Battle of Menin Road by Septimus Power 1917.
A remarkable number of men appear to have died in England at the beginning of the year. Conscription was introduced in 1916, and perhaps the combination of standards for recruits and for training may have resulted in increased accidents or instances of illness. At least six men died of illness, many of them prior to service overseas. Two men tragically died of accidents. This year also witnessed more fighting in Mesopotamia, Greece, and the dreadful campaigns on the Western Front at Arras and Ypres. The third battle of Ypres, culminating in the Passschendaele actions, claimed far too many lives in the Autumn.
Mesopotamia
The fighting which claimed several lives in the Spring of 1916 returned at the beginning of 1917 as the British captured Baghdad on March 11th. The strategic importance of Kut-el-Amarah related to its location on the confluence of the Shatt-el-Hai and Tigris rivers. The city was captured on on February 24th. Five men from Bedwyn died in Mesopotamia, most of them in the first two months of the year.
Private Bailey 13 January 1917
Henry Charles Bailey was born in Burbage, and he was the son of Charles Bailey and Louisa Underwood of Burbage. His father was born in Marlborough and was described in 1891 as a baker and grocer. His mother was born in Manningford Bruce. They were married in Burbage in 1886, and the bride was living in Milton at that time.
Henry Bailey enlisted in the Wiltshire Regiment in early 1915, and served with the 5th Battalion. The battalion was part of Kitchener’s New Army, and first went overseas to Gallipoli. In January 1916, it was transferred to Mesopotamia, and remained there for the duration of the war.
During the abortive attempts to relieve the siege of Kut in the spring of 1916, Henry Bailey was wounded. His battalion spent the remainder of the year at Amarah, as the new British commander in Mesopotamia, General Maude, concentrated on rebuilding the British army rather than in conducting offensive operations. However in December, the British advanced towards Kut with the ultimate aim of capturing Baghdad.
The men of the 5th battalion moved out of bivouac on January 10th, and their main activity was the creation of the Emperor trench and the extension of the Hai street trench. These trenches were part of a series of saps designed to minimise casualties, and were made in preparation for an assault on Turkish positions on the Hai river. This assault was made on January 25th 1917, and the 5th battalion suffered heavy casualties. However, Henry Bailey died nearly two weeks before this battle, during the construction of these trenches. On the day that he died, his battalion enjoyed a relatively quiet day:
“Improvement of [Emperor] trenches. During night B Coy dug communication trench from Battalion HdQrs to Brigade HdQrs”
There was no fighting, but even so, six men were killed and 23 men were wounded by January 13th. Henry Bailey was one of the 23 wounded. He would have endured a horrendous journey of over 65 miles by boat to Amarah, where several hospitals were located. He may have reached Amarah, or he may have succumbed to his wounds en route.
Henry Bailey is buried in the Amarah War Cemetery, grave XXV. This is a collective grave containing 67 men. He was 24 years old when he died. He is also remembered on the war memorial in Burbage churchyard, and on a brass plaque inside the church.
The fighting which claimed several lives in the Spring of 1916 returned at the beginning of 1917 as the British captured Baghdad on March 11th. The strategic importance of Kut-el-Amarah related to its location on the confluence of the Shatt-el-Hai and Tigris rivers. The city was captured on on February 24th. Five men from Bedwyn died in Mesopotamia, most of them in the first two months of the year.
Private Bailey 13 January 1917
Henry Charles Bailey was born in Burbage, and he was the son of Charles Bailey and Louisa Underwood of Burbage. His father was born in Marlborough and was described in 1891 as a baker and grocer. His mother was born in Manningford Bruce. They were married in Burbage in 1886, and the bride was living in Milton at that time.
Henry Bailey enlisted in the Wiltshire Regiment in early 1915, and served with the 5th Battalion. The battalion was part of Kitchener’s New Army, and first went overseas to Gallipoli. In January 1916, it was transferred to Mesopotamia, and remained there for the duration of the war.
During the abortive attempts to relieve the siege of Kut in the spring of 1916, Henry Bailey was wounded. His battalion spent the remainder of the year at Amarah, as the new British commander in Mesopotamia, General Maude, concentrated on rebuilding the British army rather than in conducting offensive operations. However in December, the British advanced towards Kut with the ultimate aim of capturing Baghdad.
The men of the 5th battalion moved out of bivouac on January 10th, and their main activity was the creation of the Emperor trench and the extension of the Hai street trench. These trenches were part of a series of saps designed to minimise casualties, and were made in preparation for an assault on Turkish positions on the Hai river. This assault was made on January 25th 1917, and the 5th battalion suffered heavy casualties. However, Henry Bailey died nearly two weeks before this battle, during the construction of these trenches. On the day that he died, his battalion enjoyed a relatively quiet day:
“Improvement of [Emperor] trenches. During night B Coy dug communication trench from Battalion HdQrs to Brigade HdQrs”
There was no fighting, but even so, six men were killed and 23 men were wounded by January 13th. Henry Bailey was one of the 23 wounded. He would have endured a horrendous journey of over 65 miles by boat to Amarah, where several hospitals were located. He may have reached Amarah, or he may have succumbed to his wounds en route.
Henry Bailey is buried in the Amarah War Cemetery, grave XXV. This is a collective grave containing 67 men. He was 24 years old when he died. He is also remembered on the war memorial in Burbage churchyard, and on a brass plaque inside the church.
Weymouth
Corporal Scammell 14 January 1917
Maurice Frederick Scammell was born in Shalbourne in 1901, and baptised in April. He was the son of Frederick Scammell and Catherine Noad of 147 Beatrice Street in Swindon. His father was a police constable, and in 1915 he was stationed with the Wiltshire Constabulary in Burbage. In September 1916, he was pensioned due to ill health, and left Burbage to get lighter work in Swindon. Two other sons were in the army, and all of them were in the church choir before they were called up.
Maurice Scammell enlisted with the Wiltshire Regiment, probably at Marlborough. At the time of his death, he was posted to the 3rd Battalion. This battalion was responsible for training men to join other battalions overseas, and also performed home defence duties. His grave registration document records that Maurice Scammell died of accidental injuries. He was fatally injured in a car accident near Bincombe camp:
"On the evening of Sunday January 14th 1917 at about 8:40, Maurice and two companions left the camp walking in the direction of Preston, then a small hamlet, on the north eastern edge of Weymouth. The trio were walking three abreast in a dark unlit road when they heard the sound of a motor horn behind them. His companions jumped to the right, Maurice to the left and straight into the path of the motor car. As was pointed out by one of his companions at the subsequent inquest, Maurice had reacted as if he was still in France"
He was taken to Princess Christian hospital in Weymouth, where he died at 10.00pm. Sadly Maurice Scammell was not the only 16 year to die during the Great War, but he was almost certainly the youngest to enlist from the Bedwyn parishes.
It is curious that he was a corporal at his young age. He attested on May 25th 1915, when he had hardly passed his fourteenth birthday. He must have given a very convincing performance to successfully volunteer at such an age. His mother apparently petitioned for his release from the army. In the absence of any surviving records, it may be assumed that he saw service in France before being recalled to England. The witness evidence at his inquest suggests that this might have been so. The army may have decided that he was out of harm's way at a training camp, and decided to put his skills to use as an instructor, rather than let him go home.
Corporal Scammell 14 January 1917
Maurice Frederick Scammell was born in Shalbourne in 1901, and baptised in April. He was the son of Frederick Scammell and Catherine Noad of 147 Beatrice Street in Swindon. His father was a police constable, and in 1915 he was stationed with the Wiltshire Constabulary in Burbage. In September 1916, he was pensioned due to ill health, and left Burbage to get lighter work in Swindon. Two other sons were in the army, and all of them were in the church choir before they were called up.
Maurice Scammell enlisted with the Wiltshire Regiment, probably at Marlborough. At the time of his death, he was posted to the 3rd Battalion. This battalion was responsible for training men to join other battalions overseas, and also performed home defence duties. His grave registration document records that Maurice Scammell died of accidental injuries. He was fatally injured in a car accident near Bincombe camp:
"On the evening of Sunday January 14th 1917 at about 8:40, Maurice and two companions left the camp walking in the direction of Preston, then a small hamlet, on the north eastern edge of Weymouth. The trio were walking three abreast in a dark unlit road when they heard the sound of a motor horn behind them. His companions jumped to the right, Maurice to the left and straight into the path of the motor car. As was pointed out by one of his companions at the subsequent inquest, Maurice had reacted as if he was still in France"
He was taken to Princess Christian hospital in Weymouth, where he died at 10.00pm. Sadly Maurice Scammell was not the only 16 year to die during the Great War, but he was almost certainly the youngest to enlist from the Bedwyn parishes.
It is curious that he was a corporal at his young age. He attested on May 25th 1915, when he had hardly passed his fourteenth birthday. He must have given a very convincing performance to successfully volunteer at such an age. His mother apparently petitioned for his release from the army. In the absence of any surviving records, it may be assumed that he saw service in France before being recalled to England. The witness evidence at his inquest suggests that this might have been so. The army may have decided that he was out of harm's way at a training camp, and decided to put his skills to use as an instructor, rather than let him go home.
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Maurice Scammell is buried in Melcombe Regis Cemetery, plot IIIC 2768. He was 16 years of age. The grave has inscribed 'Peace Perfect Peace'. He is also remembered on the war memorial in Burbage churchyard. The Reverend Hubert Sands, vicar of Burbage, wrote of him:
"THE WHOLE VILLAGE will sympathize with Mr and Mrs Scammell in the death of their third son Maurice Scammell, through an accident at Weymouth. He was formerly a server in the choir, and a fine and promising youth. Though under 16, he was Corporal in the 3rd Wilts. May he by the mercy of God rest in peace" [Burbage parish magazine February 1917. Burbage 1914] [ Thank you for contribution of David Gardner who provided much information concerning Maurice Scammell ] |
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Mesopotamia
Sergeant Hoare 16 February 1917
William John Hoare was born in Tidcombe, and he was the son of William and Elizabeth Hoare. According to the 1915 Kelly’s Directory, Mrs Elizabeth Hoare was the sub-postmistress at Fosbury post office.
William John Hoare enlisted with the Wiltshire regiment and served in the 5th battalion.
Following the successful battle to capture the Ottoman positions on the Hai river [ 25 January - 4 February 1917], the British captured a second position, known as the Dahra Bend on February 16.
On 16 February the battalion was at the Dahrah bend :
“Battalion relieved and marched back to R19, at 6p.m a thunderstorm of extraordinary violence broke over the camp, huge hailstones descended with great force and in a very short time the whole area was flooded”
There is no indication that William Hoare was killed in action. In the previous days, the battalion had been involved in improving trenches and some 25 men were involved with bombing parties. One man was killed and 32 men were wounded between February 13 and February 16th; William Hoare may have been one of the wounded and may have died either at Amara or during the journey there.
William Hoare was 25 years old when he was killed. He is buried in the Amara War Cemetery, grave 14EC33. He is also remembered on the war memorial in Fosbury.
Private Almond 21 February 1917
Charles Henry Almond was born at Notting Hill Gate, London. His parents were Charles Almond [b1850] and Ann Maria, nee Gilbert [1850 - 1934], and they married in Kensington in 1874. Ann Almond was a widow by 1901, and she was living with her brother, Elijah Gilbert, at 208 Wilton. He was a labourer in the Dodsdown brickworks, and she was a domestic housekeeper. In 1901 and 1911, Charles Almond was a farm labourer in Wilton.
Charles Almond enlisted with the Wiltshire regiment and served in the 5th battalion. His army number was 24604.
Charles Almond was probably wounded before 16th February when the battalion was pulled out of line at the Dahrah bend, and at the time that William John Hoare may have been fatally wounded. In the days preceding his death, the men of the battalion were involved in creating a diversion to deceive the enemy at Shumram:
“20th, 21st and 22nd On River picquet duty. Enemy sniping from direction of Kut. During nights of 21st and 22nd Battn made demonstration at Licorice Factory in order to make enemy believe that a crossing would be attempted from there. The bund was cut it being built up again later and a line of burgees raised, leading towards R19. In addition empty A.T. Carts were led up and down under cover of darkness and planks, bridging material and etc's unloaded and reloaded, a little bridging material being partially hidden just sufficiently to be observed by an enemy aeroplane during daylight. On the night of the 22nd splashing noises were made at the waters edge. From information received from Corps, the enemy was entirely deceived”
Charles Henry Almond was 40 years of age when he died. He was buried at the Shaikh Saad Old Cemetery in 1917, but after the war his grave was lost. In 1933, all of the cemetery headstones were removed as salt in the soils caused great deterioration in the stone. His name is now remembered at the Amara Memorial, Panel 38 XVIII. His name is also on the war memorial at East Grafton churchyard.
The British captured Kut el Amara, the scene of their humiliation in 1916, on 24 February 1917.
Sergeant Hoare 16 February 1917
William John Hoare was born in Tidcombe, and he was the son of William and Elizabeth Hoare. According to the 1915 Kelly’s Directory, Mrs Elizabeth Hoare was the sub-postmistress at Fosbury post office.
William John Hoare enlisted with the Wiltshire regiment and served in the 5th battalion.
Following the successful battle to capture the Ottoman positions on the Hai river [ 25 January - 4 February 1917], the British captured a second position, known as the Dahra Bend on February 16.
On 16 February the battalion was at the Dahrah bend :
“Battalion relieved and marched back to R19, at 6p.m a thunderstorm of extraordinary violence broke over the camp, huge hailstones descended with great force and in a very short time the whole area was flooded”
There is no indication that William Hoare was killed in action. In the previous days, the battalion had been involved in improving trenches and some 25 men were involved with bombing parties. One man was killed and 32 men were wounded between February 13 and February 16th; William Hoare may have been one of the wounded and may have died either at Amara or during the journey there.
William Hoare was 25 years old when he was killed. He is buried in the Amara War Cemetery, grave 14EC33. He is also remembered on the war memorial in Fosbury.
Private Almond 21 February 1917
Charles Henry Almond was born at Notting Hill Gate, London. His parents were Charles Almond [b1850] and Ann Maria, nee Gilbert [1850 - 1934], and they married in Kensington in 1874. Ann Almond was a widow by 1901, and she was living with her brother, Elijah Gilbert, at 208 Wilton. He was a labourer in the Dodsdown brickworks, and she was a domestic housekeeper. In 1901 and 1911, Charles Almond was a farm labourer in Wilton.
Charles Almond enlisted with the Wiltshire regiment and served in the 5th battalion. His army number was 24604.
Charles Almond was probably wounded before 16th February when the battalion was pulled out of line at the Dahrah bend, and at the time that William John Hoare may have been fatally wounded. In the days preceding his death, the men of the battalion were involved in creating a diversion to deceive the enemy at Shumram:
“20th, 21st and 22nd On River picquet duty. Enemy sniping from direction of Kut. During nights of 21st and 22nd Battn made demonstration at Licorice Factory in order to make enemy believe that a crossing would be attempted from there. The bund was cut it being built up again later and a line of burgees raised, leading towards R19. In addition empty A.T. Carts were led up and down under cover of darkness and planks, bridging material and etc's unloaded and reloaded, a little bridging material being partially hidden just sufficiently to be observed by an enemy aeroplane during daylight. On the night of the 22nd splashing noises were made at the waters edge. From information received from Corps, the enemy was entirely deceived”
Charles Henry Almond was 40 years of age when he died. He was buried at the Shaikh Saad Old Cemetery in 1917, but after the war his grave was lost. In 1933, all of the cemetery headstones were removed as salt in the soils caused great deterioration in the stone. His name is now remembered at the Amara Memorial, Panel 38 XVIII. His name is also on the war memorial at East Grafton churchyard.
The British captured Kut el Amara, the scene of their humiliation in 1916, on 24 February 1917.
Ogbourne St. Andrew
Private Angell 22 February 1917
George Angell was born in Ogbourne St. Andrew, and he was the son of George and Rhoda Angell of Ogbourne St. George. The parents were living in Mildenhall parish in 1911. However, George Angell was living with his wife, Elizabeth Sarah Angell, and daughter, Elizabeth Rhoda, at Crabtree cottages near Savernake Lodge. He was employed as a carter on a farm.
He enlisted with the Wiltshire regiment in January 1915, and he served with the 1st battalion. His army number was 18390. In early 1917, he was returned to England, and admitted to Edmonton Military hospital in Middlesex "following an illness brought on from two years of active service at the front". His experience on the Western front would have included the Somme campaign and Ypres. Sadly he did not survive.
Two younger brothers were killed during the war. James Angell was a regular soldier in the 1st battalion, the Wiltshire regiment. He was sadly killed on the Western Front in May 1915.
Robert Angell died of enteric fever in India. He had enlisted with the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was stationed near Poona. He was originally buried in Neemuch cemetery, but he was moved to Kirkee cemetery in 1925. He now has no known grave. Robert died on 19 February 1917, two days before the death of George. It was a heavy price for the Angell family to pay.
“The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori” [Wilfred Owen]
Private Angell 22 February 1917
George Angell was born in Ogbourne St. Andrew, and he was the son of George and Rhoda Angell of Ogbourne St. George. The parents were living in Mildenhall parish in 1911. However, George Angell was living with his wife, Elizabeth Sarah Angell, and daughter, Elizabeth Rhoda, at Crabtree cottages near Savernake Lodge. He was employed as a carter on a farm.
He enlisted with the Wiltshire regiment in January 1915, and he served with the 1st battalion. His army number was 18390. In early 1917, he was returned to England, and admitted to Edmonton Military hospital in Middlesex "following an illness brought on from two years of active service at the front". His experience on the Western front would have included the Somme campaign and Ypres. Sadly he did not survive.
Two younger brothers were killed during the war. James Angell was a regular soldier in the 1st battalion, the Wiltshire regiment. He was sadly killed on the Western Front in May 1915.
Robert Angell died of enteric fever in India. He had enlisted with the Royal Garrison Artillery, and was stationed near Poona. He was originally buried in Neemuch cemetery, but he was moved to Kirkee cemetery in 1925. He now has no known grave. Robert died on 19 February 1917, two days before the death of George. It was a heavy price for the Angell family to pay.
“The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori” [Wilfred Owen]
George Angell is buried in the churchyard extension of Ogbourne St. Andrew. Prior to his burial, there was a motor funeral entourage from Chilesdon camp. In October 2015, there was a commemorative service, after his grave was discovered in long grass.
His name does not appear on the war memorial at St. Katherine’s church, Savernake, but it does appear on the roll of honour for Mildenhall.
His name does not appear on the war memorial at St. Katherine’s church, Savernake, but it does appear on the roll of honour for Mildenhall.
Cadley
Corporal Manderson 12 March 1917
Laurie Alexander Manderson was born in Brisbane, Australia, in 1881, and he was the the son of James Manderson and Lillias Pringle of North Berwick. His parents married in 1867, and emigrated to Australia on the ship "Royal Dane" in 1869.
After the death of his mother, Laurie Manderson returned to England with his sister Catherine. According to the census records of 1891 and 1901, they lived at Park farm with their maternal grandparents, Thomas and Catherine Pringle. Their father also returned to England, and he died at Park farm between 1891 and 1901.
Laurie Manderson enlisted with the Royal Army Medical Corps, and served with the 327th London Field Ambulance. This was a Home Service field ambulance, which was based in England. His army number was 2057.
In March 1917, Laurie Manderson suffered from illness, diagnosed as Cerebro-spinal meningitis. Several outbreaks of meningitis occurred in barracks during the war. Flexner’s antiserum was distributed from the United States of America by the Rockefeller Foundation, but such medicine either came too late or not at all for Laurie Manderson.
Corporal Manderson 12 March 1917
Laurie Alexander Manderson was born in Brisbane, Australia, in 1881, and he was the the son of James Manderson and Lillias Pringle of North Berwick. His parents married in 1867, and emigrated to Australia on the ship "Royal Dane" in 1869.
After the death of his mother, Laurie Manderson returned to England with his sister Catherine. According to the census records of 1891 and 1901, they lived at Park farm with their maternal grandparents, Thomas and Catherine Pringle. Their father also returned to England, and he died at Park farm between 1891 and 1901.
Laurie Manderson enlisted with the Royal Army Medical Corps, and served with the 327th London Field Ambulance. This was a Home Service field ambulance, which was based in England. His army number was 2057.
In March 1917, Laurie Manderson suffered from illness, diagnosed as Cerebro-spinal meningitis. Several outbreaks of meningitis occurred in barracks during the war. Flexner’s antiserum was distributed from the United States of America by the Rockefeller Foundation, but such medicine either came too late or not at all for Laurie Manderson.
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Laurie Manderson is buried at Cadley churchyard in his father's grave. He was 36 years of age. His military gravestone appears to have been erected in 2004.
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Canterbury
Private New 13 March 1917
Frederick New was born at Grazeley Green, Berkshire, and he was the husband of Lily Adelaide New of Little Bedwyn.
Frederick New probably enlisted with the Wiltshire regiment and was posted to the 4th battalion. Men from this battalion on Home service or deemed medically unfit were transferred to the 85th Provisional battalion or "South Western Brigade Battalion" in April 1915. This battalion moved to Whitstable in Kent in January 1917, after a period at Sandown Park and Seaton Delaval. In Whitstable, it was transferred to the Somerset Light Infantry, and formed the 11th Battalion. Frederick New died in Whitstable, but the cause of his death is unknown.
Private New 13 March 1917
Frederick New was born at Grazeley Green, Berkshire, and he was the husband of Lily Adelaide New of Little Bedwyn.
Frederick New probably enlisted with the Wiltshire regiment and was posted to the 4th battalion. Men from this battalion on Home service or deemed medically unfit were transferred to the 85th Provisional battalion or "South Western Brigade Battalion" in April 1915. This battalion moved to Whitstable in Kent in January 1917, after a period at Sandown Park and Seaton Delaval. In Whitstable, it was transferred to the Somerset Light Infantry, and formed the 11th Battalion. Frederick New died in Whitstable, but the cause of his death is unknown.
He is buried at Canterbury Cemetery, Kent, grave B474. He died at the age of 37 years. His widow chose the following words for his grave: "Gone but not forgotten". He is remembered on the roll of honour at Little Bedwyn.
Froxfield
Private Dobson 22 March 1917
Private Hoare 1st April 1917
Arthur Dobson was the son of Job and Louisa Ann Dobson of 42 The Hill, Froxfield. Job was a roadman, or labourer on District roads. Joseph Frederick Maurice Hoare was the grandson of Harriet Hoare of 1 Blue Lion, otherwise Vine, Cottage, Froxfield. His grandmother was a widow and a laundress in 1911.
The Training Reserve was formed in September 1916 as a result of the Military Service Act, passed in March. Once recruits completed their training, they were posted where ever they were most needed, and not to particular regiments. The following battalions were established at Chiseldon in Wiltshire:
- 92nd 17th (Reserve) Bn, the Royal Warwickshire
- 93rd 15th (Reserve) Bn, the Gloucestershire Regiment
- 94rd 16th (Reserve) Bn, the Gloucestershire Regiment
- 95th 11th (Reserve) Bn, the DCLI
- 96th 16th (Reserve) Bn Portsmouth, the Hampshire Regiment
Arthur Dobson TR7/6595
Joseph Hoare TR7/6587 D Company
It is perhaps significant that Joseph Hoare died only a few days after Arthur Dobson. According to CWGC, Arthur Dobson died of sickness.
Possibly both men were victims of the same ailment. The previous year there had been an outbreak of Scarlet Fever, which had led to the isolation of the camp. In November 1917, the lack of hygiene in parts of the hutted encampment was discussed in parliament. Disease was sadly not unknown to Chiseldon. Other men who also died at the camp at this time are listed below:
- TR7/7374 21 03 1917 Herbert Henry Coward, died of cerebro-spinal meningitis, at 12 noon, admitted hospital on 12th March.
- TR7/7122 21 03 191 Ernest Pickett, died of broncho pneumonia.
- TR7/7127 22 03 1917 John Everall
- TR7/6692 23 03 1917 Percival Fox died of pneumonia.
- TR7/6868 23 03 1917 Leonard Sampson died of cerbro-spinal meningitis.
- TR7/6882 26 03 1917 Alfred James Somerville
- TR7/9850 28 03 1917 Joseph Henry F Purchase
- TR7/9836 29 03 1917 Herbert Alfred Webber
- TR7/7246 30 03 1917 Herbert William Fry
- TR7/13065 31 03 1917 Frank Norman Short
- TR7/7423 01 04 1917 Alfred John Eley died of pneumonia.
- TR7/7393 03 04 1917 Ivan George Day died of illness (measles, broncho-pneumonia)
- TR7/9912 03 04 1917 Joseph Searle Hore
- TR7/10158 05 04 1917 Albert George Gulwell
Arthur Dobson was 18 years old when he died. His name also appears on the war memorial in the churchyard. Joseph Hoare was 18 years old when he died. Both men are buried in Froxfield churchyard.
Mesopotamia
The following two men died in Mesopotamia, and they are both commemorated on Panels 30 and 64 at the Basra memorial. The first panel is for the regiment and the second panel for prisoners of war. They therefore may not not have been killied in action on the date of death.
Private Spanswick 30 March 1917
Frederick Spanswick was the son of George Henry Spanswick and Louisa Alberta Neale Spanswick of 33, Stibb Green, Burbage. His parents married at St. Stephen’s church in Westminster in December 1889. In 1891, his father worked as a plate layer for the Great Western Railway.
He enlisted in the Wiltshire Regiment and served with the 5th battalion. By the end of February, the battalion was 40 miles from Baghdad. On 10th March, the battalion successfully forced a crossing of the Diala, and established a bridgehead. The way to Baghdad was now open and the 5th battalion was the first battalion to enter the city. The author of the war diary describes the fighting of March 29th:
“At 2.30a.m Battalion with first line transport moved forward to rendezvous at Railway Stn. thence along NAHRWAN CANAL to point of assembly in Canal about 3800yds south of enemy's advance position. Patrols sent forward located deep nullah 1400yds north to which the Battalion advanced in good order under shell fire. At 9a.m the Battalion moved forward to the attack and immediately came under heavy enfilade shell Machine Gun and rifle fire. In spite of this, however, the advance pushed forward in masterly style until finally held up about 1300yds from enemy position driving in their advanced troops”
The success of the battalion was not achieved without casualties. There were 28 men killed and 139 men wounded. The following day, the battalion was relieved and returned to bivouac at Daltawa. There are no casualty reports for this day, the recorded date of death for Frederick Spanswick. According to the Burbage parish magazine for April 1917, Frederick Spanswick died of wounds,
Frederick Spanswick was aged 20. He has no known grave and his name is remembered on the Basra Memorial, panel 30 and 64. His name is also on the war memorial in Burbage churchyard.
Private Hillier 12 April 1917
Walter Hillier was born in East Grafton, and he was the son of Frederick (d1939 aged 75) and Fanny Hillier, nee Cox, (d1963 aged 90). His parents married in 1890, and lived in Grafton in 1891. By 1901, they were living in Long Drove, Burbage.
Walter Hillier enlisted with the Wiltshire Regiment and served in the 5th Battalion. His army number was 10041.
On April 11th, the battalion was shelled heavily after a successful brigade attack at Chaliyeh. In the evening, the battalion moved into bivouac as part of Brigade reserve, leaving D Company to support right flank of Cheshires. On April 12th at 16.00, the battalion advanced under heavy shell fire towards Deli Abbas, a village situated right at the foot of the Jabel Hamrin range of hills, and established trenches 2,500 from Turkish positions. The following day, the battalion advanced another 1,00 yards, and 50 casualties were suffered through heat. In the evening, the battalion was relieved by the 7th Gloucesters and retired 4 miles to bivouac.
There are no records of casualties in the regimental war diary for this period. Between the 10th and 14th April, Walter Hillier is the only recorded fatality. It is not known if he was killed or wounded in battle, or a victim of sickness. During the campaign he was mentioned in dispatches.
The following two men died in Mesopotamia, and they are both commemorated on Panels 30 and 64 at the Basra memorial. The first panel is for the regiment and the second panel for prisoners of war. They therefore may not not have been killied in action on the date of death.
Private Spanswick 30 March 1917
Frederick Spanswick was the son of George Henry Spanswick and Louisa Alberta Neale Spanswick of 33, Stibb Green, Burbage. His parents married at St. Stephen’s church in Westminster in December 1889. In 1891, his father worked as a plate layer for the Great Western Railway.
He enlisted in the Wiltshire Regiment and served with the 5th battalion. By the end of February, the battalion was 40 miles from Baghdad. On 10th March, the battalion successfully forced a crossing of the Diala, and established a bridgehead. The way to Baghdad was now open and the 5th battalion was the first battalion to enter the city. The author of the war diary describes the fighting of March 29th:
“At 2.30a.m Battalion with first line transport moved forward to rendezvous at Railway Stn. thence along NAHRWAN CANAL to point of assembly in Canal about 3800yds south of enemy's advance position. Patrols sent forward located deep nullah 1400yds north to which the Battalion advanced in good order under shell fire. At 9a.m the Battalion moved forward to the attack and immediately came under heavy enfilade shell Machine Gun and rifle fire. In spite of this, however, the advance pushed forward in masterly style until finally held up about 1300yds from enemy position driving in their advanced troops”
The success of the battalion was not achieved without casualties. There were 28 men killed and 139 men wounded. The following day, the battalion was relieved and returned to bivouac at Daltawa. There are no casualty reports for this day, the recorded date of death for Frederick Spanswick. According to the Burbage parish magazine for April 1917, Frederick Spanswick died of wounds,
Frederick Spanswick was aged 20. He has no known grave and his name is remembered on the Basra Memorial, panel 30 and 64. His name is also on the war memorial in Burbage churchyard.
Private Hillier 12 April 1917
Walter Hillier was born in East Grafton, and he was the son of Frederick (d1939 aged 75) and Fanny Hillier, nee Cox, (d1963 aged 90). His parents married in 1890, and lived in Grafton in 1891. By 1901, they were living in Long Drove, Burbage.
Walter Hillier enlisted with the Wiltshire Regiment and served in the 5th Battalion. His army number was 10041.
On April 11th, the battalion was shelled heavily after a successful brigade attack at Chaliyeh. In the evening, the battalion moved into bivouac as part of Brigade reserve, leaving D Company to support right flank of Cheshires. On April 12th at 16.00, the battalion advanced under heavy shell fire towards Deli Abbas, a village situated right at the foot of the Jabel Hamrin range of hills, and established trenches 2,500 from Turkish positions. The following day, the battalion advanced another 1,00 yards, and 50 casualties were suffered through heat. In the evening, the battalion was relieved by the 7th Gloucesters and retired 4 miles to bivouac.
There are no records of casualties in the regimental war diary for this period. Between the 10th and 14th April, Walter Hillier is the only recorded fatality. It is not known if he was killed or wounded in battle, or a victim of sickness. During the campaign he was mentioned in dispatches.
Walter Hillier has no known grave, and he is remembered on the Basra Memorial Panel 30 and 64. He was 25 years of age. He is also remembered on the war memorial at Burbage. Inside the church there is a another memorial, a brass plate near the south door.
Vimy Ridge
On 9 April 1917, in heavy snow, four Canadian divisions launched what was to be a successful attack on Vimy Ridge. This short but victorious battle illustrated what good planning, effective staff work, and inspirational leadership could achieve. In contrast, the British contribution to what overall became known as the battle of Arras illustrates what could go wrong when leadership and staff work were lacking. As British battalions, such as the Queen’s Westminster Rifles, courageously advanced to their destruction, it became obvious that British military leaders had learned very little from the disastrous battle of the Somme.
Corporal Pearce 1917 9th April 1917
Ernest James Pearce was born in Burbage, and he was the son of Sidney and Sarah Jane Pearce, of 10 Bridewell Street in Devizes.
He enlisted on September 23rd 1914 with the Canadian Infantry Alberta Regiment, and he served with the 10th Battalion. His place of enlistment was Valcartier in Quebec. His listed trade was that of a labourer, and it is assumed that he emigrated to Canada prior to the war. The 10th battalion belonged to the 2nd Brigade in the 1st Canadian Division, and by 1917, this division was one of four which formed the Canadian Corps.
The assault on Vimy ridge began on an Easter Sunday at 05.00. The Canadians advanced behind a tremendous artillery bombardment, through a snow storm, which covered the ground with a thin mantle of white. The 10th battalion advanced to the extreme south of the corp area:
"The 10th Battalion left the "jumping-off" trench immediately the signal was given, and trudged through the muddy shell craters after the barrage, stolidly and imperturbably, indifferent to the bullets which sang and hummed through the shell-smoke like hiving bees. Men crumpled up and fell into the water-filled craters right and left, but the advance continued relentlessly"
The German front line, which was the first objective, was reached at 06.30, and rapidly seized, despite the persistence of enemy machine gun crews and snipers. The mopping up parties encountered trenches blocked with heaps of blood-spattered dead, but collected scores of prisoners.
The advance continued to the second objective with only one surviving officer, which was reached soon after 09.00. The trenches were taken following "messy work with the bayonet and bomb".
On 9 April 1917, in heavy snow, four Canadian divisions launched what was to be a successful attack on Vimy Ridge. This short but victorious battle illustrated what good planning, effective staff work, and inspirational leadership could achieve. In contrast, the British contribution to what overall became known as the battle of Arras illustrates what could go wrong when leadership and staff work were lacking. As British battalions, such as the Queen’s Westminster Rifles, courageously advanced to their destruction, it became obvious that British military leaders had learned very little from the disastrous battle of the Somme.
Corporal Pearce 1917 9th April 1917
Ernest James Pearce was born in Burbage, and he was the son of Sidney and Sarah Jane Pearce, of 10 Bridewell Street in Devizes.
He enlisted on September 23rd 1914 with the Canadian Infantry Alberta Regiment, and he served with the 10th Battalion. His place of enlistment was Valcartier in Quebec. His listed trade was that of a labourer, and it is assumed that he emigrated to Canada prior to the war. The 10th battalion belonged to the 2nd Brigade in the 1st Canadian Division, and by 1917, this division was one of four which formed the Canadian Corps.
The assault on Vimy ridge began on an Easter Sunday at 05.00. The Canadians advanced behind a tremendous artillery bombardment, through a snow storm, which covered the ground with a thin mantle of white. The 10th battalion advanced to the extreme south of the corp area:
"The 10th Battalion left the "jumping-off" trench immediately the signal was given, and trudged through the muddy shell craters after the barrage, stolidly and imperturbably, indifferent to the bullets which sang and hummed through the shell-smoke like hiving bees. Men crumpled up and fell into the water-filled craters right and left, but the advance continued relentlessly"
The German front line, which was the first objective, was reached at 06.30, and rapidly seized, despite the persistence of enemy machine gun crews and snipers. The mopping up parties encountered trenches blocked with heaps of blood-spattered dead, but collected scores of prisoners.
The advance continued to the second objective with only one surviving officer, which was reached soon after 09.00. The trenches were taken following "messy work with the bayonet and bomb".
Drawn by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics, printed by Geographical Section, General Staff, Department of National Defence Canada
In contrast to the account of the battle by J.A. Holland, the author of the Story of the Tenth Canadian Battalion 1914 - 1917, the author of the battalion war diary was rather terse in his description of the fighting:
"The two companies in Ecoivres moved into line. The Battalion massing into assembly positions. The enemy artillery was active during this movement. At zero hour the battalion made the attack on the enemy defences, capturing all its objectives, and consolidating them. During the evening the battalion returned to its original frontline and support positions. The weather was unsettled"
The battalion now consolidated the captured trenches, as supporting battalions continued the advance to the ultimate objective, the railway line behind the ridge. The battalion, despite great pride in the taking of Vimy Ridge, had suffered very severely, and the survivors were exhausted. The 10th Battalion suffered 374 casualties, of which 34 men were killed. Sadly Ernest Pearce was one of 34 men killed in the attack.
He is buried in Ecoivres Military Cemetery near Mont St. Eloi, grave VF25. His mother chose the inscription: "He fought the fight . . The Victory won . . And entered into rest". He is remembered in Canada, but not on the war memorial in Burbage.
"The two companies in Ecoivres moved into line. The Battalion massing into assembly positions. The enemy artillery was active during this movement. At zero hour the battalion made the attack on the enemy defences, capturing all its objectives, and consolidating them. During the evening the battalion returned to its original frontline and support positions. The weather was unsettled"
The battalion now consolidated the captured trenches, as supporting battalions continued the advance to the ultimate objective, the railway line behind the ridge. The battalion, despite great pride in the taking of Vimy Ridge, had suffered very severely, and the survivors were exhausted. The 10th Battalion suffered 374 casualties, of which 34 men were killed. Sadly Ernest Pearce was one of 34 men killed in the attack.
He is buried in Ecoivres Military Cemetery near Mont St. Eloi, grave VF25. His mother chose the inscription: "He fought the fight . . The Victory won . . And entered into rest". He is remembered in Canada, but not on the war memorial in Burbage.
Wancourt
Second Lieutenant Richens 14 April 1917
Richard Ivor Richens was the son of Richard Richens and Bridget Hutchins of Hopgrass farm. His parents first farmed Rudge Manor Farm, Froxfield after their marriage, then took over Hopgrass Farm for many years. His father finally ran Highclose Farm for four years before retirement.
Richard Richens went to Dauntsey’s Agricultural school near Devizes, and immediately joined the army without continuing his education when he was 17 years old. He originally enlisted with the finest of regiments, the Artist Rifles in September 1915. However in April 1916, he was selected for officer training, and subsequently discharged. After training, he was commissioned into the London Irish Rifles, and served with the 18th battalion.
In the Spring of 1917, he was attached to the 16th battalion, Queen’s Westminster Rifles, which was very short of junior officers. This battalion belonged to 169th Brigade in the 56th (London) Division. He served with this battalion for a brief period before his death in action. His commanding officer, Colonel Shoolbred, lamented that he had little or no time to get to know juniors officers such as Richard Richens because they had so recently been attached to his battalion.
During the battle of Arras ( 9 April - 16 May 1917), the village of Wancourt was captured on 12th April. East of the village, there was a ruined windmill, known as Wancourt Tower, which had been adapted by the Germans as a machine gun and observation post. This windmill and Wancourt Tower ridge were captured by the 50th Division on the 13th April.
Second Lieutenant Richens 14 April 1917
Richard Ivor Richens was the son of Richard Richens and Bridget Hutchins of Hopgrass farm. His parents first farmed Rudge Manor Farm, Froxfield after their marriage, then took over Hopgrass Farm for many years. His father finally ran Highclose Farm for four years before retirement.
Richard Richens went to Dauntsey’s Agricultural school near Devizes, and immediately joined the army without continuing his education when he was 17 years old. He originally enlisted with the finest of regiments, the Artist Rifles in September 1915. However in April 1916, he was selected for officer training, and subsequently discharged. After training, he was commissioned into the London Irish Rifles, and served with the 18th battalion.
In the Spring of 1917, he was attached to the 16th battalion, Queen’s Westminster Rifles, which was very short of junior officers. This battalion belonged to 169th Brigade in the 56th (London) Division. He served with this battalion for a brief period before his death in action. His commanding officer, Colonel Shoolbred, lamented that he had little or no time to get to know juniors officers such as Richard Richens because they had so recently been attached to his battalion.
During the battle of Arras ( 9 April - 16 May 1917), the village of Wancourt was captured on 12th April. East of the village, there was a ruined windmill, known as Wancourt Tower, which had been adapted by the Germans as a machine gun and observation post. This windmill and Wancourt Tower ridge were captured by the 50th Division on the 13th April.
History of the 7th Battalion of Northumberland Fusiliers by Francis Buckley.
Just before midnight, the 16th battalion received orders to capture the village of Cherisy, 1,000 metres to the east. The attack was to be supported by the 9th battalion Queen Victoria’s Rifles on the left and the 6th battalion, Durham Light Infantry on the right. The author of the battalion history recorded the lack of preparation and sloppy staff work, and stated that "to most of us the enterprise appeared extremely rash":
"The men were exhausted having had one hour's sleep per day over the previous three days. As orders for the attack did not arrive until 11.45pm the night before, no reconnaissance of the ground had been possible nor was there time to explain what was required of the troops"
A creeping barrage had been planned for zero hour, which would move forward at the rate of 100 yards every four minutes. The infantry were to follow at 100 yards nearest distance. However, there was no knowledge of German defensive dispositions, and consequently the supporting artillery bombardment proved ineffective.
The first objective, which was given to A and B companies, was the ridge to the west of Cherisy. The second objective was the village of Cherisy, and this was given to C and D Companies, who would pass through A and B companies after the capture of the ridge.
Early before dawn on April 14th, the 16th battalion moved up from the shelter of the Cojeul Switch, part of the captured Hindenberg Line below Wancourt. The battalion relieved the 5th battalion of the London Rifle Brigade on the ridge. There was an innocent start to a dreadful day:
"It was a beautiful morning and quite bright with the remains of the moon to help the dawning day"
At 05.00 zero hour, the first wave, consisting of Richard Richens with A Company on the right and B Company on the left, advanced in extended order in two lines of men, each line separated by 200 yards. C and D Companies followed at a distance of 300 yards from the second line of the first wave. As soon as the leading companies descended into the valley separating Tower ridge from the first objective, they were met by a murderous machine-gun fire from the front.
German machine gun fire coming from the village of Guémappe cut into A company. The supporting artillery was described by the survivors of the attacking waves as "seeming to be negligible compared to that put down by the enemy". Everything went wrong for the battalion. The village of Guémappe should have been attacked by British troops from 50th Division, but all supporting attacks had already failed or did not take place.
The Germans were soon able to outflank and isolate the two London battalions. Furthermore, the Wancourt Tower Ridge was not wholly occupied by the British. It should have been cleared before any further advance, but there was a gap of 500 yards in the front line between 169th Brigade and 50th Division to the north. Furthermore, part of the ridge was still in German hands, and the survivors of A and B companies received fire from their rear.
A and B companies had reached a series of trenches, which had originally been dug by the Germans to practice bombing, 500 metres below the Wancourt ridge. Within an hour, most of the officers, including Richard Richens, were dead or wounded. Reinforced by survivors from C and D companies, the remnants of the battalion were led by Lieutenant WG Orr of C company, and they held off German counterattacks throughout the morning. The survivors were not able to retire until the early evening. Incredibly, Brigade staff ordered the battalion to hold the isolated trenches in no mans land, and the remarkable Lieutenant Orr led a small band of 15 men who occupied the position throughout the night.
The 16th battalion went into action with 497 men, and it suffered 268 casualties. 96 men were killed or fatally wounded. It should be noted that the action below Wancourt ridge inflicted a total of 629 casualties on the two British battalions; two thirds of the men were lost in a veritable massacre. There were in contrast 49 recorded German casualties. Richard Richens was a platoon commander in A company, and was killed in the first hour of the fighting.
"The men were exhausted having had one hour's sleep per day over the previous three days. As orders for the attack did not arrive until 11.45pm the night before, no reconnaissance of the ground had been possible nor was there time to explain what was required of the troops"
A creeping barrage had been planned for zero hour, which would move forward at the rate of 100 yards every four minutes. The infantry were to follow at 100 yards nearest distance. However, there was no knowledge of German defensive dispositions, and consequently the supporting artillery bombardment proved ineffective.
The first objective, which was given to A and B companies, was the ridge to the west of Cherisy. The second objective was the village of Cherisy, and this was given to C and D Companies, who would pass through A and B companies after the capture of the ridge.
Early before dawn on April 14th, the 16th battalion moved up from the shelter of the Cojeul Switch, part of the captured Hindenberg Line below Wancourt. The battalion relieved the 5th battalion of the London Rifle Brigade on the ridge. There was an innocent start to a dreadful day:
"It was a beautiful morning and quite bright with the remains of the moon to help the dawning day"
At 05.00 zero hour, the first wave, consisting of Richard Richens with A Company on the right and B Company on the left, advanced in extended order in two lines of men, each line separated by 200 yards. C and D Companies followed at a distance of 300 yards from the second line of the first wave. As soon as the leading companies descended into the valley separating Tower ridge from the first objective, they were met by a murderous machine-gun fire from the front.
German machine gun fire coming from the village of Guémappe cut into A company. The supporting artillery was described by the survivors of the attacking waves as "seeming to be negligible compared to that put down by the enemy". Everything went wrong for the battalion. The village of Guémappe should have been attacked by British troops from 50th Division, but all supporting attacks had already failed or did not take place.
The Germans were soon able to outflank and isolate the two London battalions. Furthermore, the Wancourt Tower Ridge was not wholly occupied by the British. It should have been cleared before any further advance, but there was a gap of 500 yards in the front line between 169th Brigade and 50th Division to the north. Furthermore, part of the ridge was still in German hands, and the survivors of A and B companies received fire from their rear.
A and B companies had reached a series of trenches, which had originally been dug by the Germans to practice bombing, 500 metres below the Wancourt ridge. Within an hour, most of the officers, including Richard Richens, were dead or wounded. Reinforced by survivors from C and D companies, the remnants of the battalion were led by Lieutenant WG Orr of C company, and they held off German counterattacks throughout the morning. The survivors were not able to retire until the early evening. Incredibly, Brigade staff ordered the battalion to hold the isolated trenches in no mans land, and the remarkable Lieutenant Orr led a small band of 15 men who occupied the position throughout the night.
The 16th battalion went into action with 497 men, and it suffered 268 casualties. 96 men were killed or fatally wounded. It should be noted that the action below Wancourt ridge inflicted a total of 629 casualties on the two British battalions; two thirds of the men were lost in a veritable massacre. There were in contrast 49 recorded German casualties. Richard Richens was a platoon commander in A company, and was killed in the first hour of the fighting.
St. Lawrence's church, Hungerford
Richard Richens was 19 years of age, and he was originally buried at Wancourt Road Cemetery 2, but this cemetery was destroyed by shellfire during the battles of 1918. His grave was lost, and his name is now remembered at London cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse on the Wancourt Memorial 2 Panel 3. He is remembered at Hungerford, where there is a family memorial plaque inside St. Lawrence’s church (above), and also on the war memorial in Bridge Street. He is also remembered at Dauntsey’s school, and on the Artist Rifles roll of honour at Burlington House. Finally his name is recorded on the roll of honour for the Queen’s Westminster Rifles.
HMPMS Nepaulin
Lieutenant Clark 20 April 1917
James Clark was the son of the Burbage doctor in 1915, Edwin Clark-Jones. In 1907, his father worked in the Royal South Hants and Southampton hospital.
He enlisted with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and served on HMPMS Nepaulin (His Majesty’s Paddle Mine Sweeper). Nepaulin was built in 1892 as a pleasure boat, and was originally the Clyde paddle steamer Neptune. The steamer carried passengers between the island of Bute and Arran, and served the ports of Greenock and Ayr. The paddle steamer was requisitioned as a minesweeper with a sister ship, Mercury, in 1915, and served as part of the Dover patrol.
On April 20th, the Nepaulin struck a mine three miles offshore of Dunkirk, near the Dyck Light Vessel. The minesweeper sank very quickly. The paddle steamers were known to rapidly fall apart when struck by a mine, and it was essential to abandon ship immediately. However, eighteen lives were lost, including that of James Clark. The mine was laid by U-Boat 12.
Lieutenant Clark 20 April 1917
James Clark was the son of the Burbage doctor in 1915, Edwin Clark-Jones. In 1907, his father worked in the Royal South Hants and Southampton hospital.
He enlisted with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and served on HMPMS Nepaulin (His Majesty’s Paddle Mine Sweeper). Nepaulin was built in 1892 as a pleasure boat, and was originally the Clyde paddle steamer Neptune. The steamer carried passengers between the island of Bute and Arran, and served the ports of Greenock and Ayr. The paddle steamer was requisitioned as a minesweeper with a sister ship, Mercury, in 1915, and served as part of the Dover patrol.
On April 20th, the Nepaulin struck a mine three miles offshore of Dunkirk, near the Dyck Light Vessel. The minesweeper sank very quickly. The paddle steamers were known to rapidly fall apart when struck by a mine, and it was essential to abandon ship immediately. However, eighteen lives were lost, including that of James Clark. The mine was laid by U-Boat 12.
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James Clark is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Panel 28. He was 28 years of age. He is also remembered on the roll of honour for the Dover patrol at St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe near Dover and in a book of remembrance in the St. Margaret’s parish church. His name is recorded on the war memorial in Burbage churchyard.
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Paddle Steamer Neptune at Ayr harbour
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Salonika
The 7th battalion, the Wiltshire regiment was formed at Devizes in September 1914. One year later it was sent to France but in November 1915 it was redeployed to Salonika (Greece) in order to belatedly meet the Bulgarian threat to Serbia. The 7th battalion spent the winter in building roads and defences. In the summer of 1916, it moved to the front line near lake Dorian. In April 1917, a British offensive was launched against the Bulgarians.
The 7th battalion, the Wiltshire regiment was formed at Devizes in September 1914. One year later it was sent to France but in November 1915 it was redeployed to Salonika (Greece) in order to belatedly meet the Bulgarian threat to Serbia. The 7th battalion spent the winter in building roads and defences. In the summer of 1916, it moved to the front line near lake Dorian. In April 1917, a British offensive was launched against the Bulgarians.
April 24 1917: 79th Brigade held the front between Lake Dorian and the Petit Couronné heights. From right to left, the 7th battalion Wiltshire regiment held Swindon Hill, 12 battalion Hampshire regiment the sunken road, and the 10th battalion Devonshire regiment Silbury Hill and Rockley Hill.
Lance Corporal Bull 24 April 1917
Private Doggett 24 April 1917
Private Hunt 24 April 1917
Private Watts 24 April 1917
Private Fergusson 25 April 1917
Gerald George Bull was the son of Edgar Theodore and Emma Bull of Overton Delling. His father was the headkeeper, responsible for a rabbit warren on Fyfield down. In 1910, there were over 20 rabbits an acre, and the owner, a race-horse trainer, decided they should be removed:
“Mr. Bull agreed to kill the rabbits in six months and buy the skins and carcases for a pre-arranged price. There were between 13,000 and 14,000 rabbits on the Down and he made a good profit out of the slaughter”
[Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine]
Frederick William Doggett was born in East Grafton, and was the son of James Doggett and Rosa Jackman. His parents had married in 1893, and his father was a retailer, at one time a Grocer, another time the village Postmaster. In 1911, his father was an innkeeper at the Barge Inn, Honey Street Wharf. A 16 year old Frederick Doggett was a carpenter and painter working at the timber yard at the Wharf. A younger brother, Thomas, was also killed during the war.
Frank Frederick Hunt was born in Great Bedwyn, and was the son of Henry and Alice Hunt of 49 Kynaston road in Stoke Newington, London. His father was also born in Great Bedwyn, and in 1871 had been a soldier at Aldershot.
George Richard Watts was the husband of Sarah Jane Watts of 249 East Grafton. She died in 1958 and is buried in East Grafton churchyard with their daughter Phyllis who died in 1956.
Andrew Fergusson was the husband of Caroline Fergusson, and a father of seven children. He was the gamekeeper at Braydon Hook in Savernake Forest before the war.
These five men enlisted in the Wiltshire regiment and served in the 7th battalion. They were all members of A company.
12262 Bull
12249 Doggett
32380 Hunt
18618 Watts
22037 Fergusson
The battalion was sent to France in July 1915, but redeployed to Salonika a few months later in November.
In April 1917, the Allies intended to break through Bulgarian lines around lake Dorian. The 7th battalion was required to capture high ground between the lake and a height called Petit Couronne. The battalion prepared for a night attack, already compromised, on the evening of Tuesday 24th April. The objective was the capture of O1 and O2 trenches.
At 21.05, A company entered Patty Ravine, which lay on the north-west slopes of the Bulgarian trenches. However intensive trench mortar and machine gun fire prevented the bulk of the company from going through the wire:
"Our advance was held up and the company was forced to lie down in shell holes in front of the wire. The main party never got through the wire. A few got into the enemy trenches but were not seen again"
The survivors of the company subsequently withdrew. The battalion strength before the attack was 922 men. Afterwards there were 591 men. The battalion suffered 331 casualties in no more than a few hours of fighting, and 121 of these men were killed. The British trenches after the attack were chaotic:
"Our trenches were by this time full of dead, dying and wounded, all the companies were mixed up. The shelling of our trenches continued and the confusion was such that it was quite impossible to reorganise or make any estimate of losses before daylight"
No further attempt was made to seize the objective, and the early hours of the 25th April were spent with stretcher parties recovering the wounded. The bodies of the Bedwyn men, except Frederick Doggett, were never recovered. Fighting continued into May around lake Dorian but the Bulgarians held their positions.
Lance Corporal Bull 24 April 1917
Private Doggett 24 April 1917
Private Hunt 24 April 1917
Private Watts 24 April 1917
Private Fergusson 25 April 1917
Gerald George Bull was the son of Edgar Theodore and Emma Bull of Overton Delling. His father was the headkeeper, responsible for a rabbit warren on Fyfield down. In 1910, there were over 20 rabbits an acre, and the owner, a race-horse trainer, decided they should be removed:
“Mr. Bull agreed to kill the rabbits in six months and buy the skins and carcases for a pre-arranged price. There were between 13,000 and 14,000 rabbits on the Down and he made a good profit out of the slaughter”
[Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine]
Frederick William Doggett was born in East Grafton, and was the son of James Doggett and Rosa Jackman. His parents had married in 1893, and his father was a retailer, at one time a Grocer, another time the village Postmaster. In 1911, his father was an innkeeper at the Barge Inn, Honey Street Wharf. A 16 year old Frederick Doggett was a carpenter and painter working at the timber yard at the Wharf. A younger brother, Thomas, was also killed during the war.
Frank Frederick Hunt was born in Great Bedwyn, and was the son of Henry and Alice Hunt of 49 Kynaston road in Stoke Newington, London. His father was also born in Great Bedwyn, and in 1871 had been a soldier at Aldershot.
George Richard Watts was the husband of Sarah Jane Watts of 249 East Grafton. She died in 1958 and is buried in East Grafton churchyard with their daughter Phyllis who died in 1956.
Andrew Fergusson was the husband of Caroline Fergusson, and a father of seven children. He was the gamekeeper at Braydon Hook in Savernake Forest before the war.
These five men enlisted in the Wiltshire regiment and served in the 7th battalion. They were all members of A company.
12262 Bull
12249 Doggett
32380 Hunt
18618 Watts
22037 Fergusson
The battalion was sent to France in July 1915, but redeployed to Salonika a few months later in November.
In April 1917, the Allies intended to break through Bulgarian lines around lake Dorian. The 7th battalion was required to capture high ground between the lake and a height called Petit Couronne. The battalion prepared for a night attack, already compromised, on the evening of Tuesday 24th April. The objective was the capture of O1 and O2 trenches.
At 21.05, A company entered Patty Ravine, which lay on the north-west slopes of the Bulgarian trenches. However intensive trench mortar and machine gun fire prevented the bulk of the company from going through the wire:
"Our advance was held up and the company was forced to lie down in shell holes in front of the wire. The main party never got through the wire. A few got into the enemy trenches but were not seen again"
The survivors of the company subsequently withdrew. The battalion strength before the attack was 922 men. Afterwards there were 591 men. The battalion suffered 331 casualties in no more than a few hours of fighting, and 121 of these men were killed. The British trenches after the attack were chaotic:
"Our trenches were by this time full of dead, dying and wounded, all the companies were mixed up. The shelling of our trenches continued and the confusion was such that it was quite impossible to reorganise or make any estimate of losses before daylight"
No further attempt was made to seize the objective, and the early hours of the 25th April were spent with stretcher parties recovering the wounded. The bodies of the Bedwyn men, except Frederick Doggett, were never recovered. Fighting continued into May around lake Dorian but the Bulgarians held their positions.
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The names of the five men are remembered on the Doiran Memorial.
Gerald Bull was aged 31. His name is on the war memorial in Great Bedwyn churchyard. Frederick Doggett is buried in the Doiran Military cemetery, grave IA7. He was aged 22. His name also appears on the war memorial at Stanton St.Bernard Church, and also at Woodborough. Frank Hunt was aged 22. His name is on the war memorial in Great Bedwyn churchyard. George Watts was aged 39. His name is on the war memorial in East Grafton churchyard. Andrew Fergusson was aged 40. His name is on the roll of honour formerly in Christchurch Cadley, and now St. Mary’s church, Marlborough. His name is also on the gravestone in Cadley churchyard belonging to his wife, who died in 1930, and their youngest daughter, Daisy, who died in 1913 at 10 months. |
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Oppy Wood
The village of Oppy, its southern neighbour Gavrelle, and its northern neighbour Arleux, lay east of Arras, and far behind the German frontline. However in March 1917, the Germans withdrew to the formidable Hindenburg line, and these villages were incorporated into their new frontline. On April 23rd, the British captured part of Gavrelles. A second operation was planned for April 28th, and three divisions were tasked with the capture of the three villages:
The village of Oppy, its southern neighbour Gavrelle, and its northern neighbour Arleux, lay east of Arras, and far behind the German frontline. However in March 1917, the Germans withdrew to the formidable Hindenburg line, and these villages were incorporated into their new frontline. On April 23rd, the British captured part of Gavrelles. A second operation was planned for April 28th, and three divisions were tasked with the capture of the three villages:
- Gavrelles, 63rd Royal Naval Division
- Oppy, 2nd Division
- Arleux, 1st Canadian Division
NLS 51B NW 1:20,000 Oppy Wood May 1917.
Lance Corporal Gigg 28 April 1917
John Lewis Gigg was the son of Charles and Sarah Gigg of 67 Brook Street in Great Bedwyn. He enlisted as a regular soldier with the Royal Berkshire Regiment in September 1913. He served with the 1st battalion.
In April 1917, his battalion was part of 99 Brigade in the 2nd Division which was tasked with the capture of Oppy. On the day that John Gigg died, most of the battalion was held in reserve. although a small group of 20 men were detached to assist 100th Field Ambulance in the evacuation of wounded. In the evening, the battalion received a warning order to prepare an attack to the right of Oppy wood, but that attack was postponed until the early hours of April 29th.
The fate of John Gigg may have been decided by the transfer of D company to the 1st battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps at 02.00 on April 28th. This battalion was significantly under strength; 50 men had recently been temporarily detached, leaving only 325 men. Reinforced with D company, the 1st battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps launched an unsuccessful attack , and incurred a large number of casualties. D company also suffered severe casualties. The 1st battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, suffered two fatalities on April 28th. John Gigg was one of them and he may have been part of D company.
The following day, 1st battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment launched an attack at Oppy wood. The operation was a failure despite the bravery of the men, particularly a Lance Corporal Welch who was awarded the Victoria Cross. The casualties were severe: 18 men killed, 19 men wounded, and 89 men missing. Out of a total strength of 250 men, there were 151 casualties. It is ironic that the battalion was expected to launch an attack having recently surrendered D company to another battalion. However, all three battalions in 99 Brigade were seriously understrength, and amounted to less than one battalion in total. This situation begs the question why men's lives were squandered in piecemeal attacks which seemed to have little chance of success. With better senior leadership, John Gigg and his colleagues might have survived to fight another day.
John Gigg has no known grave. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial Bay 7. His name is also on the war memorial in Great Bedwyn churchyard.
Private Newman 28 April 1917
William Newman was the son of Mrs Eliza Ann Newman, of East Sands in Burbage.
William Newman enlisted with the Royal Marine Light Infantry at Portsmouth, and served with the 2nd Battalion. He was part of 188 Brigade in the 63 Royal Naval Division. This division was formed in 1914 from a surplus of naval recruits, and it enjoyed a very high reputation throughout the war.
On April 28th, the two Marine battalions of 188 Brigade, supported by C company from the Anson battalion, were ordered to seize ground east of the village of Gavrelles. The 1st battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry was tasked with an advance due east from north of the village to seize a line of German trenches. The 2nd battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry, supported on the left by C company from Anson battalion were tasked with an advance north eastwards to capture Gavrelles windmill and to link up with the 1st battalion east of the village.
John Lewis Gigg was the son of Charles and Sarah Gigg of 67 Brook Street in Great Bedwyn. He enlisted as a regular soldier with the Royal Berkshire Regiment in September 1913. He served with the 1st battalion.
In April 1917, his battalion was part of 99 Brigade in the 2nd Division which was tasked with the capture of Oppy. On the day that John Gigg died, most of the battalion was held in reserve. although a small group of 20 men were detached to assist 100th Field Ambulance in the evacuation of wounded. In the evening, the battalion received a warning order to prepare an attack to the right of Oppy wood, but that attack was postponed until the early hours of April 29th.
The fate of John Gigg may have been decided by the transfer of D company to the 1st battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps at 02.00 on April 28th. This battalion was significantly under strength; 50 men had recently been temporarily detached, leaving only 325 men. Reinforced with D company, the 1st battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps launched an unsuccessful attack , and incurred a large number of casualties. D company also suffered severe casualties. The 1st battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, suffered two fatalities on April 28th. John Gigg was one of them and he may have been part of D company.
The following day, 1st battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment launched an attack at Oppy wood. The operation was a failure despite the bravery of the men, particularly a Lance Corporal Welch who was awarded the Victoria Cross. The casualties were severe: 18 men killed, 19 men wounded, and 89 men missing. Out of a total strength of 250 men, there were 151 casualties. It is ironic that the battalion was expected to launch an attack having recently surrendered D company to another battalion. However, all three battalions in 99 Brigade were seriously understrength, and amounted to less than one battalion in total. This situation begs the question why men's lives were squandered in piecemeal attacks which seemed to have little chance of success. With better senior leadership, John Gigg and his colleagues might have survived to fight another day.
John Gigg has no known grave. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial Bay 7. His name is also on the war memorial in Great Bedwyn churchyard.
Private Newman 28 April 1917
William Newman was the son of Mrs Eliza Ann Newman, of East Sands in Burbage.
William Newman enlisted with the Royal Marine Light Infantry at Portsmouth, and served with the 2nd Battalion. He was part of 188 Brigade in the 63 Royal Naval Division. This division was formed in 1914 from a surplus of naval recruits, and it enjoyed a very high reputation throughout the war.
On April 28th, the two Marine battalions of 188 Brigade, supported by C company from the Anson battalion, were ordered to seize ground east of the village of Gavrelles. The 1st battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry was tasked with an advance due east from north of the village to seize a line of German trenches. The 2nd battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry, supported on the left by C company from Anson battalion were tasked with an advance north eastwards to capture Gavrelles windmill and to link up with the 1st battalion east of the village.
Situation at Gavrelle 29th April. Village was held by remainder of Anson battalion and by HAC. The 14 battalion Warwickshire regiment was brought up to support the defence of the village.
The windmill was captured but the 2nd battalion suffered from increasing machine gun fire and sniping. By 07.30, all objectives were taken but at great cost. Furthermore the left flank of the battalion remained exposed as the 1st battalion attack had failed completely, and C company from Anson battalion had run into troubles of their own. By 10.00, the 2nd battalion was isolated, and subjected to increasing German counter attacks. In the early afternoon, the survivors of the battalion were surrounded, and many were seen to surrender. The casualties in the battalion, 494 men, were very severe: 166 men killed, 152 men wounded, and 176 taken prisoner. It was a disaster unprecedented in the history of the Royal Naval Division.
Both John Gigg and William Newman died in a battle, probably no more than several 1,000 meters from each other, and probably within a few hours of each other's death. Neither of them have a known grave. William Newman is remembered on Arras Memorial Bay 1. There is no local memorial.
Both John Gigg and William Newman died in a battle, probably no more than several 1,000 meters from each other, and probably within a few hours of each other's death. Neither of them have a known grave. William Newman is remembered on Arras Memorial Bay 1. There is no local memorial.
Cherisy
Regimental Sergeant Major Bartholomew 8th May 1917
Henry James Bartholomew was born in Great Bedwyn in 1879. His parents, Francis and Susan Bartholomew, lived on Bedwyn common, and his father worked as a woodman. The family later moved to Church Street in Great Bedwyn, and then Newtown.
Henry Bartholomew, a farm labourer, enlisted in 1898 with the Royal Berkshire Regiment and served in the 1st battalion. He served in Africa and Gibralter. In 1905, he left the army as a sergeant but went on the reserve list. He married Florence Minnie Roles in 1907, and the couple lived in Southampton, where he was a member of the Southampton Police Force. In 1910, he re-engaged with the reserve as a sergeant, but was discharged in May 1914.
In August 1914 he enlisted again with the Royal Berkshire regiment, and served in the 6th (Service) battalion. His army number was 10298. He embarked for France with the battalion on 25th July 1915. He was promoted to Regimental Sergeant major on 18th July 1915, and he was awarded the DCM on July 1st 1916.
On the day that he died, the battalion was on the frontline at Cherisy, where Richard Richens had lost his life a few days earlier. The terse war diary entry records that there was considerable shelling all day, and it was that shelling that took Henry Bartholomew’s life. His widow later received a letter which stated:
“Rest assured that he suffered no pain, being killed instantaneously with three others by a Hun shell. You may be comforted in the knowledge that he was a good soldier, friend, and comrade, and a brave man”
Apparently he was standing outside a dugout, supervising the issue of rations when the shell landed. The citation of his DCM reveals that he had died as he had lived:
"For conspicuous gallantry during operations, when he organised and maintained a constant supply of ammunition and bombs, and on many occasions went fearlessly through the enemy’s barrage, utterly indifferent to personal danger"
He was aged 37 years, and he is buried in the London Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse Pas-de-Calais, grave IB 49. His name is also recorded on the war memorial at Great Bedwyn churchyard, and the Southampton cenotaph. His widow lived at 1 Villiers Road, Shirley, in Southampton at the time of his death.
Private Harris 3rd May 1917
Charles Harris was the son of Charlotte Harris of Church Street in Little Bedwyn, and the husband of Edith Ellen Harris of 3 Council Houses in Chisbury.
He enlisted with the Royal Berkshire Regiment and served with the 1st battalion. His army number was 17009. After the disastrous attack at Oppy, the 1st battalion was reorganised into two companies, each 100 men strong. These companies were attached to 23rd battalion, the Royal Fusiliers, and they returned to the frontline until May 4th. It was the misfortune of this composite battalion to participate in the third battle of the Scarpe on May 3rd. Charles Harris was one of many casualties. Over thirty-five men in the battalion were killed with Charles Harris.
The battalion objective was to the left of Oppy wood, but the attack was a complete failure. The men were shelled by both sides prior to the attack. They succeeded in capturing the German frontline trenches shortly after 03.10, however their efforts were undone by a successful German counter attack:
“Between 0500 and 0530 the Berkshires began to make themselves more comfortable with men leaving the packed former German trench to seek refuge in shell holes to their rear. By this time all the available bombs had been used up and there were only three functioning Lewis guns. So when the German counter attack came it could be repulsed only by small arms and bayonet and the Royal Berks were soon driven out of the trench and all forced to seek refuge in the shell holes where they remained until relieved in the evening”
[The Biscuit Boys Arras 1917 1st Battalion, the Royal Berkshire Regiment]
The horror of battle was remembered by Leonard Gordon-Davies, a Royal Fusilier who fought at Oppy:
"We had to occupy a place called Oppy Wood, where there was a frontal attack took place, with desperate fighting and a fixed-bayonet charge. I’ve never experienced anything so ghastly and I hope that I shall eventually forget it. The bodies about the place and the filth of the place and the smells… It’s quite extraordinary. When one lives for years on this sort of horror condition with parts of bodies being about all over the place and groans from the dying and dead bodies and how casual one gets about it. One goes on doing what you’re supposed to do and you do not know it and certainly perhaps not caring very much. You become careless about these very serious things"
[IWM: Arras and Vimy]
Many of the casualties fell victim to snipers and machine gun fire, when the battalion withdrew from the captured German trenches to shell holes. Charles Harris probably fell at this time.
Charles Harris was 30 years old, and his name is on the Arras Memorial Bay 7. His name is also on the roll of honour in Little Bedwyn church.
Charles Harris was the son of Charlotte Harris of Church Street in Little Bedwyn, and the husband of Edith Ellen Harris of 3 Council Houses in Chisbury.
He enlisted with the Royal Berkshire Regiment and served with the 1st battalion. His army number was 17009. After the disastrous attack at Oppy, the 1st battalion was reorganised into two companies, each 100 men strong. These companies were attached to 23rd battalion, the Royal Fusiliers, and they returned to the frontline until May 4th. It was the misfortune of this composite battalion to participate in the third battle of the Scarpe on May 3rd. Charles Harris was one of many casualties. Over thirty-five men in the battalion were killed with Charles Harris.
The battalion objective was to the left of Oppy wood, but the attack was a complete failure. The men were shelled by both sides prior to the attack. They succeeded in capturing the German frontline trenches shortly after 03.10, however their efforts were undone by a successful German counter attack:
“Between 0500 and 0530 the Berkshires began to make themselves more comfortable with men leaving the packed former German trench to seek refuge in shell holes to their rear. By this time all the available bombs had been used up and there were only three functioning Lewis guns. So when the German counter attack came it could be repulsed only by small arms and bayonet and the Royal Berks were soon driven out of the trench and all forced to seek refuge in the shell holes where they remained until relieved in the evening”
[The Biscuit Boys Arras 1917 1st Battalion, the Royal Berkshire Regiment]
The horror of battle was remembered by Leonard Gordon-Davies, a Royal Fusilier who fought at Oppy:
"We had to occupy a place called Oppy Wood, where there was a frontal attack took place, with desperate fighting and a fixed-bayonet charge. I’ve never experienced anything so ghastly and I hope that I shall eventually forget it. The bodies about the place and the filth of the place and the smells… It’s quite extraordinary. When one lives for years on this sort of horror condition with parts of bodies being about all over the place and groans from the dying and dead bodies and how casual one gets about it. One goes on doing what you’re supposed to do and you do not know it and certainly perhaps not caring very much. You become careless about these very serious things"
[IWM: Arras and Vimy]
Many of the casualties fell victim to snipers and machine gun fire, when the battalion withdrew from the captured German trenches to shell holes. Charles Harris probably fell at this time.
Charles Harris was 30 years old, and his name is on the Arras Memorial Bay 7. His name is also on the roll of honour in Little Bedwyn church.
Norton Bavant
Air Mechanic 2nd Class Gauntlett 11 May 1917
Jack Wallis Gauntlett was the son of George Gauntlett and Florence Mary Wallis, of Middleton Farm, Norton Bavant, near Warminster. The Gauntlett family, in partnetship with Sam Farmer of Little Bedwyn, were successful dairy farmers who farmed on a large scale to supply the London markets by train. His father had been employed by an uncle as the bailiff for Manor farm in East Grafton but by 1903 had moved to another family farm at Norton Bavant. However in 1911, a 13 years old Jack Wallis lived in Burbage, where he went school. He continued his education at the County Secondary School in Warminster, until January 1917, when he enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC).
Jack Gauntlett completed his initial training and technical training at Farnborough. On April 25th, he was given 48 hours leave, before being posted to France. However, he arrived at Norton Bavant feeling unwell, and he was soon diagnosed with measles and bronchitis. As his condition deteriorated, he was moved to Sutton Veney Military Hospital. He succumbed to pneumonia and died on Friday 11th May 1917.
The sadness of this family tragedy continued twelve days after his death when his youngest brother Bobby also suffering from measles, died of pneumonia. He was two and a half years old.
Air Mechanic 2nd Class Gauntlett 11 May 1917
Jack Wallis Gauntlett was the son of George Gauntlett and Florence Mary Wallis, of Middleton Farm, Norton Bavant, near Warminster. The Gauntlett family, in partnetship with Sam Farmer of Little Bedwyn, were successful dairy farmers who farmed on a large scale to supply the London markets by train. His father had been employed by an uncle as the bailiff for Manor farm in East Grafton but by 1903 had moved to another family farm at Norton Bavant. However in 1911, a 13 years old Jack Wallis lived in Burbage, where he went school. He continued his education at the County Secondary School in Warminster, until January 1917, when he enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC).
Jack Gauntlett completed his initial training and technical training at Farnborough. On April 25th, he was given 48 hours leave, before being posted to France. However, he arrived at Norton Bavant feeling unwell, and he was soon diagnosed with measles and bronchitis. As his condition deteriorated, he was moved to Sutton Veney Military Hospital. He succumbed to pneumonia and died on Friday 11th May 1917.
The sadness of this family tragedy continued twelve days after his death when his youngest brother Bobby also suffering from measles, died of pneumonia. He was two and a half years old.
Jack Gauntlett was buried at Norton Bavant All Saints churchyard :
“His funeral was held at All Saints Church, Norton Bavant, on the following Monday. Draped with the Union Jack, the coffin was conveyed from Sutton Veny on a gun carriage and was escorted by a firing party from the East Lancashire Regiment. At the entrance to the churchyard the cortege was met by Messrs. A. Waite, H. Toomer, W. Moore, T. Hiscox, G. Dewey, and S. Snelgrove (the employees on George Gauntlett's farm), who acted as bearers. The children from Norton Bavant School, with their teachers, were assembled at the churchyard. The Warminster County Secondary School was represented by the three senior boys: F.B. Alexander, W.H. Edwards, and R.E. Noise. The funeral procession was met by the Rev. J.W. Barrow (Vicar Designate of the parish), the Rev. J.H. Shaw, C.F., (Chaplain of the Military Hospital), and members of the choir. The coffin bore the inscription "Second Air Mechanic J.W. Gauntlett, No.52597, Royal Flying Corps, Died 11th May 1917, Aged 19."
The grave was lined with narcissi, cherry blossom and moss. After the remains were committed to the earth three volleys were fired by the military party”
[Danny Howell]
“His funeral was held at All Saints Church, Norton Bavant, on the following Monday. Draped with the Union Jack, the coffin was conveyed from Sutton Veny on a gun carriage and was escorted by a firing party from the East Lancashire Regiment. At the entrance to the churchyard the cortege was met by Messrs. A. Waite, H. Toomer, W. Moore, T. Hiscox, G. Dewey, and S. Snelgrove (the employees on George Gauntlett's farm), who acted as bearers. The children from Norton Bavant School, with their teachers, were assembled at the churchyard. The Warminster County Secondary School was represented by the three senior boys: F.B. Alexander, W.H. Edwards, and R.E. Noise. The funeral procession was met by the Rev. J.W. Barrow (Vicar Designate of the parish), the Rev. J.H. Shaw, C.F., (Chaplain of the Military Hospital), and members of the choir. The coffin bore the inscription "Second Air Mechanic J.W. Gauntlett, No.52597, Royal Flying Corps, Died 11th May 1917, Aged 19."
The grave was lined with narcissi, cherry blossom and moss. After the remains were committed to the earth three volleys were fired by the military party”
[Danny Howell]
HMS Vanguard
Musician Bushnell 9 July 1917
John Thomas Bushnell was born in Burbage. His parents were John Thomas Bushnell and Ellen Ashley. He was the husband of Lilian Mary Bushnell nee Pinhorne (d1940) of 52 Landguard Road, Eastney, Hampshire. They had 3 children.
He was a member of the Royal Marine Band, service number RMB/51, and he served on HMS Vanguard. This St Vincent class battleship, or Dreadnought, was launched in 1909 at Barrow-in-Furness, and served in the north sea during the war. In 1916, the ship participated in the battle of Jutland, and this was probably the last occasion her guns fired in anger.
On July 9th 1917, this St. Vincent class battleship, or Dreadnought, was anchored at Scapa Flow, when an internal explosion destroyed the ship, just before midnight. In the afternoon, the ship's crew, including John Bushnell, had been practising the routine for abandoning ship. After dropping anchors about 18.30 in the northern part of Scapa Flow, it is probably easy to imagine the crew relaxing after their evening meal before turning in for the night. The moment of the explosion was recorded at 23:20. The explosion apparently of cordite charges occurred in one of the two magazines which served the amidships turrets 'P' and 'Q'. Over 800 crew went down with the ship, and there were only two survivors.
"I was on watch on HMS Marlborough between 8pm and midnight [in] 1917 or 1918 and was facing HMS Vanguard and saw her start to explode, 1st aft 2 midships 3 foc'sle and then one huge explosion" [Charles William Mynott, HMS Marlborough]
"at 11.20 pm on the 9th July a great explosion occurred in the midst of the Grand Fleet, a terrible detonation took place lighting the whole fleet as if it were daylight there was a crash and one of the big boats went sky high with a crew of 900 men all searchlights were switched on immediately but not a thing was to be seen. A trawler which was close by got smothered in blood and pieces of human flesh, and afterwards picked up half the body of a marine the only body recovered up to date. I happened to be on watch and saw nearly everything" [Mick Moroney, HMAS Melbourne]
The reason for the explosion remains obscure, despite a subsequent board of enquiry. The final conclusion was that a fire started in a 4-inch magazine, and that this fire was caused by a spontaneous ignition of cordite due to a supposed high temperature in the magazine(s).
Musician Bushnell 9 July 1917
John Thomas Bushnell was born in Burbage. His parents were John Thomas Bushnell and Ellen Ashley. He was the husband of Lilian Mary Bushnell nee Pinhorne (d1940) of 52 Landguard Road, Eastney, Hampshire. They had 3 children.
He was a member of the Royal Marine Band, service number RMB/51, and he served on HMS Vanguard. This St Vincent class battleship, or Dreadnought, was launched in 1909 at Barrow-in-Furness, and served in the north sea during the war. In 1916, the ship participated in the battle of Jutland, and this was probably the last occasion her guns fired in anger.
On July 9th 1917, this St. Vincent class battleship, or Dreadnought, was anchored at Scapa Flow, when an internal explosion destroyed the ship, just before midnight. In the afternoon, the ship's crew, including John Bushnell, had been practising the routine for abandoning ship. After dropping anchors about 18.30 in the northern part of Scapa Flow, it is probably easy to imagine the crew relaxing after their evening meal before turning in for the night. The moment of the explosion was recorded at 23:20. The explosion apparently of cordite charges occurred in one of the two magazines which served the amidships turrets 'P' and 'Q'. Over 800 crew went down with the ship, and there were only two survivors.
"I was on watch on HMS Marlborough between 8pm and midnight [in] 1917 or 1918 and was facing HMS Vanguard and saw her start to explode, 1st aft 2 midships 3 foc'sle and then one huge explosion" [Charles William Mynott, HMS Marlborough]
"at 11.20 pm on the 9th July a great explosion occurred in the midst of the Grand Fleet, a terrible detonation took place lighting the whole fleet as if it were daylight there was a crash and one of the big boats went sky high with a crew of 900 men all searchlights were switched on immediately but not a thing was to be seen. A trawler which was close by got smothered in blood and pieces of human flesh, and afterwards picked up half the body of a marine the only body recovered up to date. I happened to be on watch and saw nearly everything" [Mick Moroney, HMAS Melbourne]
The reason for the explosion remains obscure, despite a subsequent board of enquiry. The final conclusion was that a fire started in a 4-inch magazine, and that this fire was caused by a spontaneous ignition of cordite due to a supposed high temperature in the magazine(s).
HMS Vanguard
The wreck of HMS Vanguard lies in 14 meters of water, north of the island of Flotta, and is a war grave. Some sixty feet of the stern and most of the forecastle are fairly intact and upright, but the amidships is just a heap of rubble. Wood planking still covers the decks, and the black and white tiles in the seamen's wash places can be seen if you peer through the correct scuttle. However the turrets and guns have disappeared, the work of an unknown agency. [Disaster in Harbour: The Loss of HMS Vanguard by William Schleihauf]
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John Bushnell is buried in Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery grave F136. He was 30 years of age when he was killed. He was one of 187 men whose bodies were recovered. The remainder of the crew lie with HMS Vanguard.
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The Scottish War graves Project
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Wancourt
Brigadier General Tanner 23 July 1917
At 58 years of age, John Tanner was probably the oldest and certainly the highest ranking of Bedwyn’s soldiers to be killed in the Great War.
John Arthur Tanner was born in Tidcombe, and was the son of John and Marion Tanner of Tidcombe Manor. He was born at the manor house on 27 February 1858. He married late in life; on 24 February 1916, to Gladys Helen Murdoch of Wokingham.
In 1868, he studied at Cheltenham College, where he gained an impressive array of awards in mathematics. John Arthur Tanner passed fourth into Woolwich in July 1875, and while there, obtained prizes for Fortification, Geometrical Drawing, Drills and Exercises. He entered the Royal Engineers on 19 June 1877.
John Tanner followed a successful and distinguished military career, and served in India, Burma, and Sudan. He retired in April 1914 as a Colonel. Retirement did not prevent him from volunteering his services in August 1914. He initially serves as a Lieutenant Colonel, training Royal Engineer recruits for Kitchener’s New Armies. In September 1915, he went to France, and the following month was promoted to Brigadier General. He acted as Chief Engineer of the British VII Corps, and served on the Somme in 1916 and Arras in 1917.
Brigadier General Tanner 23 July 1917
At 58 years of age, John Tanner was probably the oldest and certainly the highest ranking of Bedwyn’s soldiers to be killed in the Great War.
John Arthur Tanner was born in Tidcombe, and was the son of John and Marion Tanner of Tidcombe Manor. He was born at the manor house on 27 February 1858. He married late in life; on 24 February 1916, to Gladys Helen Murdoch of Wokingham.
In 1868, he studied at Cheltenham College, where he gained an impressive array of awards in mathematics. John Arthur Tanner passed fourth into Woolwich in July 1875, and while there, obtained prizes for Fortification, Geometrical Drawing, Drills and Exercises. He entered the Royal Engineers on 19 June 1877.
John Tanner followed a successful and distinguished military career, and served in India, Burma, and Sudan. He retired in April 1914 as a Colonel. Retirement did not prevent him from volunteering his services in August 1914. He initially serves as a Lieutenant Colonel, training Royal Engineer recruits for Kitchener’s New Armies. In September 1915, he went to France, and the following month was promoted to Brigadier General. He acted as Chief Engineer of the British VII Corps, and served on the Somme in 1916 and Arras in 1917.
Brigadier Tanner died on his way to Cavalry Farm. Identified on map by Cavalry trench, south of Arras Cambrai road, top.
During the battle of Arras, he was killed almost instantaneously, by a piece of shrapnel which struck him behind the ear. His death was recorded in the VII Corp Engineer diary:
"The Chief Engineer was killed by a shell behind Wancourt whilst on his way to inspect defences at Cavalry Farm with the C.R.E 50th Division (Lieutenant Colonel Rathbone)"
John Tanner was buried at Bucquoy Road Cemetery Ficheux Grave behind Rows L. & M. Plot I. His name is recorded on the war memorial at St. Mary's Church, Eversley. His young widow continued to live in the manor house adjacent to the churchyard. She married a second time, to Sir William Andrew Liddell. John Tanner's name is also on the war memorial at Aldbourne, but there is no memorial at Tidcombe.
"The Chief Engineer was killed by a shell behind Wancourt whilst on his way to inspect defences at Cavalry Farm with the C.R.E 50th Division (Lieutenant Colonel Rathbone)"
John Tanner was buried at Bucquoy Road Cemetery Ficheux Grave behind Rows L. & M. Plot I. His name is recorded on the war memorial at St. Mary's Church, Eversley. His young widow continued to live in the manor house adjacent to the churchyard. She married a second time, to Sir William Andrew Liddell. John Tanner's name is also on the war memorial at Aldbourne, but there is no memorial at Tidcombe.
Ypres
The third battle of Ypres, infamously known as the battle of Paschendaale, was launched on July 31st. With unprecedented resources, General Gough launched an attack on German lines east of Ypres. The successes of the first day did not endure as General Gough failed to secure the high ground to the south. The battle descended into a slogging match, a battle of attrition which served little purpose other than to deprive 850,000 soldiers of their lives or health.
The third battle of Ypres, infamously known as the battle of Paschendaale, was launched on July 31st. With unprecedented resources, General Gough launched an attack on German lines east of Ypres. The successes of the first day did not endure as General Gough failed to secure the high ground to the south. The battle descended into a slogging match, a battle of attrition which served little purpose other than to deprive 850,000 soldiers of their lives or health.
St. Julien
Sapper Skeppence 28 July 1917
George James Skeppence was born in Great Bedwyn, and he was the son of James and Eliza Ann Skippence of Frogmore Farm in Great Bedwyn. His father was a shopkeeper in 1915.
He enlisted with the 2nd (South Midland) Company, Royal Engineers, at Bristol in 1914. The company was sent to France in March 1915. In 1917, it was renamed the 475th Field Company, Royal Engineers, and it was attached to 48 Division.
British preparations were underway for an offensive at Ypres on July 31st. The battle was preceded by a bombardment which began on July 18th. The offensive was therefore of no surprise to the Germans, and George Skeppence was one of the casualties of this period of artillery fire. George Skeppence died on 28th July 1917, of wounds inflicted by gas, possibly west of St. Julien. He had been evacuated as far as a base hospital at Abbeville, so sadly he must have suffered from his wounds for several days before his death. Two other men from his company died at Abbeville, one on July 29th and the other on July 24th. They both suffered wounds from gas. Another two men died on July 22nd. One was buried at a Casualty Clearing station at Lijssenthoek, the other at a Casualty Clearing station at Gwalia Cemetery. Both of these lay 5 or 6 miles west of Ypres. The date of the fatal gas attack may have been the 21st or 22nd of July.
Sapper Skeppence 28 July 1917
George James Skeppence was born in Great Bedwyn, and he was the son of James and Eliza Ann Skippence of Frogmore Farm in Great Bedwyn. His father was a shopkeeper in 1915.
He enlisted with the 2nd (South Midland) Company, Royal Engineers, at Bristol in 1914. The company was sent to France in March 1915. In 1917, it was renamed the 475th Field Company, Royal Engineers, and it was attached to 48 Division.
British preparations were underway for an offensive at Ypres on July 31st. The battle was preceded by a bombardment which began on July 18th. The offensive was therefore of no surprise to the Germans, and George Skeppence was one of the casualties of this period of artillery fire. George Skeppence died on 28th July 1917, of wounds inflicted by gas, possibly west of St. Julien. He had been evacuated as far as a base hospital at Abbeville, so sadly he must have suffered from his wounds for several days before his death. Two other men from his company died at Abbeville, one on July 29th and the other on July 24th. They both suffered wounds from gas. Another two men died on July 22nd. One was buried at a Casualty Clearing station at Lijssenthoek, the other at a Casualty Clearing station at Gwalia Cemetery. Both of these lay 5 or 6 miles west of Ypres. The date of the fatal gas attack may have been the 21st or 22nd of July.
George Skeppence is buried in the Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, grave IIIB 21. He was 24 years of age. His name is on the war memorial at Great Bedwyn.
Hooge
Private Isaacs 3rd August 1917
Frederick Holloway Isaacs was born at Burbage, and he was the son of Frederick and Mary Isaacs. His father was a gardener, who was working in Burbage when Frederick was born in 1890.
Frederick Isaacs enlisted in the Wiltshire Regiment and served with the 2nd Battalion. On July 31st, B company was part of the first wave in an attack at Hooge:
"Z day ZERO was at 3.40am, and when our first wave, consisting of three platoons of "B" company under Lieut LC MAKEHAM, went over it was still quite dark. The enemy at once put down a barrage on our old front line trenches and on CRAB CRAWL. There was also considerable machine gun fire from the right, which somewhat hindered the 2nd YORKSHIRE Regt. However, the objective was captured and the trenches cleaned by 6.15am"
Three platoons of C company followed in the second wave, and also achieved their objectives. In contrast, A company, with 2 platoons of D company, met resistance from machine gun fire from the woods west of Dumbarton Lakes and Inverness Copse. The battalion secured its new position without too much trouble. However, over the following days, there was heavy shelling on the battalion positions.
1st August "A coy had a few casualties during the day, and the enemy shelling was very heavy throughout the day"
2nd August "A coy experienced a good deal of MG fire from NE corner of BODMIN COPSE and the enemy shelled no mans land continuously"
3rd August "Shelling around same area as previous day and all heavy stuff"
Frederick Isaacs was wounded on one of these days, and he was evacuated via Field Ambulance to the Casualty Clearing station at Proven, several miles north-west of Ypres.
Frederick Isaacs was 27 years of age, and he is buried in Mendinghem Military Cemetery, grave III. E. 16. His name is not recorded on the war memorial at Burbage.
Mendinghem, like Dozinghem and Bandaghem, were the popular names given by the troops to groups of casualty clearing stations posted to this area during the First World War.
Private Isaacs 3rd August 1917
Frederick Holloway Isaacs was born at Burbage, and he was the son of Frederick and Mary Isaacs. His father was a gardener, who was working in Burbage when Frederick was born in 1890.
Frederick Isaacs enlisted in the Wiltshire Regiment and served with the 2nd Battalion. On July 31st, B company was part of the first wave in an attack at Hooge:
"Z day ZERO was at 3.40am, and when our first wave, consisting of three platoons of "B" company under Lieut LC MAKEHAM, went over it was still quite dark. The enemy at once put down a barrage on our old front line trenches and on CRAB CRAWL. There was also considerable machine gun fire from the right, which somewhat hindered the 2nd YORKSHIRE Regt. However, the objective was captured and the trenches cleaned by 6.15am"
Three platoons of C company followed in the second wave, and also achieved their objectives. In contrast, A company, with 2 platoons of D company, met resistance from machine gun fire from the woods west of Dumbarton Lakes and Inverness Copse. The battalion secured its new position without too much trouble. However, over the following days, there was heavy shelling on the battalion positions.
1st August "A coy had a few casualties during the day, and the enemy shelling was very heavy throughout the day"
2nd August "A coy experienced a good deal of MG fire from NE corner of BODMIN COPSE and the enemy shelled no mans land continuously"
3rd August "Shelling around same area as previous day and all heavy stuff"
Frederick Isaacs was wounded on one of these days, and he was evacuated via Field Ambulance to the Casualty Clearing station at Proven, several miles north-west of Ypres.
Frederick Isaacs was 27 years of age, and he is buried in Mendinghem Military Cemetery, grave III. E. 16. His name is not recorded on the war memorial at Burbage.
Mendinghem, like Dozinghem and Bandaghem, were the popular names given by the troops to groups of casualty clearing stations posted to this area during the First World War.
Dunkerque
Private New 20 August 1917
Albert Sydney New was the son of William Henry and Elizabeth Agnes New. In 1901, they lived at 71 High Street Burbage. His mother died in May 1909 and was buried in Burbage. By 1914, his father had moved to Newbury, and was living in Aldern Bridge.
Albert New enlisted in Bournemouth with the Gloucestershire regiment, and served in the 1st battalion. His army number was 29025.
In July 1917, his battalion belonged to the 1st Division, and was training for Operation Hush in the Dunkirk area. This operation, supported by a breakout from the Yser canal coastal area, was intended to launch an amphibious landing behind German lines at Middelkerke in order to exploit the expected benefits of the third battle of Ypres. However, Haig's failure to realise the objectives of the battle resulted in the cancellation of Operation Hush. Albert New may have been injured during training for this operation, and he died in the King George V Hospital at Dublin. This hospital contained a specialist neurological unit, which might suggest that Albert New had received head wounds.
Private New 20 August 1917
Albert Sydney New was the son of William Henry and Elizabeth Agnes New. In 1901, they lived at 71 High Street Burbage. His mother died in May 1909 and was buried in Burbage. By 1914, his father had moved to Newbury, and was living in Aldern Bridge.
Albert New enlisted in Bournemouth with the Gloucestershire regiment, and served in the 1st battalion. His army number was 29025.
In July 1917, his battalion belonged to the 1st Division, and was training for Operation Hush in the Dunkirk area. This operation, supported by a breakout from the Yser canal coastal area, was intended to launch an amphibious landing behind German lines at Middelkerke in order to exploit the expected benefits of the third battle of Ypres. However, Haig's failure to realise the objectives of the battle resulted in the cancellation of Operation Hush. Albert New may have been injured during training for this operation, and he died in the King George V Hospital at Dublin. This hospital contained a specialist neurological unit, which might suggest that Albert New had received head wounds.
Albert New was 22 years of age, and he is buried in Burbage churchyard. He shares a grave with his mother, and the stone inscription states:
"Elizabeth Agnes New b. 14 May 1856 d. 4 May 1909; Alfred Sydney (son o.t.a.) d. 20 Aug 1917 of wounds received in France"
His name is also on the war memorial in Burbage churchyard.
"Elizabeth Agnes New b. 14 May 1856 d. 4 May 1909; Alfred Sydney (son o.t.a.) d. 20 Aug 1917 of wounds received in France"
His name is also on the war memorial in Burbage churchyard.
St. Julien
Rifleman Holton 6th September 1917
Edwin James Holton was born in Burbage. He was the son of the late Edwin Holton, and his first wife Elizabeth Hillier, who was also born in Burbage. They married in 1887, and he was born in 1895. His father was a postman, and in April 1917, he received the Imperial Service Medal from the king in April 1917, "in recognition of long service". After the death of Elizabeth, he married Kate Ellen Holton, and they lived at 116 South Street in Andover.
Edwin Holton enlisted with the London Regiment at Basingstoke, and served with the 2/8 Battalion Post Office Rifles. The 2/8 battalion was formed in October 1914, but it was not deployed to France until January 1917.
"On September 3rd this Battalion was in a shell hole outpost line in the Alberta Sector just north of St. Julien. The enemy was exceedingly active with heavy artillery and gas shells. In the first four days' tour of this line the casualties exceeded 100"
On of these casualties was Edwin Holton. Another seven men from the battalion, who were killed on the 5th or 6th day of September, were buried in this cemetery.
Edwin Holton is buried at Track X Cemetery grave B12. There is no name on the war memorial at Burbage, but he is remembered on the wall of honour at St. Michael’s church, Basingstoke, St. Mary's church, Eastrop, and on the cenotaph at Andover. He was also remembered at the Mission hall, Andover, which is now demolished. The wooden commemorative tablet is now in St. Mary's church, Andover. Edwin Holton lived in Basingstoke and may have been, like his father, a postman.
St. Julien
Private Durston 11 September 1917
John Durston was born in East Pennard, Somerset. He was the son of John and Mary Durston, of 106 Camberwell Road, London. His father died in March 1917.
John Durston enlisted with Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and served with the 2/4 battalion. His army number was 25464.
In early September, several attempts were made to capture Hill 35 by Division 61. All of them failed. On September 10th, it was the turn of John Durston’s battalion to attempt the capture of Hill 35:
"At 4 p.m.' said the 61st Divisional Summary for the twenty-four hours ending 12 noon, September 11, 1917, 'we attacked the Battery Position on Hill 35. This attack was not successful.' A grim epitaph. The terse formula, as though wasted words must not follow wasted lives, was the official record of the seventh attempt to storm Hill 35"
Hill 35, described as an insignificant pimple on the landscape, was 40 metres high. It lay between Zonnebeke and St. Julian, north of the Ypres Roulers railway line.
Rifleman Holton 6th September 1917
Edwin James Holton was born in Burbage. He was the son of the late Edwin Holton, and his first wife Elizabeth Hillier, who was also born in Burbage. They married in 1887, and he was born in 1895. His father was a postman, and in April 1917, he received the Imperial Service Medal from the king in April 1917, "in recognition of long service". After the death of Elizabeth, he married Kate Ellen Holton, and they lived at 116 South Street in Andover.
Edwin Holton enlisted with the London Regiment at Basingstoke, and served with the 2/8 Battalion Post Office Rifles. The 2/8 battalion was formed in October 1914, but it was not deployed to France until January 1917.
"On September 3rd this Battalion was in a shell hole outpost line in the Alberta Sector just north of St. Julien. The enemy was exceedingly active with heavy artillery and gas shells. In the first four days' tour of this line the casualties exceeded 100"
On of these casualties was Edwin Holton. Another seven men from the battalion, who were killed on the 5th or 6th day of September, were buried in this cemetery.
Edwin Holton is buried at Track X Cemetery grave B12. There is no name on the war memorial at Burbage, but he is remembered on the wall of honour at St. Michael’s church, Basingstoke, St. Mary's church, Eastrop, and on the cenotaph at Andover. He was also remembered at the Mission hall, Andover, which is now demolished. The wooden commemorative tablet is now in St. Mary's church, Andover. Edwin Holton lived in Basingstoke and may have been, like his father, a postman.
St. Julien
Private Durston 11 September 1917
John Durston was born in East Pennard, Somerset. He was the son of John and Mary Durston, of 106 Camberwell Road, London. His father died in March 1917.
John Durston enlisted with Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and served with the 2/4 battalion. His army number was 25464.
In early September, several attempts were made to capture Hill 35 by Division 61. All of them failed. On September 10th, it was the turn of John Durston’s battalion to attempt the capture of Hill 35:
"At 4 p.m.' said the 61st Divisional Summary for the twenty-four hours ending 12 noon, September 11, 1917, 'we attacked the Battery Position on Hill 35. This attack was not successful.' A grim epitaph. The terse formula, as though wasted words must not follow wasted lives, was the official record of the seventh attempt to storm Hill 35"
Hill 35, described as an insignificant pimple on the landscape, was 40 metres high. It lay between Zonnebeke and St. Julian, north of the Ypres Roulers railway line.
NNLS 28NE 1:20,000 Zonnebeke October 1916. Hill 35 at Square 19C north, Iberian farm due soth
"Promptly at 4 p.m. the creeping barrage started. In a dazed way or lighting cigarettes the men, who had lost during the long wait all sense of their whereabouts, began to stumble forward up the hill. Our shrapnel barrage was not good. One of the earliest shells burst just behind the hole from which I stepped. It wounded Rowbotham and Baxter (my two signallers) and destroyed the basket of carrier pigeons. Of other English shells I saw the brown splash amongst our men. Prolonged bombardment had ploughed the ground into a welter of crumbling earth and mud. Our progress at only a few dozen yards a minute gave the Germans in their pill-boxes ample time to get their machine-guns going, while correspondingly the barrage passed away from our advance in its successive lifts. Heavy firing from Iberian [farm] commenced to enfilade our ranks. Long before the objective was approached our enemies, who in some cases left the pill-boxes and manned positions outside, were masters of the situation. The seventh attempt had failed to struggle up the slopes of Hill 35" [G. K. Rose, The Story of the 2/4th Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry]
The battalion casualties were 274 men. John Durston was one of the wounded men, who sadly died at the casualty clearing station. He was 27 years of age, and he is buried at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, grave IVD 11. His name is recorded on the East Grafton war memorial, and on the war memorial at All Saint's church, East Pennard.
The battalion casualties were 274 men. John Durston was one of the wounded men, who sadly died at the casualty clearing station. He was 27 years of age, and he is buried at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, grave IVD 11. His name is recorded on the East Grafton war memorial, and on the war memorial at All Saint's church, East Pennard.
Menin Road
Lance Corporal Cope 21 September 1917
Fred Cope was born in Great Bedwyn, and he was the son of Ambrose and Susan Cope, of Folly Farm, Shalbourne. He was born in 1888, when his family lived in the High Street in Great Bedwyn. He served a 5 year apprenticeship with Hoskyns builders in Newbury, and also gained three years service with the 4th battalion (Territorial), the Royal Berkshire regiment, before emigrating to Australia (West Leederville, Western Australia).
He enlisted at Blackboy Hill, Western Australia, with the Australian Imperial Force Machine Gun Corp, and served in the 11th battalion machine gun section. His date of enlistment was the 30th October 1914, and he gave his age as 26 years and 4 months. His army number was 1327. Before the war he worked as a railway carriage builder.
The AIF Machine Gun Companies were formed in February 1916 from the four battalion machine gun sections in each brigade. Each was equipped with 16 Vickers Machine Guns. Fred Cope served with the 3rd Company, attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. He was sent to Gallipoli twice, being wounded on the first occasion. In July 1915, he received a shrapnel wound to his upper lip and was evacuated to St.Georges Hospital, Malta. He was discharged in October, and returned to Gallipoli in time to participate in the evacuation of January 1916. His company was sent to France in April 1916, and in the following July, he was wounded for a second time, with a gunshot wound to the wrist. This occurred during the Somme campaign. He was admitted to the 13th General Hospital in Boulogne. After his discharge in September, he was returned to unit, and shortly afterwards received a promotion to Lance Corporal. He was wounded a third time in May 1917, with a shrapnel wound in his left hand, and was returned to his unit in Belgium on the 10th September after two months at the Brigade School of Instruction. His luck finally ran out 11 day days later.
In September, the 1st and 2nd AIF Divisions participated in an offensive to push the Germans off the Passchendaele-Messines Ridge. This was the battle of the Menin road (20-21 September). The Australians began their advance at 06.00 towards their objectives, which they secured by midday at north edge of Glencorse Wood, Hannebeek Swamp and the bogs of Nonne Boschen Wood.
“This was the first occasion in the war on which two Australian divisions attacked side by side and the men were excited about it. AIF officers had difficulty explaining this elation to British and other Allied officers. It was a matter of extended mateship, of knowing that other battalions of Australians were in support and relying implicitly on them”
The 3rd Division played a supporting role, and Fred Cope may have been among the machine gunners that put down supporting afire on German trenches. Unfortunately, he was one of the casualties which followed the first successful day of this battle. The Australians sustained 5,013 casualties over two days.
Fred Cope was 29 years of age, and he has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Menin Gate Ypres Panel 31. His name is also on the war memorial at Great Bedwyn churchyard.
Lance Corporal Cope 21 September 1917
Fred Cope was born in Great Bedwyn, and he was the son of Ambrose and Susan Cope, of Folly Farm, Shalbourne. He was born in 1888, when his family lived in the High Street in Great Bedwyn. He served a 5 year apprenticeship with Hoskyns builders in Newbury, and also gained three years service with the 4th battalion (Territorial), the Royal Berkshire regiment, before emigrating to Australia (West Leederville, Western Australia).
He enlisted at Blackboy Hill, Western Australia, with the Australian Imperial Force Machine Gun Corp, and served in the 11th battalion machine gun section. His date of enlistment was the 30th October 1914, and he gave his age as 26 years and 4 months. His army number was 1327. Before the war he worked as a railway carriage builder.
The AIF Machine Gun Companies were formed in February 1916 from the four battalion machine gun sections in each brigade. Each was equipped with 16 Vickers Machine Guns. Fred Cope served with the 3rd Company, attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. He was sent to Gallipoli twice, being wounded on the first occasion. In July 1915, he received a shrapnel wound to his upper lip and was evacuated to St.Georges Hospital, Malta. He was discharged in October, and returned to Gallipoli in time to participate in the evacuation of January 1916. His company was sent to France in April 1916, and in the following July, he was wounded for a second time, with a gunshot wound to the wrist. This occurred during the Somme campaign. He was admitted to the 13th General Hospital in Boulogne. After his discharge in September, he was returned to unit, and shortly afterwards received a promotion to Lance Corporal. He was wounded a third time in May 1917, with a shrapnel wound in his left hand, and was returned to his unit in Belgium on the 10th September after two months at the Brigade School of Instruction. His luck finally ran out 11 day days later.
In September, the 1st and 2nd AIF Divisions participated in an offensive to push the Germans off the Passchendaele-Messines Ridge. This was the battle of the Menin road (20-21 September). The Australians began their advance at 06.00 towards their objectives, which they secured by midday at north edge of Glencorse Wood, Hannebeek Swamp and the bogs of Nonne Boschen Wood.
“This was the first occasion in the war on which two Australian divisions attacked side by side and the men were excited about it. AIF officers had difficulty explaining this elation to British and other Allied officers. It was a matter of extended mateship, of knowing that other battalions of Australians were in support and relying implicitly on them”
The 3rd Division played a supporting role, and Fred Cope may have been among the machine gunners that put down supporting afire on German trenches. Unfortunately, he was one of the casualties which followed the first successful day of this battle. The Australians sustained 5,013 casualties over two days.
Fred Cope was 29 years of age, and he has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Menin Gate Ypres Panel 31. His name is also on the war memorial at Great Bedwyn churchyard.
The first Battle of Passchendaele
The disastrous battle of Passchendaele claimed the lives of five Bedwyn men. It began on October 12th, but soon floundered in the horrendous conditions where men drowned in a sea of mud. Three local men died on the opening day of the first battle of Passchendaele.
The disastrous battle of Passchendaele claimed the lives of five Bedwyn men. It began on October 12th, but soon floundered in the horrendous conditions where men drowned in a sea of mud. Three local men died on the opening day of the first battle of Passchendaele.
Sergeant Drew 12 October 1917
Edwin C Drew was born in Kintbury, and he was the grandson of Charles and Sarah Drew in Little Bedwyn.
Edwin Drew enlisted with the Royal Berkshire Regiment and served in the 6th battalion, which was part of 18th Division. His army number was 16081.
The 6th battalion spent August and most of summer out of the front line, and was occupied with receiving replacements, rest, reorganisation and training. The last two weeks of September were spent at Road Camp, Van Ter Biezen, near Poperinge in intensive training for the first battle of Passschendaele. On October 9th, the battalion moved up to Cane trench near Pilkem by omnibus, and received orders to seize three German strongpoints at Poelcapelle: the Brewery, a former brewery, located on the road from Poelcapelle northeast to Spriet, Meunier House, located on the site of a farm east of the village, and Beek Houses, south east of the village. The battlefield over which the battalion was to advance was totally waterlogged. There were no trenches, and shell craters provided no shelter. Movement was made by duckboard and any soldier falling into a crater invariably drowned in liquid mud. Such was the battlefield endured by Edwin Drew on the last day of his life.
On Friday 12th October at 01.00, the battalion left Cane Trench. The battalion moved forwards despite shelling with mustard gas and high explosive, and reached the forming up line at Church Street trench below Poelcapelle after 04.45. The battalion's advance at 05.30 zero hour was delayed as no news was received of the leading battalion. It became apparent that first phase of the attack had failed, but the 6th battalion had no option but to advance. At 06.10 the battalion advanced despite lack of news from the leading battalion, and it was immediately engaged by heavy machine gun fire and snipers from Brewery, Meunier, and Beek Houses.
By 07.00 most of the officers were killed or wounded, and a disorganised situation became chaotic. However at least one of the objectives was reached:
"What we had to take were strong concrete positions known as pill boxes and to capture these is no easy matter. It meant much in desperate fighting before they fell into our hands but we were greatly helped by our splendid artillery. Altogether about twenty of these were taken and my platoon bagged a couple. The machine guns inside were of no use, they had been put out of action. On the side of the road was a large brewery. In this the Huns had a large concentration of of machine guns which were causing a great deal of damage and a heap of snipers. In time the machine guns were silenced and rushing the place the building was captured and the Germans left alive were taken prisoners. The Germans seemed to have plenty of snipers all over the place. These men are always difficult to locate but when once discovered they pay the penalty. All the same they accounted for a large number of our men" [The Biscuit Boys: Berkshire Chronicle 7/12/1917]
The battalion HQ received orders to withdraw at 19.00, but these could not be communicated to the companies until the morning of October 13th. Only A company was able to do so. It was too dangerous for other companies to withdraw in daylight, and small groups came in throughout the day, the last group arriving at 16.30.
Edwin C Drew was born in Kintbury, and he was the grandson of Charles and Sarah Drew in Little Bedwyn.
Edwin Drew enlisted with the Royal Berkshire Regiment and served in the 6th battalion, which was part of 18th Division. His army number was 16081.
The 6th battalion spent August and most of summer out of the front line, and was occupied with receiving replacements, rest, reorganisation and training. The last two weeks of September were spent at Road Camp, Van Ter Biezen, near Poperinge in intensive training for the first battle of Passschendaele. On October 9th, the battalion moved up to Cane trench near Pilkem by omnibus, and received orders to seize three German strongpoints at Poelcapelle: the Brewery, a former brewery, located on the road from Poelcapelle northeast to Spriet, Meunier House, located on the site of a farm east of the village, and Beek Houses, south east of the village. The battlefield over which the battalion was to advance was totally waterlogged. There were no trenches, and shell craters provided no shelter. Movement was made by duckboard and any soldier falling into a crater invariably drowned in liquid mud. Such was the battlefield endured by Edwin Drew on the last day of his life.
On Friday 12th October at 01.00, the battalion left Cane Trench. The battalion moved forwards despite shelling with mustard gas and high explosive, and reached the forming up line at Church Street trench below Poelcapelle after 04.45. The battalion's advance at 05.30 zero hour was delayed as no news was received of the leading battalion. It became apparent that first phase of the attack had failed, but the 6th battalion had no option but to advance. At 06.10 the battalion advanced despite lack of news from the leading battalion, and it was immediately engaged by heavy machine gun fire and snipers from Brewery, Meunier, and Beek Houses.
By 07.00 most of the officers were killed or wounded, and a disorganised situation became chaotic. However at least one of the objectives was reached:
"What we had to take were strong concrete positions known as pill boxes and to capture these is no easy matter. It meant much in desperate fighting before they fell into our hands but we were greatly helped by our splendid artillery. Altogether about twenty of these were taken and my platoon bagged a couple. The machine guns inside were of no use, they had been put out of action. On the side of the road was a large brewery. In this the Huns had a large concentration of of machine guns which were causing a great deal of damage and a heap of snipers. In time the machine guns were silenced and rushing the place the building was captured and the Germans left alive were taken prisoners. The Germans seemed to have plenty of snipers all over the place. These men are always difficult to locate but when once discovered they pay the penalty. All the same they accounted for a large number of our men" [The Biscuit Boys: Berkshire Chronicle 7/12/1917]
The battalion HQ received orders to withdraw at 19.00, but these could not be communicated to the companies until the morning of October 13th. Only A company was able to do so. It was too dangerous for other companies to withdraw in daylight, and small groups came in throughout the day, the last group arriving at 16.30.
NLS 20SE 1:20,000 Westroosebeke September 1917. Brewery is top centre. Beek Houses is south (off map), Meurnier Hous is centre (map number 20).
On October 12th, there were 40 men killed, 163 men wounded, and 10 men missing. Many men such as Edwin Drew died on the opening day of battle, others succumbed to wounds at Clearing Casualty stations. Thomas Potter, the brother of Frank [Bedwyn 1916 - Little Bedwyn - HMS Hampshire] also died in this battle. Many of the 6th battalion casualties have no known grave.
Edwin Drew is buried at Poelcappelle cemetery, and he lies in plot XXXVII. D. 4. This cemetery was founded in 1919, and Edwin drew's body, identified by his army ID disc, was brought from his original burial location in 1920. He was originally buried at map reference 20 V.20.B.6.6. This location lies east of a line defined by Brewery and Meurnier Houses, which suggests he died on or near the battalion objectives. He was buried with one other man, an unknown soldier from a battalion of the Yorks and Lancashire regiment. They were probably buried where they fell.
Edwin Drew is buried at Poelcappelle cemetery, and he lies in plot XXXVII. D. 4. This cemetery was founded in 1919, and Edwin drew's body, identified by his army ID disc, was brought from his original burial location in 1920. He was originally buried at map reference 20 V.20.B.6.6. This location lies east of a line defined by Brewery and Meurnier Houses, which suggests he died on or near the battalion objectives. He was buried with one other man, an unknown soldier from a battalion of the Yorks and Lancashire regiment. They were probably buried where they fell.
Private Humphries 12 October 1917
William Jones Humphries was the son of Walter and Amy Humphries of Fosbury.
William Humphries enlisted with the Machine Gun Corps and served with the 63rd Company. His army number was 102771.
William Humphries probably joined the 63rd company of the Machine Gun Corps when it was formed at Grantham. It deployed to France, where it joined the 21st Division in March 1916 at Armentieres. The company was part of 63 Brigade (10th Battalion, the York and Lancaster, regiment, 4th Battalion, the Middlesex regiment, 8th Battalion, the Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion,the Lincolnshire regiment). On July 8th 1916, 63 Brigade was attached to the 37th Division.
In September 1917, the 37th Division was at Ypres as part of IX Corps. At the beginning of October, it fought on the extreme right flank, south of the Menin road. On October 3rd, it held off a series of German attacks near the Menin Road. During the battle of Broodseinde, the Division launched an attack beyond Tower Hamlets, a series of enemy concrete fortifications, south of the Ypres Menin road. Two attacking brigades were supported by an artillery and machine-gun barrage and a smoke screen. The first objective on Tower Hamlets (Bassevillebeek) spur was captured by the right brigade, but the left brigade was faced with German counter attacks and machine gun fire from Lewis farms. The brigade dug-in in short of the final objective.
A few days later on October 12th, the role of the 37th Division was to secure the area south of the Roulers railway line. William Humphries died supporting the attacking battalions on the southern flank of the offensive.
William Humphries was 19 years of age, and he is buried at Larchwood Railway Cutting Cemetery, grave VA 18. Larch Wood Cemetery is located south-east of Ypres. He has no local memorial.
William Jones Humphries was the son of Walter and Amy Humphries of Fosbury.
William Humphries enlisted with the Machine Gun Corps and served with the 63rd Company. His army number was 102771.
William Humphries probably joined the 63rd company of the Machine Gun Corps when it was formed at Grantham. It deployed to France, where it joined the 21st Division in March 1916 at Armentieres. The company was part of 63 Brigade (10th Battalion, the York and Lancaster, regiment, 4th Battalion, the Middlesex regiment, 8th Battalion, the Somerset Light Infantry, 8th Battalion,the Lincolnshire regiment). On July 8th 1916, 63 Brigade was attached to the 37th Division.
In September 1917, the 37th Division was at Ypres as part of IX Corps. At the beginning of October, it fought on the extreme right flank, south of the Menin road. On October 3rd, it held off a series of German attacks near the Menin Road. During the battle of Broodseinde, the Division launched an attack beyond Tower Hamlets, a series of enemy concrete fortifications, south of the Ypres Menin road. Two attacking brigades were supported by an artillery and machine-gun barrage and a smoke screen. The first objective on Tower Hamlets (Bassevillebeek) spur was captured by the right brigade, but the left brigade was faced with German counter attacks and machine gun fire from Lewis farms. The brigade dug-in in short of the final objective.
A few days later on October 12th, the role of the 37th Division was to secure the area south of the Roulers railway line. William Humphries died supporting the attacking battalions on the southern flank of the offensive.
William Humphries was 19 years of age, and he is buried at Larchwood Railway Cutting Cemetery, grave VA 18. Larch Wood Cemetery is located south-east of Ypres. He has no local memorial.
Private Shepherd 12 October 1917
Alan Frederick Shepherd was born in Bermondsey, and he was the son of Elizabeth Ann Shepherd of No 5, Bedwyn Common. His father D.J. Shepherd had recently died, but his mother survived until 1929.
Alan Shepherd enlisted at Worcester in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and served with the 55th Field Ambulance. His army number was 38295.
Alan Shepherd was sent to France on 27th July 1915, and his unit was attached to the 18th Division. The Field Ambulance [hospital] took wounded men from the frontline or regimental aid posts:
"Now the object of our expedition was to collect the casualties from two regimental aid posts, which lay more than half a mile apart. It is perfectly safe going as far as the first, for the ground rises between the road and the German trenches, but beyond that there is no shelter of any kind, and it is not reckoned a healthy place to linger in"
Sometimes this work involved stretcher bearers working on the battlefield. It was often dangerous work, and not immune to shell or machine gun. Wounded men were treated in the Field Ambulance:
"The whole training of a medical man tends to inure him to unpleasant sights and smells, but I must confess that we needed all our training this morning. The dressing-station was formerly a school, and every room was so packed with wounded, lying on stretchers on the floor, that it was with the greatest difficulty that we could move about. It was literally almost impossible to put your foot down without treading on a wounded man. The condition of the wounds was indescribable, for many of them were two days old, and during that time the wounded men had simply lain out on the battlefield, the furious fighting rendering the evacuation of casualties an impossibility. In this country of heavily-manured soil every wound becomes septic at once, and unless treated thoroughly it soon swarms with the microbes of putrefaction"
[With a Field Ambulance at Ypres by William Boyd]
The dead were often buried in the direct vicinity of the Field Ambulance, which is why so many military cemeteries were former medical stations. Men whose wounds were beyond the facilities of the Field Ambulance were evacuated to Casualty Stations, hence to base hospitals, and to England. The 55th Field Ambulance served on the Somme in 1916, Arras and Ypres in 1917. Alan Shepherd probably served in all of these battles.
On the first day of the first battle of Passchendaele, the 18th Division was responsible for establishing the northern flank of the assault beyond Poelcappelle and north of the Lekkerboterbeek. The battle was characterised by rain and mud, as well as the inevitable high casualties, one of which was Alan Shepherd.
Alan Shepherd was 24 years of age when he was killed, and he is now buried in Cement House Cemetery at Langemark. His grave is IXD 20. His name is also on the war memorial in Savernake churchyard. Cement House cemetery was founded in August 1917, and many graves, including Alan Shepherd, were brought in after the war. He was originally buried ay map reference V.19 B.4.0. immediately south of the Langemarck road junction in Poelcapelle village (see map above Edwin Drew). He died collecting casualties from the front line, and those casualties probably came from the 6th battalion, Royal Berkshires. Edwin Drew died no more than one kilometre from Alan Shepherd.
Alan Frederick Shepherd was born in Bermondsey, and he was the son of Elizabeth Ann Shepherd of No 5, Bedwyn Common. His father D.J. Shepherd had recently died, but his mother survived until 1929.
Alan Shepherd enlisted at Worcester in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and served with the 55th Field Ambulance. His army number was 38295.
Alan Shepherd was sent to France on 27th July 1915, and his unit was attached to the 18th Division. The Field Ambulance [hospital] took wounded men from the frontline or regimental aid posts:
"Now the object of our expedition was to collect the casualties from two regimental aid posts, which lay more than half a mile apart. It is perfectly safe going as far as the first, for the ground rises between the road and the German trenches, but beyond that there is no shelter of any kind, and it is not reckoned a healthy place to linger in"
Sometimes this work involved stretcher bearers working on the battlefield. It was often dangerous work, and not immune to shell or machine gun. Wounded men were treated in the Field Ambulance:
"The whole training of a medical man tends to inure him to unpleasant sights and smells, but I must confess that we needed all our training this morning. The dressing-station was formerly a school, and every room was so packed with wounded, lying on stretchers on the floor, that it was with the greatest difficulty that we could move about. It was literally almost impossible to put your foot down without treading on a wounded man. The condition of the wounds was indescribable, for many of them were two days old, and during that time the wounded men had simply lain out on the battlefield, the furious fighting rendering the evacuation of casualties an impossibility. In this country of heavily-manured soil every wound becomes septic at once, and unless treated thoroughly it soon swarms with the microbes of putrefaction"
[With a Field Ambulance at Ypres by William Boyd]
The dead were often buried in the direct vicinity of the Field Ambulance, which is why so many military cemeteries were former medical stations. Men whose wounds were beyond the facilities of the Field Ambulance were evacuated to Casualty Stations, hence to base hospitals, and to England. The 55th Field Ambulance served on the Somme in 1916, Arras and Ypres in 1917. Alan Shepherd probably served in all of these battles.
On the first day of the first battle of Passchendaele, the 18th Division was responsible for establishing the northern flank of the assault beyond Poelcappelle and north of the Lekkerboterbeek. The battle was characterised by rain and mud, as well as the inevitable high casualties, one of which was Alan Shepherd.
Alan Shepherd was 24 years of age when he was killed, and he is now buried in Cement House Cemetery at Langemark. His grave is IXD 20. His name is also on the war memorial in Savernake churchyard. Cement House cemetery was founded in August 1917, and many graves, including Alan Shepherd, were brought in after the war. He was originally buried ay map reference V.19 B.4.0. immediately south of the Langemarck road junction in Poelcapelle village (see map above Edwin Drew). He died collecting casualties from the front line, and those casualties probably came from the 6th battalion, Royal Berkshires. Edwin Drew died no more than one kilometre from Alan Shepherd.
The second Battle of Passchendaele
These two men died on the opening day of the second battle of Passchendaele.
They were friends who enlisted together and died together.
Private Clark 26 October 1917
Private Webster 26 October 1917
Audley Clark was born in Burbage, and he was the son of Francis Clark and Natalia Moore, of 30, Brokenborough, near Malmesbury.
George Webster was born in Rowington, Warwickshire. and he was the son of Joseph and Martha Webster of 183 Brook Street, Great Bedwyn. He was also the brother of Thomas Webster who served in the Wiltshire regiment and died of sickness in 1919.
On 18th May 1917, Audley Clark and George Webster enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, (Portsmouth), and served with the 1st battalion, part of 188th Brigade in the 63rd (Royal Navy) Division.
Service number PO/2216(S) Audley Clark.
Service number PO/2218(S) George Webster.
In October 1917, the battalion arrived in Ypres, and made bivouac north of the city along the Ieper canal. In preparation for the the second battle of Passchendaele, the 188th Brigade moved up to the front line, immediately south of Poelcappelle.
The 1st battalion HQ was established at Hubner Farm, and front line companies occupied Oxford House, Burns House, and Inch Houses. The reserve company held Winchester Farm. The landscape consisted of nothing more than mud, water, and shell holes, sprinkled with barbed wire. The battalion objective was to seize a number of enemy positions, known as Berks Houses, Banff House and Bray Farm. These lay south east of Poelcappelle, and immediately south of the Lekkerboterbeek stream.
The battalion was supported by the Anson battalion on the right flank (south). The brigade front was 1500 yards, of which 900 yards was held by the 1st battalion. The 2nd battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry followed in support, with the Howe battalion supporting the 2nd battalion. All battalions were in position by 02.00. At 03.30, a heavy persistent rain poured on the waiting troops.
These two men died on the opening day of the second battle of Passchendaele.
They were friends who enlisted together and died together.
Private Clark 26 October 1917
Private Webster 26 October 1917
Audley Clark was born in Burbage, and he was the son of Francis Clark and Natalia Moore, of 30, Brokenborough, near Malmesbury.
George Webster was born in Rowington, Warwickshire. and he was the son of Joseph and Martha Webster of 183 Brook Street, Great Bedwyn. He was also the brother of Thomas Webster who served in the Wiltshire regiment and died of sickness in 1919.
On 18th May 1917, Audley Clark and George Webster enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, (Portsmouth), and served with the 1st battalion, part of 188th Brigade in the 63rd (Royal Navy) Division.
Service number PO/2216(S) Audley Clark.
Service number PO/2218(S) George Webster.
In October 1917, the battalion arrived in Ypres, and made bivouac north of the city along the Ieper canal. In preparation for the the second battle of Passchendaele, the 188th Brigade moved up to the front line, immediately south of Poelcappelle.
The 1st battalion HQ was established at Hubner Farm, and front line companies occupied Oxford House, Burns House, and Inch Houses. The reserve company held Winchester Farm. The landscape consisted of nothing more than mud, water, and shell holes, sprinkled with barbed wire. The battalion objective was to seize a number of enemy positions, known as Berks Houses, Banff House and Bray Farm. These lay south east of Poelcappelle, and immediately south of the Lekkerboterbeek stream.
The battalion was supported by the Anson battalion on the right flank (south). The brigade front was 1500 yards, of which 900 yards was held by the 1st battalion. The 2nd battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry followed in support, with the Howe battalion supporting the 2nd battalion. All battalions were in position by 02.00. At 03.30, a heavy persistent rain poured on the waiting troops.
NLS 20 SE 1:20,000. Inches House of map below square 27.B. Winchester House off map below Square 26.B.
On October 26th at 05.40, the battalion advanced over water soaked ground behind an artillery barrage. Mud, sniper fire, and heavy machine guns inflicted a heavy toll on the battalion, which nevertheless succeeded in securing the objectives. Banff House was recaptured by the Germans at the end of the day, but recovered in later fighting. At the beginning of November, the brigade made a successful night attack, which secured far more ground and far less casualties.
The battalion entered the battle with a total strength of 613 men.They came out of the battle with 280 casualties, nearly 50% of their original strength. One hundred men, including Audley Clark and George Webster, were killed on this day. Most of these men have no known grave. The bodies of Audley Clark and George Webster were never found.
Audley Clark was 23 years of age, and his name is recorded on the Tyne Cot Cemetery, Panel 1 and 162A. There is no local Burbage memorial. George Webster was 18 years of age. His name is recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 1 and 162A, and on the war memorial in Great Bedwyn churchyard.
The battalion entered the battle with a total strength of 613 men.They came out of the battle with 280 casualties, nearly 50% of their original strength. One hundred men, including Audley Clark and George Webster, were killed on this day. Most of these men have no known grave. The bodies of Audley Clark and George Webster were never found.
Audley Clark was 23 years of age, and his name is recorded on the Tyne Cot Cemetery, Panel 1 and 162A. There is no local Burbage memorial. George Webster was 18 years of age. His name is recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 1 and 162A, and on the war memorial in Great Bedwyn churchyard.
Mont St. Eloi
Captain Wasey 28 October 1917
Cyril Walter Carleton Wasey was the son of George Kindersley Wasey and Sidney Jane Godfrey of Leigh Hill House, Savernake Forest. His parents married in 1893 in India, and his father was the third son of the reverend John Spearman Wasey of Speen Hill House, Newbury. His parents continued to live at Leigh Hill, until his father died in 1943, and his mother in 1946. In 1915, his parents apparently lived at Wolfhall.
Cyril Wasey was educated at Eton school, and he immediately joined the army. He received his commission at Sandhurst in March 1913, and served as a regular soldier with the 1st battalion, the Royal Warwickshire regiment. In August 1914, the battalion belonged to the 4th Division which was initially held in England for home defence. However after a military change of mind, the division was sent to France, too late for Mons, but just in time for the subsequent retreat and the battle of Le Cateau.
Captain Wasey 28 October 1917
Cyril Walter Carleton Wasey was the son of George Kindersley Wasey and Sidney Jane Godfrey of Leigh Hill House, Savernake Forest. His parents married in 1893 in India, and his father was the third son of the reverend John Spearman Wasey of Speen Hill House, Newbury. His parents continued to live at Leigh Hill, until his father died in 1943, and his mother in 1946. In 1915, his parents apparently lived at Wolfhall.
Cyril Wasey was educated at Eton school, and he immediately joined the army. He received his commission at Sandhurst in March 1913, and served as a regular soldier with the 1st battalion, the Royal Warwickshire regiment. In August 1914, the battalion belonged to the 4th Division which was initially held in England for home defence. However after a military change of mind, the division was sent to France, too late for Mons, but just in time for the subsequent retreat and the battle of Le Cateau.
Cyril Wasey
News of the retreat had not actually reached General Haldane, commanding 4 Division on August 24th; in order to understand what was actually happening, the general sent out scouts on the following day:
"On arrival there [St. Python] General Haldane sent out Lieut. Wasey of the Royal Warwickshire, whom he knew to be an exceptionally good and resourceful scout, to bring back such news as he could get. But the day passed with little sign of the retreating British, and with growing evidence of the approach of the enemy"
The bulk of the 4th Division arrived on the left wing of the II corps at Le Cateau during the early stages of the battle, and the 1st battalion was soon in action at Haucourt on August 26th. Towards evening, the hard pressed battalion was threatened by Germans on three sides, and began to withdraw. There was little planning or coordination, for the battalion became separated into three groups. One of these groups, famously led by Major Poole, made its way between advancing German columns. The group included Lieutenant Bernard Montgomery, and also Cyril Wasey.
During Major Poole’s retreat, Cyril Wasey gave "great assistance to the French", for which he later received the Legion of Honour. The details are unknown, but this elusive band of Warwicks encountered elements General Sordets 5th cavalry division, who requested help from Major Poole. It would appear that such assistance was delivered by Cyril Wasey.
Another officer with Cyril Wasey was Lieutenant Robert Hamilton. He kept a diary of his service with the 1st battalion in 1914. On October 13st, he wrote that: "Hear the Elk did something very cowardly and had been cashiered – dreadful". Lieutenant Colonel Elkington had been the commanding officer of the 1st Warwicks, and after Le Cateau, he had led a small group of 80 men southwards towards St. Quentin. There he had unwisely decided to surrender to the Germans. The story is a complex one, and not a simple matter of cowardice. A dishonoured Elkington continued the war as a private soldier in the Foreign Legion, and restored his honour and name.
A promoted Captain Hamilton of A company recorded events at Christmas. He played no small part in organising a truce with Germans in opposite trenches. However in the evening:
"Wasey and I went to a concert in D company trench, and at about midnight, we attended another in our own. The Black Hat gang had rigged up an enormous dug out, and had plastered the walls with Tatler pictures of all the latest girls. They had a stove with a teapot singing away, and altogether it was a most enjoyable evening. A very merry Xmas and a most extraordinary one, but I doubled the sentries after midnight"
In May 1915, Captain Wasey was mentioned in despatches after the second battle of Ypres. The battalion suffered heavy casualties at Ypre. Cyril Wasey was twice wounded during his time on the Western Front, and on one occasion was in hospital with a broken jaw. Cyril Wasey’s career with the 1st battalion ended at Loos, for on a wet September 29th at Sailly La Bourse, he was attached to the 2nd battalion as Acting Adjutant. This battalion had taken 510 casualties after the first day of battle of Loos [September 25th].
In 1916, the 2nd battalion fought on the Somme. On July 10 the battalion bivouacked at Plum Lane, which was situated south of Mametz wood. The next day, Cyril Wasey led ‘A’ and ‘B’ companies from the Citadel line to reconnoitre the Wood. They discovered the Germans were very much in occupation, and this information cost 20 casualties. Cyril Wasey returned to the battalion bivouac at the Halt at 01.30 on July 12; the wood was finally captured on this day.
An assault on Bazentin Wood was planned for July 14th. A first wave successfully captured the wood by 05.00. The 2nd battalion was part of a second wave which was intended to pass through the wood and capture the village of Bazentin-le-Petit. At 04.30, the battalion passed over the German front line trench and ‘C’ and ‘D’ companies seized Circus Trench.
Cyril Wasey led ‘B’ company along a gully to the road between Bazentin-le-Grand and Bazentin-le-Petit. Although under machine gun fire, he continued to a crossroad known as crucifix corner. Observing large numbers of Germans coming from the direction of High Wood, he sent a runner back to warn other troops, and directed ‘B’ company fire on the enemy. The 1st battalion, the Northumberland Fusiliers launched a successful attack to drive the Germans back to High Wood.
Later in the morning, the Germans launched a series of counterattacks against the village. After severe fighting, ‘A’ company forced the Germans back north of the village. The east flank was threatened in the area of the village cemetery and a windmill. Cyril Wasey deployed ‘B’ company between crucifix corner and the windmill. Supported by elements of ‘A’ and ‘D’ companies, he held off the German advance, and by 15.30, fighting died down and a defence line was established.
The 2nd battalion suffered 223 casualties on this day. In 1916, Cyril Wasey was recommended the Military Cross and his award was gazetted on 1st Jan 1917; it may have been awarded for his successful defence at Bazentin Le Grand.
In 1917, he applied to join the RFC and after training, he qualified as an observer. In September, he returned to France and was posted to 16 squadron. This unit was equipped with RE8 two-seater observation aircraft, and he saw 6 weeks service before his death. He went on 18 sorties during October. On the 28th day of this month, his last flight was piloted by Lieutenant Edward Keir who originated from Lancaster. He attended Lancaster Royal Grammar School, where he took commission with the school OTC in 1914. He served as a staff instructor, but transferred to the RFC in 1917. After training, he served 3 months on the western front before his death.
There are various versions of the story of their last flight. According to one story, the plane was attacked by two enemy aircraft which Cyril Wasey fought off with the observer’s machine gun. However, they a parting shot is believed to have hit him in the head, which instantly killed him.
An alternative story concerns the radio aerial of the RE8.
“Any time that we got into a fight we were always concerned about the aerial. The aerial in an R.E. 8 is a very heavy wire wound on a drum, and having a heavy lead weight at the end to keep it taut when it was in use. If you were involved in an aerial fight and your aerial was still trailing out behind you, it could prove a death trap. Indeed, Lt. Keir with Major Wasey as his observer were suddenly surprised by a group of Germans and before the aerial could be wound in, it was swinging wildly around Keir's throat and strangled him. Both Keir and Wasey went down to their deaths” [ Lieutenant Gilbert Preston MC, 16 Squadron RFC, observer, Canadian]
It was the misfortune of Edward Keir and Cyril Wasey to encounter Julius Buckler of Jasta 17. Buckler enlisted in the army in 1913. Badly wounded on the western front in 1914, he transferred to the German Air Service after he recovered. He initially served as an observer, but by the end of 1916 he had joined a fighter unit. Despite being wounded on a number of occasions he accumulated a tally of 36 enemy aircraft destroyed. The RE8 belonging to Edward Keir and Cyril Wasey was the 20th such aircraft. The month following Cyril Wasey’s death, Leutnant Buckler received his commission. He also very nearly lost his own life:
“He was wounded for the fourth time on 30 November 1917, wounded in both his arms and chest. His subsequent crash then completely broke both arms"
Keir, Wasey, and Buckler, served on opposite sides, but they had much in common. They were brave and courageous men who daily risked their lives. Buckler had the luck to survive the war, Keir and Wasey did not.
Buckler engaged Cyril Wasey’s RE8 at 16.05 above Mont St. Eloi, and the British plane crashed at Carency, 5 kilometers north of Mont St. Eloi.
"On arrival there [St. Python] General Haldane sent out Lieut. Wasey of the Royal Warwickshire, whom he knew to be an exceptionally good and resourceful scout, to bring back such news as he could get. But the day passed with little sign of the retreating British, and with growing evidence of the approach of the enemy"
The bulk of the 4th Division arrived on the left wing of the II corps at Le Cateau during the early stages of the battle, and the 1st battalion was soon in action at Haucourt on August 26th. Towards evening, the hard pressed battalion was threatened by Germans on three sides, and began to withdraw. There was little planning or coordination, for the battalion became separated into three groups. One of these groups, famously led by Major Poole, made its way between advancing German columns. The group included Lieutenant Bernard Montgomery, and also Cyril Wasey.
During Major Poole’s retreat, Cyril Wasey gave "great assistance to the French", for which he later received the Legion of Honour. The details are unknown, but this elusive band of Warwicks encountered elements General Sordets 5th cavalry division, who requested help from Major Poole. It would appear that such assistance was delivered by Cyril Wasey.
Another officer with Cyril Wasey was Lieutenant Robert Hamilton. He kept a diary of his service with the 1st battalion in 1914. On October 13st, he wrote that: "Hear the Elk did something very cowardly and had been cashiered – dreadful". Lieutenant Colonel Elkington had been the commanding officer of the 1st Warwicks, and after Le Cateau, he had led a small group of 80 men southwards towards St. Quentin. There he had unwisely decided to surrender to the Germans. The story is a complex one, and not a simple matter of cowardice. A dishonoured Elkington continued the war as a private soldier in the Foreign Legion, and restored his honour and name.
A promoted Captain Hamilton of A company recorded events at Christmas. He played no small part in organising a truce with Germans in opposite trenches. However in the evening:
"Wasey and I went to a concert in D company trench, and at about midnight, we attended another in our own. The Black Hat gang had rigged up an enormous dug out, and had plastered the walls with Tatler pictures of all the latest girls. They had a stove with a teapot singing away, and altogether it was a most enjoyable evening. A very merry Xmas and a most extraordinary one, but I doubled the sentries after midnight"
In May 1915, Captain Wasey was mentioned in despatches after the second battle of Ypres. The battalion suffered heavy casualties at Ypre. Cyril Wasey was twice wounded during his time on the Western Front, and on one occasion was in hospital with a broken jaw. Cyril Wasey’s career with the 1st battalion ended at Loos, for on a wet September 29th at Sailly La Bourse, he was attached to the 2nd battalion as Acting Adjutant. This battalion had taken 510 casualties after the first day of battle of Loos [September 25th].
In 1916, the 2nd battalion fought on the Somme. On July 10 the battalion bivouacked at Plum Lane, which was situated south of Mametz wood. The next day, Cyril Wasey led ‘A’ and ‘B’ companies from the Citadel line to reconnoitre the Wood. They discovered the Germans were very much in occupation, and this information cost 20 casualties. Cyril Wasey returned to the battalion bivouac at the Halt at 01.30 on July 12; the wood was finally captured on this day.
An assault on Bazentin Wood was planned for July 14th. A first wave successfully captured the wood by 05.00. The 2nd battalion was part of a second wave which was intended to pass through the wood and capture the village of Bazentin-le-Petit. At 04.30, the battalion passed over the German front line trench and ‘C’ and ‘D’ companies seized Circus Trench.
Cyril Wasey led ‘B’ company along a gully to the road between Bazentin-le-Grand and Bazentin-le-Petit. Although under machine gun fire, he continued to a crossroad known as crucifix corner. Observing large numbers of Germans coming from the direction of High Wood, he sent a runner back to warn other troops, and directed ‘B’ company fire on the enemy. The 1st battalion, the Northumberland Fusiliers launched a successful attack to drive the Germans back to High Wood.
Later in the morning, the Germans launched a series of counterattacks against the village. After severe fighting, ‘A’ company forced the Germans back north of the village. The east flank was threatened in the area of the village cemetery and a windmill. Cyril Wasey deployed ‘B’ company between crucifix corner and the windmill. Supported by elements of ‘A’ and ‘D’ companies, he held off the German advance, and by 15.30, fighting died down and a defence line was established.
The 2nd battalion suffered 223 casualties on this day. In 1916, Cyril Wasey was recommended the Military Cross and his award was gazetted on 1st Jan 1917; it may have been awarded for his successful defence at Bazentin Le Grand.
In 1917, he applied to join the RFC and after training, he qualified as an observer. In September, he returned to France and was posted to 16 squadron. This unit was equipped with RE8 two-seater observation aircraft, and he saw 6 weeks service before his death. He went on 18 sorties during October. On the 28th day of this month, his last flight was piloted by Lieutenant Edward Keir who originated from Lancaster. He attended Lancaster Royal Grammar School, where he took commission with the school OTC in 1914. He served as a staff instructor, but transferred to the RFC in 1917. After training, he served 3 months on the western front before his death.
There are various versions of the story of their last flight. According to one story, the plane was attacked by two enemy aircraft which Cyril Wasey fought off with the observer’s machine gun. However, they a parting shot is believed to have hit him in the head, which instantly killed him.
An alternative story concerns the radio aerial of the RE8.
“Any time that we got into a fight we were always concerned about the aerial. The aerial in an R.E. 8 is a very heavy wire wound on a drum, and having a heavy lead weight at the end to keep it taut when it was in use. If you were involved in an aerial fight and your aerial was still trailing out behind you, it could prove a death trap. Indeed, Lt. Keir with Major Wasey as his observer were suddenly surprised by a group of Germans and before the aerial could be wound in, it was swinging wildly around Keir's throat and strangled him. Both Keir and Wasey went down to their deaths” [ Lieutenant Gilbert Preston MC, 16 Squadron RFC, observer, Canadian]
It was the misfortune of Edward Keir and Cyril Wasey to encounter Julius Buckler of Jasta 17. Buckler enlisted in the army in 1913. Badly wounded on the western front in 1914, he transferred to the German Air Service after he recovered. He initially served as an observer, but by the end of 1916 he had joined a fighter unit. Despite being wounded on a number of occasions he accumulated a tally of 36 enemy aircraft destroyed. The RE8 belonging to Edward Keir and Cyril Wasey was the 20th such aircraft. The month following Cyril Wasey’s death, Leutnant Buckler received his commission. He also very nearly lost his own life:
“He was wounded for the fourth time on 30 November 1917, wounded in both his arms and chest. His subsequent crash then completely broke both arms"
Keir, Wasey, and Buckler, served on opposite sides, but they had much in common. They were brave and courageous men who daily risked their lives. Buckler had the luck to survive the war, Keir and Wasey did not.
Buckler engaged Cyril Wasey’s RE8 at 16.05 above Mont St. Eloi, and the British plane crashed at Carency, 5 kilometers north of Mont St. Eloi.
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Cyril Wasey is buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, 15 kilometers north-west of Arras. He was 24 years old. His grave is VIJ 1, and Edward Keir is buried next to him in grave VIJ 2.
Cyril Wasey’s name is remembered on the war memorial in Burbage churchyard, and there is a memorial stone at St. Katherine's church, Savernake. |
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Menin Road
Gunner Dobson 4th November 1917
William James Dobson was the son of Job and Louisa Ann Dobson of 42 The Hill, Froxfield. His death was the second tragedy to descend on the Dobson family in 1917, for his brother Arthur died in training in March 1917.
William Dobson enlisted with the Royal Garrison Artillery and served in 238th Siege Battery. The battery was part of 69 Brigade. His army number was 86947.
The 238th Siege Battery was equipped with 6" howitzers and deployed to France in December 1916. In November 1917, the battery was located in the area of the Menin road during the third battle of Ypres. Conditions were appalling for artillerymen as well as infantry. The fate of William Dobson is unknown.
Gunner Dobson 4th November 1917
William James Dobson was the son of Job and Louisa Ann Dobson of 42 The Hill, Froxfield. His death was the second tragedy to descend on the Dobson family in 1917, for his brother Arthur died in training in March 1917.
William Dobson enlisted with the Royal Garrison Artillery and served in 238th Siege Battery. The battery was part of 69 Brigade. His army number was 86947.
The 238th Siege Battery was equipped with 6" howitzers and deployed to France in December 1916. In November 1917, the battery was located in the area of the Menin road during the third battle of Ypres. Conditions were appalling for artillerymen as well as infantry. The fate of William Dobson is unknown.
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William Dobson is buried in Potijze Chateau Grounds Cemetery, grave IC 32. He was was 21 years old. William Dobson's name is also on the war memorial at Froxfield.
Five other gunners from the RGA were buried at Potijze at this time. None of them appear to have been from 69 Brigade. Potijze Chateau lay east of Ypres, immediately behind the front line. The building remarkably survived the war, despite German shelling. The lower floor was used as an Advanced Dressing Station, and the upper floor for artillery observation. |
copyright Michael E. Bridgestock 1995-2016
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Gouzeaucourt
Sapper Smith 28 December 1917
William Smith was born at Leigh Hill, and he was the son of Lydia Ann Smith of 7 Leigh Hill. She died in 1925, aged 68, and is buried in St. Katherine's churchyard.
He enlisted with the Royal Engineers and served in the 63rd Field Company. His army number was 140230. The 63rd company was part of the 9th Scottish Division, and William Smith would have worn the 9th Division thistle emblem on his left shoulder.
In March 1916, the company was at Ploegsteert, identifying sites for concrete blockhouses: "Royal Artillery observation posts and machine gun emplacements, Pillar boxes sites selected". In June 1918, following an attack by South African and Australian troops at Meteren, near Bailleul, a section of the company went out and put up wire in front of the new firing line before dawn. It was dangerous work, and none more so than at St. Julien in October 1917; one of the roles of the Royal Engineers was to build a railway to move the guns. The horse could not be used because they sank into the mud:
"Since the horses could not leave the roads, it was only by means of light railways that field guns could be brought into action off the roads and supplied with ammunition. The sappers, under Lieut-Colonel Hearn, always a strong advocate of the light railway, gave the greatest possible assistance to the gunners by constructing a very useful railway system east of Springfield”
A tribute to the Royal Engineers was paid by John Ewing, the author of the history of the 9th Division:
"Few people at Passchendale had a more thankless and trying time than the Sappers, who were constantly engaged in maintaining the shelled duckboard tracks, and making plank roads, repairing paths and constructing shelters and tramways"
William Smith was one of those sappers. After a brief respite on the coast, his company moved to Gouzeaucourt in December. This village lay behind the front line established by the Germans during the battle of Cambrai. On December 17th, there were heavy falls of snow which persisted into January 1918, and defined the conditions under which William Smith spent the last two weeks of his life. In the middle of January, there was warmer weather, and the parapets 'melted away in liquid snow and mud'.
On the night of 30/31 December, white camouflaged German troops attacked the positions of the 63rd Division, north of Gouzeaucourt. This was the Action of Welch Ridge, a postscript to the battle of Cambrai. William Smith died before this fighting, and the cause of his death is unknown. He was buried only a few miles behind the front line at Fins, with four other men from the Division who died on the same day.
William Smith was 23 years old. He is buried at Fins New British Cemetery Sorel-Le-Grand III D 12. His grave registration documents describe him as a native of Great Bedwyn. There is no local memorial.
A unique record of Edward Albert Jeffery (1894 – 1972), a soldier in the 63rd Company, Royal engineers, has been written by his son Peter:
Royal Engineer Sapper No.536247
Sapper Smith 28 December 1917
William Smith was born at Leigh Hill, and he was the son of Lydia Ann Smith of 7 Leigh Hill. She died in 1925, aged 68, and is buried in St. Katherine's churchyard.
He enlisted with the Royal Engineers and served in the 63rd Field Company. His army number was 140230. The 63rd company was part of the 9th Scottish Division, and William Smith would have worn the 9th Division thistle emblem on his left shoulder.
In March 1916, the company was at Ploegsteert, identifying sites for concrete blockhouses: "Royal Artillery observation posts and machine gun emplacements, Pillar boxes sites selected". In June 1918, following an attack by South African and Australian troops at Meteren, near Bailleul, a section of the company went out and put up wire in front of the new firing line before dawn. It was dangerous work, and none more so than at St. Julien in October 1917; one of the roles of the Royal Engineers was to build a railway to move the guns. The horse could not be used because they sank into the mud:
"Since the horses could not leave the roads, it was only by means of light railways that field guns could be brought into action off the roads and supplied with ammunition. The sappers, under Lieut-Colonel Hearn, always a strong advocate of the light railway, gave the greatest possible assistance to the gunners by constructing a very useful railway system east of Springfield”
A tribute to the Royal Engineers was paid by John Ewing, the author of the history of the 9th Division:
"Few people at Passchendale had a more thankless and trying time than the Sappers, who were constantly engaged in maintaining the shelled duckboard tracks, and making plank roads, repairing paths and constructing shelters and tramways"
William Smith was one of those sappers. After a brief respite on the coast, his company moved to Gouzeaucourt in December. This village lay behind the front line established by the Germans during the battle of Cambrai. On December 17th, there were heavy falls of snow which persisted into January 1918, and defined the conditions under which William Smith spent the last two weeks of his life. In the middle of January, there was warmer weather, and the parapets 'melted away in liquid snow and mud'.
On the night of 30/31 December, white camouflaged German troops attacked the positions of the 63rd Division, north of Gouzeaucourt. This was the Action of Welch Ridge, a postscript to the battle of Cambrai. William Smith died before this fighting, and the cause of his death is unknown. He was buried only a few miles behind the front line at Fins, with four other men from the Division who died on the same day.
William Smith was 23 years old. He is buried at Fins New British Cemetery Sorel-Le-Grand III D 12. His grave registration documents describe him as a native of Great Bedwyn. There is no local memorial.
A unique record of Edward Albert Jeffery (1894 – 1972), a soldier in the 63rd Company, Royal engineers, has been written by his son Peter:
Royal Engineer Sapper No.536247
© IWM (Art.IWM ART 1656). Artist Rifles counter attack at Marcoing during Action on the Welch ridge.
End 1917
