worked at Hathern Station for a fortnight when the accident occurred on 14th November 1884. The Nottingham Journal newspaper described how Alfred told the coroner that he had not seen his son since the New Year before, but that his eyesight and hearing were good. William was said to have been carrying two lamps when he decided to cross the line rather than use the pedestrian bridge. The next train was not due for another 12 minutes but, as William crossed the whistle was heard from the Manchester to London Express train. Nothing could be done and although William did try to escape, this was not possible. The tragedy was recorded in the Midland Railway Company Register of Accidents as simply "<i>knocked down, killed by passing train".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William was buried on 19th November, the day before Harry was to celebrate his fifth birthday. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A year later in 1885 Alfred and Mary had another son, they named him Alfred William. Followed in 1889 by Scott, another male infant was born into the Letts family.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Family life....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In 1891 Harry was aged 11 years old and lived with his family at Thornby Road, Cold Ashby. They lived in the centre of the village near to <a href="http://www.parish-council.com/ColdAshby/index.asp?pageid=115956" target="_blank">St Denys Church</a>, the school house and the vicarage. His father Alfred and brother John were both employed as agricultural labourers, his eldest brother Thomas had mastered a trade and worked as a bricklayer. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In the summer of 1892 the final child was born, a son named Samuel Frederick. The 1901 census find the Letts family living in the same home on Thornby Road, Alfred, John and Alfred jnr were all employed as agricultural labourers. Harry was aged 21 was working as a domestic gardener. Thomas Harry's elder brother had left the family home and married Susannah Chapman on 23rd December 1899. The newlyweds lived in Leicester now and Thomas continued to work as a bricklayer.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Wedding bells....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry married his sweetheart Lucy Jane Fane on 2nd June 1903 at New Whittington. Lucy was from New Whittington, the daughter of Thomas and Annie Fane. Before her marriage Lucy had been employed as a waitress / general housemaid for a restaurant owner named John Booker. The restaurant was situated at 3 Knifesmithsgate in Chesterfield town centre.</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The couple settled down to family life in New Whittington, they lived at 33 Handley Road. Harry worked as a gardener at The Grange, one of the large residential houses in the area. On 24th October 1908 a son was born; named Leonard Alfred he would make the family complete.</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry and Lucy continued to live at Handley Road. Leonard was a toddler aged 2 years old. Harry was no doubt a popular fellow in the local community; he was an active member of the Methodist Church and ran the Sunday school. A fair distance away from his parents and siblings; Alfred, Mary and Harry's brothers John, Alfred, Scott and Samuel remained in Cold Ashby.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas and Susannah had returned to the village of Cold Ashby, they now had two young brothers living with them, likely taken in and "adopted" by the couple. The boys were Douglas Willis aged 6 and Stanley Willis aged 5 years old. The 1911 census was completed for the young boys, with the place of birth as "unknown". </b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Harry's </i></b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>war....</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry was most likely reading the newspapers, he would read that in May 1915 the age limit to serve was raised from 38 to 40 years. The </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">National Registration Act was passed in July 1915 which deemed that on the </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">15th August 1915 Harry (and all men aged 15-65 and not in military service) would be required to submit their age and occupation. He would then be given a National Registration Card to confirm he had completed his registration.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The government were concerned as after the original rush of men to enlist in 1914, the war that would be over by Christmas was still running. By spring 1915 the volunteers had dropped, stories were being heard in the towns and villages, local men were never to return, families wept and mourned their loved ones. The <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1915/60/pdfs/ukpga_19150060_en.pdf" target="_blank">National Registration Act</a> was pronounced to allow the government to find out exactly how many men were available for service; those who fit in with the age and employment status. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In October 1915 Harry would be given the option to enlist voluntarily under the <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-group-scheme-derby-scheme/" target="_blank">Derby Scheme</a> which would allow the men to attest to serve if needed at a later date, the closing date for this voluntary act was 15th December. Harry took this option on 10th November 1915 he signed his attestation papers for General Service. He was given the soldier number 15995 and placed in the Army Reserve Class B. Harry would have been paid a day's army wage and then allowed to go home and wait until he was officially called up for service. To prove his allegiance to King & Country Harry was given a grey arm band showing the red crown, which he could wear for all to see as he went about his daily life. His National Registration Card would also have been stamped and dated to show is attestation.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At this time Harry, Lucy and seven year old Leonard were living at 33 Handley Road, Harry worked as a gardener. Harry was just 5ft 3 1/2</b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">" tall and weighed 9 stones. The height limit had been dropped early on in the war in November 1914 to 5ft 3", although a temporary Bantam Battalion scheme was also used for men of heights 5ft to 5ft 3". </b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The men who attested under the Derby Scheme were allocated a group number according to their age and marital status; Harry was originally placed in Group 40 (which according to his age was actually incorrect and was for slightly younger men) but later records show him in Group 42 (birth 1879). On 13th May 1916 it was announced that Group 42 men would be called up on 13th June 1916. Seven months after Harry had signed his papers the time had now come to serve.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Reprieve....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Despite being called to service in the June of 1916 Harry did not mobilise until a year later on 19th May 1917. He under took his army medical in December of 1916. It would be likely that Harry had taken his case to the local tribunal to request exemption from service. His reason might be his employment as he was now employed as a farmhand, he was also over 35 and married. His involvement with the local Methodist Church might also have made Harry indispensable at home.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Off to war....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The reprieve was short, h</b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">e was given a new soldier number of 204512 </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">and soon enough Harry was embarking to join the British Expeditionary Force in France. He arrived on 4th October 1917 and joined his unit the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters on 11th October. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters were part of 33rd Brigade, 11th Division. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The war diary states that "<i>reinforcements arrive" </i>on 11th October, the 9th Sherwood's were stationed at Tournehem undertaking training. They were taught how to fire Lewis Guns, route march, the art of musketry and enjoyed some recreational sports like football. They remained there until 19th October when Harry and his fellow comrades would clean and pack ready to entrain to Ames. From here they moved via Voudricourt to Mazingarbe and on to Loos where they relieved the 7th South Staffordshire Regiment in the trenches on 22nd October.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The battalion remained in the trenches until they were relieved by the 8th Duke of Wellington Regiment on 29th October. Most nights were spent sending out working parties; the war diary states "<i>working parties totalling 400 O'Rs were found every night". </i>On 30th October the men took bus transport to Noeux-les-Mines.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The first week of November was again spent undertaking various training and recreational activities. On 7th November the battalion prepared to move out and relieve the 9th Lancashire Fusiliers; A and C Coys on the front line, B Coy in support, D Coy in reserve. The following days were spent alternating which Coy covered the front line, a dummy attack was carried out on 11th November. The 7th South Staffordshire Regiment relieved the battalion on 16th November after "<i>a quiet tour of duty in the trenches. Casualties slight". </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>They returned to Cite St Pierre where they remained until o</b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">n 20th November "<i>instructions given for battalion to take over front line". </i>The following day the B & C Coys moved out to the front line trenches and relieved the "<i>boys of the 9th Staffs Regt. 8pm relief complete".</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary for the dates 22nd/23rd November simply states "I<i>n the line. Situation quiet". </i>Harry was wounded on 22nd November 1917, he received injuries to his back, abdomen and arms. Depending on the severity of Harry's wounds he may have been taken to an aid post which would be situated somewhere close to the front line, near to the trenches. He would be given immediate first aid by a trained medic or first aider and then carried by the stretcher bearers to the nearest dressing station. The next step was transfer to a casualty clearing station which would be a large medical facility away from the front line. Had he been considered stable enough for transfer Harry might have found himself labelled for "Blighty" but sadly this was not to be and on 8th December 1917 Harry passed away as a result of his injuries. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry was buried at the Noeux le Mines Communal Cemetery Extension, grave ref; iV A 23. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grave of Private Harry Alfred Letts<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">with kind permission of Mr Letts (Harry's Grandson)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry's grave shows the sign of the cross and the loving inscription was also added by Harry's family;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>TO LIVE IN HEARTS WE LEAVE BEHIND IS NOT TO DIE"</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private Harry Alfred Letts 204512 was awarded the Victory and British Medals for his service. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Harry was remembered in the Derbyshire Times 1917. The obituary read....</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Sympathy on all sides has been extended to the wife</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>of Pte. Harry Letts residing on Handley Road, </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>who on the 5th (sic) inst. Died from wounds in France </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>received on November 24th (sic) , the sad news</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>being conveyed in a letter of sympathy last week </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>from the Chaplain, Rev C J Horsley-Smith.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The deceased was a popular young fellow</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and much esteemed in the district, and general </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>regret at his death has been expressed. He was a member </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>of the New Whittington Baptist Church, and one</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>of its most ardent workers, where he will be greatly missed.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Among the offices he held were those of chapel secretary </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and superintendent of the Sunday school.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>He was 38 years of age and joined the Sherwood's </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>on June 2nd this year, going over to France on October 1st</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>where he had been in just 7 weeks when he was wounded.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>In private life he followed the occupation of gardener, </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>to Mrs Wright of Whittington Grange. He was also a member</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>of the local Volunteer Force.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>At the Baptist Chapel evening service on Sunday, fitting </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>reference to his death was made by the preacher. </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Writing from No 7 casualty clearing station, the Chaplain says</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"It is with deep regret that I have to tell you that your husband</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>passed away yesterday (Dec 5th) at 2.30pm. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I was with him when he died. He was quite unconscious, and </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>it will comfort you to know that he died very peacefully</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>and suffered no pain. Please accept my sincere sympathy </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>in your great sorrow. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>He died nobly and gave his life for his country"."</i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">** note, date of death different to the official date of death. CWGC records Private Harry Alfred Letts date of death as 8th December 1917.</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Lucy</u> continued to live in New Whittington, her young son Leonard grew up with her in the village. Life would be difficult and the memory of Harry, a husband and a father would remain in their hearts forever. Stories of Harry would be passed down to Leonard's young son, named fittingly after his heroic grandfather to ensure that his memory lives on to this day. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqRQxrKTlpbt1pSiJnilFTqzC5RNWWOcUZjckaryB8K8zb9BOdJ5LZDpy4SBMRKeXSImEj2nBApKxZahL26SWLTROL1hKpDSyg06yAQm2W5Mcdy3xBb1Y8R5kz_iG96xM_dPZSqfPLjI/s1600/possessions.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="543" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqRQxrKTlpbt1pSiJnilFTqzC5RNWWOcUZjckaryB8K8zb9BOdJ5LZDpy4SBMRKeXSImEj2nBApKxZahL26SWLTROL1hKpDSyg06yAQm2W5Mcdy3xBb1Y8R5kz_iG96xM_dPZSqfPLjI/s400/possessions.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private Harry Alfred Letts possessions<br />
www.ancestry.co.uk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br />In the May of 1918 Lucy received a parcel containing Harry's personal possessions; "<i>disc, 2 pipes, coins, letters, card, pouch, razor, knife, purse, key, linen badge". </i>No doubt Lucy and Leonard would shed a tear on its arrival, the contents would be treasured mementos of a brave husband and father.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Happier times did eventually return for Lucy and Leonard when in 1923 Lucy married Percy Butler. Lucy died in 1948 aged 67 years old.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Leonard Alfred Letts</u> married Sarah Brough in 1931, he worked as a railway fireman for the London Midland & Scottish Railways. In 1939 the family were living on Wellington Street in New Whittington. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>*<i>I have been lucky to make contact with Leonard's son, he has kindly sent me a photograph of his grandfather Harry Alfred Letts and of the visit he and his sons made to pay their respects to Harry at his grave in France. He told me of a memory; when he was little he was told that his grandfather Harry planted daffodil bulbs along the drive way up to Whittington Grange where he was employed as a gardener. The daffodils still came into flower many years later. Next year at spring time I will take a look to see if those flowers are still flowering. A fitting memory to a gardener who's legacy continues 100 years on </i>*</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Alfred and Mary Jane Letts</u>; Alfred died in 1915, he was never to suffer the knowledge that he lost two son's Harry and Scott to the war, both died of wounds whilst serving his King & Country. Mary Jane may have died in 1929. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Thomas Letts</u> and Susannah remained the carers of Douglas and Stanley Willis. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DdeMuXMtI5l4oeICRHWHbMwKamcbJLYB4IOb11FIvRQ-9jlmBLizV8CVe1m1n3Dr7wtrwFJgW9lF3jS-vF1JzTrS73-dH7a4wEO3A_t8s_19co8f8_2t1OZl0MZ0h7EIREN2XREzvM0/s1600/Thomas+Scott+Letts+shell+shock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="124" data-original-width="522" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DdeMuXMtI5l4oeICRHWHbMwKamcbJLYB4IOb11FIvRQ-9jlmBLizV8CVe1m1n3Dr7wtrwFJgW9lF3jS-vF1JzTrS73-dH7a4wEO3A_t8s_19co8f8_2t1OZl0MZ0h7EIREN2XREzvM0/s400/Thomas+Scott+Letts+shell+shock.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Scott Letts, Service Records<br />
www.ancestry.co.uk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas also saw active service during WW1. Making use of his practical skills, Thomas enlisted on 6th June 1915 with the Royal Engineers; Sapper 103555. His service record has survived and tells that he embarked for France on 31st December 1915. Thomas survived the whole length of the war, being discharged on 6th March 1919. He was awarded the British and Victory medal for his service. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>For Thomas and Susannah as for many others, the war took its toll and family life would never return to "normal" as it was before the Great War. Thomas was diagnosed as suffering from shell shock and rheumatism. He was alive, he was living life but those ghosts of the war would never leave him.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 1939 Register records Thomas living on Main Street, Cold Ashby along with Susannah and Douglas. There are also two more young boys living with them; Leslie and Douglas Swaffield. Their next door neighbours were Stanley, his wife Winifred and their three children. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas may have died in 1955 but this would need to be confirmed further.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>John Letts</u> enlisted with the 11th Battalion Essex Regiment on 16th September 1914. He was however discharged on 1st December 1914 "<i>having been found medically unfit for service". </i>His service records state that he suffered from chronic rheumatism. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>What happened to John after this date and </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">whether John married </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">is not known, he may have died in 1938.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Alfred William Letts</u> appears to have remained single and may have died at the young age of 33 years in 1918.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Scott Letts</u> enlisted with the Northamptonshire Regiment on 19th November 1915. He was just approaching his 25th birthday and worked as a labourer at the time. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 9th January 1916 he was transferred to the 7th Battalion Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment, Private G/10218.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Scott was wounded and died of his wounds on 28th March 1918. He was buried by the German army and his actual grave position is either not known or damaged after further fighting. He is one of many soldiers to whom a "Kipling Memorial" has been erected. This is a CWGC headstone, but his grave is not located underneath this memorial gravestone.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The headstone is located in the Ribemont Communal Cemetery Extension in Picardie, France. It has the following words inscribed..</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>BURIED BY THE ENEMY IN MONCEAU-lE-NEUF </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>COMMUNAL CEMETERY GERMAN EXTENSION</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>BUT WHOSE GRAVE IS NOW LOST</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>THE DAY WILL DAWN WHEN WE SHALL MEET AGAIN</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>FROM MOTHER & BROTHERS"</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Scott was awarded the British War and Victory medal for his service, his mother Mary signed receipt of these medals in 1921.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Samuel Letts</u> married Annie Underwood in 1919. The couple may have three daughters; Gladys, Vera and Mary. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In 1939 Samuel was employed as a road man for the County Council. </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The couple lived at Church Lane in Brixworth, Northamptonshire with their daughter Mary and a </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">man named Harry Underwood, whether he was Annie's son or a family member is not known. There was also another child living with the family at this time; 13 year old John Law.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Samuel died in 1973 at the age of 81 years old.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Betsy Letts</u> Harry's half-sister married John Smalley a shoe finisher in 1893. The couple lived in Anstey, Leicestershire. They had two children; Alfred William and Fanny Elizabeth. Betsy died in 1933.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>*****</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MaefLzdUSIlKvdmKjSPU3o5sVYSiZhMASl6ndoSdfNtJgFuLf2SmaWoKw5KBvbDyP32lQNVw3-7gY-peg7DGgsKEBBqV12iQfdqXsBULDfm55u2zxr67_gERqAQuErrzMZCkcWBl_mY/s1600/memhallplaques+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1359" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MaefLzdUSIlKvdmKjSPU3o5sVYSiZhMASl6ndoSdfNtJgFuLf2SmaWoKw5KBvbDyP32lQNVw3-7gY-peg7DGgsKEBBqV12iQfdqXsBULDfm55u2zxr67_gERqAQuErrzMZCkcWBl_mY/s320/memhallplaques+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold Ashby Memorial Plaque, to Harry & Scott Letts<br />
with kind permission of John @Cold Ashby Rambler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In <a href="http://www.spanglefish.com/thecoldashbyrambler/" target="_blank">Cold Ashby</a> the Letts family were remembered on the war memorials they later erected to honour the men who both fell and served during WW1 and WW2.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry and Scott Letts are inscribed on a memorial plaque which can be found over the main entrance of the memorial hall. It reads..</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF THOSE FROM THE VILLAGE</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>WHO DIED IN THE GREAT WAR</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>HARRY LETTS </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>SCOTT LETTS"</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DGIi9zg9fVrb8xzN-l5j5hyphenhyphenOnrR1XwMCqxaZkNHczShdpUdwxZjSqfsv_equV3AcBLyNsp_tKLEzpdXLNBtuDxam_DDb8U217e63EyncNZdN7-_APAqaP8ADTS2XojqRlgPgoRg0-aw/s1600/roll14-18war.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1282" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DGIi9zg9fVrb8xzN-l5j5hyphenhyphenOnrR1XwMCqxaZkNHczShdpUdwxZjSqfsv_equV3AcBLyNsp_tKLEzpdXLNBtuDxam_DDb8U217e63EyncNZdN7-_APAqaP8ADTS2XojqRlgPgoRg0-aw/s200/roll14-18war.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WW1 memorial </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23et9Tp7IENxmbvzcYENrIHOYQ0ZxpHL5d67uRHbPkNMKCgH1HOI3H62NHcaZeSawjcf023xTIa-mqtxcdYM41KKTin6-giWMK9_p7TJf6_GvRStUeKCimJIZTXDPJ2BD5JmQvRoDVRo/s1600/rollsofhonour+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="507" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23et9Tp7IENxmbvzcYENrIHOYQ0ZxpHL5d67uRHbPkNMKCgH1HOI3H62NHcaZeSawjcf023xTIa-mqtxcdYM41KKTin6-giWMK9_p7TJf6_GvRStUeKCimJIZTXDPJ2BD5JmQvRoDVRo/s200/rollsofhonour+%25282%2529.jpg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WW2 memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Letts men are also remembered on the </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Cold Ashby Memorial </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">to those who served </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">during WW1 </b></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">and WW2.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Photos with kind permission of John</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>@ Cold Ashby Rambler</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<div align="center">
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>*****</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Special thanks to Mr H Letts for the written details,</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">photographs and documents he</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">provided for use in this remembrance</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">of Private Harry Letts.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
</div>
<div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">*****</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Harry Alfred Letts or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></span></div>
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<h4 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><div align="center">
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: 400;">
Thanks to John @Cold Ashby Rambler</div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">http://www.spanglefish.com/thecoldashbyrambler/</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: 400;">
With thanks also to members of the WW1 Forum who gave me advice.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: 400;">
www.1914-1918.invisionzone.com</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong></div>
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Service record - www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Railway employment records; Midland Railway accidents 1875-1888 - www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span><br /></div>
<div align="left" style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Derbyshire Times 1917</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Shields Daily Gazette 15th November 1884</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Nottigham Journal 17th November 1884 page 5</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece WO 1814 / 1-3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">9th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/</a></span><br />
<br />
Derby Scheme <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-group-scheme-derby-scheme/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/a-soldiers-life-1914-1918/enlisting-into-the-army/the-group-scheme-derby-scheme/</a><br />
<div>
<br />
National Registration Act 1915 <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1915/60/pdfs/ukpga_19150060_en.pdf" target="_blank">www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1915/60/pdfs/ukpga_19150060_en.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<br />
National Registration Scheme <a href="https://greatwarlondon.wordpress.com/2015/08/25/national-register/" target="_blank">https://greatwarlondon.wordpress.com/2015/08/25/national-register/</a><br />
<br />
St Denys Church, Cold Ashby <a href="http://www.parish-council.com/ColdAshby/index.asp?pageid=115956" target="_blank">http://www.parish-council.com/ColdAshby/index.asp?pageid=115956</a><br />
<br />
Cold Ashby memorial <a href="http://www.spanglefish.com/thecoldashbyrambler/coldashbyshistory.asp" target="_blank">http://www.spanglefish.com/thecoldashbyrambler/coldashbyshistory.asp</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhw4FxxeTRo3dhp2t20B20EOXX6tNpeovNi0KFo19sygXXcJe89Hb6F62ZCLT2Flsb152oH3E4C8-r315KaUDXJYnDsj6NASNxdlVKT2YRQrrLUCZTArm5zxMuIhDrEF9I01guDalMbA/s1600/poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhw4FxxeTRo3dhp2t20B20EOXX6tNpeovNi0KFo19sygXXcJe89Hb6F62ZCLT2Flsb152oH3E4C8-r315KaUDXJYnDsj6NASNxdlVKT2YRQrrLUCZTArm5zxMuIhDrEF9I01guDalMbA/s320/poppy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-8481102690650062302017-08-02T16:39:00.000+01:002018-04-17T10:41:57.558+01:00JOHN COLLINS<h4 style="text-align: center;">
JOHN COLLINS</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8JxLedRtWkIqxZBpbA7cIfdN32C8EdEjjGeuL5adQEDqPCRuApPw9WxU1_7xoYZqC33fEHyUcxZA-ykGbzdUr8rBpcTjBxuHlY_OzaOiC01bsU8kG9D2gxnvf6qg13rkTrgjh-rMQzs/s1600/Sherwood+Foresters+drawing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="323" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8JxLedRtWkIqxZBpbA7cIfdN32C8EdEjjGeuL5adQEDqPCRuApPw9WxU1_7xoYZqC33fEHyUcxZA-ykGbzdUr8rBpcTjBxuHlY_OzaOiC01bsU8kG9D2gxnvf6qg13rkTrgjh-rMQzs/s200/Sherwood+Foresters+drawing.JPG" width="170" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Private 7029</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
1st Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Killed in action - 31st July 1917</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUASXnm33stF4GRV-m5lQ_oNjhGRyeP-mWLuoH6VmDQcxTpgG8RkDEc5StPh1YdcTtCCdsA5ZeVvd7lsemuRcreMWc3achyphenhyphenmKMIjfWr5lx-Pzu8sea8aeAFfTa4DNWydE_WSDQjLg1XPw/s1600/John+COLLINS+DT+25+08+17+p4.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUASXnm33stF4GRV-m5lQ_oNjhGRyeP-mWLuoH6VmDQcxTpgG8RkDEc5StPh1YdcTtCCdsA5ZeVvd7lsemuRcreMWc3achyphenhyphenmKMIjfWr5lx-Pzu8sea8aeAFfTa4DNWydE_WSDQjLg1XPw/s1600/John+COLLINS+DT+25+08+17+p4.2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John Collins was the first born child of Thomas and Margaret Collins. He was born in 1884 at New Whittington. His father Thomas hailed from Ireland, he married Margaret Flynn in 1882 and set up home in New Whittington where Thomas worked as a coke burner.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In 1891 the family lived in Crown Yard and had grown in numbers, John had a brother named Edward and two sisters Margaret and May. Over the next ten years more children were born to the Collins family; </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Tom jnr, Stephen, Ellen and Annie. Perhaps due to its growing size the family had moved to live at 118 High Street, New Whittington. John was 16 years of age and worked as a colliery pony driver, he would contribute his small wages to the family and help clothe and feed his siblings. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A change in direction for John....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Tragedy struck for the Collins family when in the July of 1900 John's younger brother, 14 year old Edward was killed in an accident whilst working underground at the Seymour Colliery. The Derbyshire Times covered the story stating that Edward was found already deceased under one of the loading tubs which must have come uncoupled from its pully. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>To lose a young brother in such sad circumstances may have played a pivotal role in John's next decision, he decided to broaden his horizons and joined the local Militia Regiment.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFh_6zBwNclGzlWz_wSZ3TdHS96punD5CDjZ_f07_XdXkIEHVDmkS3ZyTlXtLro1CdJGvoe8DfaUyRaj7s1pDKAkQ7juh7ttnElYSjfXJmDcLzJQ69UXbHXhZZQzDuenh3agpVHemeqWY/s1600/john+collins+signature.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="708" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFh_6zBwNclGzlWz_wSZ3TdHS96punD5CDjZ_f07_XdXkIEHVDmkS3ZyTlXtLro1CdJGvoe8DfaUyRaj7s1pDKAkQ7juh7ttnElYSjfXJmDcLzJQ69UXbHXhZZQzDuenh3agpVHemeqWY/s640/john+collins+signature.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 8th July 1901 he enlisted with the 3rd Derby Regiment (Sherwood Foresters). He was aged 18 years and 2 months old, had blue eyes and a "<i>fresh complexion" </i>stood at 5ft 6" tall and weighed 122lbs. John signed up for 6 years service and was given the soldier number Private 8430. The Militia was a voluntary regiment tied alongside the regular army. John would undertake training and be ready to be called up should the nation need extra reinforcements.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Everyday life in New Whittington....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Collins family grew in numbers even more; Agnes, William and Elizabeth were to make the Collins family complete. Once again they moved house, just along the street to number 52 High Street. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On the 1911 census John was employed underground at the coal mines. He was 26 years old and still unmarried. His youngest sister was 1 year old and the Collins family of ten people lived in a large property for the times, a five roomed house. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>John's war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>As John was listed as a reserve soldier he was called into service at the outbreak of war in August 1914. He was attached to the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters and given the new regimental number of Private 7029. John was drafted to Sunderland to work as a signal instructor, where he remained for the first two years of the war. </b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizY_i1aKiKadOP2GxRVXIRXTKb6jITdTEMugOZPzZ-rn-o5hyphenhyphen-ycLBuEegZPXsiTHUvs013fFqIoysQpviZiOwsbIGm8JpODzXboPr4A1zON8oM_ke0EObqvcq__R7G5xXaX6tfj01ATA/s1600/4700440774_e4975979d5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizY_i1aKiKadOP2GxRVXIRXTKb6jITdTEMugOZPzZ-rn-o5hyphenhyphen-ycLBuEegZPXsiTHUvs013fFqIoysQpviZiOwsbIGm8JpODzXboPr4A1zON8oM_ke0EObqvcq__R7G5xXaX6tfj01ATA/s320/4700440774_e4975979d5_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signal Station - using daylight lamp<br />
via National Library of Scotland</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br />The war which was supposed to be over by Christmas was dragging on, more civilians were enlisting and John would have a busy time teaching the new recruits army life and the art of the use of signals in warfare. Various methods were used to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/ww1/25401271" target="_blank">transmit a signal</a> when on the battlefield; lights, mirrors, flags, whistles could all be used to send a special message in Morse code and where possible cables could be used to pass the signal to the receiver. John held the knowledge and skill to perform this task and his contribution to the war effort would have been priceless.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John joined the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) sometime around the early autumn of 1916. The slaughter of thousands of troops during the Somme offensive had taken its toll on our British troops and reinforcements were badly needed. Many of the men who had been regular soldiers had already been killed or injured by now and John had some experience in warfare, but alas not the type of warfare WW1 had engineered.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>During the month of July 1916 the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters recorded the following numbers of casualties;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Officers - killed 5, wounded 13</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Other ranks - killed 51, wounded 257, missing 6</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In the August of 1916 the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters were basking in hot temperatures, moving around the Bethune area in northern France. The battalion spent the next months carrying out orders, maintaining equipment and taking their turn at manning the trenches. In the October of 1916 an unusual occurrence was noted when having bombarded the enemy with heavy gun fire they were surprised when <i>"a man approached the HQ sentry, when challenged and told to surrender he ran away, he was at once fired on and wounded and brought in". </i>The man was interrogated in the German language but appeared confused, it was as "<i>he used the word "RUSSRI"</i> that they understood that the man was a Russian prisoner of war. The war diary states "<i>his delight on falling into English hands knew no bounds".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The month of October 1916 was also one of tremendous difficulties for the battalion; the men were called upon to do a 24 day tour of the trenches, they had no relief at all in those 24 days and were subject to heavy trench mortar attack "<i>which has the most demoralising effect upon the best trained troops". </i>The battalion was also ordered to carry out three attacks on enemy trenches, one being particulary difficult as gas weapons were used. There was a short rest period of two days and then the men were sent back to the Somme where they had already seen active duty. The men were continually under attack but despite of all this "<i>it was remarkable how the morale of the troops was upheld throughout the whole tour of duty".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Rest & Relaxation....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>During December 1916 the battalion appear to have taken things much easier. The month comprised of training classes, football matches, route marching contests and boxing championships. On Christmas Eve the battalion took part in the Divisional Cross Country championships; each team had 6 men and they ran a course of 6 miles. The 1st Sherwood's came a respectable 2nd to the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Christmas was spent at Selincourt "<i>full opportunity was taken to give the men as happy an Xmas as possible". </i>John was many miles away from his loved ones but we can hope that he felt some peace and happiness at this 1916 yuletide. Gifts were received from several newspaper company charitable collections, including the "<i>Derbyshire Times Fund</i>". By New Years Eve the men had moved on once more and found themselves back on the Somme at Albert. The war diary notes that only 3 other ranks were wounded, none were killed during the month of December 1916. One of the wounded was however self inflicted, a Christmas away from family had proved to much for one poor soul.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A new year, 1917....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1917 started sedately, cleaning the camp, renovating the duckboards, followed by bomb classes. The first months were very cold, snow fell and in early February the men were in the trenches when it was so cold "<i>the battalion experienced the hardest frost it had ever known.....The water supply was seriously hampered, fires having to be lit under water taps & ice continuously broken in the tubs". "In one shell hole the ice was found to be 6 feet thick & the frost had penetrated to a depth of 8 feet into the ground".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The months of March and April saw the battalion carry out some fierce fighting, snow was still falling in the middle of April but by the end of the month the weather was very hot. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In June 1917 the men found themselves moving away from the familiar territory of the Somme across the French/Belgium border, on 15th June they arrived in Ypres. That same night the <i>"the whole of battalion provided a working party for laying a cable under divisional signal offices"; </i>a job that would may well have involved John and his knowledge of the signaling equipment. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The camp at Ypres came under heavy enemy shelling and so on 21st June it was moved to Linde Goed Farm near Busseboom. The battalion were marched from camp to camp in July, being shelled and attacked by the enemy as they went forth. In mid July they were in billets at Beaumetz Les Aire, where they began instruction and practice in attack, including lectures on bayonet fighting. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 18th July Sir Douglas Haigh was present and watched the operations, the battalion must have been aware that there was an air of impending action about to come their way. Morale would be boosted and spirits would no doubt be high as the men trained to their best abilities for the fight of their lives. The Officers and N.C.O's were all shown a large picture map of the land which was to be their future battlefield, possible concerns were discussed at length between the Officers.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 21st July the training was over and the men were route marched to St Hillaire and then on to Liller where they entrained to Abeele. From there the battalion were billeted and slept under canvas at </b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reninghelst. The coming days were spent in preparation; Officers had more meetings, they even had a group photograph taken. The ordinary ranks were now also sent along to view the large picture map. A service was held which was officiated by the Arch Bishop of York, the men's spiritual well being was most important for morale. During the evenings men carried the gas shells up onto the waiting positions in anticipation for coming events. The weather was fine.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the evening of 24th July John and his comrades marched to Halifax Camp. The weather changed, it was a very wet day. The men were given a special treat when the 17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters came to join them for tea on 25th July. A fellow New Whittington lad named <a href="https://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/david-cresswell.html" target="_blank">David Cresswell</a> was serving with the 17th Battalion, maybe the men met up for a few words and exchange of family news that night?</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>During the next couple of days more equipment was issued to the men, the large map was revisited and lectures were given. On one evening several of the men from each corps were taken and questioned by the C.O. The men must be fully knowledgeable on the lay of the land and the instructions for the upcoming attack.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At 9.30pm on the night of 28th July 1917 the battalion set of, leaving the camp to a position known as "Halfway House". Each company set off 200 yards behind the preceeding company. The men marched into the night and into the unknown. The journey was a hot one, the weather was fine, enemy fire was constant and gas shells were also used upon the battalion. Once at the dugout they shared this position with the Scottish Rifle Brigade, however the area was too crowded and the Sherwood Foresters split away from each other by company into different areas. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The day of the 30th July was spent resting, around 10pm that night the battalion's companies rejoined in the assembly trenches, in their positions just behind the Northamptonshire Regiment. They then waited "<i>for Zero hour the following morning". </i>Each man no doubt in his own place for those final hours, thinking of the past and trying so hard not to think of his future and the fate that was to follow.</b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Zero day....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>31st July 1917 the war diary reads; </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>This was Zero Day. The hour for the attack was 3.50am. The barrage started at 3.50am and the attack commenced at 4am. The Battalion moved forward in artillery formation and passed on the right (sic) BELLEWAARDE LAKE to their forming up position, under cover of the ridge".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John was killed in action on 31st July 1917, the day which would signify the first day of the bloody, muddy battle known as Passchendaele. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The CWGC list that 80 members of the 1st Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment lost their lives on that same day.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John Collins was buried </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">at the Menin Gate South Military Cemetery, Belgium; grave reference ii. E. 2. </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">His grave is marked simply with the sign of the cross, no other inscriptions were added by John's family.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7h0NRboCLL-zMBXBlPa1S4AGl9G4lp8M3N6pqCZ4cP5rAl9I2LsSDs7_-krR5Q-SXa8GGn66R9LpRasPJBfBVPePiAiVgm5u1jhJSKX_oKZvVeijkQn6gN-mQ2AAEbEOD-rzpxDCDa0/s1600/medal+card+John+collins+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="599" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7h0NRboCLL-zMBXBlPa1S4AGl9G4lp8M3N6pqCZ4cP5rAl9I2LsSDs7_-krR5Q-SXa8GGn66R9LpRasPJBfBVPePiAiVgm5u1jhJSKX_oKZvVeijkQn6gN-mQ2AAEbEOD-rzpxDCDa0/s320/medal+card+John+collins+13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private 7029 John Collins was awarded the Victory and British Medals for his service.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">John was remembered in the Derbyshire Times 25th August 1917 page 4, along with a photograph the obituary read....</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"News reached New Whittington a fortnight ago that Pte. John</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Collins, Notts & Derbys, had "gone under".</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A soldier writing home to his wife, said Collins was killed,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>but his mother who resides in Crown Yard, </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>never gave up hopes of hearing from him </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>until the official word came last Wednesday, </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>saying he had died of wounds.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Pte. John Collins had served eight years in the Army </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and four years in the Reserve when the war broke out</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and the call came for Reservists and Volunteers.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>He was called up on August 5th, 1914, and was </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>drafted to Sunderland as a signal instructor, where</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>he stayed two years, when he volunteered for France,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>having been there almost 12 months when the dreaded</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>message came. He was 33 years of age and worked at</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Markham No1 Colliery before being called up.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Great sympathy is felt for his widowed mother,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>who has two more sons on active service"</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Life went on....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><u>Thomas & Margaret Collins</u> - John's parents. Thomas had died on 28th October 1916. Margaret stayed in New Whittington the newspaper article stated she now lived on Crown Yard with her children. She died on 1st June 1941 and is buried alongside her husband at St Bartholomew's Church, New Whittington.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><u>Margaret</u> married Irish born Michael Collins in 1909, they had five children; Thomas, Michael, Edward, John and Mary. She remained in New Whittington and died in 1972.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><u>Tom</u> married Catherine Leeson in 1915. Catherine was the sister of <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/john-patrick-leeson.html" target="_blank">John Patrick Leeson</a>, the soldier who is also named on St Barnabas Memorial and died on 31st July 1917. The couple had a son named Patrick in 1916. Sadly in 1918 Catherine passed away aged just 30 years old. It looks likely that she died due to complications of child birth as a daughter was born that same time, named Kathleen *<span style="font-size: x-small;">this has not been confirmed by the registration certificate. </span>Tom died in 1952.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><u>Stephen</u> married Agnes Gregory in 1925. They had at least two daughters; Margaret and Hazel and possibly a third child. They lived on John Street in Brimington and Stephen worked as a builders labourer. He died in 1959 aged 63 years old.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><u>Annie</u> may have remained a spinster. In 1939 she was working as a grocery shop assistant (possibly alongside her brother William). If she did not marry then she may have lived in Hasland and died in 1991 aged 90 years old.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><u>William</u> died in 1941 aged just 33 years old. His obituary states that he worked as manager of Messrs Hunters grocery shop in Brimington. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">I am not sure at this stage what became of John's siblings; May, Ellen, Agnes and Elizabeth. If anyone can help with information please let me know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>For service on the dates of 31st July and 1st August 1917 the 1st Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment awarded 14 members of the Non Commissioned Officers and Men the Military Medal for their "<i>Gallantry and devotion to duty during operations near Ypres". </i>Also awarded were -</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1 x Bar to the Military Cross</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>5 x Military Cross</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>8 x Distinguished Conduct Medals</b></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on John Collins or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Service record - www.fmp.co.uk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Derbyshire Times 25th August 1917 page 4</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece WO 1721/1-4</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Signaling during WW1 <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/ww1/25401271" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/ww1/25401271</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/signaller_ww1" target="_blank">http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/signaller_ww1</a></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-74798363106231003192017-07-31T22:00:00.000+01:002018-04-14T13:41:00.325+01:00JOHN PATRICK LEESON<h4 style="text-align: center;">
JOHN PATRICK LEESON </h4>
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"PADDY"</h4>
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Private 22398</h4>
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1st Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment </h4>
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Died of wounds - 31st July 1917</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X_zFU_Tto-SwTW_Z8p6v2m4_H9KJxmxZvwsWKEY12Ir3EKslWuLe1WXENVKakdMU61YRJYvm2Pj2y55hbqbO5XXuCcenTuyC4fwsgMvKnmGQbF4WXvYcZDxFF03HJctLJ2oUF6oLAvw/s1600/John+Patrick+LEESON+6+10+17+p4+DT+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="104" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X_zFU_Tto-SwTW_Z8p6v2m4_H9KJxmxZvwsWKEY12Ir3EKslWuLe1WXENVKakdMU61YRJYvm2Pj2y55hbqbO5XXuCcenTuyC4fwsgMvKnmGQbF4WXvYcZDxFF03HJctLJ2oUF6oLAvw/s200/John+Patrick+LEESON+6+10+17+p4+DT+%25282%2529.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John Patrick Leeson was known to his friends as "Paddy" (I will also refer to John as "Paddy" throughout this article). The son of Martin and Mary Leeson he was born at Intake, Sheffield on 11th September 1891, one of eight children. Martin Leeson married Mary Ann Flynn in 1875, they were both born in Chesterfield to Irish immigrant parents and followed the Roman Catholic faith.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Martin worked as a coal miner, he worked around the East Midlands coal fields where ever the work was to be had. Martin and Margaret's first son Michael was born in 1876 followed by Martin jnr in 1879. By 1881 the Leeson family were living in Handsworth in Sheffield, Mary's brothers Michael and Bartholomew Flynn were living with them.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The next ten years saw three daughters born to Martin and Mary Leeson; Mary Ellen, Margaret and Catherine and then came John Patrick (Paddy) in 1891, he was baptised into the Roman Catholic faith on 27th December 1892 at the Church of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Church_of_St_Marie,_Sheffield" target="_blank">St Marie</a> which can still be found in Sheffield city centre. On the 1891 census the Leeson family were living on Intake Road in the Attercliffe area of Sheffield, Martin and his eldest son Michael worked at the coal mines. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The move to New Whittington....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By 1894 toddler Paddy and his family had moved to live in New Whittington. His two younger sisters were born there; </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Annie born 1894 and Julia born 1897. The Leeson family was now complete. In 1901 they lived at 138 High Street. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Paddy's elder siblings Michael, Martin, Mary Ellen and Margaret had all left home;</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A soldier in the family....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 9th June 1897 Paddy's brother Michael left the family and enlisted with the York & Lancaster Regiment at Sheffield. Michael was aged 20 years old and had been employed as a coal miner. His service records tell that he was a short fellow at 5ft 3 3/4" and he weighed 118lbs, with a fresh complexion and brown eyes and hair. He had a couple of scars on his forehead and eyebrow. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Michael, Private 4895 found himself in trouble when at Colchester on 28th February 1898 he got into a fight with another soldier named Private Moore. The pair were not on duty and had been playing a game of skittles in the yard when their disagreement had led to a fight. Private Moore was alleged to have bitten Michael's finger during the altercation, which resulted in Michael being on sick leave for a while.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Michael served his full term of nine years with the colours; between December 1898 and November 1904 he was stationed in India. On his return he was transferred to the Army Reserve and discharged on 8th June 1909. Michael returned to his home village and found employment in the coal mines, not long after in 1906 he married Mary Martin.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Martin emigrates....</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">On 27th November 1897 19 year old Martin sailed from Liverpool on the Campania headed for the United States of America. He arrived at New York on 15th December 1897. Martin most likely went to stay with his Uncle Michael Leeson who had emigrated to the USA in 1885.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Martin married Margaret Cadden on 18th October 1904 in Pringle, Pennsylvania, USA. The couple had three children; Mary, Mark and Margaret.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Mary Ellen does not show on the 1901 census, but her sister Margaret was living in nearby village Middle Handley. She was employed as a general domestic servant for the Marples family.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Paddy aged 19 years was employed as a labourer at the blast furnace. He lived at 145 Inkerman Place, New Whittington with his parents, paternal grandmother Ann Leeson and his nephew Matthew Gregory (eldest son of Margaret and Percy).</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Michael and Mary his wife were living at 7 Duke Street, Sutton in Ashfield, he worked as a coal miner. A young lady named Maggie Martin was living with them, described as Michael's "daughter". She was born around 1895, before Michael and Mary married.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Margaret had married Percy Hayward Gregory in 1907. Percy worked as a drayman and in 1911 the family had moved away from New Whittington to live in Sheffield. They had three sons; Matthew aged 3, John aged 1 and Terrance just a baby at 5 months old. Matthew was staying with his grandparents on census night, as Margaret would also have a 1 year old and a 5 month year old to look after she would need all the help she could get.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Catherine aged 22 was employed as a domestic servant at the Mason's Arms public house in Crookes, Sheffield. Catherine was employed by Fred and Annie Hardwick who ran the drinking establishment.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I have been unable to find Annie on the 1911 census. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Aged 14 years of age, Paddy's youngest sister Julia was in service, working as a general servant to Catholic Priest Patrick Hickey. She lived at St Catherine's Roman Catholic Church, Andover Street, Sheffield.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Paddy's war....</i></b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDqmtcbCWDxem45Y3x2huzO099fC4Syz362kSYrqHzUqt7q5iYk4BFTqyUPZx-6vpWF1CCUhWZhJ15QaZlqISsR838z_mu0ByZWGiWGYg4jN6zKhNthJFiIgGWS98pcxhSQ9fjwQllno/s1600/medal+roll+John+Leeson+40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="118" data-original-width="478" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDqmtcbCWDxem45Y3x2huzO099fC4Syz362kSYrqHzUqt7q5iYk4BFTqyUPZx-6vpWF1CCUhWZhJ15QaZlqISsR838z_mu0ByZWGiWGYg4jN6zKhNthJFiIgGWS98pcxhSQ9fjwQllno/s400/medal+roll+John+Leeson+40.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medal roll entry - Private John Patrick Leeson<br />
www.ancestry.co.uk<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Unfortunately the service records for Paddy have not survived but using medal rolls, medal cards, newspaper reports and war diaries I can piece together some of his service.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Paddy enlisted in the early stages of WW1, he was given the soldier number 22398. Looking at the medal roll entry (above) it appears that he served with both the 1st and 2nd Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment. It is likely that he joined the 2nd battalion when they were stationed locally, at Sheffield. The recruitment officers would visit the neighbouring town of Chesterfield and encourage the young men to enlist, in the war that "would be over by Christmas".</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The 2nd battalion were part of the 18th Brigade, 6th Division, on leaving Sheffield they moved on to Cambridge before embarking for St Nazaire, France in September 1914. </b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On arriving in France the battalion were launched straight into action when they fought at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_the_Aisne" target="_blank">First Battle of Aisne</a> in September 1914. Fellow soldier <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/arthur-james-mitchell.html" target="_blank">Arthur Mitchell</a> from New Whittington served with the 2nd battalion and lost his life on 20th October 1914.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>From there they moved north and up into the Ypres area of Belgium, where they remained for just over a year. In the summer months of 1915 the battalion took part in the fighting at Hooge. According to the medal card for Paddy, he entered the "theatre of war" (France) on 17th August 1915. </b></span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He would join a war weary battalion who had witnessed first hand the
horrors of this war.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>After thirteen months in Belgium the men were moved back into France, to the area known as the Somme. On 5th August 1916 the battalion took over the trenches at Beaumont Hamel. The war diary notes "<i>trenches seem to be in quite a good condition, but a great number of British dead are lying both in front and behind our own trenches. The hot weather has made them smell rather unpleasant". </i>The diary writes that the men buried many bodies during the days ahead.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Paddy was injured whilst serving with the 2nd battalion, he was wounded in his shoulder during 1916. If Paddy was in trenches at the time then he would be sent to a casualty clearing station where his immediate care would be given, the wound would be cleaned and dressed. He would then be transported either by horse drawn carriage or motor vehicle to the nearest hospital. From then a decision would be made as to the severity of the wound and its effect on the man's ability to serve as an efficient soldier. Paddy was returned to the UK where he remained for 12 weeks, for rest and recuperation before being deemed fit for active service once more.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It is not known when exactly Paddy returned to join the B.E.F in France or when he was transferred to the 1st battalion. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In June 1917 the men of the 1st battalion found themselves moving away from the familiar territory of the Somme across the French/Belgium border, on 15th June they arrived in Ypres. </b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The camp at Ypres came under heavy enemy shelling and so on 21st June it was moved to Linde Goed Farm near Busseboom. The battalion were marched from camp to camp in July, being shelled and attacked by the enemy as they went forth. In mid July they were in billets at Beaumetz Les Aire, where they began instruction and practise in attack, including lectures on bayonet fighting. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 18th July Sir Douglas Haigh was present and watched the operations, the battalion must have been aware that there was an air of impending action about to come their way. Morale would be boosted and spirits would no doubt be high as the men trained to their best abilities for the fight of their lives. The Officers and N.C.O's were all shown a large picture map of the land which was to be their future battlefield, possible concerns were discussed at length between the Officers.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 21st July the training was over and the men were route marched to St Hillaire and then on to Liller where they entrained to Abeele. From there the battalion were billeted and slept under canvas at </b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reninghelst. The coming days were spent in preparation; Officers had more meetings, they even had a group photograph taken. The ordinary ranks were now also sent along to view the large picture map. A service was held which was officiated by the Arch Bishop of York, the men's spiritual well being was most important for morale. During the evenings men carried the gas shells up onto the waiting positions in anticipation for coming events. The weather was fine.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the evening of 24th July Paddy and his comrades marched to Halifax Camp. The weather changed, it was a very wet day. The men were given a special treat when the 17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters came to join them for tea on 25th July. A fellow New Whittington lad named <a href="https://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/david-cresswell.html" target="_blank">David Cresswell</a> was serving with the 17th Battalion, maybe the men met up for a few words and exchange of family news that night?</b></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>During the next couple of days more equipment was issued to the men, the large map was revisited and lectures were given. On one evening several of the men from each corps were taken and questioned by the C.O. The men must be fully knowledgeable on the lay of the land and the instructions for the upcoming attack.</b></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At 9.30pm on the night of 28th July 1917 the battalion set of, leaving the camp to a position known as "Halfway House". Each company set off 200 yards behind the preceding company. The men marched into the night and into the unknown. The journey was a hot one, the weather was fine, enemy fire was constant and gas shells were also used upon the battalion. Once at the dugout they shared this position with the Scottish Rifle Brigade, however the area was too crowded and the Sherwood Foresters split away from each other by company into different areas. </b></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The day of the 30th July was spent resting, around 10pm that night the battalion's companies rejoined in the assembly trenches, in their positions just behind the Northamptonshire Regiment. They then waited "<i>for Zero hour the following morning". </i>Each man no doubt in his own place for those final hours, thinking of the past and trying so hard not to think of his future and the fate that was to follow.</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Zero day....</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>31st July 1917 the war diary reads </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>This was Zero Day. The hour for the attack was 3.50am. The barrage started at 3.50am and the attack commenced at 4am. The Battalion moved forward in artillery formation and passed on the right (sic) BELLEWAARDE LAKE to their forming up position, under cover of the ridge".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private John Patrick Leeson was killed in action on 31st July 1917, the day which would signify the first day of the bloody, muddy battle known as Passchendaele. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The CWGC list that 80 members of the 1st Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment lost their lives on that same day.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2iZGcqrN715vSX7apJG77Ucx6R_Y5zsq9C3SOkp9-ULxDjsJB7Ec2ex7jFhA_opNhTNoFJilrNYaqUQzKvtYHZA4M_593KNMnSj_yheI1xEQKyPbMgxO0l96OnvqSXGHmfunLG3ROvQ/s1600/CWGC+cert+Leeson+40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2iZGcqrN715vSX7apJG77Ucx6R_Y5zsq9C3SOkp9-ULxDjsJB7Ec2ex7jFhA_opNhTNoFJilrNYaqUQzKvtYHZA4M_593KNMnSj_yheI1xEQKyPbMgxO0l96OnvqSXGHmfunLG3ROvQ/s320/CWGC+cert+Leeson+40.JPG" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John P Leeson was buried </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">at the Birr Cross Roads Cemetery, Belgium; grave reference; cem 2, mem 6. </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">His grave is marked simply with the sign of the cross, no other inscriptions were added by John's family.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The original burial place for Private Leeson was destroyed in later battles, his body was exhumed and relocated.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">A memorial was erected and reads;</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i> "To the memory of these four British soldiers,</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>killed in action in 1917, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>and buried at the time in BIRR CROSS ROADS </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>CEMETERY </i></b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>NO2</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>whose graves were destroyed in later battles.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"THEIR GLORY SHALL NOT BE BLOTTED OUT"</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilw1xlLddLlSMQ7x2YZuNjCRLXnrX4mz3IzoAZLVqJhJslKEY_It8ZG8sEDmIGoN5Q8zIKrfXbnWGcMpSuomO0SuWd24NVCcNhcRu9aOhYZzrPo5-M6G1Mt4lB_tsaflDMdfxjOQe4vw/s1600/medal+card+Leeson+40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilw1xlLddLlSMQ7x2YZuNjCRLXnrX4mz3IzoAZLVqJhJslKEY_It8ZG8sEDmIGoN5Q8zIKrfXbnWGcMpSuomO0SuWd24NVCcNhcRu9aOhYZzrPo5-M6G1Mt4lB_tsaflDMdfxjOQe4vw/s320/medal+card+Leeson+40.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private 22398 John Patrick (Paddy) Leeson was awarded the Victory, British and 15 Star Medals for his service.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Paddy was remembered in the Derbyshire Times 6th October 1917 page 4, along with a photograph the obituary read....</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"<i>The parents of Lance-Corporal* "Paddy" Leeson</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>of 19 Station Lane, have received official notice</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>that he was killed on July 31st.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Early in August a letter was sent by a chum of</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>the deceased soldier saying he saw him wounded</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and taken away to a Casualty Clearing Station.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>After that no trace of him can be found,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>his parents making enquiries from different centres.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The official notice came last week saying he was</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>killed in action. Pte. Leeson enlisted when war broke out,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and was drafted to France, where he was wounded</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>in 1916, in the shoulder, and was in hospital</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>12 weeks in "Blighty". He was sent out again to France</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>where he had been up to the time of his death.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The deceased soldier was 26 years of age,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and before enlisting worked at Sheepbridge Works.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The parents received a message of sympathy</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>from his Commanding Officer saying how well he was liked</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>by Officers and men of his battalion.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>*NOTE - The article refer's to Paddy as both Lance-Corporal and</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Private Leeson. It is not known whether Paddy was </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>promoted to Lance-Corporal. His CWGC memorial states Private.</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Life went on....</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Mary & Martin Leeson</u> lived on into their 70's; Mary died in 1933 aged 76 and Martin the year later in 1934 aged 78 years. At some time in between 1911 and 1917 they moved home to live at 19 Station Lane.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Mary and Martin had a tremendously difficult life, one full of heartache; they lived to see at least six of their children die before them. How terribly sad this must have been for this couple.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Michael</u> may have died in 1915 and his wife Mary in 1919, however this has not been confirmed.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Martin</u> and his family remained in the USA. Martin died in Chicago, Illinois on 10th June 1922. He was buried back in his home town of Pringle, Pennsylvania at the Saint Ignatius Catholic Church Cemetery.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Mary Ellen</u> I have not found any information on Mary, anyone who can add to her story please do let me know.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Margaret</u> and her husband Percy Gregory had three more children; Catherine, Margaret and Mary Ellen. Percy died in 1935 aged 49 years. In 1939 Margaret was living at 191 Duke Street in Sheffield with her daughter Mary Ellen. She died aged 83 years old in 1967.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Catherine</u> married Tom Collins in 1915. The couple named their first child Patrick in 1916, no doubt named after his brave Uncle Paddy. Heartache followed though, when baby Patrick died aged under 1 year old, he died before his Uncle Paddy.</span></b></b><br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Catherine died in 1918, at the young age of 30 years. It looks likely that she died in childbirth as a daughter Kathleen also died around the same time.</span></b></b><br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tom was the brother of John Collins who is also named on the St Barnabas War Memorial. For Catherine and Tom the war took a devastating turn when each lost their own brothers on the same day: John "Paddy" Leeson and <a href="https://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/john-collins.html" target="_blank">John Collins</a>, both men served with the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters.</span></b></b><br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Annie</u> married Bertie Griffin at Chesterfield Registry Office in the year 1913. The couple had at least eight children; Evelyn, Harry, Annie, John Douglas, Lawrence, Donald and Sheila.</span></b></b><br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In 1939 the Griffin family were living at 35 Tapton View Road, Stonegravels. Bertie worked as a colliery washerman. Annie was widowed in 1947, she lived on and died in 1973 aged 79 years old.</span></b></b><br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Julia</u> died in 1914 aged just 17 years of age. A family member I made contact with tells me that Julia died in the Chesterfield Union Workhouse.</span></b></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">For service on the dates of 31st July and 1st August 1917 the 1st Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment awarded 14 members of the Non Commissioned Officers and Men the Military Medal for their "<i>Gallantry and devotion to duty during operations near Ypres". </i>Also awarded were - </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">2 x Distinguished Service Orders</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">1 x Bar to the Military Cross</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">5 x Military Cross</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">8 x Distinguished Conduct Medals</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With special thanks to Pat for all her additional information that she added to this story.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>With kind thanks to the Derbyshire Times Newspaper</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>for permission to use the photograph of </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John Patrick Leeson in this blog.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on John Patrick Leeson or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</b></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</b></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</b></span><br />
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<u style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Census</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Parish registers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls www.ancestry.co.uk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Register of soldiers effects</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Newspaper articles - </span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Derbyshire Times 6th October 1917 page 4</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/" style="font-family: "times new roman";"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/" style="font-family: "times new roman";"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/" style="font-family: "times new roman";"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./" style="font-family: "times new roman";"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/" style="font-family: "times new roman";"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/" style="font-family: "times new roman";"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - 2nd Battalion Piece WO 1624/1-5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> 1st Battalion Piece WO 1721/1-4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">1st and 2nd Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment </span><a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/" style="font-family: times, serif;" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/</a><br />
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1st Battle of Aisne <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_the_Aisne" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_the_Aisne</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">St Marie Roman Catholic Church </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Church_of_St_Marie,_Sheffield" style="font-family: times, serif;" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_Church_of_St_Marie,_Sheffield</a><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-11469419607174417332017-07-31T11:00:00.001+01:002018-04-17T20:42:57.206+01:00DAVID CRESSWELL<h4 style="text-align: center;">
DAVID CRESSWELL</h4>
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Private 22099</h4>
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17th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment</h4>
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Killed in action - 31st July 1917</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David Cresswell was born in 1887 at Barrow Hill a small mining village just a few miles away from New Whittington. He was the son of Elijah and Emma Cresswell, the eighth child born into the family, one of thirteen children. Elijah and Emma nee Brough married at St John the Baptist Church in Staveley on 10th April 1871. The family remained in Staveley, living at 14 Railway Terraces. Elijah worked as a coal miner and the couple had five children; Ferdinand 7, Sarah 5, Ernest 3, Joseph 1 and baby Mary was just 3 weeks old in 1881.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By 1891 the Cresswell family had moved to live on "The Blocks" at Barrow Hill. The Cresswell household had grown further; Martha, Stephen, <i>DAVID</i>, </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Charles and Arthur. Three children were missing on the census return for 1891, Sarah aged 16 years old was employed as a domestic servant in the village of North Bierly in Yorkshire. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Sadness and heartbreak....</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joseph sadly died aged just 5 years old. He was buried at Staveley on 20th May 1884. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ernest died tragically on 19th December 1889 aged 13 years of age. He was employed at Ireland Colliery and was crushed between two full trucks as he tried to cross the railway lines (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Coal Mining Accidents and Deaths Index)</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Derbyshire Times (<span style="font-size: x-small;">14th December 1889 page 5) </span>covered his admittance into Chesterfield Royal Hospital with a few lines on the events which led to this terrible accident;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>Ernest Cresswell 13, pony driver, with double fracture of the skull, and severe scalp wounds was returning home from the Ireland Colliery, Staveley and was knocked down by the buffers of a passing engine. He lies in a very critical condition".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David would never have known his sibling Joseph, he would only be around two years old when Ernest died so unlikely to remember his older brothers who were taken at such young ages.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Family life continues....</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Times were hard in the late 19th Century, grieve they would but not at the expense of work time. Elijah would need to get up each morning and set off to work, if not his family may go without food. Emma would also continue to care for her growing family, with seven children still living. A year later in 1890 a new life would hopefully have brought happiness to the Cresswell household when baby Arthur was born in the summer of 1890.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Another daughter was born in 1892, named Cora (<span style="font-size: x-small;">sometimes spelt Kora/Korah) </span>she was baptised on 7th April that year but sadly died in the autumn/winter months of that same year.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Emma would have found herself pregnant around the same time as baby Cora passed away as on 13th July 1893 another little girl was born into the Cresswell family, named Hidagarde.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Further heartache for the family when in 1900 poor 9 year old Arthur also died. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Bon Voyage....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David's eldest brother set sail on an adventure of a lifetime, when on 11th May 1897 Ferdinand boarded the ship Aurania in Liverpool for the bright lights of New York. Ferdinand was 23 years of age at the time of departure and worked as a coal miner.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>He married Maud Smith on 14th March 1899 at Potage, Ohio. Maud was also a British born girl, she was the daughter of William and Sarah Smith. Born in Leeds on 7th January 1880 she had emigrated around 1882. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David would have been around 10 years old when Ferdinand left the family home, the little boy in New Whittington no doubt heard stories of a bright new world from his excited big brother in the lead up to his goodbye's.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1901....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David and his family had moved once more, just a small move this time to number 227 The Blocks, still in Barrow Hill. David was 14 years of age and had finished his education, he was employed as a pony driver at the coal mine along with his elder brother Stephen. Their father Elijah was still working down the mines as a coal mine labourer. The girls Mary and Martha have no occupation listed and the young ones Charles and Hilda would be still attending school.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sarah was settled living in Leeds now, she had married Alfred Moore at St Michael's church, Headingley on 22nd January 1898 and had a 4 month old daughter named Ida. Alfred worked as a cloth dresser in the mills.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Romance....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David married his sweetheart Florence Gertrude Hutchinson around late 1907/early 1908. They married at the United Methodist Free Chapel on Marsden Street in the centre of Chesterfield. "Florrie" as she was affectionately known was born in New Whittington, the daughter of Elizabeth and Samuel Hutchinson.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Their first daughter Ivy was born on 26th August 1909. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of WW1....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David and his young family were living at 82 Handley Road, New Whittington. David worked as a coal miner fitter and Florence would look after one year old baby Ivy and run the household. On 12th July 1913 a second daughter was born, named Doris, a little sister to four year old Ivy.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David's parents remained in Barrow Hill, but his father Elijah had left the coal mines. Aged 60 years old he was now working as a newsagent. Radio was not commonly found in household's until the early 1920's when the BBC began to broadcast, no televisions existed, Elijah would have been the centre of village life, all news would be heard and discussed from his newsagency. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Younger siblings Charlie and Hilda still lived with their parents, Charlie worked down the mines as a loader. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sarah and Alfred had two more children now; Cora aged 6 and (Norman) Elijah aged 1 year. They lived at 14 Harold Street, Burley, Leeds. Eldest daughter Ida was staying with her grandparents Emma and Elijah at Barrow Hill.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Mary married John Mitchell at Staveley on 24th January 1903. John was a labourer at the blast furnaces and they lived at 215 Brick Yard Terrace at Barrow Hill with their two children; Kenneth and Trixie.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Stephen lived at 185 Barrow Hill, near to his parents. He had married Phoebe Brough at Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield on 6th May 1905. Phoebe and Stephen had two children; Wilfred aged 6 and Edna aged 2. The census return also records an 12 year old school girl named Ann Braybook living with them, she is recorded as a servant. Stephen was a working class man, he worked as a coal miner.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>David's war....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Unfortunately David's service records have not survived but we can piece together some of his story using other resources which are available; medal cards, medal roll, newspaper articles and the relevant war diaries.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David joined the Sherwood Forester Regiment in the January of 1915, at this time enlistment was done on an entirely voluntary basis, so long as the <a href="http://spartacus-educational.com/FWWrecruit.htm" target="_blank">recruit</a> was over 5ft 6 inches and had a chest size of 35 inches. Letters were a frequent occurrence in the local newspapers, encouraging men to take up the challenge and fight for King & Country. Maybe this was all the encouragement David needed to do "his bit" for his country.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The medal card for David tells us that he entered the "theatre of war" on the 18th August 1915. The eight months prior to this would have been spent learning how to be a good soldier, how to charge and use a bayonet, look after his rifle, look after his uniform and his kit..... the list was endless. The tutorials, no matter how in depth would not prepare David for what he would encounter when he joined the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) in France.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The medal roll lists David as having been attached to three battalions of the Sherwood Forester Regiment; 2nd, 1st and 17th (Welbeck Rangers).</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It is most likely that when he enlisted he was placed with the 2nd battalion and would join the B.E.F. with this battalion also. His obituary states that he "<i>was wounded on two occasions</i>" indicating it was likely that he was placed with a different battalion each time he returned to France.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The battalions....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>The 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters</u> had landed in France during the September of 1914. Arthur Mitchell the first soldier to die who was named on St Barnabas Church WW1 War Memorial was with that battalion. In October 1915 the battalion became part of the 71st Brigade in the 6th Division.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary for November 1915 tells <i>"After last nights rain the trenches are worse than any we have yet experienced in our 14 months of trench warfare. They are falling in every few yards and are full of water." </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Included in the war diary of November 1915 is an interesting hand written list entitled "<i>2nd Bn The Sherwood Foresters, programme of work" </i>this lists the daily activities the men would carry out when not in the trenches....</b></span><br />
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"7.30 - 8am Physical training, running drill, rapid marching</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>9.30 - 10.15 Squad drill, under Section Commander</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>10.15 - 11am Platoon and Coy drill</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>11 - 11.30 Musketry, under Sec Cmdr's, fire control, rapid loading & firing</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>11.30 - 12.30 Route march</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>2 - 2.30 Physical training</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>2.30 - 3.30 Squad drill & musketry"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>The 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters</u> had been stationed in India prior to the onset of WW1. They were thrust straight into the war in Europe. With it came a totally different set of strategies and obstacles from those that they were accustomed to. They played a key part in the fighting at both Neuve Chappell and Loos. After a heavy winter in 1915, a winter of trench warfare the battalion had suffered great losses. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>The 17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters</u> were also known as the <a href="http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/alliedarmy-view.php?pid=7076" target="_blank">Welbeck Rangers</a>. This battalion saw themselves in the thick of many of the most well known battles of the war; Thiepval Ridge, Ancre Heights, Menin Road Ridge, Polygon Wood and the infamous <a href="http://passchendaele./">Passchendaele.</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David's is recorded as serving with the 17th battalion on his Commonwealth War Grave Commission certificate, this usually indicates the last battalion the soldier served with when he was reported as deceased. How long David would have served with the 17th is not known at this time.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The month of July was a tough one for the 17th battalion Sherwood Foresters, throughout the month there were several occasions when the men were prepared for an advance, only to have the attack cancelled in the nearing hours. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At dawn on 20th July 1917 the battalion took part on a Brigade attack on the village of Tiques. The attack was over by 8am and the men were moved on by bus to the camp for rest. The war diary for the coming days reads the same each day "<i>Routine, Company training under Coy Officer".</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 29th July the men were "<i>resting and drawing stores etc for the forthcoming operations. At 8.30pm the battalion move to CANAL BANK (Hill Top Sector)". </i>David and his comrades were preparing for battle, again. On 30th the dairy continues "<i>Y day resting prior to Z day. At 10.30pm the battalion move up to place of assembly in the Hill Top Sector".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>31st July 1917....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>Assembly complete at 1.15am, Z day. No casualties occurred whilst the battalion was assembling. This is the 3rd Battle of YPRES. Zero hour at 3.50am". </i>The men moved on at 3.50am into "no mans land", and had crossed the area before the enemy barrage started. They soon reached their first target with "<i>slight casualties". </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The advance continued under the protection of rifle guns and Lewis guns, the enemy retaliating with machine guns and snipers. When they arrived at the eastern side of "Kitchener's Wood" "<i>two enemy machine guns open fired on us from Alberta, these were engaged with our Lewis guns, rifle Grenadiers, and Stokes guns and with the assistance of two tanks which open fire at close range".</i> As a result of the return fire, the enemy moved back into concrete dug outs, the 17th were then able to capture the farm and the surrounding area. There were 120 prisoners taken at this stage including four machine guns and one anti-tank gun. All of this took place before 5.35am.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Over the next five hours more prisoners were taken and positions were won. At 7.55am heavy machine gun and rifle fire bombarded the battalion which caused several casualties. The war diary report on the battle concludes with "<i>We succeeded in stopping the enemy's advance by Lewis gun and rifle fire and inflicting heavy losses on him, some of the enemy only being stopped when about 12 yards from our position".</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The men were complemented on their work "<i>the behaviour of the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and men under the awful climatic conditions was exemplary throughout".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary gave the following numbers for the date 31st July 1917....</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Killed in action - 42 Other ranks</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i> Died of wounds - 3</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i> Wounded - 208</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i> Missing - 12</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i> Gassed - 8</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i> Shell shock - 1</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i> Wounded at duty - 3</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i> Hospital - 39"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private David Cresswell, 22099 was reported missing on the 31st July 1917.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2pi7zLufu-zKKOAkLEGSn1i7-51lb31XRxExMTuHqYQo47-tkUNOa6lmz_k-ABk3SyDPeCg5Zsko9Bpw4pyR3aErZ476bYt8GdSUfX6FmUOxrCcz0sorVrM8i4-vUMBq-w5XPdJ0vCI/s1600/CWGC+D+Cresswell+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="452" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2pi7zLufu-zKKOAkLEGSn1i7-51lb31XRxExMTuHqYQo47-tkUNOa6lmz_k-ABk3SyDPeCg5Zsko9Bpw4pyR3aErZ476bYt8GdSUfX6FmUOxrCcz0sorVrM8i4-vUMBq-w5XPdJ0vCI/s320/CWGC+D+Cresswell+19.JPG" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Private 22099 David Cresswell is remembered at The Menin Gate Memorial in the Belgian city of Ypres. His name can be found inscribed on the panel 39 or 41.</span></strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegnIqV-Ry7gsDrNTAjJXBQ64u1AcvRr1eOx-r4jJjuUFTpJJgaqHiX3t9lDuZyDdfP4faAcTj4NojkQEIy-5hJ2Z8t6gNyPe96Dy1oVPb9c-WOWDlYFluAp_JPrZkYJXU5RNjW9UDtgY/s1600/medal+card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="603" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegnIqV-Ry7gsDrNTAjJXBQ64u1AcvRr1eOx-r4jJjuUFTpJJgaqHiX3t9lDuZyDdfP4faAcTj4NojkQEIy-5hJ2Z8t6gNyPe96Dy1oVPb9c-WOWDlYFluAp_JPrZkYJXU5RNjW9UDtgY/s320/medal+card.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David </b><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 15 Star for his service.</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">His death was reported in the Derbyshire Times 17th November 1917, page 8, his obituary included a photograph and read....</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>"After being reported missing on July 31st</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>news has just reached New Whittington that Pte.D Cresswell</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>whose wife resides in Handley Road, was killed on that date.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>Upon being reported missing Mrs Cresswell got into </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>communication with the British Red Cross Society,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>with the result that they found one of his comrades who has </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>forwarded particulars of his death. In writing he says:-</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>"I am sorry to inform you that your husband was killed on July 31st.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>I was not near him at the time, but word came down the trench</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>that he and Toplis, of the same section, </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-weight: 700;"><i>had been </i></span><i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">blown to pieces. It was a great shock to us all,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">and his place will be hard to fill. He was a good soldier</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">and always did his duty cheerfully. I am sorry I can't</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">give you more information, but nearly all the old boys</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">have been killed or wounded. We all sympathise with you </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">in your loss"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">Pte Cresswell was 30 years of age, and joined the Sherwood's</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">in January 1915. He had been wounded on two occasions</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">and he returned to France for the third time. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">Before joining the Forces he worked at Markham No1</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">Colliery. In addition to his widow there are two little children</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;">left behind"</i></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Florence Cresswell</u>, David's wife found herself alone with two young daughters to care for; Ivy aged 7 and Doris who had just had her 4th birthday. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Florrie did start a new life when she remarried on 26th October 1918 at Old Whittington Parish Church. Her husband was 36 year old bachelor William Warwick. William was from Staveley and worked as a fireman, most likely in the iron foundry. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Florrie and William may have two children; a son Leslie born in 1922 who died aged 1 year old and a daughter Iris in 1925 <span style="font-size: x-small;">(not verified).</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William died in 1938 aged just 56 years old. Florrie would find herself widowed once more. The 1939 Register records her living at 84 Handley Road, now named Florence Wilson..... I believe she married a William Wilson that same year. But, she is again stated as widowed, whether this was an error or had William Wilson also died? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A death was registered for a Florence Wilson in Chesterfield in 1960, if this was Florence then she died aged 71 years of age.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Ivy Cresswell</u> the eldest daughter of David and Florrie married George Williamson at St Barnabas Church on 6th August 1928. The couple may have two sons Geoffrey and Dennis (<span style="font-size: x-small;">this would need confirmation</span>). In 1939 Ivy and her family were living in Calow, on Chesterfield Road. George worked as an iron moulder. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It appears that Ivy remarried in 1950, her husband was named Clifford Thickett and they wed on the Isle of White. If this is correct then Ivy died in Macclesfield in 1990, aged 81 years of age.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Doris Cresswell</u> the youngest daughter of David and Florrie married Harold Handforth in 1934. In 1939 they were living at 5 Brearley Street, New Whittington and had one son named Eric. Harold's mother had died in the May of 1936 and so his father also named Harold was living with them. Both Mr and Mrs Handforth senior were enthusiastic members of St Barnabas Church, Harold senior being a sidesman (usher) for the Church.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Doris lost her husband in 1963 but she lived on until she died in 1997 aged 83 years old.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3lukmXydEBW5QD4YKRoRrZC6s5kihAchg3pvL8KaUVzeOTgx7l_ZP6mt6iZBgv8dMLjaroWt6-uTCZlcio774bFPSVyYjDZu5zIfdw6_gWNHzIEGa3NlOLQcw6BRuhqMxlofIOKFEDk/s1600/Emma+%2526+Elijah+memorial+22121939+p10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="376" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3lukmXydEBW5QD4YKRoRrZC6s5kihAchg3pvL8KaUVzeOTgx7l_ZP6mt6iZBgv8dMLjaroWt6-uTCZlcio774bFPSVyYjDZu5zIfdw6_gWNHzIEGa3NlOLQcw6BRuhqMxlofIOKFEDk/s400/Emma+%2526+Elijah+memorial+22121939+p10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derbyshire Times 22nd December 1939 p10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Davids parents; <u>Elijah and Emma</u> continued to live in Barrow Hill. Elijah died the year after David's death on 19th June 1918. He was 68 years of age.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Emma was remembered in the Derbyshire Times newspaper after she had passed away on 26th December 1937. She was a patient in Chesterfield Royal Hospital where she died aged 85 years old. The newspaper article referred to her as <i>"Believed to be the oldest native of the village". </i>She was buried at Staveley Cemetery following a service at St Andrew's Church, Barrow Hill.</b></span><br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Ferdinand Cresswell</u> lived out his life in the USA. He became a naturalised United States citizen on 18th September 1909. Maud and Ferdinand had four children Sarah, Arthur, Hilda and Mamie. The family lived in Saline, Illinois and Ferdinand continued to work as a coal miner.</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Ferdinand died on 14th April 1932 aged 58 years, his wife Maud died on 10th July 1941.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Sarah</u> was widowed in 1916 when her husband Alfred died aged just 41 years old. What became of her after this date is unknown at this time. Her children all married and lived in the county of Yorkshire.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Mary</u> and her husband John were living at 12 Lilac Street, Staveley in 1939. John was still working as a labourer at the iron foundry. The children had both married but still lived close; Kenneth in Barrow Hill and Trixie in Stonegravels. John may have died in 1953 but I have not been able to pinpoint a death for Mary.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Martha</u> has been difficult to locate after the 1901 census when she lived with her parents aged 17 years of age. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Stephen</u> died in 1926 aged 42 years. His wife Phoebe remained in the family home of 185 Barrow Hill, she married John Limb in 1930. Their daughter Edna married Leslie Bates and son Wilfred married Vera Withnall and moved to live in Repton.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Charles</u> married later in life aged 39. His wife was "Lily" Webb and they married in 1928. A son named Colin was born a few years later and the family lived at 227 Barrow Hill in 1939. Charles was employed as a rope splicer in the coal mines. Charles died in 1971 aged 82, his wife Lily died in 1989.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Hildagarde</u> married William Bird in 1913, they lived at 17 Devonshire Cottages, Barrow Hill in 1939 with their two children; Ferdinand and Dorothy. William worked in engineering as a machinist. Hildagarde died in 1970 aged 77 and her husband William died in 1967.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>****</i></b></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on David Cresswell or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Immigration records - www.fmp.co.uk & www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Derbyshire Times 14th December 1889 page 5</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Derbyshire Times 17th November 1917 page 8</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Derbyshire Times 31st December 1937 page 10</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Derbyshire Times 22nd December 1939 page 10 </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - 2nd Btn Piece WO 1624/1-5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> 17th Btn Piece WO 2587/2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Sherwood Forester Battalions <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/</a></span><br />
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Sherwood Forester 1st / 2nd Battalion service numbers <a href="http://armyservicenumbers.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/sherwood-foresters-1st-2nd-battalions.html" target="_blank">http://armyservicenumbers.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/sherwood-foresters-1st-2nd-battalions.html</a><br />
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Sherwood Forester histories in brief <a href="http://www.nottsandderby.co.uk/Notts___Derby/notts___derby.html" target="_blank">http://www.nottsandderby.co.uk/Notts___Derby/notts___derby.html</a><br />
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Welbeck Rangers <a href="http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/alliedarmy-view.php?pid=7076" target="_blank">http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/alliedarmy-view.php?pid=7076</a><br />
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Passchendaele <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Passchendaele" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Passchendaele</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Recruitment into the British Army <a href="http://spartacus-educational.com/FWWrecruit.htm" target="_blank">http://spartacus-educational.com/FWWrecruit.htm</a></span><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-90657119945077610002017-07-31T11:00:00.000+01:002018-02-11T22:04:16.813+00:00PASSCHENDAELE<h4 style="text-align: center;">
PASSCHENDAELE....</h4>
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THE 3rd BATTLE OF YPRES....</h4>
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"MUD AND RAIN"</h4>
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By Siegfried Sassoon</h4>
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Mud and rain and wretchedness and blood. </h4>
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Why should jolly soldier-boys complain?</h4>
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God made these before the roofless Flood - </h4>
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Mud and rain. </h4>
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Mangling cramps and bullets through the brain, </h4>
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Jesus never guessed them when He died. </h4>
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Jesus had a purpose for His pain, </h4>
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Ay, like abject beasts we shed our blood, </h4>
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Often asking if we die in vain. </h4>
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Gloom conceals us in a soaking sack - </h4>
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Mud and rain</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>As we go about our daily lives during this, the summer of 2017 its difficult to even begin to contemplate the horrors which our ancestors were living through 100 years ago. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Many of us are looking forward to the summer days ahead, holidays with the family, warm balmy nights sat on the patio sipping a glass or two of Prosecco........ complaining about our lack of sunshine and yes, the torrential downpours of rain which are a daily event at present, more like April showers than summer I hear you say.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Well, rewind 100 years and for some of the men of Chesterfield who were fighting for King & Country over in Belgium the rain was causing nightmare conditions. The rain was said to have been the heaviest the area had witnessed in the previous 30 years. Torrential rain coupled with the constant bombardment of shells, broken drains and the sheer numbers of men, animals and equipment trudging through the land and you are left with one quagmire of MUD. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This mud would prove a death sentence for thousands of men, figures suggest the Allied troops suffered around 325,000 casualties and the Germans 250,000 casualties in the three months of the 3rd Battle of Ypres.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battle started with allies launching an infantry attack on 31st July 1917. On that day New Whittington lost three of its young men; </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/john-collins.html" target="_blank">Private John Collins</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/david-cresswell.html" target="_blank">Private David Cresswell</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/john-patrick-leeson.html" target="_blank">Private John Patrick Leeson</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Please click on the soldiers name above to read his own personal story.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John Collins and John Leeson were brother in laws (their siblings Catherine Leeson and Tom Collins married). They were both serving with the 1st Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>David Cresswell was also with the Sherwood Forester's but attached to the 17th Battalion. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Private 7029 John Collins</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Private David Cresswell</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Private John Patrick Leeson "Paddy"</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkdY-4lxb8P8g66KiGaGSmGgJnNAGzz7SyKYQxkqRrE-P6PcyQn2D8JVk97Rly7kkNB6ic4GII0RMoYYnTeJk66qaatPT7writXQk1XPfeMcKc1D6_kvk9rP_f6IvqmxcY_CWlh6VeJI/s1600/John+Patrick+LEESON+6+10+19+p4+DT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="153" data-original-width="104" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkdY-4lxb8P8g66KiGaGSmGgJnNAGzz7SyKYQxkqRrE-P6PcyQn2D8JVk97Rly7kkNB6ic4GII0RMoYYnTeJk66qaatPT7writXQk1XPfeMcKc1D6_kvk9rP_f6IvqmxcY_CWlh6VeJI/s200/John+Patrick+LEESON+6+10+19+p4+DT.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Each mans story will be told in the coming days on this blog.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>****</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Lest we forget</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>****</i></b></span></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-3942928044708737232017-04-19T11:00:00.000+01:002018-04-23T13:05:57.309+01:00THOMAS WILLIAM YATES<h4 style="text-align: center;">
THOMAS WILLIAM YATES</h4>
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Private 200266</h4>
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1st/4th Battalion Oxford & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas William Yates was born in the summer of 1889, the first son of George and Sarah Yates. George married Sarah Essam on 14th August 1888 at Woodford in Northamptonshire. George was working as a railway engine fireman at the time, a career which would bring favourable opportunities. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Within the next year, just before Thomas was born, the newly weds moved to live on Wellington Street in New Whittington. George had been promoted to a railway engine driver, the family were doing well for themselves. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">A few years later in 1894 a second son was born, named Charles Henry and by 1901 the family was complete after baby girl Rhoda Emma was born in 1900. The Yates family were living at 69 Wellington Street.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"A plus" scholar....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas was lucky and gained an education at the local grammar school. It is possible that he had been admitted into the school by a free scholarship which was awarded to the children of the elementary schools who were deemed as high achievers. This education would become the basis for Thomas' later life when he worked as a teacher at both Old Whittington and Whittington Moor schools.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas now aged 21 years old was recorded as "William" on the actual census return. The 1911 census was the first census to be completed by the home owner rather than an enumerator, so it's likely that Thomas may well have used his middle name William as his everyday name. He was recorded as being a student on this census, most likely receiving his further education in teaching.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The whole family had moved home once again and lived at 39 High Street, still in the village of New Whittington. George was still employed as a train driver for the Midland Railway. Charles was an apprentice architect and Rhoda aged 11 attended school.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Thomas' war....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Unfortunately the service records for Thomas have not survived but we can piece together some of his war service using other contemporary records such as; medal cards, medal rolls, CWGC records, newspaper reports and war diaries.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas enlisted not long after the outbreak of WW1. He was a student at the time studying at <a href="http://www.culhamcollege.co.uk/" target="_blank">Culham College</a> in Oxford. It may be that a recruitment officer visited the college to encourage the men to enlist as he signed his papers at Culham.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas not surprisingly joined up with a local battalion to Culham College, he enlisted with the 1/4th Battalion Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (Oxford & Bucks LI). He is noted as having two different service numbers; 1935 and 200266, the latter being his regimental number on his death. Thomas served as a Private rank, however many of his fellow students may well have been placed straight into Officer ranks due to their class and education. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Once he had enlisted he would be sent to training camp where he would be taught how to become an effective soldier; use of a weapon, discipline and physical drills would be a daily ritual. The 1/4th Battalion Oxford & Bucks were stationed at Whittle near Chelmsford until they were mobilsed for war at the end of March 1915. The battalion took part in a parade which would be full of fanfare and celebration as the local community saw the brave soldiers off to war. They then took a train to Folkestone where they boarded the SS Onward. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas' medal card states that he "entered the theatre of war - France" on 29th March 1915. This was the day when 2 Officers and 84 other ranks of the 1/4th left the shores of England to arrive in Boulogne, France at 11 pm that night. Thomas was one of the 84 other ranks to join the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) with the first group of men from the 1/4th Oxford & Bucks LI.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 1/4th were part of the 145th Brigade 48th (South Midlands) Division. They saw service in some of the most bloody battles of WW1 including being present on the Somme during 1916.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Battle of Albert as it became known was the opening battle of the Somme offensive. The 1/4th spent the month of June 1916 working on laying cables and moving equipment such as heavy guns and weapons. At 9.20 am on 1st July the men began their march to Mailley-Mallet, each man carrying "<i>2 grenades, 2 sandbags apiece, while one Platoon A Company, carried picks and shovels". </i>The roads were crammed full of moving army convoys, the column of troops was often stopped to allow passing ammunition trucks through their path. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The war diary tells that "<i>Many contradictory rumours circulated as to progress of the fighting, but no official news</i>". </b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Thomas and his comrades would have no idea that this very day would result in such a massive number of casualties for the B.E.F. they suffered over 19,000 fatalities on the 1st July 1916. Nor would they be aware of how very infamous that day would become or the consequences of such a battle with its stalemate progress. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The next day orders were received that the Brigade would attack on 3rd July, its target was to take the 1st line German trenches north of the Ancre. By 11.30 pm however, these orders had been withdrawn and the battalion were returned to billets at Couin & St Ledger. On 4th they moved into trenches near Hebuterne and relieved the 1/7th Warwickshire Regiment.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 18th July the battalion received orders for the following day; to attack in between Ovillers and Poziers. The war diary states that at 1.30 am "<i>attack launched but held up" </i>and at around 3 am "<i>2nd attack ordered, but not practicable, owing to congestion of trench rendering reorganisation impossible</i>". It was chaos; by 4.15 am the attack had again been called off. The men returned to billets at Bouzincourt where they rested.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>In action on the west of Poziers....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battle of <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/pozieres.htm" target="_blank">Poziers Ridge</a> began on 23rd July 1916. The 1/4th battalion launched their attack at 12.30 am, the first hour seeing some success and some failures when the platoons became disorganised as the planned sequence of attack became mixed up. The left hand platoons were said to have suffered high casualties due to this situation. The battalion were relieved on 24th and retired to a "<i>field outside Albert". </i>They were then moved on to another area and by the end of July were in billets at Agenville. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On the first day of the Battle of Poziers the 1/4th Battalion Oxford & Bucks LI war diary records the following casualties:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>18 missing</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>TOTAL - 230 men"</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Dawn of 1917....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The month of January was a relatively peaceful one for the battalion. Up until 9th January they were based in camp at Bresle when they moved on to the town of Cerisy-Buleux. They remained their until the 29th when they moved on again to the town of Hamel. The month was spent undertaking training and lectures, with some spare time football matches thrown in. The weather was wet in the early days but became snowy and very cold towards the end of the month.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In February the war diary records that the men "<i>carried out the new <a href="https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=LgcrBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA198&lpg=PA198&dq=1917+French+treatment+for+trench+foot&source=bl&ots=_QBNDAmaAr&sig=O063tdMTkYmXEsG4pIVuulS1K5I&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjwqpv6iNDaAhUjKMAKHYY-D5kQ6AEIbzAI#v=onepage&q=1917%20French%20treatment%20for%20trench%20foot&f=false" target="_blank">French preventative treatment for trench feet</a>". </i>They were part of a trial carried out whereby the old method of rubbing whale oil was compared to a new French idea. The new method required the men to wash and thoroughly dry their feet before applying a powder which was made from borated talc and castor oil. Socks would then be placed over the newly cleaned and protected feet. The trial concluded that their were no benefits to using the new method and so the British Army stuck with the tried and tested whale oil method. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>For most of February and on into March the battalion took tours of the trenches stationed in "Sophie trench" at Herbecourt and then returned to billets at Marly Camp. They saw some heavy artillery fire and recorded many men wounded and killed during those two months. The weather was still bad with snow at times, this caused the trenches to be a terrible state and made relief manoeuvres very slow.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas and his comrades spent an enjoyable Easter Sunday in camp near Villers - Faucon. The men took mass; the Wesleyan service at 10 am and the Church of England in the evening at 7 pm. There was also entertainment when <i>"Pte Kennedy gave a concert with assistance from his friend "Ragtime" and others". </i>The war diary also noted the change in weather "<i>Everyone very glad to see a bit of sun & hoping for spring weather at last". </i>But as with April weather, the next day was "<i>Very cold and squally weather again</i>".</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 18th April a patrol of men from A Company (Coy) were sent out towards Gillemont Farm where they found the area to be strongly held by the enemy. Later that day orders were received "<i>for an attack on the farm tonight by D Coy". </i>The actual plans for this attack were changed several times until the attack was eventually called of for the time being.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>19th April 1917....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The morning of 19th April saw A Coy return to view the enemy at Gillemont Farm to gain more detailed information. They now noted that there were machine guns placed on top of the ridge. It was then decided once more that D Coy would attack that evening, with C Coy in support and B Coy would commence any consolidation work afterwards.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At 19.30 pm the war diary records "<i>D Coy in position in two lines with 5 paces interval. When ridge was reached heavy MG fire was opened. Lines </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>moved on, support platoons having reinforced so as to make one line". </i>The heavy fire continued, despite the enemy being seen leaving their trenches on the north west of the farm. The 1/4th battalion continued to advance under the heavy machine gun fire but suffered badly until at 21.30 pm the men were eventually ordered to withdraw when it "<i>became impossible to maintain the advance". </i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A Coy were complimented on their efforts in assisting the stretcher bears rescuing the wounded and "<i>all were successfully evacuated". </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The war diary for the day of 19th April 1917 records the following numbers of casualties;</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>9 killed</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>3 missing</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>48 wounded"</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private 200266 Thomas William Yates was killed in action on 19th April 1917, he was 28 years of age.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas has no known grave, he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. His memorial ref is; Pier and Face 10A and 10D.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private Thomas William Yates 200266 was awarded the 15 Star, Victory and British War medals for his service.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas was remembered in the Derbyshire Times dated 5th May 1917 page 8. The obituary included a photograph of Thomas and read....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"A promising career in the educational world</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>has been prematurely ended by the death</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>of Pte. T.W Yates son of Mr and Mrs G Yates,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Handley Road, New Whittington.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Aged 28 years Pte. Yates was educated at Chesterfield</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Grammar School, and afterwards was a teacher</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>at Old Whittington and Whittington Moor.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>On the outbreak of war he was studying at Culham College,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>but immediately enlisted in the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>He went to France just over two years ago and had</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>been twice wounded, viz., in the head and face"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thomas was also remembered on the Chesterfield Grammar School's Roll of Honour.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>George and Sarah Yates</u> I have not been able to pin point an exact death for either of Thomas' parents, due their being several possibilities the death certificates would need to be purchased.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Charles Yates</u> continued to live in the family home of 39 High Street. He married Keturah Bridgett in 1921 and had a son named Charles D in 1923. Charles snr worked as an architect and surveyor. In 1939 both father and son were doing their bit for the war effort on the home front; Charles snr was an air raid warden and his son was an auxiliary fireman both in the local town of Chesterfield.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Charles snr died in 1967 aged 73 years of age. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Rhoda Yates</u> married William Fuller a clerk at St Bartholomew's Church in Old Whittington on 1st October 1923. Her brother Charles was present at the happy event and signed the marriage register as a witness. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Rhoda and William had three children; Kathleen, Geoffrey and Barbara and lived at 29 Netherthorpe Road in Staveley in 1939. William had worked his way up the career ladder and was chief clerk at the colliery. Rhoda died in 1978 aged 78.</b></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Thomas William Yates or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</strong></span></em><br />
<em style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></em><em style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</strong></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></b></i></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With special thanks to Wendy Pockson for her help </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">regarding Thomas' Grammar School Roll of Honour </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and for use of the photograph.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Census</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal rolls</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal cards</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">War diaries www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Derbyshire Times - 5th May 1917 page 8</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a>.org</div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
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War diaries - 1/4th Battalion Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry WO 95 / 2764/1<br />
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Also available is the transcript of the war diary to read freely <a href="http://www.weymouthsands.co.uk/diary/" target="_blank">http://www.weymouthsands.co.uk/diary/</a><br />
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1/4th Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry<br />
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Rollof honour - <a href="http://oxfordandbucks.co.uk/Roll_of_Honour.htm" target="_blank">http://oxfordandbucks.co.uk/Roll_of_Honour.htm</a><br />
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Culham College <a href="http://www.culhamcollege.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.culhamcollege.co.uk/</a><br />
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Battle of Poziers Ridge <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/pozieres.htm" target="_blank">http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/pozieres.htm</a><br />
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French preventative treatment for trench foot <a href="https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=LgcrBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA198&lpg=PA198&dq=1917+French+treatment+for+trench+foot&source=bl&ots=_QBNDAmaAr&sig=O063tdMTkYmXEsG4pIVuulS1K5I&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjwqpv6iNDaAhUjKMAKHYY-D5kQ6AEIbzAI#v=onepage&q=1917%20French%20treatment%20for%20trench%20foot&f=false" target="_blank">https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=LgcrBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA198&lpg=PA198&dq=1917+French+treatment+for+trench+foot&source=bl&ots=_QBNDAmaAr&sig=O063tdMTkYmXEsG4pIVuulS1K5I&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjwqpv6iNDaAhUjKMAKHYY-D5kQ6AEIbzAI#v=onepage&q=1917%20French%20treatment%20for%20trench%20foot&f=false</a></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-33854022070719514052016-09-26T21:26:00.000+01:002018-07-07T19:46:28.999+01:00WALTER FURNESS<h4 style="text-align: center;">
WALTER FURNESS</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlbqU0ZWHJSSlSHK-aXVotRZU7aUs1Um0I69cq6hGiVOTnPSpglytyS4bDBOY2CvMHZADtrk8k-NNh-yPkUhmWhagWhKqMNt-g0O6_ZVpTzZ0zFL-IwykAHzKv1zwqwuObzJvfvRG0lc/s1600/Sherwood+Foresters+drawing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlbqU0ZWHJSSlSHK-aXVotRZU7aUs1Um0I69cq6hGiVOTnPSpglytyS4bDBOY2CvMHZADtrk8k-NNh-yPkUhmWhagWhKqMNt-g0O6_ZVpTzZ0zFL-IwykAHzKv1zwqwuObzJvfvRG0lc/s200/Sherwood+Foresters+drawing.JPG" width="170" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Private 24704</h4>
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9th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment</h4>
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Missing presumed dead - 26th September 1916</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE0XzRknSXm5fuaJfSy1_FiS88MOKti_B-By1R-6XNN2dNJaSe-JedBUiE5dM8w0Nl4VRpcy_UIVPw70A3Wq-A04JkTHJyh4jy4FGAnn7e2tc4Wm4ixnRxZ06NFiOhRPGl5dYhQQelus/s1600/Walter+Furness+DT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE0XzRknSXm5fuaJfSy1_FiS88MOKti_B-By1R-6XNN2dNJaSe-JedBUiE5dM8w0Nl4VRpcy_UIVPw70A3Wq-A04JkTHJyh4jy4FGAnn7e2tc4Wm4ixnRxZ06NFiOhRPGl5dYhQQelus/s320/Walter+Furness+DT.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Walter Furness was the youngest child of Alfred and Sarah Furness. He was born in New Whittington around 1892. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Alfred Furness married Sarah Ann Slater on 24th June 1874 at Sheffield in an area known as Wicker. Alfred and Sarah both originated from the village of Eyam, the famous plague village. Alfred had moved to find work in the smokey city of Sheffield, famous for its steel industry.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By 1881 the Furness family have moved to the Derbyshire side of Sheffield and lived at Fallswood Terrace, Coal Aston. Alfred was still employed as a labourer in the steel works. The couple already have a growing family; Mary 9, Annie 5, Emily 3 and Thomas aged 11 months. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Mary was born before the couple were married, her birth was registered under her mothers name as Mary Ann Slater. She was baptised in February 1872 at Eyam, with only the mother noted.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Over the next ten years the family grew, on the 1891 census the Furness family have moved to New Whittington. They live on Bamford Street and the two new arrivals; Alfred aged 3 and baby Elizabeth.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Two family members are missing from the household; Mary Ann and Annie; </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Mary Ann was living with Alfred's parents, Richard and Ann Furness back at Eyam village. Described as their grandaughter, she was 17 years of age and helped around the house. Mary married Job Ollernshaw Robinson at Eyam in 1900.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Annie was aged 15 years old and worked in service at Dunston Villa, Sheepbridge. Her employer was William Haslam was a forge manager. On 4th July 1898 she married John Cathorall at New Whittington. Annie died in the early months of 1899, aged just 22 years old she was buried on 8th February 1899 at Cresswell/Elmton.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Walter was the last child born to Alfred and Sarah, born in 1892 he was aged 8 years old on the 1901 census. He would be attending the local school and enjoying his time playing in the surrounding fields. his father and elder brother Thomas both worked at the local iron foundry as pipe moulders. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Newly weds Mary and Job were living at Town Head, Eyam. Job worked as a carter. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Walter and his family were still residing at 21 Bamford Street. He was 19 years old and worked as a surface man at the colliery. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Mary Ann and Job had two young children now, John aged 7 and William aged 5 years old. Some good fortune must have come their way as Job was now farming his own farm at Shepherds Flat, Eyam. The couple had lost two children, so times had not all been rosy. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Emily married James Fish on 15th April 1901 at New Whittington. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">A year later they had their first child, a son named Leonard. Two more children were born but sadly died; Clifford born and died in 1906, he was buried at New Whittington on 25th June 1906. A little girl named Emily was baptised 25th July 1908, no birth or death was registered. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In 1911 Emily and James were living at 11 London Street, New Whittington. New baby girl May was just 10 months old and would be keeping Emily busy. James worked as a coal miner hewer.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Thomas married Ethel May Hutchinson on 24th June 1901, a son named after his Uncle was born a year later; Walter Furness. More children followed; Ethel May 1904, Edith 1907 and Thomas 1909. In 1911 the growing family were living at 84 Handley Road in New Whittington.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Walter's life just prior to WW1....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Walter was a sporty chap, he was well known for his achievements as a footballer and cricketer. He was employed by Glapwell Colliery and was a member of their cricket team.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYPOrN4kAkH3G240g761ZIzOB6aP1SDFf20gKHPv6G1ocpomq1qmyNUCcaB_k6to2Fw9ZszBpbEHDQ8oF5qQo56cte5iDlJzNF5hpg84pczuRs1hN6TFEJdguFxrZJOsk_pm77hdgIO0/s1600/Internet+archive+soldiers+and+wagons+flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYPOrN4kAkH3G240g761ZIzOB6aP1SDFf20gKHPv6G1ocpomq1qmyNUCcaB_k6to2Fw9ZszBpbEHDQ8oF5qQo56cte5iDlJzNF5hpg84pczuRs1hN6TFEJdguFxrZJOsk_pm77hdgIO0/s1600/Internet+archive+soldiers+and+wagons+flickr.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Walter's war....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Walter served with the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, a local battalion which many of his friends and work colleagues would also have been part of. Another man named on the St Barnabas Memorial was also missing in action on the same day as Walter; George Mears whose story can be read <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/george-henry-mears.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Walter's service records have not survived but we know that he was a Private, soldier number 24704. He was awarded the 15 Star, which means that he served overseas between 5th August 1914 and 31st December 1915. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters were part of 33rd Brigade, 11th Division. They were formed at the outset of WW1 in August 1914 and landed in Sulva Bay, Gallipoli on 7th August 1915. The battalion saw some terrible fighting in Gallipoli and two other New Whittington men were killed in those early days of August 1915; <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/norman-croaysdill.html" target="_blank">Norman Croaysdill</a> and <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/john-james-kirk.html" target="_blank">John James Kirk</a>.</b></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The war diaries for the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters during August 1915 are missing however searching the internet I have managed to locate a post which gives details from the 33rd Brigade War Diaries which includes an account of the 9th August 1915 for the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. The article can be found <a href="http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=174824" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>The diary states that the 9th Battalion left at 4am on 9th August to take up their position in line at Damak Jelik Bair by 6am. They were soon caught up in sniper fire but were not able to return that fire. By 15.30 that day many of the battalion had been forced back; A and B Coys were both under Captain Squires; "</strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em>He was at once killed and his left platoon decimated as the Turks had pushed a larger force about 2 Coys into the gap and began to open a heavy enfilade fire on both A and B Coys</em>" </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ref from the above link to the post on the WW1 invision forum</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>To join the British Expeditionary Force in France....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 9th Sherwood's were evacuated from Gallipoli in December 1915 and moved on to Egypt. On 1st July 1916 20 Officers and 526 Other Ranks of "A" and "B" Coys embarked on the H.T Oriana and set sail at 8am. The ship sailed to Malta where it rested for 2 hours before setting sail once more, they passed the island of Sardinia at 10am on 2nd July and arrived in the French port of Marseilles at 7pm on 3rd July. By 8.30am on the morning of the 4th July Walter and his comrades were entrained, and on their way to Rouen. The "C" and "D" Coys were met over the coming days, being full strength by 10th July. For the rest of July the battalion was split, each Coy was given different objectives, some received further training, others were sent on working parties.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>August 1916 a month into the Somme attack, many thousands of soldiers wounded, missing and killed in action. The 9th Sherwood's had relieved the 9th Rifle Brigade in the trenches near to Arras on 28th July. The month was relatively quiet, regular enemy aircraft flying overhead, occasional gas attack alerts, enemy fire and time spent as working parties, fixing wire and making good the trenches. The men were relieved on 18th August and returned to Headquarters at Berneville.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battalion then spent 10 days at Gouy-En-Artios where they received many days worth of training, which the war diary records as having included numerous lectures. On to Astree Wamin and more training and then on 3rd September the battalion arrived at Acheux where they received lectures on Battalion Attack. It would appear that the allies were taking no chances and wanted their men to be fully educated and ready to produce an effective attack on the enemy. A small rest bite from combat, but no time for relaxation.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>School time over....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Walter's further education was at an end and so on 6th September the battalion relieved the 13th Cheshire Regiment in the trenches just south of Thiepval. They remained in the trenches under some very heavy enemy fire. On 12th September just before they were to be relieved the battalion war diary tells "<i>Enemy send over large number of tear shells which exploded in our trenches. It was suspected that poisonous gas shells were mixed up with these. Gas helmets were worn and no casualties occurred". </i>At 6am the men fell into the reserve trenches when they were relieved by the 6th Lincolnshire Regiment. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Over the coming days the men were moved in and out of trenches. There was great artillery fire by the British, which were a success and enemy prisoners were taken. The Germans then retaliated bombarding the 9th Battalions occupied trench, "Constance Trench" "<i>was heavily shelled by enemy with whizz-bangs". </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 22nd September the men were relieved once more and returned to Mailley Mallet where they rested and undertook a parade, with new clothing issued. On 24th September the men rehearsed the forthcoming attack on Thiepval. Orders were given that the men should be ready to move at short notice, Walter and his friends would be aware that the coming attack was to be the culmination of the weeks of training and rehearsals. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>26th September 1916....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The men found themselves once more stationed in Constance Trench, ready for the coming attack on Thiepval. They were reported as all being in position by 3.30am on the morning of 26th September. They were then given "<i>M & V rations* and tea was sent up during the morning" .</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Once fed, the men were moved into positions ready for "<i>the whistle signal at ZERO 12.35pm". </i>During the attack the battalion received many casualties, however it also took many prisoners and large scale items of equipment were also claimed from the enemy. The battalion were part of the 33rd Brigade of the 11th Division which successfully captured Zollern and Hessian Trenches, despite heavy machine gun fire at times. It is said to have suffered <a href="http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_thiepval_ridge.html" target="_blank">600 casualties</a>. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battle carried on into 27th September, on 28th the battalion spent time in consolidating Joseph Trench, they were shelled throughout their work.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The heroic fighting by all of the 11th Division was noted in a memo sent from General Sir H Gough, Commanding Reserve Army. It reads;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>My best congratulations to you and your division on </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>their gallant fighting today and throughout the</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>successful operations in which you have been engaged </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>since the capture of the WONDER WORK.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>You have all done splendid work"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Walter was presumed dead on the date of 26th September when he partook in the "splendid work" along with his comrades in arms of the 11th Division. The action became known as <a href="http://www.cwgc.org/the-somme/battle-of-the-somme/morval-and-thiepval-ridge.aspx" target="_blank">The Battle of Thiepval Ridge</a>.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Walter was reported missing in action, presumed dead on 26th September 1916. He has no known grave but is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Ref pier and face 10C 10D & 11A.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private 24704 Walter Furness was awarded the Victory, British and 15 Star Medals for his service. </b><br />
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Walter was remembered in the Derbyshire Times 4th November 1916 page 8, with a photograph on page 5. The obituary read....</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Another name to be added to the roll of </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">honour is that of Pte. Walter Furniss </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(sic)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Furniss </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(sic) </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> of </span></i></b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Bamford Street.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The first misgiving that all was not well was </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>caused through receipt of several photos, which were sent</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>to their married daughter who resided in Eyam. The </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>soldier stated that he had found them on the battlefield</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>bearing her address. Since then the parents have </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>received a letter from the soldier above referred to, who</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>regrets to say that Walter was killed in the great advance.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>He had come across the body and extracted some </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>photos and letters before interment. He assures them</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>that their son died a true soldiers death, and expresses</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>sympathy with them at their loss.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Pte. Furness was a well-built young fellow of 24. He </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>joined the Sherwoods in the early stages of War, and </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>having been in France a long time had shared in much heavy </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>fighting. He was a well known footballer and cricketer. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Formerly he worked on the surface at Markham No1 Colliery,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>belonging to Staveley Coal and Iron Co. but later he received</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>an offer of employment at the Glapwell Colliery, where</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>he became a playing member of their Cricket Club. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The date he was killed is not known"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Alfred and Sarah Ann</u>, Walter's parents are recorded as living at Bamford Street on various documentation after Walter's death. Sarah Ann died first in 1920 aged 68 years, Alfred a year later in 1921 aged 72.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Mary Ann</u> and Job continued to live in Eyam. They had another child, a daughter named Emily May in 1913. Mary Ann lived until aged 85 years old when she died in 1957. Job died in 1941.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Emily</u> and James two more daughter's; Alice in 1912 and Adelaide in 1916. In 1939 Emily, James and Adelaide were living at 11 London Street, New Whittington. James worked as a miner, below ground. Emily died in 1955 aged 77 years old, James ten years later in 1965.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Thomas</u> and Ethel lived in West Handley. They had another daughter in 1922 named Hazel. Thomas worked as a coal miner. He died in 1944 aged 64 years of age. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Alfred</u> married Elizabeth Heywood in 1914. The couple had a son named Stanley in 1916. In 1939 Alfred was recorded as being employed as club steward. He lived at 156 High Street, New Whittington. Alfred died in 1953 aged 65 years of age.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Elizabeth</u> married John Ward in 1911. The couple had four children; Eilleen in 1914, Walter in 1917 (no doubt named after his brave uncle Walter who had lost his life the year earlier),Thomas 1920 and Sheila 1927. Elizabeth and John appear to have remained in New Whittington, living at 150 Devonshire Avenue in 1939. Elizabeth died in 1958 aged 67 years old.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>*<a href="http://joyoffieldrations.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/maconochie-stew-british-army-ww1.html" target="_blank">M & V rations</a> are Meat and Vegetable rations. See the link to read more about the food and rations during WW1.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>*****</i></b></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Walter Furness or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Service record - www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Derbyshire Times 4th November 1916 p8 & 5</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece WO </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">9th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/</a></span><br />
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Meat and Vegetable Rations and WW1 food <a href="http://joyoffieldrations.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/maconochie-stew-british-army-ww1.html">http://joyoffieldrations.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/maconochie-stew-british-army-ww1.html</a></div>
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</span></h4>
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Battle of Thiepval Ridge<br />
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<a href="http://www.cwgc.org/the-somme/battle-of-the-somme/morval-and-thiepval-ridge.aspx">http://www.cwgc.org/the-somme/battle-of-the-somme/morval-and-thiepval-ridge.aspx</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_thiepval_ridge.html">http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_thiepval_ridge.html</a><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-67438614120002922692016-09-25T11:00:00.000+01:002016-11-10T19:04:40.145+00:00DENNIS REDFERN STUART<h4 style="text-align: center;">
DENNIS REDFERN STUART</h4>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Private 20246</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
10th Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry</h4>
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Missing presumed dead - 25th September 1916</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Dennis was the son of Jane and Joseph Stuart. Born at Barrow Hill in early 1886 Dennis was baptised on 25th February at Staveley Parish Church.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Jane, Dennis' mother had married Joseph on 17th July 1876 at North Wingfield. Jane's maiden name was Cutts and she was born in Hasland around 1845. She had a son before she married Joseph; Charles Sneath Bennett was born in 1871. It looks likely that Jane had married his father that same year, a man named James Bennett. However, this would need to be confirmed with the marriage and birth certificates.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>And so by 1881 the Stuart family were settled and living at 11 Furnace Hill, Staveley. Joseph was employed as a pipe moulder. Charles was aged 9 years old and the couple had two daughters; Florence 4 and Lizzie 2 years of age. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Another son was born in 1884 named Joseph Harry after his father, but then sadly in the winter of 1885/86 young Lizzie died aged just 7 years old. Dennis was born around the time that Lizzie died, it must have been a terrible time for Jane and Joseph and the Stuart family.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1891 brought even more heartache for the family, when the head of the household Joseph died aged 39 years old. Leaving Jane to bring up her four children alone. Whether they moved before or after Joseph's death is not known, but on the 1891 census Jane and three of her children were living at Meadow Cottage in Barrow Hill. Charles was aged 19 years old and luckily was able to work to bring some money into the household, he was an apprentice iron moulder. The Stuart family shared the house with another family, they occupied three of the rooms and the Needham family took the other two rooms. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Florence was not at home on the 1891 census, she was visiting Herbert and Zylpha Fox in Oldham. Zylpha was from Brimington in Chesterfield.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Ten years on in 1901 Dennis was aged 15 years and old was working his apprenticeship as an iron moulder. He lived at 105 Barrow Hill with his mother Jane, Charles, Florence and Joseph and a little 4 year old boy named Hubert. Hubert was the son of Florence, born on 16th March 1897. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Wedding bells....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Stuart family had reason to celebrate in the first decade of the 20th Century; Florence, Joseph and Dennis all tied the knot and married their sweethearts.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Florence married George Cresswell in 1903, George was working as a railway guard. He lived at Barrow Hill but was born in Stoke Orchard in Gloucestershire.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joseph married Mary Ellen Brookes at St Annes Church in Sale, Cheshire. They married on 1905.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Dennis married Sarah Barnes on 27th August 1906 at Staveley Parish Church. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sadly it was not all happiness as Dennis's mother Jane died in 1908 aged 63 years old. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Dennis and Sarah were living at 105 Wellington Street, New Whittington. Dennis had changed his occupation leaving the dirty noisy environment as an iron moulder, he was now employed as a hairdresser.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Florence and George were living at 105 Barrow Hill, George was still working as a goods guard for Midland Railways. The couple had four children of their own; Gladys 7, Harry 6, Mabel 5 and Nellie 3 years of age. Florence's son Hubert and her bother Charles were both living with the Cresswell family, they were both employed at the iron foundry.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joseph had sadly lost his young wife, Mary Ellen died in 1908 aged 30 years old. In 1911 Joseph was lodging with William Riley and his family at 78 West Street, Eckington. Joseph had also changed his career and like his brother Dennis he was employed as a hairdresser.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Dennis' war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The service records for Dennis do not exist, but we know that he joined the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>He was attached to the 10th Battalion and took the soldier rank and number; Private 20246. The 10th were a part of the 64th Brigade, 21st Division. They landed, along with the 9th Battalion KOYLI in France in September 1915.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battalion took part in some of the most well known battles of the Great War; including the infamous Battle of the Somme. The men made their way to the village of Buire on 26th June, in preparation for the coming attack. They had already worked hard in transporting gas cylinders and equipment to the trenches in the days prior to this.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 30th June both the 9th and 10th battalions took up their assembly positions, side by side they would go into battle. Not all of the battalion would be in action, some men were ordered to stay behind to wait for the call for reinforcements, they were stationed at Bus Wood. Whether Dennis was present is not known.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 22nd September 1916 the 10th battalion moved into the trenches at Bernafay Wood, where they remained preparing for the attack on Goudecourt which began on 25th September. The day of the attack came and the men were fed and watered well, they had their full provisions of equipment including SOS rockets, ammunition, orders of attack and signal flares. They moved out of the trenches at12.35. The acting 2nd in Command Major C A Millward wrote "<i>the noise was awful, but it made one feel proud to see what our munition workers and Great Britain had been able to accomplish"......."all reports were good at first".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It soon became apparent that confusion had occurred, it appears that the flares used by the Germans were very similar to those used by the B.E.F. These flares had misled our aircraft and the result was that the men had not got as far as originally thought. The trenches were also mixed with men from various regiments, due to the location errors.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Many of the men were killed and wounded during this action, "<i>the communication trenches were much blocked with wounded". </i>After a while a message was received stating that the B.E.F had not got as far as the German's front line trenches, as they thought they had taken them, this was not the case. The front wires were all still intact, the German's were directly in front of the wounded and weary B.E.F. They were however, still ordered to continue their attack and move forward.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The situation paused whilst the men reformed and gathered their equipment. They were still preparing when from out of nowhere they noticed "<i>thick white smoke travelling along in front of it - a "tank". </i>Twenty minutes later and they saw "<i>streams of German's coming across no mans land to surrender". </i>The German Captain "<i>a coarse looking brute"</i> explained how he and his men had been cut off and when they saw the tank coming up behind they had no other option but to surrender. The memo by Major Millward stated that 362 men were counted.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Would Dennis have been alive to see this great spectacle? Would he have witnessed the use of the early "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanks_in_World_War_I" target="_blank">tank</a>"? The whole concept behind the use of such a machine was under a trial and error strategy. We can only begin to imagine how shocking such a beast moving across the earth would appear to the men who were used to trench warfare.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Dennis was reported missing in action, presumed dead on 25th September 1916. He has no known grave but is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Ref pier and face 11C & 12A.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private 20246, Dennis Redfern Stuart was awarded the Victory and British Medals for his service.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Sarah Stuart</u> the wife of Dennis may have married a George Whitehead in 1920. If this is correct then she possibly died in 1931 aged 45 years old. (<i>Further checking needs to be carried out to confirm this, possible marriage certificate required).</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Charles Sneath Bennett</u> never married. He lived with his sister Florence and her family at 105 Barrow Hill. He died on 11th August 1935 and his administration of £118 15s went to his sister Florence Cresswell.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Florence</u> remained living in the area. She was recorded as living at 105 Barrow Hill on the 1939 Register, with two lodgers who were both employed by LMS Railways. Her husband George Cresswell was living at 30 Lime Avenue, Stavely. He is living with his step son (Florence's son) Hubert and Mary Jane Stuart and their daughter's Doris and Marjorie. Florence died in 1945 aged 68 years old.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Joseph</u> found happiness again and married Phyllis Brier in 1917. He was serving with the 21st Battalion Prince of Wales Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) at the time. He was promoted up to Lance Sergeant 21/72. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Unfortunately Joseph's service record hasn't survived and there is no date of entry into theatre of war on his medal card, so it is not known when he actually enlisted. He was not awarded the 15 Star however, indicating he most likely enlisted after that date. He did serve right up to the very end of the Great War but was wounded and died of his wounds on 22nd September 1918. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joseph is buried at Ligny-St Flochel British Cemetery, Averdoingt, France. He has a headstone with the sign of the cross and the chosen words of his widow Phyllis read;</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"TOO DEARLY LOVED TO BE FORGOTTEN"</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joseph was mentioned in despatches for his service. His notice can be found in the London Gazette, 24th December 1918, supplement 31083, page 15127.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The CWGC records that Phyllis was living at 136 Lister Lane, Halifax at the time of Joseph's death. She would receive his medals the Victory and British Medal and later the Oak Leaf emblem which was to signify that Joseph had been mentioned in dispatches. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>To read more about Joseph Harry Stuart please click <a href="https://barrowhillandhollingwood.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/stuart-joseph-harry-life1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> where you can read his story. What became of Phyllis after the war is not known. <i>If anyone can add to her story please feel free to comment below or drop me an email.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Hubert Stuart</u> the son of Florence, nephew of Dennis also served during WW1. He enlisted at Staveley town on 9th March 1915, aged just 19 years old. Hubert lived at 24 Barrow Hill and worked as a miner prior to the war. Hubert served as a driver with the Royal Field Artillery L/11260. He arrived in France on 8th January 1916 and remained there until 17th September 1918. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>He was eventually allowed and I am sure, well over due a furlough; from 18th September until 1st October 1918. He had a very special time whilst he was home on leave, he married his sweetheart Mary Jane Stratton at Staveley Parish Church. The couple married on 25th September 1918.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Hubert arrived back in France on 2nd October 1918 and continued serving until 21st December 1918 when he was finally released to duties as a coal miner. He returned home on the H.S Princess Victoria on 27th December 1918, home to his new wife Mary Jane. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Hubert would have witnessed many horrors during his time with the RFA. He would live with these memories for the rest of his life. He was in France to witness that great day on 11th November 1918 when the Armistice was finally agreed and the hope of peace for all nations would be more than a glimmer of hope. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>After Hubert's return to Barrow Hill he had reason to celebrate at the birth of his first daughter Doris on 8th April 1920, another daughter followed many years later on 8th July 1933. Hubert and Mary Jane lived at 40 Lime Avenue, Staveley and he died in 1976.</b></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Dennis Redfern Stuart or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Service record - www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece WO- 95/2162/2</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/kings-own-yorkshire-light-infantry/">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/kings-own-yorkshire-light-infantry/</a></span><br />
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Tank information <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanks_in_World_War_I">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanks_in_World_War_I</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Barrow Hill at War website - including information on Joseph Harry Stuart <a href="https://barrowhillandhollingwood.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/stuart-joseph-harry-life1.pdf">https://barrowhillandhollingwood.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/stuart-joseph-harry-life1.pdf</a></span></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-729799757571743002016-09-09T19:29:00.000+01:002016-11-09T19:30:35.860+00:00HARRY GRIFFIN<h4 style="text-align: center;">
HARRY GRIFFIN</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87xr7CAaTL6CWSdHPg6SIMtzwoIAgp3X7-__G493UfQyefWjVAELkrMvHwR2_y_Hl1ZL3TZDGeFAUrF9T56ZJ29MiG8z7NiAqcjKG0v4hxfBReR0ayJJl34QradnFyyvtJVjRSL2R8ZQ/s1600/Gordon+Highlanders+badge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87xr7CAaTL6CWSdHPg6SIMtzwoIAgp3X7-__G493UfQyefWjVAELkrMvHwR2_y_Hl1ZL3TZDGeFAUrF9T56ZJ29MiG8z7NiAqcjKG0v4hxfBReR0ayJJl34QradnFyyvtJVjRSL2R8ZQ/s200/Gordon+Highlanders+badge.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Private S/9728</h4>
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8th/10th Battalion Gordon Highlanders</h4>
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Killed in action - 9th September 1916</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry Griffin was the son of John and Selina Griffin. Born in New Whittington in the early months of 1891, Harry was one of ten children in the Griffin family. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derbyshire Times 3rd April 1875 p 5</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry's parents John Griffin and Selina Adams married on 1st April 1875. They were married at Chesterfield Parish Church, The Crooked Spire. It was a joint wedding celebration as Selina's sister Charlotte married her husband Henry Baxter at the same time. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Selina was a local girl, born in Brimington but John was from Northamptonshire. Their first child was born later that same year, a son named John after his father. Another son followed in 1879 named James and a daughter named Jane was born in 1881. The census of that same year finds the Griffin family living on London Street. John snr was a fireman employed by Midland Railways.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By the 1891 census John and Selina had five more children; Walter 1883, Constance Ethel 1885, Bertie 1887, Fred 1889 and Harry in 1891. Sadly for the family little Constance died in 1889, she was just four years of age. John had been promoted to engine driver, a good career move. The better wages may have influenced the family moving home to live on Wellington Street.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>More loss for the Griffin family....</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derbyshire Times 6th March 1897 p5</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br />Another daughter was born in 1894, Elsie Eleanor was the last child for the Griffin family. On 1st March 1897 more bad news befell the family when John, the head of the household died aged just 46 years old. The year later in 1898 more sadness came when Harry's elder brother James also died. James was 18 years of age and was buried at Whittington on 14th February 1898.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The next decade....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry and his mother Selina and siblings Walter, Bertie, Fred and Elsie were still living at 87 Wellington Street. Harry was aged 10 years of age and would attend school. Walter, aged 18 years worked as a pony driver at the coal mines; Bertie aged 14 years worked at the brush factory.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The rest of the family had married and started their own lives;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John jnr married Mary Maria Brough on 31st July 1899 at Whittington. His first son, Percy was born in 1901. The young family were living at 22 Cross Wellington Street. John was employed as a railway engine stoker, following in his fathers footsteps.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Jane had married her sweetheart John Thomas Bakeman in the early months of 1900. A daughter named Gladys was 7 months old in 1901, when the family lived at 26 Cross Wellington Street (just a few doors away from her brother John and his family). Jane's husband was also employed by the railways, he worked as a guard. </b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>1911 the eve of WW1....</i></span></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Harry, mum Selina, Bertie, Fred and Elsie still lived at 87 Wellington Street. Harry was now earning a wage as he worked as a coal filler below ground. His brothers Bertie and Fred both worked at the Iron Foundry. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John jnr and Mary had moved home to 36 South Street. John was still working as a loco engine stoker. Percy was now 10 years old and they also had a young daughter called after her Grandmother; Selina aged 4 years old. The couple had also lost a daughter named Ivy; born in 1905 Ivy died that same year.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Jane and John Bakeman had moved across the road to 15 Cross Wellington Street. They have a son named Arthur who was just 1 year old. John had slightly changed his employment, still employed by the railways he was a railway traffic foreman. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Walter married Beatrice Pateman in 1908 at Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Beatrice was born in Melton Mowbray and so when the couple married they lived with her parents John and Mary Pateman, at 5 Park Avenue, Melton Mowbray. Walter was employed as an iron pipe maker. They had two daughters; Elise Hannah and Edith Mary.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Harry's war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry's service records have not survived but it is possible to build a picture of his service from his medal card, CWGC certificate, obituary and the war diary.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry joined the Gordon Highlanders in April 1915, Private S/9728. When he died he was attached to the 8th/10th Battalion. This battalion was the result of the 8th and 10th battalion's merging in the May of 1916. They were part of the 44th Brigade, 15th Scottish Division.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In June 1916 the two battalions had been working together for a couple of weeks. They were based at Vermelles in France when the news of the "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Jutland" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Great Battle of Jutland"</a> the war diary tells "<i>which reads most disastrous for us". </i>The morale of the men was probably put down immensely upon hearing the loss of fourteen British Naval Ships. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Only days later the war diary is telling of another tragedy for the troops "<i>Persistent rumours during the afternoon of the drowning of Lord Kitchener were confirmed in afternoon much to the consternation of all ranks". </i><a href="http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/british-war-minister-lord-kitchener-drowns" target="_blank">Lord Kitchener</a> was the British Minister for War, he was drowned off the coast of Orkney when the ship he was on board named the "Hampshire" hit a German mine. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>For the men of the 8th/10th Gordon Higlanders the days were spent undertaking training, carrying out tasks as working parties and being bombarded by mortar bombs and several gas attacks by the Germans.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Accidental bomb fatality....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battalion were stationed at La Bourse on 1st July 1916 when 2nd Lieutenant Riddel was demonstrating how to use a general grenade. the said grenade accidentally exploded, killing Riddel and wounding 20 other men. The 2nd Lieutenant was described as a "<i>valuable and gallant officer",</i> he was given a funeral that same afternoon at Sailly Sur Bourse. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>News also filtered throughout that day that the 3rd and 4th British Armies had commenced an advance over 17 miles of area known as the Somme. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry and his colleagues were put to some heavy work mending and building some very poor trenches around the areas La Bourse and Vermelles. Interestingly the numbers of prisoners that had been taken at the Somme offensive were relayed to Harry and the battalions; no where however did the war diary state that they were aware of the number of casualties which had been sustained during that terrible attack.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Off to The Somme....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The end of July into the early days of August the men marched many miles, they were on their way to play their parts in that great offensive at the Somme. They arrived at Albert on 8th August 1916 where they took up their position in reserve. Over the coming days the battalion were under some very heavy bombardment, moving each day to a different position. The war diary describes the trenches that the men had to occupy as "<i>mere ditches having been heavily bombarded by our own artillery in capturing them and badly damaged since by the Enemys heavy guns".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 23rd August Harry may well have witnessed a French plane being brought down close to their trenches, amazingly the pilot escaped unhurt. The month of August in the trenches around Contalmasion was a terrifying month of making progress, taking prisoners to being heavily shelled and bombarded by the enemy. Eventually on 30th August a reprieve was given and the battalion were marching away from the fighting past Albert to rest. They were even given "<i>an issue of rum which the men required badly and much appreciated".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>September 1916....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Now resting in Bivouac Harry and his friends would enjoy the relative peace, the camp was said to have been made "<i>comfortable and cheerful". </i>Reinforcements arrived to join the battalion, some experienced soldiers returning after being injured and some newer recruits.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 9th September the battalion were relieving in the trenches at Bazentin Le Petit. The days dairy states that the relief went without concern, other than a German aeroplane watching closely overhead. The diary does however state that "<i>some of our own 18 par guns are also firing short and we had 3 casualties (1 killed) from them". </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battalion set about digging new trenches, but were witnessed by the enemy which opened rapid fire on them. The reported casualty figures for that day of 9th September 1916 were -</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Killed - 5</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Wounded - 15</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Missing -1</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private Harry Griffin S/9728 was killed on 9th September 1916. </b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private Harry Griffin is buried at Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, France; grave reference IV. J. 10. His grave is marked simply with the sign of the cross, no other inscriptions were added by Harry's family.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDJzKJxvrLXRKArwF5Il3NC8-Btb7SZMkn5gTVXmlTmI6juvtRNJabogJL2M0bDdn3ogCDF4Dl7FEM8iWDvH3ZyeQja6L4Ivy4lY1hSDvpz493KDzetnTqXiDcHqJBPmeja1g_wIDiAc/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDJzKJxvrLXRKArwF5Il3NC8-Btb7SZMkn5gTVXmlTmI6juvtRNJabogJL2M0bDdn3ogCDF4Dl7FEM8iWDvH3ZyeQja6L4Ivy4lY1hSDvpz493KDzetnTqXiDcHqJBPmeja1g_wIDiAc/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private S/9728 Harry Griffin was awarded the Victory, British and 15 Star Medals for his service. Harry's medal card was incorrectly labeled with the spelling GriffEn.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Harry was remembered in the Derbyshire Times 23rd September 1916 page 4, along with a photograph the obituary read....</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"News filtered through last weekend stating that Pte. Harry Griffin,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>of the Gordon Highlanders, who lived with his widowed mother</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>at New Whittington, had fallen in action.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The deceased a sturdily built young fellow of 26, joined </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>the Gordons in April 1915, and after his period of training</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>went to France some nine months ago. Before enlisting</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>he worked as a miner at Oxcroft Colliery.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>In a letter to his mother the Chaplain says-</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"I regret to inform you that your son was killed on September 9th.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>It was my sad duty to perform the burial service. His grave is</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>situated near a small wood called Villa Wood, and </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>a suitable cross inscribed with his name and regiment</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>has been erected on the grave. May I offer you my</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>sincere sympathy. He has laid down his life in a </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>great and noble cause, and I am sure he is now reaping</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>the reward of his sacrifice. May every Divine consolation</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>be yours in your sorrow".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>His Platoon Lieutenant also writes:-</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"I regret to say your son was killed by a shell while</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>bravely doing his duty in the front line. He was in the </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Machine Gun Section and I always found him a brave,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>steady man, and I deeply regret his loss. His death</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>must be a heavy blow to you, but you have the consolation</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>that he died in the glorious service of his country</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>like many (an)other brave fellow".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Mrs Blakeman, a sister of the dead soldier, also received </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>a letter from one of his chums, who was on the point</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>of leaving for a furlough. In it he says he and Harry </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>were always together and were in the trenches on 8th</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>September when he received his pass for leave. Before departing he gave me a belt and asked that I would send it you in </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>New Whittington. Soon after this conversation Harry </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>was instantly killed by a shell. In concluding the writer says </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>there is nothing to regret in his death; he died a hero</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>for King and Country, and those at home"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Selina Griffin</u> Harry's mother died in 1919. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>John jnr</u> and his wife Mary lost their eldest son Percy in the autumn of 1911, aged just 10 years of age. The young boy was sadly buried on 6th December 1911 at Whittington. The couple went on to have another daughter named Phoebe in 1913. John died in Chesterfield in 1951 and Mary lived on until 1961.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Annie Griffin</u> is missing from the 1901 and 1911 census. Whether she died or married is not known at this time. <i>If anyone can add to her story please do let me know.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Jane</u> and John Bakeman remained living in New Whittington with their two children. John died in 1935. On the 1939 Register Jane was living alone at 62 Brearley Avenue. She died in 1949 aged 68 years old.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Walter</u> and his wife Beatrice spent their lives in Melton Mowbray. They had another son named John in 1918. Walter and his family were living at 23 Elms Road in 1939. He was employed as a transport crane driver. Walter died in 1961, Beatrice not long after in 1962.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Bertie</u> married Annie Leeson in 1913</b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">. On 1st September 1919 they named their son after Bertie's heroic brother; Harry Gordon (<i>was the middle name Gordon taken from Harry's regiment the Gordon Highlanders?)</i>. Bertie was employed as a colliery washerman. The family lived at 35 Tapton View Road, Stonegravels. Bertie died on 11th January 1947. He left his estate to his wife Annie and the sum of £558 15s 2d.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Fred</u> married Bertha Bradbury in 1916. The couple had a daughter named Hilda that same year. Fred was employed as a slaters labourer. In 1939 he was living at 5 Devonshire Avenue, New Whittington with Bertha, Hilda and his mother in law Ada Bradbury. Fred died in 1954 aged 65 years of age.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Elsie Eleanor</u> was wed to Albert Taylor in 1915. She had a son also named Albert in 1916. The Taylor family remained in New Whittington, living at 107 Wellington Street. Albert snr was employed as a fitter at the iron works. Young Albert was an engineers time clerk. Elsie died on 6th October 1978 aged 84 years old.</b><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Harry Griffin or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Service record - www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Derbyshire Times 23rd September 1916 p4</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece WO 1938/3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">The Gordon Highlanders <a href="http://www.1914-1918.net/gordon.htm">http://www.1914-1918.net/gordon.htm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Battle of Jutland <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Jutland">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Jutland</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Lord Kitchener drowned <a href="http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/british-war-minister-lord-kitchener-drowns">http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/british-war-minister-lord-kitchener-drowns</a></span><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-75527458391372481262016-08-23T11:00:00.000+01:002018-08-15T21:23:21.016+01:00JOHN ARTHUR ANDREWS<h4 style="text-align: center;">
JOHN ARTHUR ANDREWS</h4>
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Private 3683</h4>
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1/6th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment</h4>
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Died of wounds - 23rd August 1916</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John Arthur Andrews was the son of Arthur and Mary Ann Andrews. Born in New Whittington, John was baptised on 5th April 1886. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Arthur and Mary Ann (nee Wilde) married on 29th March 1880 at New Whittington. Arthur was from Grenoside in Sheffield and worked as a labourer at the time. In 1881 newly married Arthur and Mary were living with Mary's parents William and Miranda Wilde at Glasshouse Lane, New Whittington. The couple had their first child, a son named William Henry, aged 5 months he had been born in the winter of 1880. A</b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">round 1883 a daughter named Mary Miranda was born and then followed John Arthur in 1885. In 1890 another daughter named Mabel was born. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">On the 1891 census the Andrews family had set up their own home, living on Bamford Street in New Whittington, Arthur worked as a labourer.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By the time of the 1901 census John had two more siblings; Florence and James. The Andrews family may have found themselves facing difficult times as they had returned to live with John's maternal grandparents; Miranda and William Wilde, at 16 Handley Road. John was now 15 years old. Along with his father Arthur they were both employed as furnace labourers, William his elder brother worked as a stationary engine driver at the furnaces. Mary, John's sister was in service working as a housemaid for the Johnston family at Ecclesall Bierlow in Sheffield.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Sad news for the Andrews family....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In October 1910 the head of the Andrews family, Arthur died aged just 53 years old. He was buried at New Whittington on 29th October 1910. Mary would find herself widowed with three children still dependent upon her.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911, the eve of war</i>....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>John was still living with his mother Mary, they now lived at 30 South Street. He was aged 25 years old and worked as a labourer in the wagon shop at the local foundry. His grandmother Miranda was also living with them, along with his two younger siblings Florence and James. Florence was 16 years of age and was employed as a day girl on a nearby farm. James would still be attending school.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William, John's elder brother was living at 83 Old Whittington Green with his wife of six years, Ellen and her sister 14 year old Annie Gill. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">William was employed as an engine driver at the local furnaces. He and Ellen had no children of their own, however the census return shows a little 3 year old girl named Gladys Miranda Rice was living with them. The relationship is recorded as "niece" but then goes on to add "adopted". </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Gladys Miranda Rice was the daughter of William's sister Mary. Mary </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">had married Philip Benjamin Rice in the summer of 1904. By 1911 the couple had four living children; William, James, Gladys and Richard. Sadly a baby girl named Ethel had died before she was one year old. The Rice family were living at 52 Handley Road, New Whittington and Philip worked as a labourer at the Staveley furnace's. Gladys is recorded on both census returns as living with William and Ellen Andrews and also living with her biological parents Mary and Philip Rice. Times were hard, it is possible that Gladys was brought up by her childless Aunt and Uncle, her parents lived close by and would be able to play an active role in her upbringing.</b><br />
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Aged just 16 years old Mabel married her next door neighbour James Stewart McKim (James was 13 years her senior aged 29). The marriage took place on 7th April 1906 at St Bartholomews Church, New Whittington. Her siblings William and Ellen signed the church register as witnesses. James had returned from serving with the Queens Own Cameroon Highlanders in 1903.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">On the 1911 census Mabel is listed as an inpatient at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. She is recorded as having had two children, one which had since died. She was also recorded as a widow, there is a possible death for James in 1911. I can only find one child born with parents "McKim" and "Andrews"; a son born in 1908 named John William. In 1911 little John William McKim was living with his grandmother Mary Ann Andrews and his Uncle John.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>John's war....</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">John enlisted at Chesterfield on 25th January 1915. He joined the 3/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, Private 3683.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">John was aged 29 years and 4 months on enlistment, he was 5 foot 6 inches tall and had blue eyes and brown hair. His occupation was recorded as plate layer / pipe moulder. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">John carried out his basic training moving around England until he was transferred to the 1/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters on 26th October 1915. The next day John embarked from Southampton to join the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) in France. He arrived in Rouen the next day and joined the battalion of the 1/6th Sherwood Forester battalion in December of 1915. He would join a war weary battalion, one which had just been involved in some of the war's most heavy fighting, including the <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battle-of-loos/" target="_blank">Battle of Loos</a>.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1916.... </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 1st January 1916 John and his comrades were at Isbergues near Marseilles in France. The war diary notes "<em>observed as a holiday throughout the brigade". </em>On 14th January they were camped at Boreli Camp and the 97% of the battalion received their vaccinations.</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>The 1/6th Battalion were at Mont St Eloy when on 16th March 1916 when 143 men were drafted as reinforcements. One of these men was local New Whittington man <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/harry-straw.html" target="_blank">Harry Straw</a>. On 31st March a further 122 other ranks arrived, the battalions Lewis guns had arrived also a few days earlier. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><br /></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 16th April the battalion received orders to explode two mines that night; Birkin and Grange. This order was carried out and the mines were successfully exploded during the night of 16th into 17th April. Two men were killed and 3 wounded in this exercise.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">May 1916 saw the beginning of preparations for the Somme offensive. On 2nd May George and his battalion were given practice in carrying out a smoke attack. On 6th May they marched to billets at Ivergny and then on to Humbercamps the following day. For the week commencing 10th May until 18th May the battalion were set to work digging communication trenches at Fonquevillers. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 19th May 1916 John and his comrades would relieve the 6th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment in the trenches, where the battalion remained until 27th May when they were relieved by the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">June 1916 saw the battalion spending time in and out of the trenches, marching and digging. The end of June was particularly wet and the war diary on the 24th June notes "<i>every man wet through & covered with mud from digging". </i>On 30th June they were at Fonquevillers "<i>preparatory to attack on German trenches".</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i><br /></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>The Battle of the Somme....</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i><br /></i></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">John and his comrades were part of the 139th Brigade, on the 1st July 1916 they <i>"attacked on a front from N.E corner of Gommecourt Wood". </i>The war diary tells that the plan was to attack the German trenches under partial cover of smoke, but owing to the heavy rain that had preceded the event the "<i>very muddy state of our own trenches, part of 4th wave greater part of 5th & 7th (....) carrying companies could not get away before smoke lifted, and all attempts to advance by these and 6th A & B Coys were met by heavy artillery and machine gun barrage. The attack therefore failed with heavy losses to assaulting Battns, but the main object was achieved of containing enemy forces near Gommecourt." </i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The men were relieved that evening by the 8th Sherwood Foresters. The diary gives the total casualties as 170 men.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The following days were spent marching from village to village, drafts of reinforcements joined the brigade. On the 8th and 9th July the battalion were carrying gas accessories to the trenches. On the night of the 11th July into the morning of the 12th July the battalion relieved the 5th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment in the trenches at Bailleulmont. The diary then misses three days until 15th when it states that some of the companies were relieved.</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">August of 1916 came with relative calm, on 4th August the battalion were based at Bailleulval. They spent the day partaking in some light relief and friendly rivalry when they held "<i>Inter company competitions in Bayonet fighting and Gas helmet drill. Winners, bayonet fighting, "A" Coys. Gas helmet drill, Bombers". </i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notes written on John's service record</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">John was wounded on 19th August 1916, when he received gunshot wounds. He was transferred to No20 Casualty Clearing Station where he died of his wounds on 23rd August 1916. The war diary for the 19th August 1916 tells that the battalion were stationed in the village of Bellacourt. It gives a simple account of the day which resulted in John being wounded....</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"<i>Enemy shelled village about 12.15 am. 17 other ranks </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>wounded, and 1 killed and 1 wounded </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>attached to the 139th Trench Mortar Battery"</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private John Arthur Andrews was buried at Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty, France; grave reference 111.A.10. His grave is marked simply with the sign of the cross, no other inscriptions were added by John's family.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private 3683 John Arthur Andrews was awarded the Victory, British and 15 Star Medals for his service.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">John was remembered in the Derbyshire Times 2nd September 1916 page 4, along with a photograph the obituary read....</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"<i>Private John Arthur Andrews is the 26th New Whittington </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>soldier who has died in the service of his country.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>News of his death from wounds reached his mother,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>who resided in High Street, on Saturday.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Only the day before she received a card saying he </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>was making real improvement and would</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>probably be sent down to base hospital</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and perhaps to England later. </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Before enlisting deceased was employed in the Pipe Shops</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>at Staveley Works. He was 31 years of age and a most steady</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>young fellow. He joined some 18 months ago,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>his last training place being Grantham, and he had </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>been in France about ten months.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>His mother has received two letters, one from the Sister-in-charge</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and one from the Rev. G. P. Bent, the Chaplain, who writes:-</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"At first there was considerable improvement in his </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>condition, but it was not kept up. He became worse yesterday</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>(August 23rd), and though everything possible was done</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>for him he passed away at 10.45pm. It may be some small </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>comfort for you to know that he received reverent burial</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>in the little cemetery here, and he lies in a separate grave.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A wooden cross will be erected at once by the Graves </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Registration Committee, and some permanent</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>memorial will be erected after the War. </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>It will always be possible to know his grave. If at</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>some future day you should wish for a photograph</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>you will be able to get one. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>May God comfort you in your sorrow""</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on</i>....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Mary Ann Andrews</u> moved to 142 South Street after John's death. She died in 1925 aged 62 years old. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>William</u> and Ellen returned to live in Rotherham. William died in 1936 aged 55 years old. The 1939 Register shows Ellen was living with her siblings Arthur and Ida at 231 Canklow Street in Rotherham. Ellen was described as "incapacitated", she died in 1965.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Mary</u> and Philip Rice died in Chesterfield; Philip in 1959 and Mary in 1962 aged 81 years old. Mary and Philip named a son after his brave Uncle; John Arthur Rice was born in April 1917.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It is not known whether William and Ellen remained the legal parents of Gladys Rice, she appears to have married a man named Charles Hubbard and she was living in Birmingham with him and Douglas Rice (possibly a younger brother or her son?) in 1939. Gladys died at Birmingham in 1987.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Mabel</u> may have remarried as there is a possible marriage recorded in 1911. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>What became of James Mabel's husband is unknown for definite, he may have died in 1911. He was trained as a blacksmith and had enlisted with the Cameron Highlanders on 18th February 1897, aged 20 years old. He enlisted at Glasgow, but was recorded as being born in Lanark. He was placed in Army reserve class in 1903.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Their son John William McKim married Elsie Fogg in 1930 at Chesterfield. They may have had a son in 1932. I can find no trace of them after this date and wonder if they emigrated overseas?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Florence</u> died at the young age of 23 years old in 1918.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>James Wilfred</u> married May Lewis in 1925. In 1939 they were living at 38A High Street, Whittington. James worked as a cast iron pipe tester. Ronald Lewis lived with the couple, the brother of May. It appears that James and May did not have any children. James died in 1971 aged 71 years of age. May lived on until 1980. </b></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">John was one of many local men who also served with the 1st/6th Battalion; fellow comrades also named on the St Barnabas Memorial are;</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/abraham-longden-savage.html" target="_blank">Abraham Longden Savage </a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/harry-straw.html" target="_blank">Harry Straw</a></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/george-edward-pratt.html" target="_blank">George Henry Pratt</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Bernard Millington</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>*****</i></b></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on John Arthur Andrews or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Service record - www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - Derbyshire Courier 2nd September 1916 p.1</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> - Derbyshire Times 2nd September 1916 p4</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece WO 2694/1</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">1/6th Sherwood Forester Regiment <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/</a></span><br />
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1/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters - <a href="https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/319/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-and-derbyshire-regiment" target="_blank">https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/319/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-and-derbyshire-regiment</a><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-78863176972277296182016-08-09T11:00:00.000+01:002018-07-07T21:04:15.947+01:00WILLIAM NEEDHAM<h4 style="text-align: center;">
WILLIAM NEEDHAM</h4>
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Private 14982</h4>
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10th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment</h4>
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Killed in action - 9th August 1916</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William Needham was living in Cresswell when he enlisted with the Sherwood Foresters. He was born in New Whittington around 1885. His life prior to WW1 has not been easy to follow, but in 1911 he was living with his siblings at 4 Cross London Street in New Whittington. I have not found William recorded on a census living with his parents. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Assuming that William shared the same mother and father as his siblings then he was the son of Joseph and Sarah Needham. Joseph was a carpenter/joiner born in Sittinglow, Derbyshire. Sarah was born in Chinley near Chapel-en-le-Frith on the outskirts of the Peak District. Sarah nee Royle married Joseph Needham on 6th February 1866 at Chapel-En-Le-Frith in Derbyshire.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In 1871 Sarah was living at West Street, Whittington with her two children; John aged 4 and Mary aged 2. John was born in Combs, Derbyshire around 1867 and so it would appear that the family moved to New Whittington some time around 1868/9 as Mary was born in the village. Joseph was not living with Sarah on census night, he may well have been working away from home. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>More children followed; Joseph in 1872, Sarah Ann in 1877, Herbert in 1878, Alice in 1880, Martha in 1882. William was born at some time around the end of 1884 to the beginning of 1885 and another son named James Wilfred was born at the end of 1885 **<i>please see the bottom if this post for my comments regarding James Wilfred and William.</i> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sadly two of the children died; </b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mary died in 1873 aged just 4 years old. She was buried at New Whittington on 10th August 1873. O</b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">n 4th September 1885 eldest son John died aged just 18 years old. He was admitted to Chesterfield Royal Hospital where he later died.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By 1891 Sarah and had moved to London Street, still in the same village of New Whittington. However, neither William or his father Joseph are noted on the census returns. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1901 finds Sarah now living at 69 South Street and described on the census as "<i>widow</i>". It looks likely that her husband Joseph had recently died that same year. Her two children; Martha and James W were still living at home with her. Once more there is no mention of William Needham.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joseph her son was living a few doors away at number 66, he had married Edith Wrigglesworth on 21st October 1895. The couple had a young son named Herbert aged 4 years old. </b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sarah Ann, William's sister had married John William Thompson on 24th September 1899 at Chapeltown, Near Sheffield. John was a pattern maker and they had one son named Charlie, he was one year old on the 1901 census. The young family were living at Bredbury in Cheshire.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Herbert had married Minnie Fletcher on Christmas Eve 1900, the newly weds were living at 87 High Street, New Whittington. Herbert worked as a coal miner hewer.</b></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alice had also married, she had become step mother to another of the soldiers named on the St Barnabas Memorial when she married Thomas O'Brien in 1900. </b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alice and Thomas O'Brien were living at 16 Bamford Street in 1901, with Thomas' children from his first marriage; Mary, Catherine and <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/thomas-obrien.html" target="_blank">Thomas</a> and their own child a son named William. (Thomas jnr was killed in action on 22nd February 1916, his story can be read <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/thomas-obrien.html" target="_blank">here</a>). </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Move on ten years to 1911 and William is finally found on the census returns living with his siblings; Herbert and Joe. Their mother Sarah was not living in New Whittington, whether she had died or moved is not known at this time.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William was enumerated on the census return as "<i>Willie" </i>aged 25 he worked as a coal miner. They were all living in Herbert's home at 4 Cross London Street, New Whittington. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Herbert and Minnie Needham now had a son; 10 year old Arthur. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William's other brother Joe and his son Herbert were also living in the same household. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sarah and John Thompson were still living in Bredbury at 4 Dark Lane. They had two more children by now; William aged 3 and Evelyn aged 1 year. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Alice and Thomas O'Brien were living at 116 Crown Yard, Thomas was employed as an locomotive engine driver. They had his son Thomas living with them along with Annie, Margaret and John from their own marriage.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Martha was living at 65 South Street, New Whittington in 1911. She had married her sweet heart Solomon Ward on 15th July 1903. The couple had two sons; Enoch aged 7 and Arthur 6 months of age.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>James Wilfred was not recorded on the 1911 census.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>William's war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Unfortunately William's service records have not survived, nor does he appear to have been given an obituary in any of the local newspapers. William served with the 10th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment, many of the local men also served in this regiment. William was known as Private 14928. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Not knowing when William enlisted or when he first went into action it is difficult to ascertain what service he saw. On 1st July 1916 the 10th Battalion were given orders to move to prepare for battle. They collected supplies from Becourt Wood and moved out towards Fricourt. On 2nd July the battalion began their advance on Fricourt Wood at 12 noon. The advance was slow though and held up several times due to the positions being held by the enemy.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On the 3rd July they were given orders to attack Railway Alley along with the 7th Border Regiment and 7th Lincolnshire Regiment. The war diary states that the attack was <i>"in every way successful and the casualties comparatively light". </i>The attack resulted in the garrison of the enemy showing the white flag and surrendering. The battalion were able to move on and occupy Crucifix Trench. The night was spent consolidating and patrolling the newly acquired ground, however they were under continued bombardment from enemy attack and sniper fire. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">On 4th July the men were relieved from their duties and marched weary in the rain to billets at Ville.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>August 1916 came and the battalion received orders to move from their billets near Albert to the trenches at Pommiers Redoubt. That night and the following morning the men spent time collecting supplies. On 3rd August they were given further orders that they were to leave by daylight on 4th August and move to relieve the 22nd Royal Fusiliers near to Mine Trench. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>No rest for the battalion as on 5th August they were moved on once more to relieve the 9th Duke of Wellington Regiment at Longueval. This was no easy task as the ground had been so heavily shelled there was some large shell holes which were joining together which "<i>made work extremely difficult".</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The following days were spent carrying out several unsuccessful attacks on Delville Wood. Each time the battalion were unable to push forward and "<i>establish a line of posts outside the wood". </i>On 8th August the battalion were to relieve the 7th Lincolnshire Regiment. This was once again not an easy manoeuvre and the battalion did not arrive in the trenches vacated until 7.30am on 9th August. Within the battalion three of the companies were now stationed in the trenches at Montauban Alley, the fourth company was stationed in a new trench situated in between Longueval and <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battles-of-the-somme-1916/the-capture-and-defence-of-montauban-1-13-july-1916/" target="_blank">Montauban</a>.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary gives the following statistics for casualties for the days of 4th to the 9th August 1916 -</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>Officers - 7 wounded (1 of which with shell shock)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Other Ranks - </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>38 killed,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>5 died of wounds,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>148 wounded,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>23 missing"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William was killed in action on 9th August 1916. He has no known grave but is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Ref pier and face 10C 10D and 11A.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private 14928, William Needham was awarded the Victory and British Medals for his service.</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQgmjHovOA_v920yIxx2KsTZgaT8oJLHaxGiAKcMS1Y9h_wY_q38c7PVKV6qHoj9aLGMtPjHczo5ORpIvUbvgxSXhy20u5hiKBfYadC2SGqV6Q7srXGpJyrrBO4VVrZ0nEj9bh0VtFwg/s1600/soldiers+effects+siblings+names.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQgmjHovOA_v920yIxx2KsTZgaT8oJLHaxGiAKcMS1Y9h_wY_q38c7PVKV6qHoj9aLGMtPjHczo5ORpIvUbvgxSXhy20u5hiKBfYadC2SGqV6Q7srXGpJyrrBO4VVrZ0nEj9bh0VtFwg/s1600/soldiers+effects+siblings+names.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siblings names noted on Soldiers Effects register<br />
co www.ancestry.co.uk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Piecing together the life of William Needham has not been a simple task, he does not appear on all of the British census returns. However, the register of his effects and whom received the pension payments after William's death do confirm that his siblings were; Joseph, Herbert, Sarah A Thompson and Martha A Ward. </b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Life went on....</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Joseph Needham</u> and Edith were still living in New Whittington at the time of WW1. What became of them after that time in unknown for now. If they remained in the New Whittington area then Joseph may have died in 1946.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Sarah Ann</u> and John Thompson remained living in Bredbury, Cheshire. John died in 1922 aged just 51 years old. Sarah was living alone at 4 Vernon Road, Bredbury in 1939. Sarah may have died in 1958 but this would need further confirmation.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Herbert Needham</u> appears to have remained in New Whittington. On the 1939 Register Herbert and Minnie were living at 87 London Street. Herbert was out of work at the time. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Alice</u> </b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and Thomas went on to have what appears to be a very turbulent marriage. However, they had five children; William, Annie, Margaret, John and Sarah. John died less than one year old in 1911. Alice also died at a young age in 1915, she was just 36 years old. Alice's story can be read in more detail <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/thomas-obrien.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Martha</u> and Solomon Ward also continued to live in New Whittington. They had another son named George in 1913. The family were living at 63 South Street in 1939. Martha died in 1951 aged 69 years of age.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>James Wilfred Needham</u> remain a mystery, if anyone can add anything to their story please contact me.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>** MY THOUGHTS..... is William "Willie" Needham actually James Wilfred Needham?? No census records both males living with their siblings in the same year. A check of the General Register Office birth registers confirm that the children of Joseph and Sarah Royle all had the birth mother as Royle; the only name not registered is William Needham. This however could be an error, or maybe they never got round to registering both boys in 1885?? </i></b></span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on William Needham or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<h4 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><div align="center">
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Service record - www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - Derbyshire Times 12th September 1885, page 5</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece WO-95-2008 </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman";">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters <a href="http://www.naval-military-press.com/10th-s-bn-the-sherwood-foresters.-the-history-of-the-battalion-during-the-war.html" target="_blank">http://www.naval-military-press.com/10th-s-bn-the-sherwood-foresters.-the-history-of-the-battalion-during-the-war.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">The capture and defence of Montauban July 1916 <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battles-of-the-somme-1916/the-capture-and-defence-of-montauban-1-13-july-1916/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battles-of-the-somme-1916/the-capture-and-defence-of-montauban-1-13-july-1916/</a></span><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-91660713555211899622016-07-31T11:00:00.000+01:002018-08-20T21:17:51.763+01:00WILFRED KIRK<h4 style="text-align: center;">
WILFRED CECIL KIRK</h4>
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Private 13/555</h4>
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13th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment </h4>
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Died of wounds - 31st July 1916</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Wilfred Cecil Kirk was the son of Samuel and Caroline Kirk. He was born in New Whittington and baptised there on 11th May 1894. Wilfred had four brothers, however there had also been another child born to Samuel and Caroline which had not survived, possibly a little girl named Lily who died aged 2 years old.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Samuel was a local lad to New Whittington, he met and married Caroline Gregory on 24th February 1892 at St Bartholomew's Church in Old Whittington. Their first son Samuel was born, named after his father, later in 1892. The couple lived in New Whittington for the early days of their marriage, Horace was born there in 1897. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By the census of 1901 the family had moved to Barnsley, they lived at 60 Cooper Street and Samuel was employed as an iron moulder. A 1 year old son named Harry was the newest addition to the family, he had been born in Worsborough. Joseph followed in 1903 born at Lincoln. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On the 1911 census the Kirk family were all at home together, they now lived at 9 Eveline Street in Cudworth, Barnsley. Samuel was still employed as an iron moulder, his sons Samuel, Wilfred and Horace had all found employment as coal miners. Young Harry and Joseph were still attending school.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Wedding bells....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Wilfred met a young lady named Lydia Mabel Lobb. Lydia was the daughter of William and Harriett. She was a few years older than Wilfred being born on 21st February 1891. Lydia had been born in Brisbane, Australia. Her father William was a bricklayer, he may well have travelled to work in Australia. He married Lydia's mother Harriett on 4th March 1890 in Queensland. Lydia had returned to England by 1896 when her sister Joyce was born in Cudworth. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Wilfred and Lydia married on 28th October 1912, a happy occasion which Wilfred would be able to remember when he was fighting for King and Country. </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A son was born to newlyweds in January 1913. He was named after his Uncle; Horace. Happiness turned to tragedy when little baby Horace sadly died aged just 15 days old. He was buried at St John the Baptist Church in Cudworth on 3rd February 1913. (</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">note, I have not purchased the registration certificates to confirm this fact</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">).</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Samuel, Wilfred's elder brother was next to marry. His fiancee was Mary Guest and they made their vows at St John the Baptist Church in Cudworth on 25th August 1913.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Wilfred's war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Wilfred's service records have survived and although they are not very clear in places they are very informative. Wilfred enlisted at Barnsley on 22nd September 1914, at that time he lived at 11 Well Street in Cudworth with his new wife Lydia. He was employed as a coal miner at Houghton Main Colliery before the war.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Wilfred was given a soldiers number; 13/555 the number 13 referring to the 13th Battalion, serving with the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment. The 13th Battalion was a service battalion, it was formed on 17th September 1914, just days before Wilfred had enlisted. The 13th was a "Pals" regiment, local men were encouraged to join up with their friends, family and work colleagues. This would, it was thought lead to a more productive and happier group of soldiers. The 13th were thus known as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnsley_Pals" target="_blank">Barnsley Pals</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Wilfred and his friends marched around the country and undertook their basic training. In December 1914 they moved to Silkstone where they remained until May 1915 when they spent two months at the Penkridge Camp at Cannock Chase. In December 1915 the men were moved on to Salisbury Plain, from there they set sail for Egypt.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 13th were part of the 31st Division whose job was to guard the <a href="http://www.1914-1918.net/suez.htm" target="_blank">Suez Canal</a>. The Suez Canal had been attacked earlier in 1915, it was a major trade route for the British which needed to be kept under our control and so was heavily guarded. In December of 1915 a new strategy was adopted which meant that the canal would be guarded from a short distance away, which was hoped would ensure that our troops would not be such easy targets for the Turkish gun fire. The railways around the area were also doubled using local men to build these new lines.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>March 1916 saw the Barnsley Pals join the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) in France. They left their camp in Kantara at 6.30am and marched to the train station where they entrained for Port Said at 8.30am arriving two hours later. At 7.30pm on 11th March Wilfred sailed out of Port Said harbour on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Megantic" target="_blank">H.M.T Megantic</a> destined for Marseilles. They eventually arrived at the port of Marseilles at 9am on 16th March but were anchored off shore and remained on the ship awaiting further instructions. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The men were disembarked on 18th March and took a train to Pont Remy from where they marched onward to various destinations over the coming weeks. Their time was spent assisting with mining duties and they often subjected to enemy fire. On 6th April at Mailly Mallett the battalion were heavily shelled for 90 minutes, which included gas shells also. Two men were wounded on this day.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>They remained based at Mailly Mallett until 23rd June 1916 when the battalion moved out to Warnimont Wood. The war diary notes "<i>23rd to 29th daily routine and practising attack formations". </i>The strength of the battalion at that time was 38 Officers, 1003 Other Ranks. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Attack on Serre....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 30th June most of the battalion set off to their assembly trenches just west of the town of Serre. They left behind 10 Officers and 174 other ranks as reinforcements. Wilfred and his comrades were ready in their allotted assembly trenches by 5am on 1st July 1916. At 7.30am <i>"attack on Germans and village of Serre commenced". </i>Wilfred was with "B" Company which left the trenches at 7.40am under the command of Major Guest. The war diary tells "<i>the advance was carried out in perfect order under a terrific hostile artillery bombardment and machine gun fire. Major Guest and all his officers as well as those of the "chasing party" being killed or wounded before reaching the first German line".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The men of the "B" Company carried out their duty with bravery, "<i>although this advance had to be carried out under a perfect tornado of fire all the ranks advanced as steadily as if on a drill parade". </i>We can be proud of the bravery which Wilfred and his Barnsley Pals showed in huge amounts on that first day of the Battle of the Somme. The night of the 1st July was spent "<i>in collecting wounded and dead within our line and from NO MANS LAND" "C Company did splendid work in rescuing wounded from NO MANS LAND under continual fire".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Wilfred was wounded on 1st July 1916, that first day of the Somme offensive, he received a gun shot wound to the chest. He was taken to the field hospital for immediate medical care. We can only begin to imagine how many other wounded men were also at that field hospital over the coming days and weeks. Wilfred would be one of thousands of men needing treatment at that time. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By 20th July 1916 he was transferred to No2 Stationary Hospital where he sadly died of his wounds on 31st July 1916. Wilfred was buried at Abbeville Cemetery and given full military honours at his funeral on 2nd August 1916.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary for the 13th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment gives the following figures for the date of 1st July and the time in the trenches on 2nd, 3rd and 4th July;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Officers - Killed 6, wounded 6</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Other ranks - Killed 40, wounded 183, missing 51</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Total number of casualties = 286"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private 13/555 Wilfred Kirk is buried at the Abbeville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. His grave reference is Vi F.8. His grave shows the sign of the cross with no further inscriptions from the family.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wilfred was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service.</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Wilfred's obituary was written in the Barnsley Chronicle 12th August 1916. The obituary tells how Lydia received letters of condolence....</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>The Sister wrote; "Your husband had a severe </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>hemorrhage from the chest; he gradually sank</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>and passed peacefully away. I know that it </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>will be a terrible blow to you and his mother</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>for he often spoke of you both to me"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The Chaplain (Rev E Milner-White) forwarded</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>the following; "Dear Madam, - By now you will have </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>heard the sad news of your husband's death in hospital</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>from wounds. Despite the short time here, I knew him</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>well and the suddenness of it was a great shock.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>He was buried in the lovely cemetery of Abbeville, </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>with full military honours and a church service. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>How tenderly cared for are the graves you will </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>see by the photo. If you wish, I can send, in </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>two months time or so, a photo of the actual grave</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>and the cross already standing. The French folk</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>covered the grave with flowers"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Lydia Mabel</u> moved to 19 Bridge Street when Wilfred went off to war. She would mourn her loss along with her many friends and family around her. The nursing Sister who was caring for Wilfred and the Reverend who also grew to know Wilfred during his time at No2 Stationary Hospital in France both wrote personal letters to Lydia telling her of his time in the hospital, his death and his burial. She would received her late husbands belongings and medals through the post in the years after his death.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Happy times did return for Lydia when on 26th February 1917 she married Charles Watson at St John the Baptist Church in Cudworth. Charles was a boiler fireman aged 34 years old, he had not been married before.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Lydia and Charles went on to have six children; William, Annie, Ada, Eveline, Mary and Eunice. In 1939 they were living with their daughters Eunice, Annie and her husband Joseph Vamplew. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Lydia died in 1970 aged 79 years of age. She was buried at St John the Baptist Church in Cudworth on 14th April 1970.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Samuel & Caroline Kirk</u> what became of Wilfred's parents has been difficult to ascertain. Caroline may have returned to Barrow Hill with her sons; Horace, Harry and Joseph shortly after WW1. Caroline may have died in 1928, registered in the Chesterfield area. What became of Samuel is not known at this time. </b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Samuel Kirk</u> was serving with the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry during WW1. He was wounded prior to Wilfred's death and was transferred back to England to receive medical care at Lord Derby's War Hospital in Warrington.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>After the war he returned to Barnsley and in 1939 he was living with his wife Mary at 17 Albion Terrace. He may have died in 1964 aged 72 years old.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Horace Kirk</u> also took part in the Great War. He enlisted on 6th October 1914 aged 19 years and 4 days old. He was described as having "<i>blue eyes, fair complexion and auburn hair". </i>He was attached to the machine gun section of the York and Lancaster Regiment, the 13th Barnsley Battalion. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Horace, Private 547 was sent to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 28th December 1915 where he remained until moving to France on 11th March 1916. He did well and was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal on 1st December 1916 until 8th July 1917 when he was moved on to work at the Depot. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The horrors of war did take their toll on Horace and he went absent without leave for 3 days in March 1918. His service records record "<i>Shell shock, caused by active service".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Horace's conduct was also noted on the records as "<i>Character very good".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>After the war Horace returned to civilian life and lived for a brief time back near Chesterfield at 10 Furnace Hill, Barrow Hill. On 22nd May 1920 Horace tied the knot with Hilda Quinton. Hilda and Horace lived next door to each other at 19 and 21 Albion Terrace, Cudworth. Their marriage took place at St Peters Church in Barnsley.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Horace died in 1945 aged 48 years of age.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Harry Kirk & </u></b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Joseph Kirk</u> what became of Wilfred's two youngest brothers is not known at this time. If any one is related to these two men and would like to add to this blog then please contact me.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>CUDWORTH, BARNSLEY....</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmUTwzMdQ6JOELhRsGBz2aUXaANVykOjXIZPBMbL3ZjoeuXtZyVbIb4s7ZUemdy7uvgT7GxDxImxxQlbsy0TTrOwTWIOVhfHhgC-Ay9d5G_uelm3aVso0kSXf8sPyxM1CqUBx-Qzt08A/s1600/War+Memorial+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmUTwzMdQ6JOELhRsGBz2aUXaANVykOjXIZPBMbL3ZjoeuXtZyVbIb4s7ZUemdy7uvgT7GxDxImxxQlbsy0TTrOwTWIOVhfHhgC-Ay9d5G_uelm3aVso0kSXf8sPyxM1CqUBx-Qzt08A/s320/War+Memorial+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cudworth War Memorial<br />
kind permission of Linda Hutton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOk7uo06y0dHObAc1uQh9c-A6iDhv8IqTTRVOCVrO1KuKBPpKTHneoEfBVqdJiW34xygghHIdukH_yPNXa55wEyaCfiv9WVsok3tO9XHn6Ixhotf0P1riBPDeTXvvGCOHA8YsO-sdgWU/s1600/20130701_134148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOk7uo06y0dHObAc1uQh9c-A6iDhv8IqTTRVOCVrO1KuKBPpKTHneoEfBVqdJiW34xygghHIdukH_yPNXa55wEyaCfiv9WVsok3tO9XHn6Ixhotf0P1riBPDeTXvvGCOHA8YsO-sdgWU/s320/20130701_134148.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Cudworth War Memorial</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">kind permission of Linda Hutton</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Wilfred was born in New Whittington but he spent most of his life living in Cudworth, he attended school there and married there. He is thus remembered on the towns war memorial. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">He was also remembered twice in the Barnsley Chronicle; his wound was reported on 22nd July 1916 and his death and photograph appeared in the 12th August 1916 edition.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The lives and stories of the men of Barnsley who served during World War 1 are being researched and remembered by a group named Barnsley War Memorials. The work they do can be viewed by clicking <a href="http://www.barnsleywarmemorials.org.uk/p/about.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Wilfred is also remembered on the Cudworth Park Somme Memorial which can be seen <a href="http://www.barnsleywarmemorials.org.uk/2016/07/cudworth-somme-memorial-park-cudworth.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Special thanks to Linda Hutton for her help with this post, Linda provided me with the photographs above and also copies of the two newspaper articles. Thank you Linda for your assistance and agreement for use of the photos on my blog to remember Wilfred Kirk.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Linda also writes a blog and this can be accessed by clicking <a href="http://barnsleyhistorian.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Wilfred Kirk or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Service record - www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - Barnsley Chronicle</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece 2365/2 13th York & Lancaster Regiment March 1916-Feb 1918</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">13th Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/york-lancaster-regiment/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/york-lancaster-regiment/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">The Barnsley Pals </span><a href="http://www.pals.org.uk/barnsley/" style="font-family: times, serif;" target="_blank">http://www.pals.org.uk/barnsley/</a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnsley_Pals" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnsley_Pals</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Lives of the First World War community </span><a href="https://livesofthefirstworldwar.org/community/1353" style="font-family: times, serif;" target="_blank">https://livesofthefirstworldwar.org/community/1353</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Cudworth Park Somme Memorial <a href="http://www.barnsleywarmemorials.org.uk/2016/07/cudworth-somme-memorial-park-cudworth.html" target="_blank">http://www.barnsleywarmemorials.org.uk/2016/07/cudworth-somme-memorial-park-cudworth.html</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Barnsley War Memorials Project <a href="http://www.barnsleywarmemorials.org.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.barnsleywarmemorials.org.uk/</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2056MbmbQUYyLNG3hnZD6Hx8raN1_XMZZL2AxaORfq1CgU8kSMitSRjteh6entV66l4-Yf1O-zwUPBlWp-dKz3sx4r3qHk9PESmj1Y1-pqkjz577XckTP9_3_NPoJ32oBPdT8cVGXl_0/s1600/poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2056MbmbQUYyLNG3hnZD6Hx8raN1_XMZZL2AxaORfq1CgU8kSMitSRjteh6entV66l4-Yf1O-zwUPBlWp-dKz3sx4r3qHk9PESmj1Y1-pqkjz577XckTP9_3_NPoJ32oBPdT8cVGXl_0/s320/poppy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-71241615900744020072016-07-27T11:00:00.000+01:002018-07-01T21:53:45.949+01:00JOSEPH BOOTH<h4 style="text-align: center;">
JOSEPH BOOTH</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GRhozRKb5h_-szg8GzuNnth7mL0wJXmP_cETJIdpMIXEVY_qRhfQV5pjB9eWA7TeY5qn-kbEKgevErtxXo9klz1HKLbvq2K2x2But-1NpF4pCMX_lkYpToEkCx8ZtrfF7Iv1Og2gODk/s1600/Royal+Fusilliers+cap+badge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GRhozRKb5h_-szg8GzuNnth7mL0wJXmP_cETJIdpMIXEVY_qRhfQV5pjB9eWA7TeY5qn-kbEKgevErtxXo9klz1HKLbvq2K2x2But-1NpF4pCMX_lkYpToEkCx8ZtrfF7Iv1Og2gODk/s1600/Royal+Fusilliers+cap+badge.JPG" /></a></div>
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Private E/1573</h4>
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Royal Fusiliers, 17th Battalion City of London Battalion</h4>
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Killed in action - 27th July 1916</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Known as Joe, Private Joseph Booth was the son of Herbert and Mary Booth. Joe had an elder half brother named William and a full sister named Florence when he was born in the summer of 1895.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joe's mother Mary was born in Netherton, Leicestershire, she had married Abel Hardy in 1887 but sadly Abel died the following year leaving Mary with a young baby son to bring up. Mary was living in Wigan, Lancashire where she remained for a few more years. In 1891 she was living with the Holland family, she had a job as a dressmaker and young William was just 3 years old.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A couple of years later in 1893 Mary married Herbert Booth in Chesterfield. They soon started their own family with the birth of baby Florence in 1894.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The Booth family....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By 1901 Joe had two more sisters; Ethel and May. The Booth family were living at 64 High Street, New Whittington. Joe's Aunt Rosannah and Uncle Mark Garratt were also living with the Booth family at the time. Herbert, Joe's father was born in Heanor, he most likely moved to the area for the employment in the coal mines.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911, the eve of war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joe was aged 15 years old by now and was employed as a coal miner along with his father Herbert. Florence was 17 years old and worked as a dressmaker, no doubt taught the tricks of the trade by her mother Mary.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The past decade had seen happy and sad times in the Booth household; two new children were born, Herbert and Frank but sadly May had died in 1905 aged just 4 years old.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joe's half brother William had married Nellie Neale in 1908, that same year the couple had their first child; a daughter named May. In 1911 they bore a son named Harold. They were living at 14 Back Lane, South Street in New Whittington at this time.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Joe's war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joe's service records have not survived but his medal card states that he entered the field of war on 17th November 1915. His obituary tells that Joe joined up with the Royal Fusiliers in January 1915 and undertook his basic training, leaving from Salisbury Plain to join the British Expeditionary Force in November 1915. They left from Folkestone on 16th November to arrive in Boulogne and moved on to the rest camp at Ostrohove.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joe, Private E/1573 was to serve with the 17th Battalion of the <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/royal-fusiliers-city-of-london-regiment/" target="_blank">Royal Fusiliers Regiment </a>, also known as the City of London Regiment, the 17th Battalion had formed on 31st August 1914. Not long after Joe had arrived in France with his battalion they became part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The first weeks of January 1916 were spent in billets at Norrent Fontes, a fairly restful time in comparison to many other battalions. By the end of January Joe would have witnessed his first enemy fire, as they were shelled "<i>intermittently". </i>The following months would be made up of moving from billets to trenches in different locations, working parties sent out at night, digging and repairing trenches. Joe would be bombarded by enemy whizzbangs, mortar bombs and shells on a regular basis.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At the beginning of July 1916 the 17th Battalion were in trenches at Villers Aux Bois. They moved in and out of trenches and billets and in the early hours of 26th July they found themselves in Delville Wood being heavily bombed by the enemy for 15 minutes. They were forced to move to the area known as <a href="http://www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/somme/longueval.html" target="_blank">Longueval Alley</a>. The war diary goes on to say they were <i>"shelled all day with shrapnel. casualties 3 O.R killed, 12 O.R wounded". </i> The enemy bombardment lasted all day and included gas shells later on in the day, one ordinary rank soldier was gassed.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 27th July the bombardment continued, at 7.10am the attack on Delville Wood commenced by the 99th Brigade. <i>"Longueval Alley heavily shelled, all communication with the wood broken". </i>That afternoon a messenger arrived with news that it was suspected that the Germans were getting "<i>thin in the right flank". </i>The "A" and "B" Coys moved up into Delville Wood around 2pm that afternoon.<i> </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The war diary continues "<i>Shelling of Longueval Alley continued all day....Casualties Lt Robinson wounded, Captain Parsons wounded, Capt. Knocker wounded, 2/lt Penny killed, Lt Fletcher killed, O.R 16 killed, 90 wounded, 7 missing".</i> The next 3/4 days of July followed in the same vain, the 17th Battalion put up a fight in Delville Wood, they moved on to attack at Guillemont on 30th. Many more casualties and deaths were sustained.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Joe was killed in action on 27th July 1916, he is one of 127 Royal Fusilliers killed on that day and remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysUGhkG0E6qQHtdeeRU-1WpLtTCyA7xoQ9fi07PuADGvGsVJfEAvLsEjZ_Bg4kWRgcJieu9nZju5XckfqwbDzlk6lpTbI3smyagoYswP3cGetOHB5iu6zja2Q33Y8oEPchbM44YU-Xfs/s1600/CWGC+Joe+Booth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysUGhkG0E6qQHtdeeRU-1WpLtTCyA7xoQ9fi07PuADGvGsVJfEAvLsEjZ_Bg4kWRgcJieu9nZju5XckfqwbDzlk6lpTbI3smyagoYswP3cGetOHB5iu6zja2Q33Y8oEPchbM44YU-Xfs/s320/CWGC+Joe+Booth.JPG" width="226" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Private E/1573 Joseph Booth is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in France. His name can be found on the panels Pier & Face 8, C9A + 16A.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDssYkdmg-pQs_6PQisjGzWft6Nm5EkO5EmKunsv5Zj5wzd03oRwST5psUKh_7ZbyGhKBF8aOnpx5Kug9gDLXvrxsn-XVOlN4xQsNjYZOp50cjaM-g6fbcIDuWTL0e2D1AwSBdFfjPVDw/s1600/medal+card+Joe+Booth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDssYkdmg-pQs_6PQisjGzWft6Nm5EkO5EmKunsv5Zj5wzd03oRwST5psUKh_7ZbyGhKBF8aOnpx5Kug9gDLXvrxsn-XVOlN4xQsNjYZOp50cjaM-g6fbcIDuWTL0e2D1AwSBdFfjPVDw/s320/medal+card+Joe+Booth.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Joe was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 15 Star for his service.</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Joe had his obituary written in the Derbyshire Times issue dated 12th August 1916, page 4. It reads....</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Another Whittington soldier to fall is</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Pvte. Joe Booth, who formerly resided with </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>his parents in High Street, New Whittington. </i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>He was </i></b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>only 21 years of age, and joined the Royal Fusiliers in </i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>January of last year. </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>He was trained at several places, </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>the last being at Salisbury </i></b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Plain before being sent </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>to France in November last. </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>In a letter to the parents Major McKenzie says;</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"i very much regret that your son was killed in action,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>charging the enemy on July 27th. He was a very</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>gallant soldier, and I wish to express to you my </i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>deepest sympathy in your loss as I am proud to</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>have commanded men like your son".</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>From information through another source Booth, it appears,</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>was hit by shrapnel in the chest and lived only a few minutes.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Before enlisting he worked at the Glapwell Colliery"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Herbert & Mary Booth</u> remained in New Whittington. Herbert died in 1931 aged 60 years old. Mary lived on until 1949 when she died aged 82 years old.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>William Hardy</u> and his wife Nellie suffered the loss of their second child Harold in 1912 when aged only 1 year old he died. They had at least one other child, a son named Eric in 1913. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In 1939 the William and Nellie were living at The Beeches, Swallownest, Yorkshire. William was employed as a colliery deputy.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Florence Booth</u> married Charles Asher in 1913. Charles was from Codnor in Nottinghamshire, he worked as a stallman in the coal mines. They had a son named Charles on 22nd November 1913. In 1915 the couple also lost a baby, another female child named once again May (after Florence's deceased sister maybe?). </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 25th May 1916 Florence named her newest arrival, a baby boy after his Uncle; Joseph. Little did they know that only two months later fate would take away brave Uncle Joe. A few years on in 1918 a daughter was born and named once again as May. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>In 1931 Florence and Charles became parents once more, a son named Herbert was born. Sadly Herbert died in 1939 aged just 7 years old. He had been admitted to Langwith Isolation Hospital suffering from Scarlett Fever. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A son named Robert in 1921, daughter named Doreen in 1923 and another daughter named Winifred in 1935 may also be children of Florence and Charles but I have not confirmed these with the relevant birth certificate. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Florence died on 17th March 1951, her address at the time was 13 Barrow Street, Lowgates, Staveley near Chesterfield. Her probate entry shows her executors were; her brother Frank Booth who worked as a schoolmaster and her son Charles who was an omnibus driver. Her effects came to £2090 13s 9d. Her husband Charles died in 1965.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Ethel Booth</u> I have not confirmed any marriage for Ethel. If anyone can add to Ethel's story please do let me know.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Herbert Booth</u> left school and found employment on the railways. He worked as a fireman at the <a href="http://www.lmssociety.org.uk/" target="_blank">London, Midland & Scottish Railways </a>locomotion sheds. He had been employed their for six years when in April of 1924 he became ill with pneumonia. Herbert suffered with the illness for only six days but sadly he lost his fight and passed away. He was only 22 years old.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>His obituary can be found in the Derbyshire Times 19th April 1924 page 7, which tells how he was a member of the Social Institute and Comrades Institute at New Whittington. He was buried at St Bartholomew's Church in the village.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Frank Booth</u> studied hard and qualified as a school teacher. His first post was in 1926 when he would be aged around 19 years old. In 1939 Frank was living with his mother Mary at 122 High Street, New Whittington. Whether Frank married or when he died I have not confirmed at this time.</b></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Joe Booth or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal rolls</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece 1350/2 17th Battalion Royal Fusilliers November 1915 - January 1918</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">The book "The Royal Fusilliers in the Great War" by C O'Neil can be read on the Internet Archive via the following link <a href="https://archive.org/stream/royalfusiliersin00onei/royalfusiliersin00onei_djvu.txt" target="_blank">https://archive.org/stream/royalfusiliersin00onei/royalfusiliersin00onei_djvu.txt</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">17th Battalion Royal Fusilliers (City of London) Regiment <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/royal-fusiliers-city-of-london-regiment/" target="_blank">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/royal-fusiliers-city-of-london-regiment/</a></span></span></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-49093970888643386902016-07-26T16:54:00.000+01:002018-08-08T19:13:02.604+01:00GEORGE HENRY MEARS<h4 style="text-align: center;">
GEORGE HENRY MEARS</h4>
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Private 9192</h4>
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9th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment</h4>
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Killed in action - 26th September 1916</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George was the first born child of Elizabeth and Henry Mears. Born in Staveley sometime around early 1885, he was one of five children, a relatively small family for the times. He was named after his maternal grandfather George and his own father Henry.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George's parents Henry Mears and Elizabeth Ann Horner married on 3rd November 1884 at Staveley. Henry was originally from Apethorpe in Northamptonshire, he was boarding with the Moorcroft family on Handley Road in 1881. Henry was employed by the Midland Railway as a guard. Elizabeth was born in Staveley, the daughter of George and Mary Horner. Her family lived in the coal miner's residence, Hartington Cottages, George was a coal miner deputy.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The family soon grew; Arthur Alec was born in 1886, Sarah Ellen in 1890, Elsie in 1894 and Reginald in 1897. Sadly baby Reginald died as an infant baby, he was buried at Whittington on 11th September 1897.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The 1901 census records George as living at 58 South Street, New Whittington. He was aged 16 years old and employed along with his brother Arthur as a labourer at the furnaces. His father was noted as married, but Elizabeth his wife is not living with the family on this night. The two daughters; Sarah and Elsie were also in the household. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George's father Henry died in the summer of 1908. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>George joins the army....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Aged 19 years and 1 month George enlisted to serve for King & Country. He signed up to serve 3 years with the Colours and would remain in the Army Reserves for 9 years after. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>He was serving with the local Notts & Derbys Regiment (The Sherwood Foresters); Private 9192. His service began in February 1904 and would offer George more excitement than his job back in New Whittington where he worked as a pipe moulder. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The service records describe George as 5ft 4 1/4" in height and weighing 125lbs. He had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of war....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George does not appear on the 1911 census, his service records are unclear as to whether he extended his army service to this date.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">His siblings had all moved on with their own lives to; Arthur married Maria Starkey in 1910, they were living with her parents John and Mary at Melbourne Villas, Albert Avenue in 1911. Arthur worked as an iron pipe maker. On 22nd April 1913 the couple had a baby son, named William Robert.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sarah married Albert Brent also in 1910. Albert was from the neighbouring village of Barrow Hill. A son was born in 1911 named William Edward.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Elsie was 17 years old and worked as a servant for a widowed Irish coal miner named Michael Kelly. They lived at 8 Bamford Street, New Whittington. In 1914 she married Joseph Whitehouse, a local boy he was living at 64 South Street in 1911. Not long after, the couple had their first child; a daughter named Edna was born on 18th March 1915.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Wedding bells also rang for George when on 9th October 1911 he married Emma Short. Emma was the daughter of Jepson Short. She was born in New Whittington around 1888. The witnesses to the weding were <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/walter-furness.html" target="_blank">Arthur James Mitchell</a> and his sister Edith Mitchell, only three years later tragically Arthur was to become the first man of the village to lose his life to the Great War, he is also named on St Barnabas Church War Memorial. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Emma had spent some time in London; aged 16 years old, she was living at 74 Acre Lane, Lambeth and was undertaking training in domestic service. By 1911 she was back home in New Whittington, working at the Royal Hotel. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Emma and George were soon to find themselves parents; on 3rd March 1912 a son was born, named after his father George Henry Mears. George jnr was baptised on 4th April 1912. A second son named Thomas Arthur was born on 24th March 1915.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>George's war....</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEOyZ7qdB8M-pEvbE1zHA761XkEfV-bXN2BvbawtaxETaWsYaZaSxGRpaYfikVW6N2BgGC1wAthXwhC5gZbeD-E08r9zC63lsURdE3lnY8YFAi_gTjv6RzJASCLkGHXljCsRuafNZpYM/s1600/service+details.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="775" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEOyZ7qdB8M-pEvbE1zHA761XkEfV-bXN2BvbawtaxETaWsYaZaSxGRpaYfikVW6N2BgGC1wAthXwhC5gZbeD-E08r9zC63lsURdE3lnY8YFAi_gTjv6RzJASCLkGHXljCsRuafNZpYM/s320/service+details.2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Service record<br />
www.ancestry.co.uk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>As part of George's terms he had agreed to remain in the Army Reserve for 9 years after his earlier service had ended. And so he would find himself receiving his call up as soon as the war had been declared. He was called to mobilise at Derby on 5th August 1914. </b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>As a time served soldier, George was mobilised to
Sheffield on the very day that war was declared, he was posted to the 2<sup>nd</sup>
Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment, keeping his rank and number, Private
9192. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>On 8<sup>th</sup> September 1914 George and his
comrades set sail to join the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F) in France;
the country in high spirits of a quick victory, he would be back by Christmas….
or so they believed. He would leave his
young son George aged 2 and his wife who would be around three months pregnant at
the time.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The 2<sup>nd</sup> Battalion were part of the 18th
Brigade, 6th Division who landed at St Nazaire, France and were thrust straight
into the battlefront being present at the Aisne Heights offensive on 20<sup>th</sup>
September 1914. Not long after in
October they relieved the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry at Ennetiere, the
location of the Battle of Armentieres.
The battalion were forced back by the enemy, but soon found themselves
surrounded, many men were forced to surrender; the war diary notes “<i><span style="background: white;">Casualties 710 NCOs and men missing</span></i><span style="background: white;">”.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At the end of July 1915 George received a mosquito bite to his right hand, he was transferred back to England on 5th August for medical care at Bagthorpe Hospital (now Nottingham City Hospital). This hospital was reasonably local for George, being situated on Hucknall Road in Nottingham. George soon recovered from his illness and was deemed fit to return to the battlefront.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It was at this time that George was relocated to the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. On 14th November 1915 he was sent to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force; the Gallipoli Campaign. The battalion had landed at Suvla Bay in August 1915, they were subject to heavy fighting and many soldiers succumbed to illness. In December 1915 the battalion were forced to retreat to the island of Imbros before moving on to Egypt, where in February 1916 they took over part of the defence of Suez Canal.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The Somme, 1916....</i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBHYqf3RYmRKKlj8oy0wZwvjPeXJCnVpqUCj7fG23aEoKjjMq7uFVoRh2-iMUhat-CrL3Iudi2LRxqfYzVbKS_vusiUPIe0LsACssrLgluHkACtkpo277pRI2IMSrhtSIN3iEB1elPUs/s1600/Service+details+George+Mears.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="819" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBHYqf3RYmRKKlj8oy0wZwvjPeXJCnVpqUCj7fG23aEoKjjMq7uFVoRh2-iMUhat-CrL3Iudi2LRxqfYzVbKS_vusiUPIe0LsACssrLgluHkACtkpo277pRI2IMSrhtSIN3iEB1elPUs/s320/Service+details+George+Mears.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Service record<br />
www.ancestry.co.uk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>According to his service records George and his comrades once again set off for France, they began the journey on 26th June and arrived on 4th July 1916. They were being called upon after the tragic day, the 1st July, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters were much needed reinforcements for the British.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>August 1916 a month into the Somme attack, many thousands of soldiers wounded, missing and killed in action. The 9th Sherwood's had relieved the 9th Rifle Brigade in the trenches near to Arras on 28th July. The month was relatively quiet, regular enemy aircraft flying overhead, occasional gas attack alerts, enemy fire and time spent as working parties, fixing wire and making good the trenches. The men were relieved on 18th August and returned to Headquarters at Berneville.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battalion then spent 10 days at Gouy-En-Artios where they received several days worth of training, which the war diary records as having included numerous lectures. On to Astree Wamin and more training and then on 3rd September the battalion arrived at Acheux where they received lectures on Battalion Attack. It would appear that the allies were taking no chances and wanted their men to be fully educated and ready to produce an effective attack on the enemy. A small rest bite from combat, but no time for relaxation.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>School time over....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George's combat education was at an end, it was time to put the new skills into practise; on 6th September the battalion relieved the 13th Cheshire Regiment in the trenches just south of Thiepval. They remained in the trenches under some very heavy enemy fire. On 12th September just before they were to be relieved the battalion war diary tells "<i>Enemy send over large number of tear shells which exploded in our trenches. It was suspected that poisonous gas shells were mixed up with these. Gas helmets were worn and no casualties occurred". </i>At 6am the men fell into the reserve trenches when they were relieved by the 6th Lincolnshire Regiment. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Over the coming days the men were moved in and out of trenches. There was great artillery fire by the British, which were a success and enemy prisoners were taken. The Germans then retaliated bombarding the 9th Battalions occupied trench, "Constance Trench.....<i>was heavily shelled by enemy with whizz-bangs". </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On 22nd September the men were relieved once more and returned to Mailley Mallet where they rested and undertook a parade, with new clothing issued. On 24th September the men rehearsed the forthcoming attack on Thiepval. Orders were given that the men should be ready to move at short notice, George and his friends would be aware that the coming attack was to be the culmination of the weeks of training and rehearsals. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>26th September 1916....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The men found themselves once more stationed in Constance Trench, ready for the coming attack on Thiepval. They were reported as all being in position by 3.30am on the morning of 26th September. They were then given "<i>M & V rations* and tea was sent up during the morning" .</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Once fed, the men were moved into position ready for "<i>the whistle signal at ZERO 12.35pm". </i>During the attack the battalion received many casualties, however it also took many prisoners and large scale items of equipment were also claimed from the enemy. The battalion were part of the 33rd Brigade of the 11th Division which successfully captured Zollern and Hessian Trenches, despite heavy machine gun fire at times. It is said to have suffered <a href="http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_thiepval_ridge.html" target="_blank">600 casualties</a>. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The battle carried on into 27th September, on 28th the battalion spent time in consolidating Joseph Trench, they were shelled throughout their work.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The heroic fighting by all of the 11th Division was noted in a memo sent from General Sir H Gough, Commanding Reserve Army. It reads;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>My best congratulations to you and your division on </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>their gallant fighting today and throughout the</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>successful operations in which you have been engaged </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>since the capture of the WONDER WORK.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>You have all done splendid work"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George was presumed dead on the date of 26th September when he partook in the "splendid work" along with his comrades in arms of the 11th Division. The action became known as <a href="http://www.cwgc.org/the-somme/battle-of-the-somme/morval-and-thiepval-ridge.aspx" target="_blank">The Battle of Thiepval Ridge</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private George Henry Mears, 9192 was laid to rest at the Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt; grave ref Vii H 7. His grave is marked simply with the sign of the cross, no other inscriptions were added by George's family.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medal card - Private 9192<br />
*See notes below re different Battalion & death date</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"></b></span>
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Private 9192 George Henry Mears was awarded the Victory, British and 14 Star Medals for his service. </b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">*<i>His medal card appears to show George Mears, Private 9192 as being attached to the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters. Looking at his service records and other documentation, all information for WW1 confirms George served with the 2nd and 9th Battalion. The date of death is recorded as 20th September 1916 not 26th, again all other paperwork states 26th September 1916.</i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Walter Furness another New Whittington man also served with the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. He to was presumed missing in action on the same date, 26th September 1916. His story can be read <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/walter-furness.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Arthur James Mitchell the witness at George and Emma Mears wedding was also killed and remembered on the St Barnabas Memorial. His story can be read <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/walter-furness.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>What became of George's mother Elizabeth Mears is unknown at this time. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Emma</u> and her two sons George jnr and Thomas Arthur Mears were awarded a pension of 22s 11p per week commencing on 23rd April 1917. She lived at this time at 21 Station Lane, New Whittington. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Emma remarried in early 1918, her husband was Samuel Toseland another New Whittington lad. The couple went on to have four children; Elsie, James, Samuel and Doris. More sadness was unfortunately to come into Emma's life when she lost her two sons as young children; James under 1 year and Samuel aged just 4 years old. Samuel died in 1956, Emma in 1960.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>George Henry jnr</u> married Mary Levers in 1935. On the 1939 Register the newly weds were living at 35 Brearley Street, New Whittington. George worked as a labourer at the steel works. George died on 30th November 1981, his address at the time was 27 Wellington Street, New Whittington. Mary his wife died in 1989.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Thomas Arthur Mears</u> married Alice Hawkins in 1938. The couple lived at 13 Beetwell Street in Chesterfield town centre. Thomas worked as a bus conductor. They had a daughter named Jean. Thomas died in 1990, Alice in 1993.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>George's siblings....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Arthur</u> and Maria had another child, a daughter named Lillian born on 9th June 1915. The family were living at 2 Albert Avenue on the 1939 Register and Arthur had been promoted to foreman at the iron foundry.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Arthur died on 6th May 1961 at Walton Hospital. He was aged 74 years old and had moved away from New Whittington, his address was 38 Windermere Road in Newbold. Maria had died in 1955. Their daughter Lillian Mary died a spinster aged 78 years old in 1993. </b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Sarah</u> and Albert Brent had more children; Violet in 1912, Henry in 1913, John in 1915 and George in 1920. Albert served during WW1, which would explain the break in children born during those years. The couple lived at Cotterill Lane in Brimington. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>William Edward Brent, Sarah's son was a Sergeant Instructor in the Royal Artillery. He had joined the services before WW2 but sadly died at home aged 32 years of age on 3rd April 1943. His obituary was written in the Derbyshire Times newspaper on 9th April 1943 page 6. It told how he was a "<i>fine athlete and gymnast" "while in the Army he reached the semi-final of the Light Heavyweight Army Boxing Tournament". </i>He had served in India for six years and was married to Mary Brent. William was buried at Brimington Cemetery.</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Elsie</u> and Joseph Whitehouse had two more children; Winifred in 1917 and Joseph in 1920. The couple stayed in the village of New Whittington, in 1939 they were living at 98 South Street with their eldest daughter Edna. Joseph was working as a coal miner. Elise was written as "Edith E" on the 1939 Register. There are several possible deaths for (Edith) Elsie Whitehouse, which would need verification with the death certificate, Joseph died in 1969. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>*<a href="http://joyoffieldrations.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/maconochie-stew-british-army-ww1.html" target="_blank">M & V rations</a> are Meat and Vegetable rations. See the link to read more about the food and rations during WW1.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>*****</i></b></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on George Henry Mears or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Medal rolls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Service record - www.ancestry.co.uk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece WO 1813 / 1-4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">9th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/sherwood-foresters-nottinghamshire-derbyshire-regiment/</a></span><br />
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Imbros Island <a href="http://www.army.mod.uk/firstworldwarresources/gallipoli-1915/general-headquarters-imbros-1915" target="_blank">http://www.army.mod.uk/firstworldwarresources/gallipoli-1915/general-headquarters-imbros-1915</a><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-22778440998706312292016-07-22T11:00:00.000+01:002018-08-05T17:14:33.938+01:00WALTER MUSGROVE<h4 style="text-align: center;">
WALTER MUSGROVE</h4>
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Private 1380</h4>
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1st Battalion Australian Infantry Brigade</h4>
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Missing presumed dead - 22nd to 25th July 1916</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Walter Musgrove was the brother of a soldier already remembered on this blog; <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/frederick-william-musgrove.html" target="_blank">Frederick William Musgrove</a>. Frederick lost his life in the early days of WW1 on 31st October 1914. His story can be read <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/frederick-william-musgrove.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Walter and Frederick were </b></span><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">sons of a well-known member of the Staveley and New Whittington communities. Their father was Inspector Jonas Musgrove. Walter was the youngest child, born in the summer of 1892 he was baptised at Staveley on 6th July that same year. Walter </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">had three elder brother's named George Henry, Frederick and John and five elder sisters; Marian, Emily, Harriett, Gertrude and Agnes. The Musgrove household would be a noisy one; the terraced cottages on Speedwell Terrace were stone built properties with stone flagstone floors.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>The Musgrove family....</i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Jonas Musgrove was born around 1847 in Selby, Yorkshire, Emily Wells was born around 1851 in North Anston, South Yorkshire. The couple married in autumn of 1869 in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">By 1891 the Musgrove family have moved home to Chesterfield Road, Staveley. They have two new editions to the family; Lillian aged 3 years old and baby John Wells aged just 11 months. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">It is evident from the places of birth of Walter and his siblings that the Musgrove family moved around the area, most likely in relation to Jonas' career progression -</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">*George Henry, Marian, Emily and Harriett born Beighton</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">*Gertrude born Belper</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">*Agnes born Mackworth</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">*Fred, Lillian and John born Staveley</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">*Walter born in New Whittington in 1892.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Like many families at that time the Musgrove family was a large one. Walter's eldest sister left home and married John William Rodgers at St John's Church, Staveley on 16th December 1891. Marian and John Rodgers were also proud parents in 1892 when they bore a daughter named Alberta Emily. She was Walter's niece even though they were born in the same year.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">A few years later, on 1st March 1894 Emily Musgrove another of Walter's elder sisters also married. She wed a mechanical engineer named Ben Jackson Marson at St John's Parish Church, Staveley. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Next to tie the knot was Walter's eldest brother George Henry on 11th July 1894. He married Ann Jacques at St John's Parish Church, Staveley. Jonas and Emily would be celebrating the marriage of their grown up children George Henry and Emily whilst nursing their youngest son Walter who was still a toddler. </span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx0kWgrJMUF_ybzt00dg34WNDavqme_cJguqO4QdAP1qFBOhs6YOaGY_2BoTJkaOFhb9a2fbqSLYXidsEFrImpfOMB9JxP0e9s6DgaprNCBbbmz_-QEysz4TQYkZtAbOjze6KIAHbDfY/s1600/1895+Ancestry.co.uk+Staveley+Musgrove+police+inspector.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx0kWgrJMUF_ybzt00dg34WNDavqme_cJguqO4QdAP1qFBOhs6YOaGY_2BoTJkaOFhb9a2fbqSLYXidsEFrImpfOMB9JxP0e9s6DgaprNCBbbmz_-QEysz4TQYkZtAbOjze6KIAHbDfY/s1600/1895+Ancestry.co.uk+Staveley+Musgrove+police+inspector.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">1895 Bulmers History <a href="http://www.ancestry.co.uk/">www.ancestry.co.uk</a></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At some time in between 1891 and 1895 Jonas was promoted to Inspector of Derbyshire Police. The family would be well known and respected by the locals of the area. The Bulmers History, Topography and Directory records Jonas Musgrove under the Staveley area as County Police Inspector in 1895.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">By the 1901 census the lives of the Musgrove family had taken a different pathway, the family were living at 112 High Street, New Whittington. Jonas was no longer described on the census as a police inspector, he had changed his employment to become a licensed victualler. Walter was just 8 years of age and would attend the local school, </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Fred was 16 years old by now and as did many of the local men he was working as a coal miner. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Harriett his sister had married George Buck on 12th September 1900 at Whittington. George was a young police constable from Cannington in Somerset. On the night of the 1901 census Emily was staying with Harriett and George at their home in Alfreton, Derbyshire. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Life was settled in the years of the decade of 1900, Walter's </span></strong><strong style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">siblings George, Marian, Emily and Harriett gave him more nieces and nephews. Sad news came in 1902 when the youngest daughter of George died aged only 2 years old. She was named Marian Zylpha taking the Christian name of her Aunty Marian. </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Agnes Musgrove another of Walter's sisters married Edward Hosey in 1903. The couple had their first child a daughter named Emily after her Grandmother in 1907. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Walter and his two siblings continued their studies; Lillian May and John Wells were both studying to qualify as teachers during this time. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">This close family was to have a terrible loss in 1905 when Fred's mother Emily sadly died. She was aged only 54 years old. From the story so far it would appear that Emily was a treasured mother who was always on hand to help her growing family when needed. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>Tragic news followed....</i></span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyCVwhHA_1waBwH-R68pPzdTBr9zeRhkpNZYDfxOMTt4Jp-guQInTGKQCt3C1WPrxD62JF0kP1y9UDr-5oA_2NNw0tqUU1UcSfSTcDYZeeJV_-zkxRp5CjYfF4rilvRAun5NtfBj0ROI/s1600/Hull+Daily+Mail+29th+November+1907+p3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyCVwhHA_1waBwH-R68pPzdTBr9zeRhkpNZYDfxOMTt4Jp-guQInTGKQCt3C1WPrxD62JF0kP1y9UDr-5oA_2NNw0tqUU1UcSfSTcDYZeeJV_-zkxRp5CjYfF4rilvRAun5NtfBj0ROI/s1600/Hull+Daily+Mail+29th+November+1907+p3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Hull Daily Mail 29th November 1907 page 3<br />
<a href="http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/">www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk</a><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The sad news of the death of prominent figure Jonas Musgrove was reported in the Hull Daily Mail and the local newspaper the Derbyshire Times (30th November 1907 p8). Jonas died on 28th November 1907 whilst visiting his sister Mrs T Upton at his birth town of Selby. It appears that whilst he was there it was the annual festivities associated with the hiring fair of Martinmas. On the Monday he went along to the fair on Wide Street and partook in the entertainment enjoying a ride on the round-about. Jonas must have lost his grip as the Derbyshire Times records...</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"<em>while the machine was in motion he seems to have dropped off one of the "cockerels" and falling, a large fracture of the skull was the consequence. He was picked up by relatives and conveyed into Millgate, where he lost consciousness, and death ensued at noon on Thursday"</em></span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDEyknt6sIojcxhMXvXaU5TfyWy9suS-i7a-ir0WBCBwROUfYHfKkUxjCbgtaheaqsBPKrQvakkbjKBa5VvaAVhDhaOi7wZdT-D57nAlLANpwdoiyE5sHmPs7AYTcwusEHFpFwcZRTEc/s1600/probate+ancestry+for+Jonas+Musgrove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDEyknt6sIojcxhMXvXaU5TfyWy9suS-i7a-ir0WBCBwROUfYHfKkUxjCbgtaheaqsBPKrQvakkbjKBa5VvaAVhDhaOi7wZdT-D57nAlLANpwdoiyE5sHmPs7AYTcwusEHFpFwcZRTEc/s1600/probate+ancestry+for+Jonas+Musgrove.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Probate entry for Jonas Musgrove <a href="http://www.ancestry.co.uk/">www.ancestry.co.uk</a></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jonas was returned to New Whittington and was buried on 1st December 1907 at St Bartholomews Church. He was aged 61 years old. He left effects of £1184 11s 2d. His eldest son George was the executor of his will. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>Life after Emily and Jonas....</em></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The 1911 census finds the Musgrove family separated now that their parents had passed away. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Walter and Lillian May had moved along with their elder sister Gertrude to live at 95 Handley Road, New Whittington. Walter aged 18 years old had found employment in a confectioners shop, working as a sales assistant.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Eldest boy George Henry had now taken over the running of the George & Dragon public house on Church Lane in the centre of Chesterfield. May be he used his inheritance to buy his dream? </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Marian was living with her family not far away from Fred at Lowgates, Staveley. She has four children now; Alberta Emily, Ida Emily Winifred, Wilfred Eric John and Marjorie Musgrove Rodgers. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Emily is living in Barrow Hill which is the next village to Staveley. She has two children; Emily and Roy.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Harriett and her police sergeant husband George Buck have been posted at Stoney Middleton on the edge of the Peak District. The couple have two daughters; Edith Emily and Ella Musgrove. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Agnes and Edward Hosey were running the Dusty Miller Inn at New Whittington. They had three children named; Emily, John and Edward but sadly had lost two sons; John at 6 months of age, Edward under 1 month of age. </span></strong><br />
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<strong style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Fred was </span></strong><strong style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">living in Staveley lodging with Zilpha Willis and her son John Henry at 36 Lowgates. </span></strong><strong style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">He is aged 26 years old and has never married. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">John Wells the baby of the family was now 20 years old and had left New Whittington to study at York Training College. He was a student teacher residing at Lord Mayors Walk, York. The college was a teacher training college for men only.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i>Adventure beckons for Walter....</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzlh6wjrsiVDmVVsSDjCiLATnU47zFBPUY085p2KetaJ_jkD0GjTd2LH6NslXRrPCeYJf7eT313bHnnCnmoVl3BLhySs_m__U8aLiDWi-N62-jA2HWgG86ok_ZitXmgQYs7zP_USHr-8/s1600/musgrove+ancestry+departure+to+Aus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzlh6wjrsiVDmVVsSDjCiLATnU47zFBPUY085p2KetaJ_jkD0GjTd2LH6NslXRrPCeYJf7eT313bHnnCnmoVl3BLhySs_m__U8aLiDWi-N62-jA2HWgG86ok_ZitXmgQYs7zP_USHr-8/s1600/musgrove+ancestry+departure+to+Aus.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Passenger lists Orvieto <a href="http://www.ancestry.co.uk/">www.ancestry.co.uk</a></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">1914 brought opportunity and a great adventure for two of the Musgrove family. Lillian May and Walter set of on the journey of a life time. They travelled down to London and boarded the Orvieto ship on 13th March 1914 destined for Australia.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Lillian May had qualified as a teacher, Walter was a miner. They travelled with Walter's friend George Huckle. A whole new life awaited these young travellers..... If only the Great War had not reared its ugly head.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Back in blighty and Gertrude Mary Musgrove had her own reasons to celebrate in 1914, she married Sydney Vowles. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>Walter's war....</i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Walter arrived in Australia full of adventure, when the outbreak of WW1 was announced he was in the north of the island with George Huckle. The pair made their way walking over 400 miles through a terrible sandstorm and enlisted to fight for their King and Country. The weather was so bad that the pair had to be rescued; a newspaper article (Derbyshire Times 12th August 1916, p4) tells "<i>On the way down both were within an ace of losing their lives as they encountered </i><i>a fierce sandstorm, and were with difficulty rescued"</i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Walter enlisted on 23rd November 1916 at Liverpool, New South Wales. He returned the next day to sign all the paperwork and receive his medical. He was a successful applicant and so was now a serving soldier with the 1st Battalion Australian Infantry Brigade, Private 1380.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Walter's service records describe him as being of fair complexion with grey eyes, he was 5ft 8" tall and aged 22 years and 6 months. Prior to enlisting Walter had been employed as a grocers assistant.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i>Off to the front....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Walter arrived in Gallipoli in the early days of May 1915. His service records show that he was not medically fit and on 22nd November 1915 he was admitted to hospital with pyrexia (high temperature) meaning Walter most likely had fever symptoms. The next day Walter was transferred to a hospital ship and taken to Malta, where on 29th November he was admitted to <a href="http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140622/life-features/Cottonera-Hospital-and-Malta-as-the-Nurse-of-the-Mediterranean-.524854" target="_blank">Cottonera Military Hospital</a> for further investigations. The hospital was so full up by the end of 1915 that tents had been erected in the grounds to cater for the hundreds of wounded troops coming to them from the Gallipoli and Salonika campaigns.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>On 8th December 1915 Walter was transferred once more to <a href="http://malta.embassy.gov.au/files/mlta/02%20ANZAC%20experience%20-%20Healing.pdf" target="_blank">All Saints Convalescent Camp</a>. The camp was as its name suggests a convalescent home, it was a tented establishment which housed well over 1000 men at any one time. </b></span><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">He remained at the camp until 20th December 1916 when he embarked for Alexandria. He arrived six days later on 26th December and joined his unit at Tel-El-Kebir on 30th December 1915.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Just over two weeks later on 15th January 1916 Walter was again hospitalised, described as "N.Y.D" not yet diagnosed. He was admitted to the casualty clearing station at Tel-El-Kebir and then moved on to the General Hospital at Gezirah. This hospital was in fact an Egyptian Royal Palace which was used as a military hospital by the Australian Forces during WW1. Once again, due to such high numbers of casualties arriving from Gallipoli tents were placed in the grounds. A fabulous photo of the tents at Gezirah can be viewed <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-141322278/view" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Walters stay at the Palace was brief and on 18th January he was discharged to "overseas base". It is not clear where Walter went at this point but on 28th January he was to proceed to re-join his unit. Nearly a month later on 20th February 1916 he arrived at his unit once more at Tel-El-Kebir. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>Off to join the British Expeditionary Force....</i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Walter and his comrades embarked at Alexandria on 22nd March 1916, they arrived at Marseilles, France on 28th March 1916. The Australian Infantry Brigade would be ready to play its part in the great Somme offensive when it came.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">As we know the first day of the Battle of Albert, the Somme offensive was on 1st July 1916. A day when more than 19,000 men were killed. The 1st Battalion Australian Infantry were at Fleurbaix awaiting orders to carry out a gas attack, which had again been cancelled due to "<i>the unfavourable wind direction"</i>. The men were relieved on 4th July and returned to their billets just north of Sailly.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 8th July orders were given to move on to Outtersteene the next day, this was where the Anzac headquarters where based. The battalion arrived there the next day but </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Walter was still unwell, once again suffering with pyrexia he was admitted to hospital on 9th July 1916, transferred to the Division Rest Station on 11th July. The hospitals and casualty clearing stations in the area would be full to bursting at this time. Walter would find himself within a chaotic and desperate scene, witnessing the horrors of the Somme casualty clearing stations must have been a terrible sight for poor Walter.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 15th July Walter was discharged and returned to duty. The numbers of infantry had been totally decimated, man power was needed urgently, Walter would be needed to make up the numbers, even if he was unfit to do so. When he caught up with his comrades, they were worn out from the miles of marching they had undertaken over the past days. The war diary makes specific comments about the type of boot the men were wearing, which were too heavy for marching and more suited to trench work. They had been resting in a stable which had not been cleaned out since the horses had been removed, however the men were soldiering on despite such terrible conditions.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>The men were being moved each day, when they were not marching they were receiving training in "<i>rapid movement</i>" in anticipation for a coming assault they were to be part of. On 18th July they were given an outline of the coming assault "<i>tomorrow the 19th, the 1st & 3rd Bdes go into the line".</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i>The Battle of Fromelles....</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana;">On 19th July 1916 the Australian Armies were part of the ill-fated and devastating attack known as the Battle of Fromelles. The attack was quickly set up, with soldiers who had seen little action in trench warfare. The plan was to divert the German armies from the Somme, where the allies were struggling with their own battle front. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>At 16.15pm on 19th July the 1st Battalion marched to Albert where they received their orders; they would relieve the 13th Battalion Durham Light Infantry in the trenches at 20.00 hours. The day of the 20th July was spent digging further trenches to accommodate the large numbers of troops. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>A conference was carried out at La Boiselle which gave further details of 1st Battalions part in the attack; they were to attack Pozieres, the offensive would be carried out on the night of 21st July/22nd July.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i>22nd - to 25th July 1916....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>The Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC) gives the official date of death for Walter as sometime in between 22-25th July 1916. Walter lost his life whilst the 1st Battalion were fighting at the <a href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/pozieres.htm" target="_blank">Battle of Poziers Ridge</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>The war diary tells how their communication wires were cut early on into the battle, this would make the action even more difficult and they note how they used "<i>runners</i>" and "<i>pigeons were also used during daylight proved to be most effective</i>". However, despite this the Australian 1st Battalion were able to capture Pozieres village within one hour of commencement of the attack. The ridge would prove much more difficult to take and it wasn't until 4th August 1916 that the battle was finally won.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>The 1st Battalion gave their numbers as; 27 Officers and 990 Other ranks on 15th July 1916. After the days of the 22nd to 25th July they record the following figures in the war diary;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>"<i>Officers - Killed 7, Wounded 6, Died of wounds 2</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i>Other Ranks - Killed 92, Wounded 378, Missing 52</i>"</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Walter is buried at the Gordon Dump Cemetery, France. His grave reference number is 1 B 45. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">His grave shows the sign of the cross, with no other comments added by his family. </span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Private 1380 Walter Musgrove was awarded the </span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">British War Medal, Victory Medal and 15 Star for his service.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The Derbyshire Times article tells how "<i>After his training he was sent to the Dardanelles, and later Egypt and Malta. Since going to France in April this year he had seen much fighting" </i>It goes on to state "<i>It appears he was killed almost instantly by a shell just as a charge was being made in the fighting at Pozieres on or about the 30th July".</i> (Note again the difference in the date of death given).</span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Walter gave his next of kin as his brother Harry. On 15th January 1917 the Australian Imperial Force wrote him the following letter....</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>"Dear Sir,</i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>With reference to the report of the regrettable loss of your brother, the late No 1380 (1591) Private W Musgrove, 1st Battalion. I am now in receipt of advice which shows that he was killed in France, between 22nd and 25th July 1916, and was buried at Gordon Dump, France, the Rev R A Harries officiating.</i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>These additional details are furnished by direction, it being the policy of the department to forward all information received in connection with deaths of members of the Australian Imperial Force.</i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>Yours faithfully,</i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>Major J M Lean"</i></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Harry received Walters possessions after his death, which consisted of; "<i>identity disc, scissors, pipe, tobacco pouch, metal ring (damaged), 7 coins, 5 badges, 4 numerals, handkerchief, 2 charms"</i></b></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em>Life went on....</em></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The Musgrove family continued as best they could, each had taken a different path and with it came its own joys and sadness. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>George Henry Musgrove</u> may have died in 1936 aged 65 years old.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Marian Annie</u> lived through WW1 and died in 1933. Her own son Wilfred Eric John Rodgers enlisted with the South Staffordshire Regiment on 22nd June 1918. He was 18 years and 4 months old. We can only imagine how Marian would feel having to chance losing her own son as she had her brother. Wilfred survived and married Annie Laming in 1928. He died in 1986 aged 86 years old.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Marian applied for her brother Frederick's 1914 Star medal in 1919.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Emily</u> died in 1933.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Harriett </u>may have died in Cleethorpes in 1958 but this would need to be confirmed.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Gertrude Mary</u> spent the war years alone, whilst her new husband Sydney served with the Army Ordnance Corps from 8th December 1915 till his demobilisation on 20th March 1917. They had at least one daughter; Mary Vowles was born in 1917. After marriage Gertrude remained living on Handley Road until her death on 27th October 1952. She had frequent visits from her younger brother John Wells and his family during this time. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Agnes Ellen</u> died in 1938, her husband Edward Hosey predeceased her in 1935.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Fred</u> served with the 2nd Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and lost his life on 31st October 1914. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Lillian May</u> arrived in Australia on 23rd April 1914 she wasted no time at all and married her sweetheart Samuel Huckle on 25th April 1914. Samuel was a local lad born in New Whittington. Lillian would most likely have grown up with him. When she travelled out to Australia she was chaperoned by her own brother Walter and George Huckle. George was the younger brother of Samuel. </span></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">1943 Electoral Roll <a href="http://www.ancestry.co.uk/">www.ancestry.co.uk</a></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Lillian and Samuel lived at 59 Margate Street, Kogarah, New South Wales. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">In the May of 1917 Lilian wrote to the Australian Imperial Force, her love of her home village was evident in her address; "<i>Whittington", Margate Street, Kogarah.</i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The 1943 electoral roll above shows that the two Huckle brothers remained close; Samuel and Lillian lived at number 59 and George and his wife Lucy lived at number 57. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Lillian and Samuel had one daughter named Dorothy Musgrove Huckle. George and Lucy had a son Ronald Huckle. Lillian died in 1968, Samuel in 1973. I will tell more of this story in the blog post for Walter Musgrove.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">In 1911 <u>John Wells</u> was studying hard at teacher training college in York. At the outbreak of WW1 he joined his fellow students and enlisted with the Old Boys Public School Regiment. He joined at Manchester on 5th September 1914. John was discharged on 21st June 1915 as medically unfit. </span></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Derbyshire Times 26th May 1944 p8</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Life was an adventure for John as it was for Lillian and Walter. John travelled as soon as the tensions of WW1 had settled; on 26th September 1919 he left London for Cape Town where her lived until his death on 18th May 1944. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Despite the miles he did return to New Whittington on at least two occasions; he arrived in July 1925 with his wife Ethel and his 1 year old son John. They stayed at his sister Gertrude's home at 95 Handley Road and are listed on the return journey as leaving Southampton on 11th December 1925 destined for Cape Town. John travelled alone when his name appears on the passenger lists from London to Durban leaving on 18th November 1938. He once again had stayed with his sister Gertrude in her new abode at 72 Handley Road, New Whittington. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Staveley Memorial....</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Walter and Frederick Musgrove are not only remembered on the St Barnabas Memorial; their names also appear on the Staveley Memorial.</span></strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on Walter Musgrove or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal rolls</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - Derbyshire Times 12th August 1916 page 4</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - ref AWM 4 23/1/12 July 1916 via <a href="https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/digitised-records/" target="_blank">https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/digitised-records/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Australian WW1 service records can be found online at <a href="http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/explore/defence/service-records/army-wwi.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/explore/defence/service-records/army-wwi.aspx</a></span></span><br />
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Walters service record ref number B2455 at the above website.<br />
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Battle of Fromelles -<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fromelles" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fromelles</a><br />
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Cottonera Miltary Hospital, Malta - <a href="http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140622/life-features/Cottonera-Hospital-and-Malta-as-the-Nurse-of-the-Mediterranean-.524854" target="_blank">http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140622/life-features/Cottonera-Hospital-and-Malta-as-the-Nurse-of-the-Mediterranean-.524854</a><br />
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All Saints Convalescent Camp - <a href="http://malta.embassy.gov.au/files/mlta/02%20ANZAC%20experience%20-%20Healing.pdf" target="_blank">http://malta.embassy.gov.au/files/mlta/02%20ANZAC%20experience%20-%20Healing.pdf</a><br />
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Photo of Gezirah General Hospital <a href="http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-141322278/view" target="_blank">http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-141322278/view</a><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-84666584770348374272016-07-17T11:00:00.000+01:002016-07-17T20:33:22.163+01:00JAMES BENNISON<h4 align="center">
JAMES BENNISON</h4>
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Private 8801</h4>
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1st Battalion Lincolnsire Regiment</h4>
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Died of wounds - 17th July 1916</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">James Bennison was the youngest brother of a </span><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/george-henry-bennison.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;" target="_blank">GEORGE HENRY BENNISON</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"> who had sadly also died of his wounds on 23rd March 1916.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Bennison family were a large family, George snr and Mary had 10 children; John Thomas, Julia, Hannah, John Joseph, Mary, George Henry, Harriett, William, Frank and finally James was the baby of the family, born in 1893 at Barrow Hill a small mining village located on the outskirts of Chesterfield. The family appear to have moved around a lot from village to village, they would no doubt live where ever the work was to be found.</span></h4>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";">George snr dies....</span></em></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derbyshire Courier 13th January 1894 page 5<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life changed dramatically for the Bennison family in the winter months of 1894, when on 4th January the head of the household, George Bennison snr died aged just 43 years old. Mary was left with 10 children to support, James was less than 1 year old at the time. </span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";">1901....</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">In 1901 the Bennison family had moved once more and were now living at 110 South Street, New Whittington. Mary, the head of the household was aged 44 years old. She was a young widow with many mouths to feed. George was aged 15 years old but no occupation was given for him. Joseph aged 18 years was a coal miner. The other children were; Mary 17, Harriet 13, William 12, Frank 10 and James was now 8 years old. Also in the household was 1 year old Myra Benison, enumerated as "daughter" of Mary but actually her granddaughter. </span></strong><br />
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<strong>James' eldest siblings had left home by now, his eldest brother John Thomas </strong><strong>was living at 10 York Terrace, Warsop with his new wife Florence in 1901. He was employed as a bricklayer, most likely working on building the new homes and communal buildings for the growing community. </strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">John Thomas married Florence Taylor in 1900 at Warsop, the brides home village. On 9th September 1901 a baby boy was born to John and Florence; named George Frederick. Then came Cyril, Leslie and a daughter named Nellie. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Julia married Albert Harling on 11th August 1900 at St Stephens Church, West Bowling, Bradford. Julia was a domestic servant so she may well have met Albert whilst working away from home. The couple were living at 12 Barton Street, Bradford in 1901. Albert worked as an aerated water carter. The couple had a 5 month old daughter named Harriett Ann. Sadly baby Harriett died not long after the 1901 census enumerator had walked the streets of Bradford and recorded her life on his pages. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Hannah aged 20 years old was working as a domestic servant in 1901. She was employed by Mr Job Rhodes and lived with his family at 2 Westgate Colonnade in Bradford. Not long after Hannah married Thomas Binns at Bradford. The couple's first child Henry was born in Bradford in 1902.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Warsop....</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The local employer Staveley Company took on a new project around 1893 when they decided to sink a new coal mining seam at <a href="http://www.warsopvale.org/history2.htm" target="_blank">Warsop</a> in Nottinghamshire. By the mid 1890's the pit was functional and many of the local men from the New Whittington area would have followed the work and moved their families to the newly built cottages in Warsop. A new life working at a new and modern colliery with new homes, would be just what the younger generation of colliers would wish for. The Bennison family were amongst those who were part of this new venture; John, Julia, George and Joseph all moved to live at Warsop.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><em>1911 the eve of WW1....</em></strong><br />
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<strong>James was living with his mother </strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">at 131 High Street, New Whittington. Also in the home were William aged 21 a rope man below ground at Markham Pit, Frank aged 20 years old. There was also a granddaughter named Myra aged 11 years old with the family.</span></strong><br />
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<strong>James was aged 17 years old, he and his brother Frank both worked at the local pit Markham Colliery as pony drivers. 1911 saw changes to the law regarding the care of the <a href="https://www.ncm.org.uk/.../30/Pit_pony_myths_and_misconceptions.pdf" target="_blank">pit ponies</a> and also rose the age a boy could be employed by the mines to 14 years of age. </strong><br />
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<strong>John and Florence were still living in Warsop at 4 Clumber Street. John was now employed as a coal miner. They have four living children and one deceased; George Frederick 9, Cyril 4, Leslie 2 and Nellie 1 year old.</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">George had left the area of New Whittington and was living with his sister Julia and her family at 16 Queen Street, Warsop. George was aged 25 years old, single and employed as a coal miner hewer. Julia's husband Albert worked in the same trade, most likely the family would have worked alongside each other. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The household was a full one; with three adults and five children under 9 years old; George born 1902, Annie born 1904, William born 1906, Myra born 1909 and little Henry aged 7 months born 1910.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Joseph had married May Booth in 1906 (May was the sister of <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/ernest-booth.html" target="_blank">Ernest Booth</a> who lost his life to the war on 15th May 1915). In 1911 Joseph and May were living at 7 Queen Street, Warsop. Joseph worked as a coal miner, they had one young son named after his grandfather and uncle; George Bennison aged 1 year old.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Hannah and her son Henry had returned to New Whittington and were living with William Booth and his two young sons; William 5 and Albert 3 years old. Hannah was described as "<em>house keeper domestic</em>" and "<em>married"</em>. William was single. They lived at 133 High Street, New Whittington, next door to Hannah's mother Mary.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Mary Bennison was working as housekeeper for a 44 year old widowed collier named William Mortiboy. William had 5 children aged between 17 years old and 5 years old, so I am sure that Mary was a valued member of the household. They lived just a few doors away from Joseph at number 14 Queen Street, Warsop.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Harriett Bennison moved away from Chesterfield and married Arthur Sharp in Bradford on 13th March 1909. A year later on 11th May 1910 their baby daughter Nora Benison Sharp was born back in Chesterfield. By 1911 Harriett and her new family had moved to the hustle and bustle of London. Arthur worked at an iron foundry and the family lived in one room at 34 Talbot Grove, Kensington. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><em>James' War....</em></strong><br />
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<strong>James was one of the early recruits to the British Army, he enlisted and received his medical on 29th August 1914. Aged 21 years and 35 days, James was described as "<em>fit</em>" 5 ft 11 1/2 inches, with blue eyes, a fresh complexion and "<em>golden</em>" hair. He was originally posted to the 3rd Lincolnshire Regiment but transferred to the 1st Battalion prior to leaving for France. He was now known as Private 8801.</strong><br />
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<strong>James left England with his battalion on 16th February 1915, arriving in France the next day to join the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F). </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">France 17th February - 23rd July 1916....</span></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life at the front line for James can only be imagined by us 100 years on in 2016, but we can expect, having read contemporary accounts that he was living through hell. This was not the life a young collier would have ever dreamed he would find himself in the midst of.</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>Towards the end of February 1915 James' sister Julia wrote a letter to the war office asking of the whereabouts of her brother. She had received a card from a third party telling her that James was wounded. The War Office carried out some investigations and the 1st Lincolns confirmed that "<em>The Battalion stretcher bearers inform me that he left the dressing station suffering from wounds to the head". </em></strong><strong>James was examined by the doctor on 14th April 1915 and he deduced that the scar was an old scar, it was on the left side of his head and was around 2 inches wide. James stated it came from a fall of stone in the coal mines some 4 years ago. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /><strong>A telling clue as to James' well being can be found within one page in his service records; the page headed <em>"Casualty Form - Active Service". </em>This page is full with entries for James. On 29th March 1915 James was wounded in action. Unfortunately the service records are damaged and so the reason is not entirely legible, however the words "<em>R Knee" </em>can be read. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>A further report although very unclear to read seems to tell that James was transferred to hospital on the night of 26th April 1915 due to "<em>suffering from a self inflicted cut". </em>This cut was to his throat, noted as "<em>self inflicted". </em></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">In August 1915 an investigation was carried out into James' health and the cause if this injury. The final verdict deduced;</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";">(1) intentionally self inflicted</span></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong><em>England 23rd July 1915 - 21st March 1916....</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>On 23rd July 1915 James was transferred to hospital ship and returned to England. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong></strong></span><br />
<strong>James was a patient at the 4th London General Hospital at Denmark Hill, London from 23rd July 1915. They would carry out numerous tests and studies on James to discover his mental stability. </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">James was diagnosed with "<em><a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-shock-of-war-55376701/?no-ist" target="_blank">NEURASTHENIA</a>" </em>commonly known now as shell shock. He was transferred on 17th August 1915 to a specialist unit named Springfield University Hospital in Wandsworth, London. Springfield was a mental hospital built in 1841 in an imposing Tudor style. During WW1 it was renamed <a href="http://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/springfield.html" target="_blank">Springfield War Hospital</a>. Its purpose was to care for men returning from the front with shell shock and mental disturbance.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";">France 22nd March 1916 - 17th July 1916....</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">A statement dated 16th April 1916 states -</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";">"In the absence of any sufficient evidence no disciplinary action will be taken in this case".</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Unfortunately it is not known exactly what happened to James after his admittance to Springfield War Hospital but in March of 1916 he found himself deemed fit enough to return to France. If James had been further disciplined regarding the alleged self inflicted wounds and found guilty he may have found himself court marshalled, found guilty of cowardice James would have been sentenced to death and "shot at dawn". </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></strong>
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>James' part in the Somme offensive....</i></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i><br /></i></span></strong>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>The 1st Lincolnshire Battalion were part of the 62nd Brigade. At 8am on 1st July they left their barracks at Meaulte and began to carry out their orders "<i>to carry S.A.A Mills grenades and Stokes mortar bombs to a dump immediately N. of the EASTERN end of PATCH ALLEY on the SUNKEN ROAD". </i>Their objective appears to have been completed sucessfully as the war dairy goes on to record "<i>At 1.30pm carrying parties proceeded across the open to the first line captured German trenches and hence to the dump".</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>The battalion then returned to the captured German trenches to commence consolidation, but due to the heavy bombardment still being sent over from the British side this task was described as "<i>a very arduous one".</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>At 6pm on that terrible first day James and his comrades were then ordered to move on and reinforce the 64th Brigade at Crucifix Trench and the Sunken Road. On 2nd July the men were able to hold on to the Crucifix Trench despite heavy bombardment throughout the day. By night the enemy fire was quiet and the men were able to "<i>bring in the wounded".</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Further orders were given on 3rd July for the battalion to attack Birch Tree Wood and Shelter Wood. This attack was carried out after they had given the enemy 20 minutes of heavy bombardment. The words of the war diary tell "<i>At 9am our leading platoons left the trench to rush the enemy, and on reaching the ridge in front of the wood, came under heavy machine gun fire from both flanks." </i>For A Company this was devastating and they suffered badly, but B Company who were placed on the right managed to take their objective. At one point in the battle upon reaching the enemy trenches the battalion were surprised to find large numbers of the enemy still dug in, these men attempted to surround the Lincolns, but after some machine fire they were able to capture the area and the German soldiers were taken prisoners. The Birch Tree Wood and Shelter Wood areas were cleared and taken fully, the objective completed. The battalion were relieved and allowed to fall back into the Crucifix Trench.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>The figures for that one days battle were recorded in the war diary as;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i>Officers - killed 3, wounded 6</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i>Other ranks - killed 34, wounded 191, missing 9</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><i>Enemy taken prisoner - 900 men</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>James would be relieved when on 4th July the battalion took the train and left the area to arrive at Ailly-Sur-Somme att 1.15pm. They then marched to billets at Argoeuves where they remained until 7th July. </b></span><b style="font-family: verdana;">On 8th July they were addressed by the Major General D.J Campbell who commended them on their achievements and gallantry.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>The following days saw the men march from village to village, taking a train journey once more they eventually arrived near Mametz Wood on 11th July. Their orders were to clear the wood and on 12th July James and his battalion "<i>proceeded to Strip Trench which was blocked with German dead". </i>It was found later that the enemy had in fact evacuated Mametz Wood and moved on to trenches outside the wood area, however they continued to bombard the Lincolns with heavy shell fire. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>On this day 12th July 1916....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>"<i>other ranks; killed 10, wounded 97, missing 14".</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>James received a gun shot wound to his left shoulder on 12th July 1916. He died 5 days later on 17th July 1916. The dairy for the 13th July tells that the enemy bombardment became so bad that day that at dusk the orders were given to A & B Companies to withdraw from their newly occupied position of Mametz Wood. Shelling continued until day break on 14th July when it settled down and it became safe for the battalion to colelct their wounded from inside Mametz Wood. </strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">James is buried at the Daours Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. His grave reference number is 1 B 6. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">His grave shows the sign of the cross, with no other comments added by his family. </span></strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">James was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 15 Star for his service.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">James' personal posessions were forward on to his sister Julia Harling in October 1916. The package would signify the end to her baby brothers suffering and any hope that the Bennison family could welcome the young man home into their safe environment ever again. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">James' death was reported in the Derbyshire Times dates 12th August 1916 page 4. It included a photo of James in which he looks such a young boy. The obituary reads as follows....</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>"A third victim is Pte. James Benison (sic),</i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>also of High Street, New Whittington, who died in </i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>hospital in France of wounds received in the recent </i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>offensive on the 17th July.</i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i><br /></i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>He joined the Lincolns about two years ago, and had</i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>twice been wounded. He was 23 years of age and had </i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>been in France on the last occasion just six months.</i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i><br /></i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>His brother George Henry, was killed a short </i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>time ago, and two other brothers are in the fighting </i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>line in France. His sister, Mrs Booth is hoping</i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>to hear fuller particulars of his death."</i></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></div>
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Life went on....</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Mary Bennison</u>, George's mother had died in 1914 aged 58 years old. In some ways a blessing for Mary as she would not live to witness the horror and turmoil that the Great War had on her beloved family.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>John Thomas Benison</u> and his wife Florence remained living in Warsop. In 1939 he was still living at 4 Clumber Street, Warsop however he was a widow. John died in 1947 aged 72 years old.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Julia</u> and her husband Albert had at least three more children; Gwendoline Mary born 1912, Mary Ann born 1914 and Margaret born 1916.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Albert joined the <a href="http://www.1914-1918.net/notts.htm" target="_blank">17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters</a>, known as the Welbeck Rangers in July 1915. He was private 28205. He was discharged in September 1917 as "<em>no longer physically fit for service"</em> and awarded the Victory, British and Silver War Medal.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Julia was the recipient of both of her deceased brother's (George and James Bennison) war pensions. However, she died not too long after the brothers in 1929, she was only 51 years old. What became of her husband Albert Harling is not known - I have not been able to find any local death for him.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Joseph </u>and May continued to reside in Warsop. They had four more children; Ernest 1913, Miriam 1915, James 1917 and May 1921. Joseph may have died in 1948 and May in 1960, however these dates have not been confirmed with death certificate proof on my part.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Joseph and May would have felt the harsh reality of war, having lost three siblings between them; <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/ernest-booth.html" target="_blank">Ernest Booth</a>, George Bennison and James Bennison.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong><u>Hannah Bennison</u> may have emigrated to Canada. However further information is needed to confirm this is correct. </strong><strong>Hannah Binns was noted as living at New Whittington in June 1919 (according to service records of James Bennison). </strong><strong>A Hannah Binns married William Booth (brother of Ernest Booth above) in 1928 at Chesterfield. Hannah was living with William in 1911, did she return to England after Thomas Binns died? or did she part ways with Thomas and return home? </strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Mary Bennison</u> has not been located after the 1911 census.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><u>George Henry Bennison</u> </strong><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Private 28206, was wounded in action on 19th April 1916. He died 4 days later on 23rd April 1916 of his injuries sustained.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">His death was reported in the Derbyshire Times the following month, 13th May 1916 page 8. The article tells that George was "<em>30 years of age, a finely built fellow". </em>It states that George had joined the Army 10 months ago (around June 1915) and had been in France just over 7 weeks. He was enlisted with the Sherwood Foresters but had recently been transferred to the Royal Engineers. He died of his wounds on Easter Sunday 1916.</span></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>George's story can be read <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/george-henry-bennison.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Harriett</u> and Arthur Sharp had lived in London at the outbreak of WW1. They had two more children by now; Albert Arthur born 1st December 1911 and Constance Mary born 9th October 1913. From the places of birth of the two children the family must have moved around London; Bloomsbury and Deptford respectively. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Arthur joined the Kings Royal Rifle Brigade in December 1915. He was noted as being a "skilled craftsman" (his previous employment was as an aluminium moulder) and so in March of 1916 he was transferred to the Royal Engineers, Sapper 145992. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Something went wrong for Arthur and in November 1916 he was discharged as being no longer fit for service. The reason given was "<em>insane soldier</em>". The notes in the service records go on to state that the insanity was not caused by military service and that Arthur had not served abroad. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">What became of Arthur is not known but Harriett married again on 9th February 1918, described as a Widow. She married a soldier named Henry James Prew at Camden, London. The family emigrated to New Zealand to start a new life, Henry was a labourer. In 1928 Harriett and Henry were living at Johnston Street, Foxton, Manawatu, Wanganui. Harriett died in 1967, she still lived in Manawatu. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>William Bennison</u> married Emily Booth on 4th August 1914. Just three weeks later on 29th August 1914 he enlisted to the Leicestershire Regiment. Private 12230, he was posted to Aldershot on 5th September but discharged medically unfit on 14th September 1914. He was recorded as suffering from "chronic blepharitis" which would mean that William had irritation to his eyes, this would cause a great deal of problems in the field of war.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Patriotically, on 7th January 1915 William tried to enlist once more. He went into Chesterfield and enlisted with the 3rd Battalion Sherwood Foresters, Private 22035. Unfortunately for William yet again he was discharged on 10th March 1915; recorded as "<em>not likely to become an efficient soldier"</em>. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">William may have died in 1921 aged just 31 years old. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Frank Bennison</u> worked as a collier prior to the outbreak of WW1. On 3rd September 1914, aged 22 years old, he enlisted with the 7th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. Private 14274, he was posted to Aldershot to carry out his basic training and on 29th July 1915 he was to join the B.E.F in France where he remained until 12th March 1916 when he returned to England. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Frank would have been in England when he received the sad news that his elder brother George had been killed in action. Having witnessed the terrible sights of war we can only begin to imagine the feelings Frank would feel over the coming months and years. Not long after on 7th July 1916 he was posted once again in France until 4th September 1916. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">In October 1917 Frank was transferred to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Defence_Corps" target="_blank">Royal Defence Corps</a>. According to his service records Frank remained on home turf but was not discharged until 1st April 1919. He was discharged on medical terms as he was suffering from chronic symptoms in both of his knees, which he had sustained as a result of an injury in France in 1916. Frank would have been placed with the Royal Defence Corps due to his injuries and medical problems; his role would have been to guard the areas on home soil that may be a target for the enemy.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Frank returned to civilian life, working at Welbeck Colliery in Mansfield. He sustained a further injury in December 1919 when falling coal caused fractures in his right foot. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Frank may not have settled into the ordinary life of the 1920's England as in March 1920 he applied to join the Grenadier Guards. From the basic information on his service records he was discharged later that month, most likely from his disabilities due to his previous injuries to his knees and right foot.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Frank died in Mansfield in 1932, he was aged just 40 years old. Whether he married and had any children is unknown at this time.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></strong>
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">A cousin named Joseph Benison also lost his life to the Great War on 15th September 1916. Joseph was a local lad living in Staveley prior to the outbreak of war. He served with the 10th Battalion Cameronians and is remembered on the Staveley War Memorial. His story can be read </span></strong><a href="https://staveleyremembers.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/benison-joseph-life.pdf" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">here</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*****</span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on James Bennison or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</strong></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</strong></span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"> Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I have written this blog in the spelling BENNISON as is on the St Barnabas Memorial, it will be noted that it was possibly spelt incorrectly as most other sources use the spelling BENISON.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal rolls</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - Derbyshire Times 12th August 1916 page 4</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece 2154 / 1; 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment - November 1915 to March 1919</span></span></div>
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Pony boys and life down the pit<br />
<a href="http://www.staffspasttrack.org.uk/exhibit/coal/miners%20lives/pitboys.htm">http://www.staffspasttrack.org.uk/exhibit/coal/miners%20lives/pitboys.htm</a><br />
<br />
National Coal Mining Museum information click <a href="https://www.ncm.org.uk/.../30/Pit_pony_myths_and_misconceptions.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.ncm.org.uk/downloads/31/Pit_pony_overview.pdf" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br />
Shell Shock and WW1</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://beyondthetrenches.co.uk/the-other-war-dead-asylum-patients-during-the-first-world-war/">http://beyondthetrenches.co.uk/the-other-war-dead-asylum-patients-during-the-first-world-war/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.history.ac.uk/reviews/review/488">http://www.history.ac.uk/reviews/review/488</a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-shock-of-war-55376701/?no-ist" target="_blank">http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-shock-of-war-55376701/?no-ist</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Springfield War Hospital - <a href="http://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/springfield.html">http://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/springfield.html</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Lincolnshire Regiment <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Lincolnshire_Regiment" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Lincolnshire_Regiment</a></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Welbeck Rangers)</h4>
<h4 align="left">
<a href="http://www.1914-1918.net/notts.htm">http://www.1914-1918.net/notts.htm</a><br />
<br />
Royal Engineers<br />
<a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-corps-of-royal-engineers-in-the-first-world-war/">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-corps-of-royal-engineers-in-the-first-world-war/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-corps-of-royal-engineers-in-the-first-world-war/tunnelling-companies-of-the-royal-engineers-underground-warfare/">http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-corps-of-royal-engineers-in-the-first-world-war/tunnelling-companies-of-the-royal-engineers-underground-warfare/</a><br />
<br />
Warsop Colliery - <br />
<a href="http://www.nottshistory.org.uk/mansfieldchurches/warsop1.htm">http://www.nottshistory.org.uk/mansfieldchurches/warsop1.htm</a><br />
<a href="http://www.warsopvale.org/history2.htm">http://www.warsopvale.org/history2.htm</a><br />
<a href="http://www.oldminer.co.uk/warsop.html">http://www.oldminer.co.uk/warsop.html</a></h4>
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</h4>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03474162313074197397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346493952456323454.post-68988186628781878372016-07-14T21:15:00.000+01:002018-08-10T10:33:57.787+01:00GEORGE EDWARD PRATT<h4 style="text-align: center;">
GEORGE EDWARD PRATT</h4>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Private 1487</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
6th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Killed in action - 14th July 1916</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George Edward Pratt was the first son of George and Elizabeth Pratt. He was born in Seaforth, Lancashire around 1889. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George's father was from Bedfordshire but along with his parents and siblings he had moved to the Chesterfield area by 1881. The men of the family were employed by the collieries so it is most likely that they followed the work to the Derbyshire coal mines. He married Elizabeth Clayton in 1888, she was from Barrow-On-Soar, Leicestershire. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It may well be that George snr was working in Seaforth, Lancashire when George Edward was born. On the 1891 census George Edward and his parents were living at 166 Sheffield Road, in the Whittington Moor area of Chesterfield. George snr was employed as a general labourer.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>By 1901 the family had moved again to live on Queen Street in Brimington. George snr was now working as a furnace labourer at the iron works. George Edward was 11 years old by now, his 2 year old cousin Robert Pratt was also staying with the family at this time.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>There appears to be a large gap between George's birth and his siblings arrival, but in 1906 another baby boy was born to George snr and Elizabeth; named Charles Sydney sadly this baby died later that same year. Next came Clarence Sidney, he was known by his middle name of Sidney, born 1907. Another son named Leonard was born on 22nd August 1908. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1911 the eve of WW1....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>On the 1911 census we find George and his family are living at 39 Queen Street, Brimington. George had found worthy employment as a porter for <a href="http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/" target="_blank">Great Central Railway Company</a>. George would have been lucky to have gained the opportunity to work and progress in a railway industry, the work was reputable and hopefully George would have progressed up the career ladder. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Wedding bells....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George married his sweetheart Gladys Heeley at Whittington on 24th March 1913. Gladys was born in New Whittington in 1895, the daughter of coal miner Thomas and his wife Alice Heeley. George was working as a furnaceman at the time, he was 23 years old, Gladys was 18. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George and Gladys soon had their own little family when on 23rd January 1914 a son named George Thomas was born. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George's war....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George's service records have survived however they are fairly damaged. The records state that George enlisted on 18th October 1911, his occupation was "<i>Railway Servant" </i>for Midland Railways. He was a member of the <a href="http://www.1914-1918.net/tf.htm" target="_blank">Territorial Force</a>, which was a "part-time" army. He had joined at Staveley Town and had signed up to provide home defence, the soldiers were not signed up to undertake service overseas. They were nick-named the "<i>Saturday night soldiers". </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>At the time of enlisting George was 5 ft. 6 inches tall and described as “<i><span style="color: #44546a; mso-themecolor: text2;">fit for the territorial force</span>”
</i>on completing his medical. George
had served 3 years and 133 days home service before he left for France on 28<sup>th</sup>
February 1915. As war was declared the territorial
battalions were at their summer camp, they were immediately returned to home
base. For George, this would be at
Chesterfield, the Victoria Drill Hall on Saltergate, where they were to
assemble. As a territorial soldier, George
was given the option at this time to either volunteer for overseas service or
remain on home service.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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</b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George chose the former, and so Private 1487 left
his wife and young son to fight for his countries freedom.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>1915....</em></span></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">In the begining of 1915 the men were trained and stationed at Hallingbury Park. On 19th February 1915 the "<em>eve of their departure</em> <em>to the continent"</em> they received a very special guest "<em>His Majesty the King" </em>arrived to inspect the Division and offer encouragement for the men. H.M also officially changed the name of the regiment from the "<em>Notts & Derbys Infantry Brigade</em>" to the "<em>6th Sherwood Foresters Brigade". </em></span></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">An early start on 25th February saw two trains leave Braintree to embark on the "<em>Maidan"</em> at Southampton. They arrived in Le Havre and were fitted out with new coats and supplies before they marched to their billets at Cassel on 28th February.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The battalion spent the coming months moving from trench to billets around France and Belgium. They were commended for their kindness in early May when a worn out Canadian Infantry Brigade happened to march past them. The 6th Sherwood Forester band struck up their instruments and marched alongside them, playing cheering music along the way. Major Victor Odlum wrote in a memorandum "<em>The music, at such a time and in such a place was quite a novelty; but it was just the thing wanted. Our men were nearly all in. The music backed them up at once." "May I say, that I consider this the most striking instance of thoughtful kindness with which we have met since we set out on the campaign".</em></span></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Daily Telegraph - May 1915</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The act of kindness also made the national newspapers when Captain George Gibson of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade wrote to the Daily Telegraph to thank the 6th Sherwoods. He wrote how his battalion were marching away from Ypres, "<em>having been up the Hill for six days and had left more behind us than we cared to contemplate". </em>He wrote how the music played for about 20 minutes; "<em>behind us were the guns rumbling in the distance, above us the stars, below us cobble stones, but all around us was the music".</em></span></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">In July the battalion were stationed at <a href="http://www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/flanders/sanctuary_wood.html" target="_blank">Sanctuary Wood</a> near Ypres. On 19th July the war diary records "<em>Hooge mine exploded, heavy bombardment</em>". Later that month on 30th July the Germans first used their "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamethrower" target="_blank">flame thrower</a>" at Hooge. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "verdana";">September and October of 1915 saw the battalion take part in the <a href="http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battle-of-loos/" target="_blank">Battle of Loos</a>; George would have been present at some of the most fierce and momentous events of World War 1. </span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1916.... </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 1st January 1916 George and his comrades were at Isbergues near Marseilles in France. The war diary notes "<em>observed as a holiday throughout the brigade". </em>On 14th January they were camped at Boreli Camp and the 97% of the battalion received their vaccinations.</span></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>The 1st/6th Battalion were at Mont St Eloy when on 16th March 1916 143 men were drafted as reinforcements. One of these men was local New Whittington man <a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/harry-straw.html" target="_blank">Harry Straw</a>. On 31st March a further 122 other ranks arrived, the battalions Lewis guns had arrived also a few days earlier. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b><br /></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 16th April the battalion received orders to explode two mines that night; Birkin and Grange. This order was carried out and the mines were successfully exploded during the night of 16th into 17th April. Two men were killed and 3 wounded in this exercise.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">May 1916 saw the beginning of preparations for the Somme offensive. George and his battalion were given practice in carrying out a smoke attack on 2nd May. On 6th May they marched to billets at Ivergny and then on to Humbercamps the following day. For the week commencing 10th May until 18th May the battalion were set to work digging communication trenches at Fonquevillers. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">On 19th May 1916 George and his comrades would relieve the 6th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment in the trenches, where the battalion remained until 27th May when they were relieved by the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">June 1916 saw George spending time in and out of the trenches, marching and digging. The end of June was particularly wet and the was diary on the 24th June notes "<i>every man wet through & covered with mud from digging". </i>On 30th June they were at Fonquevillers "<i>preparatory to attack on German trenches".</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>The Battle of the Somme....</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">George and his comrades were part of the 139th Brigade, on the 1st July 1916 they <i>"attacked on a front from N.E corner of Gommecourt Wood". </i>The war diary tells that the plan was to attack the German trenches under partial cover of smoke, but owing to the heavy rain that had preceded the event the "<i>very muddy state of our own trenches, part of 4th wave greater part of 5th & 7th (....) carrying companies could not get away before smoke lifted, and all attempts to advance by these and 6th A & B Coys were met by heavy artillery and machine gun barrage. The attack therefore failed with heavy losses to assaulting Battns, but the main object was achieved of containing enemy forces near Gommecourt." </i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The men were relieved that evening by the 8th Sherwood Foresters. The diary gives the total casualties as 170 men.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The following days were spent marching from village to village, drafts of reinforcements joined the brigade. On the 8th and 9th July the battalion were carrying gas accessories to the trenches. On the night of the 11th July into the morning of the 12th July the battalion relieved the 5th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment in the trenches at Bailleulmont. The dairy then misses three days until 15th when it states that some of the companies were relieved.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Private 1487 George Edward Pratt was recorded as being killed in action on 14th July 1916. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George was 26 years old when he lost his life, he left a young wife and a 2 year old son. He is buried at Bellacourt Military Cemetery, Riviere, France. Grave ref I.F 5</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>His grave is marked with a CWGC stone and includes the inscription chosen by his beloved wife Gladys May Pratt....</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Though lost to sight, </i></b></span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>to memory ever dear"</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: verdana;">George was awarded the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and 15 Star for his service.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George's death was reported in the Derbyshire Times dated 22nd July 1916 page 8. It included a photo of a very smart George in his civilian clothes, with shirt and tie. The obituary reads as follows ....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<i>Private G.E. Pratt of Brimington, attached to the Sherwood </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Foresters, has been killed, the sad information</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>having been conveyed to his wife by</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Lieut. Col. Goodman who stated that Pratt</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>was killed on the 14th instant.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Private Pratt was a member of the Territorials</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>and has gone through a lot of heavy fighting.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>He was 27 (sic) years of age and leaves a widow and one child."</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>*age may be wrong</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Life went on....</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Gladys May Pratt</u> George's wife lived at 41 Queen Street,Brimington next door to George's parents at number 39. In 1920 she remarried, Edwin Hextall was a widower who's wife Minnie had died in 1918. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Gladys and Edwin were still living at 41 Queens Street, Brimington in 1939. Edwin died in 1962. Gladys lived on until 1988, she died aged 93 years old. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>George Thomas</u> married Ethel Duroe in 1939. Not long after the marriage George and his new bride were recorded on the 1939 Register; he was working as a clerk for a wagon company. They lived at 29 Troughbrook Road, Staveley at the time. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George and Ethel had a son and a daughter. Ethel died in 1992 and George died in 2000.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>George & Elizabeth</u> George's parents remained in Brimington at least until the early years after WW1, living at 39 Queen Street. George snr died in 1926 aged 75 years old. I have not been able to locate a possible death for Elizabeth Pratt.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Clarence Sidney Pratt</u> may have married Ada Holmes in 1932. He died at the young age of 40 years old in 1947.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Leonard Pratt</u> also married in 1932, to Edith Parkes. In 1939 Leonard and Edith were living at 30 North Crescent, Staveley. Leonard died in 1968 aged 60 years old. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>George was one of many local men who also served with the 1st/6th Battalion; fellow comrades also named on the St Barnabas Memorial are;</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/abraham-longden-savage.html" target="_blank">Abraham Longden Savage </a></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/harry-straw.html" target="_blank">Harry Straw</a></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://fallenheroesww1.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/john-arthur-andrews.html" target="_blank">John Arthur Andrews</a></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Bernard Millington</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">*****</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on George Pratt or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.</strong></span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></em></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><i>If you are descendant of the Pratt family and would like to add your own family "story" then please do feel free to contact me.</i></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.</strong></span></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources. Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><span style="font-family: "times";">Ref and further reading</span></u><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> -</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Census</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Parish registers</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Medal rolls</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Soldiers who died in the Great war</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Register of soldiers effects</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Newspaper articles - Derbyshire Times 22nd July 1916 page 8</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times";">CWGC </span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">http://www.cwgc</a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a></span><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.or/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.o/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc./"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc/"></a><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="http://www.cwgc.org/">.org</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">War diaries - Piece 2694/1; 1/6th Sherwood Forester Regiment Feb 1915 to June 1919.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">1st/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters Battalion - <a href="http://www.1914-1918.net/notts.htm" target="_blank">http://www.1914-1918.net/notts.htm</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Great Central Railway Company - /<a href="http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/</a></span></span><br />
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