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Remembering our forgotten heroes

Harold Bamber- Updated as of 7\1\2024

Born in 1896, Whittle le Woods,

Age: 19 on enlistment

Age: 21 in 1917

Killed in Action: 21 July 1917

France and Flanders

Reg no: 18692

Rank: Private

7 Battalion East Lancashire Regiment

 

 

 

 

 

Enlisted about 27 May 1915 at Burnley

 

The 7 Battalion East Lancashire Regiment was on the front line just northeast of Oostaverne.

The trenches were between Verhaest Avenue and Pioneer Road \ Preston Road

and preparations were being made to be attacking towards Green-Wood.

 

According to the War Diary-

 

Blue and Red Line

 

18 July 1917

 

Battalion moved to Blue and Red Line near WIJSCHATE RIDGE preparatory to moving into line.

 

19 July 1917

 

Battalion moved into line relieving 9/ R.W Fusiliers in CENTRE SUB SECTOR Q17 A + C SHEET 28 S.W 1/20'000

Battalion disposed D Coy Left front line, C coy Right front line, B Coy Support in ROSE WOOD

A Coy in Support at GOUDEZEONE FME.

 

20 July 1917

 

Casualties  O Ranks, 1 Killed (might say 7) 3 Wounded

 

22 July 1917

 

Battalion relieved in line by 10th Worcester and moved to Camp at N.16 B 9 3 into Reserve

 

Captain E G Edwards, 2/Lt Rentone, 2/Lt J H Jeffreys wounded

2 OR Killed, and 11 wounded

 

 

KILLED INSTANTLY BY A SHELL

 

News has been received of the death of Pte  Harold Bamber (18691) of the East Lancashire Regt., son of Pte. And Mrs Bamber, 17, Hargher street, Burnley. Deceased, who joined the Army on January 20th, 1915, was 21 years of age. He was in training at Plymouth until May 27th the same year, when he was drafted to France.

He took part in the great advance at Messines on June 7th and was Killed in Action on July 21st.

He was formerly an apprentice with Mr J. Preston, house decorator, of Hargher Street, and attended Wood Top Sunday School. When deceased first went out he was attached to the 1st East Lancashire’s, and afterward was with another battalion.

 

Lieut. R Burgess Walker wrote to deceased’s parents under date July 24th:-

 

“ As a stranger to you it is difficult for me to express my sympathy, but I have been your sons platoon officer ever since he joined the battalion in December last, and I have had good reason to  appreciate his fine qualities and courage through intimate connection with him both in action and at rest. He has always proved himself an intelligent, resourceful, and brave soldier, and I feel his loss most acutely. It may be some consolation to you to know he died without pain. We were holding a line of trenches previously held by the enemy, and wrested from him in the recent advance, in which your son played his part.

In the middle of the night the Boches started shelling heavily, and a shell landed on the parapet just in front of you son, who was killed instantaneously, being completely buried with the explosion.”

 

The letter goes on to say that the remains of the deceased were later interred in a British cemetery behind the line’s

 

A letter has also been received from Pte. J. Ramsbottom, a chum of deceased, stating that Harold was always in the best of spirits, and was liked and respected by all who knew him. All the lads in his section  and platoon sent their deepest sympathy in his loss.

 

Son of Benjamin and Sarah Bamber, of 17, Hargher St., Burnley

 

He is buried in Oostaverne Wood Cemetery

 

 

 

85

George Beardsworth

Born in 1891, Whittle le Woods, Living in Nelson

Age: on enlistment

Age: 26 when killed

Killed in Action: 13 May 1917

Reg no: 16855

France and Flanders

Rank: Sergeant

"C" Coy, 22 Manchester Regiment

 

 

Enlisted at Manchester

 

Also served in the 4 and 18  Manchester Regiment

 

10.05.17 22nd Manchester Regiment held in support, at Ecoust, and on the railway embankment.
12.05.17 22nd Manchester Regiment ( British 173rd Brigade) relieved the AIF 58th
Battalion in Bullecourt. Their objective was to capture German trenches Southwest of Bullecourt in an area called the Red Patch (called Red Patch because it was red on the map). The British had control over the village of Bullecourt except for the Red Patch. 22 Manchester would attack the Red Patch from the northeast, while 2/Royal Warwicks would attack from the south. The 2/7 Duke of Wellington would assault the Crucifix with the aim of cutting the German lifeline into their trenches in the Red Patch. British Artillery would fire their shells into the Red Patch immediately before the British Units attacked the location from both sides.
The arrival of the 22nd Manchester Regiment only succeeded in overcrowding the communication trenches in which they were forced to take shelter until nightfall

13.05.17 03:40 Hours attack on Red Patch. 22nd Manchester Regiment attacked the G1 trench, which protected the southwest corner of the village. Despite being isolated G1 trench refused to be captured and still controlled western portions of Bullecourt. The Germans held the G1 trench with great strength. German patrol was seen approaching the British. Green SOS flares fired requesting protective barrage. Shells fell indiscriminately amidst the confusion. The Warwicks and Manchester’s were ordered to go in with the bayonet and fought ferociously.
Indiscriminate shells fell upon the Warwick’s, then the Manchester’s
causing heavy casualties to both. The protective barrage never reached the
Enemy trenches and the attack collapsed. As the remaining men went
the shattered brickwork and devastation towards the G1 trench they were
met by heavy machine-gun fire, both from the trench and also from
positions around the crucifix on their right.
Some parties of the 2nd Royal Warwickshires came along the road running
Bullecourt past the G1 trench and apparently run into some men from
D Company, 22nd Manchester Regiment, such was the disorientation
of the men and their officers. Both A and D company commanders were
wounded. Wounded men straggling back described the attack as having
failed. The survivors were scattered across the ground still swept by machine
guns and aimed rifle fire. Men of the 22nd Manchester’s were pinned down
by machine guns in the Red Patch and by the crossroads.

 

Casualties were relatively light, two officers killed, two wounded, one missing believed
killed. 106 other ranks were killed, wounded, and missing.

 

Son of James and Annie Beardsworth, of 100, Brunswick St., Nelson, Lancs

 

His name is on the Arras Memorial, Bay 7

 

86

Gerrald Bennett- more to add 

Born 1898 in Whittle le Woods

Age: 18 and 3 months on enlistment

Age: 20

Reg no: 241226

Killed in Action: 10 April 1918

France and Flanders

9th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

 

 

 

Enlisted 2 November 1914 at Bolton

 

2/5 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 3217 

 

Admitted to General Hospital, Brighton for Necrosis of Tibia on 3 April 1916 until 15 April 1916

 

At the time of Gerald Bennett's death, he was with the 9th Battalion in the line south of Armentieres.

On the 10th of April 1918, the battalion was part of a counter-attack in and around the village of Croix du Bac.

 

It was known as 'The Battle of Estaires', from 9th to 11th April 1918.

 

Reported missing on 10 April 1918

 

 

Son of John and Ann Bennett, of 142, Oakenbottom Rd., Tonge, Bolton.

 

He was a Crofter at Bleachworks

 

Bolton County Borough Roll of Honour 1914-1918

St James WW1 Memorial, Breightmet

 

His name is on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Berks Cemetery Extension

 

 

 

87

Peter Bibby

Born 1884, Whittle Le Woods

Age 31 on Enlistment

Age: 31 , when shot by a sniper.

Killed in Action: 22 October 1915

France and Flanders

Reg no: 12530

Rank: Private

7 Battalion East Lancashire Regiment

 

In 1911, Peter Bibby a Boatman on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

was married to Florence, a cotton winder.

They had four children, Ellen, William, Florence, and Mary Ann.

They lived at 1 Elizabeth Street, Blackburn 

 

Enlisted at Blackburn

 

 

Peter would join up on 17 July 1915, being killed 3 months later after being shot by a sniper.

 

His regiment would sail for France the day after, but I'm guessing he may have missed

the first journey.

 

Peter Bibby and his Battalion were in trenches at Rue Des Chavattes

On the days before the 22nd of October, the enemy was sniping and using rifle grenades

and shelling.

 

On the 22nd of October, the war diary states-

 

The enemy again very active with rifle fire, rifle grenades and HG shells.

Later did no damage but rifle grenades did considerable damage

Casualties 2/Lt Wilson and six men wounded and one man killed - possibly Peter Bibby

 

He is buried at Le Touret Military Cemetery, RICHEBOURG-L'AVOUE

 

 

 

88

Henry Bennett

Born 1892, Whittle le Woods, Living at Great Harwood

Age:22

Age: 23 at death

Died at Sea : 3 October 1915

Reg no: 13160

Enlisted at Accrington

Rank: Private

7 Service Battalion,  South Staffordshire Regiment

 

His date of entry shows 17 December 1914, first serving in France

 

I believe he was at Gallipoli with the battalion as part of the 33rd Brigade in the 11th (Northern) Division and  on 1 July 1915 his battalion sailed from Liverpool

On a liner called RMS Empress of Britain.

The ship arrived at Malta on 8 July 1915 where it remained for three days prior to sailing for the Egyptian port of Alexandria where it arrived the following day. On 16 July the RMS Empress of Britain left Alexandria and arrived at Lemnos two days later finally reaching Mudros on 18 July 1915. At Mudros the battalion was transferred to the troopship Abassieh and sailed for Cape Helles on 20 July.

His battalion was attached to the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division.

On 1 August 1915, the 7th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment embarked on the Osmanieh and sailed for Imbros.

 

I think Henry Bennett may have served at Suvla Bay, Chocolate Hill, Ismail Oglu Tepe, and near Scimitar Hill as of August 1915

 

He died on a Hospital Ship called HS GALIKA at Mudros on 3rd October 1915

 

In 1911, Henry Bennett was living at 3 Church Lane End, Altham, Accrington with

his family.

 

His parents were Absalam, an Engineer at the Brickworks, and Mary Bennett.

He had come from a big family of 11. Although only 4 had survived up to 1911

 

 

Husband of F. McArdle (formerly Bennett), of 3, Hope St., Great Harwood, Lancs.

 

Buried at East Mudros Military Cemetery,  on the Greek island of Limnos (Lemnos)

 

It is engraved DUTY NOBLY DONE by his wife

 

 

89

Stanley Clitheroe

Born 11 Sep 1895, Chorley, Living in Farrington

Age: 20

Killed in Action: 14 June 1915

Reg no:11650

France and Flanders

Rank: GDSN

2 Battalion Scots Guards

 

 

 

Lived at 9 School St, Farington from 1911 to 1915.

At the time of this death, he had been employed at Dialene Rubber Works, Leyland 

A 5.9 "Jack Johnson" shell hit the trench killing him.

 

2nd SGs were in the area of Givenchy. The diary states:

 

Enemy's trenches opposite our line were bombarded all day by our artillery, some shells falling short into our trenches and causing casualties. German artillery replied by shelling our line heavily from 1.30 pm til dark, F Coy suffering severely. Battn was relieved by the 21st Brigade after dark and marched by Coys to old billets in Essars. 8 killed, 15 wounded.'

 

Sadly it's as much chance he was killed by a British shell as a German one according to the above excerpt.

 

His name is on the Le Touret Memorial

 

And also these more local ones -

Ambrose Memorial, Moss Lane, Leyland

Mural Plaque in St Ambrose, Leyland

Scots Guards Memorial, Edinburgh Castle

 

 

 

90

John Clitheroe

Born 1864, Whittle le Woods

Aged 52

Died of Wounds: 2 May 1916 ?

Reg no: 24001

Home

Enlisted at Chorley?

Rank: Private

24th Supernumerary Company 3rd/5th Battalion Kings Liverpool Regiment

 

Supernumerary Companies had 120 men and were attached to an active regiment

providing guard duties on railways and other vulnerable places etc

Under the regulations, they also had to be between 32 and 50...which makes me wonder why he was still serving!

 

 

 

Preston Herald - Saturday 13 May 1916

 

DEATH FROM WOUNDS

 

Pte John Clitheroe, Kings Liverpool Regt, died from wounds on Tuesday in the Shrewsbury Hospital.  His home was at 9 School Street, Farington.  He had served 18 years in the Army and lost a son. Pte Stanley Clitheroe of the Scots Guards, at Festurbert in June last.

The interment took place on Saturday at Whittle le Woods.

 

John Clitheroe  was the father of Stanley Clitheroe above

He was the son of Richard and Elizabeth Clitheroe; husband of Martha Ann Clitheroe, of 9 School St., Farington, Preston. Born at Clayton le Woods. Served 16 years

with the colours

 

Died of Wounds at Shrewsbury Hospital. 

 

John Clitheroe took part in the Egyptian Campaign of 1882 and the Gordon Relief Expedition.

He had rejoined the Army in June 1915.

 

 

But according to his Pension Ledger, he died due to Bronchitis and Vavulas disease of the Heart.

 

 

3/5th Battalion formed in May 1915 and went to Blackpool in the autumn of that year. Early 1916 to Oswestry, and in April became a Reserve Battalion which did not go overseas.

 

With John Clitheroe being in the hospital in Shrewsbury. Was he training in Oswestry at the time?

 

Found some new information, possibly his daughter

 

Miss Eliz: Ellen Clitheroe / 9 School St, Farington, Preston was a VAD associated with Cuerden Hall Auxiliary Hospital

 

His son Albert Edward Clitheroe also served, as did his nephew Frank Clitheroe and all 3 names are on the Roll of Honour of Clayton le Woods C of E School.

 

 

Buried at St John, Whittle le Woods

 

 

 

91

Thomas Riding Chadwick

Born in 1893 Whittle Springs

Age: on enlistment

Age 25

Killed in Action:25 March 1918

Reg no: 17577

France and Flanders

Enlisted at Chorley

Rank: L/cpl

2nd Battalion Cameronian (Scottish Rifles)

 

 

In 1911 Thomas R Chadwick was living with his family at 2 Crook Row, Wheelton

His parents were Edmund Chadwick a Publican, and Martha and other children Richard (Coldstream Guards), Bessie, Ernest, and Alice.

Married Dorothy Ann Marsden on 22 June 1915 at Brindle

 

NESLE, 25th MARCH

The line held by the Battn. was from QUIQUERY on the R to the Railway on the left. It consisted of a trench (unwired) with a sunken road about 150x in the rear of it. 184 Bde. held line on our R. and a Unit known as Divl. Reinforcement Battn. were supposed to be on our left.
A marshy stream thickly wooded ran from our R back towards NESLE.
At daybreak patrols confirmed that there was nobody on our left, a report was made to brigade and a reply was received to the effect that the left was all right, As Germans could be seen moving around our flank in large numbers.
A Coy. under 2/LT H GRANT was turned back to form a defensive flank. At about 11 a.m. a French M.G. Coy. ( 10 guns) reported to us and came into action at QUIQUERY. The battery fixed (fired) over our heads onto the NESLE Road & gave invaluable assistance.

NESLE, 25th MARCH cont

2 p.m By noon the situation was critical. A Coy. after a gallant fight was driven back into the sunken road and the enemy now right on our flank kept up an intense M.G.fire on every part of our position.
No assistance was given by our artillery although the NESLE road was swarming with Germans.
The situation now desperate, enemy firing straight down the sunken road. The men began to get away by small parties up the stream towards NESLE. This was the only way of escape now open. By 2.15 The last man was out of the sunken road, but many were caught by M.G. or shell fire as they went up the valley.
Most of the survivors appear to have gone into NESLE and were probably captured by the Germans who had by this time got right round. Only 7 Officers and 55 men got back to the Brigade. The gallant fight made by the battalion undoubtedly barred the road to NESLE to the enemy for several hours after the troops on our left had fallen back. It may even have saved the Brigade on our Right whose flank would have been completely turned had the Germans succeeded in working up the stream towards NESLE.
 

 

He is buried in Ham British Cemetery, Muille-Villette

 

 

 

92

William Cooper

Born Whittle le Woods

Killed in Action:

France and Flanders

Reg no -

Rank :

Enlisted at

 

 Mistake on memorial

 

 

93

 

 

William Derbyshire

Born Whittle le Woods

Killed in Action :

Reg no -

France and Flanders

Enlisted at

Rank :

 

 Mistake on memorial

 

 

94

 

Thomas Desoer

Born 1890, Whittle le Woods

Age: 27 when killed

Rank: Private

Reg no: 23116

Killed in Action:25 Feb 1917

Mesopotamia (Iraq)

6th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

 

 

 

Enlisted at Chorley

 

Thomas was killed in action fighting at the Second Battle of Kut, which was fought in February 1917, between the British and Ottoman forces.

 

24th February 1917-

They were part of the 38th Brigade and as of 24th February 1917, they were located at SHUMRAN BEND

Under the orders of the 14 Division, they were to take part in the crossing of the bridge across the river at M32 

 

25th February 1917-

Six miles west of IMAM MAHDI

Part of the vanguard whilst crossing the river and at 11 am, the vanguard was shelled heavily at times

As the Brigade including the 6th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment advanced the War Dairy notes, shelling all day, was very heavy.

 

Casualties- Killed

3 Officers 

39 Other Ranks Inc Thomas Desoer

 

Casualties- Wounded

10 Officers

191 Other Ranks

 

Casualties- Missing

0 Officers

12 Other Ranks

 

Casualties- Sick

0 Officers

7 Other Ranks

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas Desoer was born in 1890, to parents John Thomas Desoer and Selina Griffiths

They had married in 1886 at St John The Evangelist and their other children were George, Lily, and James.

 

His name is on Basra Memorial, located 32 kilometers along the road to Nasiriyah

 

 

 

95

 

Thomas Fishwick

Born Whittle le Woods

Age: 32

Killed in Action: 25th September 1916

Reg no: 29818 

Rank: Private

1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

 

France and Flanders

 

 

Enlisted at Preston

 

Thomas Fishwick and the 1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment were

in the front line at Eaucourt l' Abbaye for four days from the 20th of September 1916

During a failed attack on the 25th, Thomas would be killed in action.

 

 

His probate says Thomas Fishwick of the Forresters Arms, Newton Street. Preston

and (with will) to Alice Fishwick, a widow. Effects £105

 

Son of Henry and Alice Fishwick, of 34, Newton St., Preston, Lancs

Otherwise known as  Forresters Arms, the Fishwick's had the pub under Henrys name

from 1917-1927, and then Alice from 1932-1940.

 

His name is on the Thiepval Memorial

 

And also on the Harris Museum \ Art Gallery Roll of Honour

 

 

 

96

John Eccles

Age 47

Born Preston, Living in Whittle le woods

Died of Heart Attack: 14 June 1915

Reg no: 19016

Enlisted at Preston

Rank: Private

11 Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

 

John Eccles previously served in the Boer War, and he re-enlisted at the start of WW1.

 

The 11th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment began training at Billericay in May of 1915.

After suffering from chest pains he was excused from his duties and given medicine from the Doctor.

Within 30 minutes of John Eccles visiting the Doctor, he had collapsed and died a little later. 

 

He previously lived at 20 Heatley Street, Preston

 

Husband of Florence Eccles, of 2, Herbert St., Preston

They had a son called John Allen Eccles born in c1910

 

Buried at Preston New Hall Lane Cemetery

 

 

 

97

Charles Gillett

Born 15 Jun 1892 Whittle le Woods

Age on enlistment: 22

Age at death: 24 

Died of Wounds:15 July 1916

Reg no: 13244

Rank: L/Cpl

8th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

 

 

 

Enlisted at Chorley

Joined up on 6 September 1914

France and Flanders

 

At Boscombe, on 2 January 1915 was absent off pass, from 12 midnight until 10 pm

At Boscombe, on 28 March 1915 was absent from the Tattoo until 7.20 am Parade and punished with 7 days of CB.

At Aldershot, on 19 September 1915 was absent from 11.50 pm until 12 pm of the

next day and punished with 5 days CB.

Promoted to L/cpl on 21 May 1916 "in the field"

Wounded in Action on 8 July 1916 and taken to a CCS, possibly at the Advanced Dressing Station of the 75th Field Ambulance

 

(I'm having a rough guess he was too wounded to rejoin)

 

According to the War Diary the Battalion on the 7 July 1916 at CRUCIFIX CORNER

 

At 2 pm they are ordered up to the front line also taking positions at the support line at CAMPBELL POST in front of AVULEY VILLAGE.

 

A, B, and C companies were moved up to the trenches of LEIPZIG SALIENT, captured that morning

At 8.30 pm they moved up into the salient in the absolute darkness and expected a German counter-attack, but never actually took place

The night passed quietly except for shelling and bombing

Relief came early in the morning of the 8th of July

 

Total Casualties- 

2 Officers Killed, 2 Wounded

Other Ranks- 5 Killed, 34 Wounded, 2 Missing

 

At 6 am the battalion was relieved by 6 West York R and moved to the assembly trenches in AVELUY WOOD where they remained until midnight

 

 

Died of Wounds on 15 July 1916

 

Any of his belongings, Inc. Medals were to be forwarded to Mr Joseph Nicholas Gillett, of 1 Kem Mill Cottage, Whittle le Woods.

 

Son of Joseph and Margaret Ann. Brother to John, Margaret, George

 

He was a regular attendee at St Peter's Church

 

He is buried at Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery, Warloy-Baillon  

 

The photograph was found via findagrave.com and his profile was maintained by member "Remembering"

 

 

Christopher Heap

Born

Killed in Action :

Reg no -

France and Flanders

Enlisted at

Rank :

 

Another mistake on the memorial

 

 

 

99

William (Justice) Jones

Born 1882 in Whittle le Woods, Living in Chorley

Age 33 Enlistment

Age: 36

Died: 21 February 1918

Reg no: 35076

Rank: Private

India

3 Garrison Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment

 

Formerly 80215 RFA

 

Enlisted in February 1915

 

Served in India 

 

There is very little information on the 3 Garrison Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment

Raised in January 1917 in Bedford.

They arrived in India on the 12th of June 1917.

On arrival, they were boosted in number with men left behind from the TF battalions

who left India for the EEF.
They joined the Rangoon Brigade of the Burma Division in November 1917 remaining with the Burma Division throughout the war.

 

 

 

However, I have recently been given some more information on William Jones

 

"Pte 3rd Berford Regt, attached G I P Ry [Great Indian Peninsula Railway]

Cause of death: Suffocation from submersion. (This seems to be the terminology for drowning)

He was buried by a Fr. (signature) which probably indicates a Roman Catholic priest"

 

Attended St Josephs Church, Chorley

 

 

Husband of Elizabeth Jones, of 22, Black Stone Rd., Chorley, Lancashire.

 

He is buried at Jhansi Cantonment Cemetery in Jhansi, India

 

 

100

 

George Riding

Born 1895,  Whittle le Woods

Age on enlistment: 19

Age: 23 at death

Killed in Action: 10 April 1918

France and Flanders

Reg no: 16484

Rank: Sergeant

8th Battalion, Border Regiment

 

 

Enlisted at Blackburn

Joined up on 3rd November 1914 at Carlisle

 

 

Admitted to 1 CAN CCS after getting Influenza on 15 November 1916

 

Battle of the Lys

 

The 8th Battalion, Border Regiment was in front of Ploegsteert Wood on 10 April 1918.

There seemed to be no sign of any attack on the 25th Division front, and it was not until 5 am on the morning of the 10th that heavy bombardment of the front started to happen.
Heavy Artillery and also gas shells were fired and  roughly forty minutes later,
covered by mist, the Germans crossed over the river and attacked.

The Brigade line had the 8th Border Regiment on the right, the 11th Cheshires to the left, and the 2nd South Lancashire Regiment in reserve.

 

George Riding was a Loomer at the Cotton Mill

 

His parents were William, a weaver, and Mary Ann Riding, a winder.

 

His two older brothers also joined up -

 

William Riding was discharged from the 8th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment on 2nd December 1914 after joining up in Chorley on the 31st August 1914

the reason is given -  

"Discharged not likely to be an efficient soldier"

"Due to the incontinence of urine"

 

Thomas Riding joined the Border Regiment at Carlisle on 2nd November 1914

and went overseas in 1916.

Transferred to the Labour Company on 23rd February 1918

Then discharged due to a shell wound to his thigh on 4th April 1918

Being no longer physically for the service

 

 

 

George Riding lived on Chorley Old Road, Whittle le Woods in 1911

 

Son of Mrs. Mary Ann Riding, of 20, Kemp St., Crimshaw Park, Blackburn as of 1918

 

His name is on the Ploegsteert Memorial

 

 

101

George Sharrock

Born

Killed in Action:

France and Flanders

Reg no:

Rank: Private

 

Possibly he Joined the Mercantile Marines and drowned.

 

 

Enlisted at

 

102

 

Jack (Cooper) Sharples

Born 1893, Whittle le Woods, Living in Leyland

Age on Enlistment: 22

Age at Death: 24

Killed in Action: 3 May 1917

Reg no:1614

Rank: TPR

France and Flanders

Household Battalion, Household Cavalry, and Cavalry of the Line

 

 

 

He enlisted on 10 December 1915

 

Jack Cooper Sharples was killed on the 3rd of May 1917 in the attack on Roeux Cemetery

which was a strong German defence on the bend of a river, about 1 mile from Fampoux and only a few thousand yards from the Hindenburg Line.

The Germans put up very strong resistance and forced The Household Battalion and other attacking units back.

 

230  casualties

 

His name is on the Arras Memorial

 

103

Daniel Slater

Born in 1898 Whittle le Woods, living at Penwortham

Age on enlistment:

Age: 19 on death

Died of Wounds: 16 July 1917

Reg no: 123740

France and Flanders

Rank: Gunner

Either 261st or 281st Siege Bty- due to writing cant be sure

Royal Garrison Artillery

 

Either 261st or 281st Siege Bty- due to writing can't be sure because in the Grave Registrations of www.cwgc.org

it says 281st, but in the search result of the site it comes up with 261st

 

Enlisted at Preston

 

He previously served in 360 Siege Bty and then transferred

 

He landed in France in Feb 1917 at the same time as 286 Brigade RFA (2nd West Lancs), this Brigade had plenty of men from Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall and the surrounding area

 

 

Depending on the correct siege battery-

261st Siege Battery belonged to 65 HAG from 3rd August to 27th October 1917

 

The 281st Siege Battery was as of these dates, 22nd June to 2nd August part of 56th HAG.

 

I would think he was wounded near Poperinge.

 

Daniel Slater was Wounded and taken to 47 Casualty Clearing Station sometime on 16 July 1917 or days before.

The 47 Casualty Clearing Station was recently moved to Dozinghem, north of Poperinghe.

 

Hence the reason why Daniel was buried there

 

 

Daniel Slater lived at Rock Villa Road in 1911 with his parents and siblings Edith Ann, Henry, and Emmanuel.

 

Son of John William and Grace Slater of 3, Caton Terrace, Lostock Hall, Preston.

 

Another Address possibly for his parents was 6 Harold Terrace, Lostock Hall

 

His Father would have AT REST inscribed on the gravestone

 

He is buried at Dozinghem military cemetery, Poperinge

 

 

 

104

William Suter

Born in 1887 in Eastbourne

Age: On enlistment

Age: 30 when killed

Killed in Action: 19 Sep 1917

Reg no: 201265

France and Flanders

Rank: Lance Cpl

4th Battalion,  Seaforth Highlanders

 

I have pictures of William Suter

 

Enlisted at Sheffield

 

As of 12th September to 19th 1917, The 4th Battalion was at Siege Camp near

Elverdinge.

Spending most of this time cleaning clothes and kit, working parties with dull and good days being spent

An enemy airplane came over the camp and bombed it on the 15th causing some casualties and then was shelled at night causing a few more.

Attack practice was given from the 16th to the 18th

On the 19th the battalion marched from SEIGE CAMP to Assembly position west of Langemarck.

Leaving at 8:30 pm

An attack on the Langemark-Shellvelt system tomorrow (20th)

At 5:40 am as reported in the war diary, the attack has commenced

 

WHITE HOUSE occupied without opposition, PHEASANT TRENCH very strongly held.

The trench entered and was captured with very little opposition on the left and very fierce fighting on the right.

At 6:10 am CEMETERY and PHEASANT FARM were reported captured.

Large numbers of Germans were killed; very few prisoners were taken.

By 7:20 pm on 21st Sept 1917, they were in the areas of WHITE HOUSE - PHEASANT FARM - CEMETERY.

Consolidating the line and repelling German counter-attacks until they were relieved by the 5th Seaforths during the night and returned to SIEGE CAMP

 

Casualties from 19th to 23rd are - Killed 4 officers, Wounded 4 Officers

Other ranks, Killed 41, Wounded 153, Missing 15

 

At the date given for William Suter being killed in action, the 4th Battalion, Seaforth.

were on their way to (or in) Siege Camp!

The war diary makes no mention of any enemy action on that day

 

So reading the email sent to me, it would seem William Suter was actually killed on the 20th to be exact ...  and as described by the Chorley Guardian archives he was killed while attacking a German stronghold, I believe it was PHEASANT TRENCH and being hit by a bomb and killed instantly.

 

 

According to the Chorley Guardian archives he was killed while attacking a German stronghold, being hit by a bomb and killed instantly. The 4 Seaforths were part of 154 brigades involved in the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge at the time of his death. According to the relevant passage in " Passchendaele A day by day account " by Chris McCarthy they were attacking the blue line around Pheasant Trench. This is supported by the relevant section in "The History of the Fourth Battalion The Seaforth Highlanders" by Haldane.

 

Pictures and Evidence were given to me by Willam Suter's relations.

 

Son of Elizabeth Suter, of 30, Canterbury St., Chorley, Lancs., and the late John Charles Suter.

 

 

His name is on the Tyne Cot Memorial

And also on the plaque at St James, Chorley

 

 

105

William (T) Walmsley

Born 1882,  Whittle le Woods

Age: 33 on enlistment

Age: 36

Killed in Action: 23 March 1918

Reg no: 69474

Rank: Private

France and Flanders

136th Field Amb,  Royal Army Medical Corp

 

 

 

Enlisted at Aldershot, Joined up on 6 October 1915

 

 

The entry for 23 March 1918 does not report casualties, it is quite difficult to read but essentially the previous day the unit was evacuated, unfortunately, it doesn't help with individuals, especially in the general chaos following the German attack.
22/3 9 pm Walking wounded?
All large ambulance cars sent to Ayette Evacuated all serious cases
Midnight. ? to hand over kit
23/3 Handed over to 93 Field Ambulance Unit moved to Ayette (37D F11 69?) arriving at 1.30 pm
17 ORs sent to report to OC 137 F A at Gomiecourt (57c a 23d Central) 3 ?? out of ?? Hamelinecourt
 

 

Living at  2 Spring Bank, Wheelton in 1911

Lived at Black Lion Brow with wife and children, Jessie (17 Sept 1913) and

Evelyn Mary (20 March 1915) in 1915

 

Husband of Eleanor Annie Walmsley nee slater, of Rye Bank Cottages, Wheelton.

 

Pension card say Higher Cophurst

 

25/5 per week from 14 October 1918

 

His name is on Bay 10 of the Arras Memorial

 

106

Thomas Waring

Born Whittle le Woods

Age: 37

Killed in Action: 14 April 1917

France and Flanders

Reg no: 34379

Rank: Private

17 Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers

 

 

Enlisted at Leyland

 

On the 14 April 1917, the 17 Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers the war diary finds them in the line at Fresnoy le petit, about 4,500yards north of Savy Wood.

They were ordered to take Gricourt, not by a direct assault but with converging attacks.

The original plan was not carried out due to rapid changes in the situation.

The war diary gives a good account and by 7.45 pm forward troops were ordered to consolidate.

Casualties -

13 Killed

1 Officer and 34 other ranks wounded

 

Over 5 enemy prisoners taken, 4 grenade throwers, and a number of boxes of ammunition.

 

 

In 1881 he lived with his family at Chorley Road, Whittle le Woods. 

He was 1 of 8 (living) children

He was a Clothier's Manager as of 1911 living in Chorley

 

 

Son of the late Henry, a Stonemason(1881) and Margaret Waring, Housekeeper 1881)

of 52 Park Road, Chorley

 

His name is on Pier and Face 3 C and 3 D. of the Thiepval Memorial

 

 

 

107

Thomas Wilkinson

Born 22 April 1893, Chorley, Living in Whittle le Woods

Age: 21 on enlistment

Age: 25

Died of Wounds: 1 November 1918

Reg no: 13917

Rank: Private

France and Flanders

Army Cyclist Corp, XIII Corps Cyclist Bn

 

 

 

Former service number 2783,4 Loyal North Lancashire Regt.

 

 

 

Born at 96, Harpers Lane, Chorley, Lancashire  on 22 April 1893

 

Parents are William Wilkinson, a Carter at the Railway, and Catherine Cramer?

They married in 1902?

 

In the 1901 census his father William was married to a Mary A ?

 

In the 1911 census he is living at 51 Preston St, Chorley

 

Thomas was 1 of 9 children

Siblings were Maggie, Ellen, William, Alice, Frederick, James, Sarah, Mary A.

Those children that survived were all working in either the Cotton Mill or Bleachworks

 

They must have moved into Whittle le Woods between the census and 1914

 

Prior to enlisting he worked at Low Mill Bleachworks, Whittle le Woods 

 

Thomas Wilkinson enlisted at Chorley on 30 September 1914

 

The role of the cyclist corp includes providing reconnaissance and communication.

 

As of 1st November 1918, the XIII Corp is preparing to attack the area of Landrecies.

And I'm guessing about that time Thomas Wilkinson was injured and taken to 44 CCS at Roisel.

Found he had a GSW to the back.

 

Letters, Photos, Watch in Case, Chain Badge,  Key, Wallet, Cards, and more Letters and Notebooks are all sent to the family.

 

In 1921, his father William, a widower is living at Sea View Cottages

Only James and Sarah remain there

 

Buried at Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension

 

Roisel is a small town 11 kilometres east of Peronne

 

 

108

J T S  Ward - Also known as Edward John Ward

Born at Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland

Killed in Action: 19 Sep 1917

France and Flanders

Reg no: S/31343

Rank: Private

Enlisted at Dundee

7 Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

 

Formerly 4028, Lovat Scouts

 

 

 

In the war diary-

 

14th September 1917- Left Sector Trenches

 

The Battalion Relieved the 11th A. and SH, 45th Brigade on the left sector of the Division.

The right sector of the Brigade front.

Finding an isolated post at J.25.b.10.25.

C Company, frontline, and scabbard support.

D Company, two platoons left front, 1 platoon scabbard support and 1 platoon at

Welford Trench.

B and A Companies in right and left reserves in Lancer Avenue.

HQ in Johnstone Avenue about H.30 D.1.4

 

18th September 1917-

 

B and A Companies relieved C and D respectively

 

Casualties- O.R, 4 Killed 6 Wounded

 

19th September 1917- not mentioned but in the same place

 

Sept. 14th  Ieft Sector Trenches Battalion relieved the nth A. and Pommem Redoubt;

2 platoons " A " Coy. and 2 platoons " B " Coy., and " C " and " D " Coys, in shell holes

in the neighbourhood of C.3o.a. and C.ag.b. H.Q. in Pommem Redoubt

 

On 20 August 1917, the 7th Camerons moved into lines east of St Julien

 

They prepared for an attack on a German strongpoint called Hill 35.

Moving out of their trenches at Pommern Redoubt, the battalion made progress but 

was soon held up by machine guns firing from Gallipoli Farm and Iberian Farm.

After suffering heavy losses, relieved on 24 August 1917

Went to Erie Camp, near Poperinghe.

 

This is the only soldier I could find.

 

 

 

109

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