Perry, Victor Charles. Died 31st Oct 1917

Victor Charles Perry was the sixth of the ten children of George and Sarah Perry, born in Aston, Birmingham in Sep Quarter 1897. His father was born in Dublin, his parents according to the 1911 census had been married for 27 years, probably in Ireland as their five eldest children were born in Co Waterford. The couple moved to Birmingham around 1893, between the births of their fifth and sixth children.

George seems to have been prosperous. In 1901 he was aged 41, living with his wife, nine children aged 9 months to 15 years, and three servants at Oakfield House, Yardley Road, Aston.   His occupation is given as the “director of a gin distillery and rectifier of British wines”.

In 1911 they are in Stechley, at “Home Lea”, Richmond, a very large house with 14 rooms. George was a self-employed wine merchant, assisted by his sons William and George. Victor was 14, but no occupation is given.

Victor’s connection with Rugby has not as yet been uncovered, but as he is remembered on the Old Laurentians Roll of Honour it seems he attended or had connections with the school after 1911. He did enlist at Warwick according to Soldiers Died in the Great War, and must have done so before September 1915 when his medal card records that he was sent to Egypt. He joined the 1^st/1^st Warwickshire Yeomanry as Private 2530, but later became Trooper 310565 in the Corps of Hussars.

The Yeomanry fought at Gallipoli as unmounted troops in August 1915, and suffered heavy losses.   Victor maybe joined these forces after this as he arrived in Egypt in September, and the regiment was withdrawn in October. Perhaps he never reached Gallipoli but remained in Egypt.   The Warwickshire Yeomanry was assigned to the Australian Mounted Division in February 1917 where it served as cavalry in Palestine. It was part of the XXI Division, 5^th Mounted Brigade of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) led by General Allenby, to regain territory in Egypt (then a British Protectorate) and Palestine and drive back the Ottoman forces with the aim of capturing Jerusalem from the Turks. It saw action in the First and Second Battles of Gaza in the spring of 1917.

The EEF had already decided to invade Ottoman territory before the first battle of Gaza, on the basis of Britain’s three major war objectives: to maintain maritime supremacy in the Mediterranean, preserve the balance of power in Europe, and protect Egypt, India and the Persian Gulf. Despite the EEF’s defeats during the first two battles of Gaza (with about 10,000 casualties), Allenby planned an advance into Palestine and the capture of Jerusalem to secure the region and cut off the Ottoman forces in Mesopotamia from those in the Eastern Mediterranean and on the Arabian Peninsula. The capture of Gaza, which dominated the coastal route from Egypt to Jaffa, was a first step towards these aims.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Beersheba_(1917) – cite_note-27

The Battle of Beersheba, on the edge of the Negev Desert and some 75km from Jerusalem, took place on 31 October 1917, and it was here that Victor lost his life. It was a very intense attack, with much shelling and mortar fire, and close fighting to take the enemy trenches. The mounted divisions which included the Warwickshire Yeomanry suffered artillery and aeroplane attacks, causing a great deal of confusion among the men and horses.

The town was eventually taken by the Desert Mounted Corps.   There is a good account of the battle on wikipaedia.

Victor was buried in the Beersheba War Cemetery, established after the battle. His back pay of £8.10.5d and a War Gratuity of £13.10s were forwarded to his father George.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

27th Oct 1917. Ladies’ War Services

LADIES’ WAR SERVICES.
LOCAL HONOURS.

A list has just been published by the War Office of ladies who have been mentioned for valuable services during the War, and following are among the local names :—

NEWNHAM PADDOX HOSPITAL.—Sister Corley (in charge), Lady Clare Feilding and Miss G K Little (nurses).

“ TE HIRA,” RUGBY.—Mrs D Wharton (quartermaster), Miss A W Sargant, Mrs M K Thomas (sister-in-charge).

PAILTON.—Mrs Morris (Commandant).

BILTON HALL.—Mrs E Conington, Miss B Hackforth.

CLARENDON HOSPITAL, KINETON.—Mrs Peirson-Webber (Quartermaster), the Hon Miss Verney (Quartermaster), Mrs A Woodfield (Acting Quatermaster).

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Second-Lieut Arthur J Dukes, of the Welsh Regiment, B.E.F, son of Mr A J Dukes of Rugby has been gazetted First-Lieutenant, dated July 1, 1917.

Lieut H D W Sitwell, R.F.A, son of Mr. Hervey Sitwell, of Leamington Hastings, has been awarded the Military Cross. Lieut Sitwell received his commission on leaving Woolwich Military Academy in September, 1914.

Corpl W R Clark, aged 20, son of Mr R Clark, 35 Manor Road, has been awarded the Military Medal. He was an old Elborow boy, has been in the R.F.A over three years. Previously he was in the Howitzer Battery when mobilised. He was employed in the L & N-W Loco Shop.

Capt P W Nichalls, the well-known polo player, has received his majority in the Yeomanry.

Capt H H Neeves, D.S.O, M.C, has been transferred to another battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers as second in command, with the acting rank of major.

Cadet W H Packwood, H.A.C (Infantry), son of Mr J C Packwood, has been given a commission and posted to the 6th Royal Warwicks.

Mrs Claridge, of 9 Jubilee Street, New Bilton, has received news that her husband, Pte A J Claridge, has been admitted into hospital in France suffering from wounds in the leg. Mrs W Claridge has also heard that her husband, Pte W S Claridge, is in hospital in France suffering from serious illness. They are the only sons of Mr John Claridge, of 53 New Street, New Bilton.

MILITARY MEDAL FOR LONG LAWFORD MAN.

Pte W J Boyce, of the Royal Warwickshire Regiments, who has been twice mentioned in dispatches, has been awarded the Military Medal for distinguished conduct in the field. He is a son of Mr J Boyce, a member of the Long Lawford Parish Council.

THE AVENUE ON THE LONDON ROAD.
PROMPT ACTION BY THE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The decision by the Duke of Buccleuch—announced in the Advertiser last week—to cut down all the elm trees forming Dunchurch Avenue was discussed at Wednesday’s meeting of the Warwickshire County Council at Warwick, with the result that the Council appointed a committee to act with a view to securing the preservation of the trees.

The matter was raised by the County Roads and Bridges Committee, who expressed their regret to learn the Dukes decision ; and Councillor James Johnson, who represents the Dunchurch division, was the first contributor to the discussion upon it.

Mr Johnson said that the news that the avenue was to be destroyed came as quite a shock to the residents of the neighbourhood, who looked upon it as rather an historical feature of the countryside. It would be a great calamity if the trees were cut down, and he wondered if the Council could take some steps that would have the effect of preserving them.

Councillor J J McKinnell supported this on behalf of the town of Rugby. He remarked that Rugby people would be grievously distressed if the avenue were cut down. There would undoubtedly be a great deal of feeling in the town if such a disaster could not be averted.

The following letter written by Councillor F R Davenport, of Dunchurch, on October 23rd, was read :— “ Notice this week-end in the local paper as to the probable fate of the avenue on the London road between Dunchurch and Coventry was, it appears, the first intimation that this neighbourhood received. It has naturally created much concern, and methods of averting such a loss to the county are already being discussed. I learn to-day that the subject has recently been before the Roads Committee, and that the prospect of the owner changing his decision was not very promising. Notwithstanding this, I beg to submit that this matter should, if possible, be re-considered, and that the Council should appoint a small deputation to approach the Duke of Buccleuch with a view to avoiding what would be a serious loss to the district both from a sentimental and ornamental point of view. I venture to think that some compromise, such as the removal of alternate trees, or that, combined with the lopping of others, might meet the case. I cannot think that war necessities call for such wholesale action as is foreshadowed. I hesitate, as a new member, to engage the Council’s time unduly ; but am convinced from the feeling expressed these last few days that the matter is one of no little, importance, and I am told that the residents of that district will readily petition on the subject if of any service.”

Alderman Oliver Bellasis, Chairman of the Roads and Bridges Committee, said that he did not think the council was in a position to do anything in the way of buying the trees, or anything of that kind. It was for the local authorities to get up a public subscription, or see what else they could do.

Alderman Hunter : What is everybody’s business is no one’s business, and I think that even if the Council has no legal position in the matter if it might give a lead, which would be of very great value, in the interests of the whole county. I came along that avenue this morning. The autumn tints are just turning the trees, and it was a delightful sight. The avenue is one of the amenities of the whole county, and indeed of the whole country ; and I would do anything myself—subscribe or sit on a committee, or approach to Duke, or anything else—rather than see that avenue lost to the county. I really think that if we can get a representative deputation to see the Duke’s agent, or the Duke himself if necessary, and ask on what conditions and terms—monetary or other—he would allow the avenue to remain, we might, perhaps, do something. In the first instance, I believe, the Duke said the trees were a danger. Well, they have been there over a hundred years, and I have never heard of anyone being killed or injured, so I do not think there is much risk. The trees are on the Highway, and are of great beauty ; and I think that, in the interests of the public, we ought not to sit still and do nothing simply because we may have no legal power to buy.

The Chairman (Mr J S Dugdale, K.C) : What is the reason for the decision ?

Alderman Hunter : I think one reason pleaded is that trees are now wanted as timber for the country. But there is any amount in the country without touching an avenue on a main road (hear, hear). Another reason is that the trees are of great value at the present moment, and I think that may be the real reason. I am not blaming the Duke or any other timber owner for cutting down timber now, because its value is three or four times the pre-war value ; but the question is whether it is really necessary or desirable that such an avenue as this should be cut.

The chairman : If what you say is the reason, if it is a very bad reason for a man like the Duke of Buccleuch.

Alderman Hunter : I feel that, too, although I thought I dared not say it (laughter),
and I am glad to hear you say it. I do not want to say anything that might be prejudicial to the object we have in view, and if we could get the Duke to surrender the trees for some nominal sum—and I believe he would if properly approached—it would be better in the interests of all parties. But the trees would have to be transferred to some authority. I do not know what the position would be if a subscription were raised and the trees were bought. They would still remain on the Duke’s land, and if we did buy them I am wondering who would claim them in 20 years’ time.

A member : You would have title.

Alderman Hunter : If we could secure a title to the trees it would be all right ; but the Duke is lord of the manor of several parishes, and some future duke might claim the trees as lord of the manor. There are difficulties of that sort, and I think we ought to have a good committee and try to prevent the disaster of such trees being cut down. I do hope the Council will try to help our district, if they can.

The Chairman said that he knew the road very well, and thought that nothing more dreadful to the neighbourhood than the materialisation of the Duke’s proposal could be scarcely conceived. He felt sure that if a proper representation were made to the Duke he would not think further carrying of carrying out his decision. It would not be a question of money with a man like the Duke. The council did not know what was the real reason, and who was really the promoter of the scheme ; but the Council ought certainly to take some action in the way that had been suggested.

Other members from widely distant parts of the county joined in the assertion that the cutting down of all these fine trees would be loss not only to the county but to the country.

Names were proposed of members who might form a deputation to the Duke or his representative, and Lord Algernon Percy was suggested. He remarked, however, that he would rather not serve. As a matter of fact, he explained, he had approached the Duke privately on the matter, and it did not appear that he had altered his opinion.

Eventually the Council passed a resolution expressing its regret that the Duke had decided to cut down the trees, and appointed a committee—consisting of the Chairman of the Roads and Bridges Committee (alderman Oliver Bellasis), Alderman T Hunter, Councillors J Johnson, F R Davenport, and J J   McKinnell, with power to add to their number—to approach the Duke with a view to securing the preservation of the avenue.

Alderman Evans : I take it that this committee will create an atmosphere that will prevent what is proposed from being done.

Colonel Dibley : That’s right—public opinion.

Details of other business at the meeting are held over.

DEATHS.

 

GULLIVER.—In ever-loving memory of Arthur, youngest son of Mr. & Mrs. T. A. Gulliver, Broadwell, killed in action on October 6th ; aged 21.
“ We loved him—oh ! No tongue can tell
How much we loved him, and how well
His fresh young life could not be saved,
And now he sleeps in a soldier’s grave.”
—From his loving Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

HILL.—In loving memory of our dear son, Pte. ALFRED HILL, who fell in action on October 4, 1917. “ Some day we shall meet again in the Better Land.”—From his sorrowing Parents, Brothers and Sisters.

RUDDLE.—Killed in action in France on September 3rd, Pte. GEORGE RUDDLE, Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
We loved you—oh ! So dearly George ;
But God’s ways are always best.
Beside your brother comrades
Sleep on and take your rest.”
—Brother, you are not forgotten, FLO and ARCH.

SEATON.—In loving memory of our dear son, Corpl. W. R. SEATON, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, who was killed in action in Flanders on October 12, 1917.
“ Had we been asked, how well we know
We should say, ‘ Oh, spare this blow.’
Yes, with streaming tears, would say,
‘Lord, we love him—let him stay.’
He bravely answer duty’s call,
He gave his life for one and all ;
But the unknown grave is the bitterest blow,
None but his loved ones ever know.”
—From his sorrowing Mother, Father, Sisters, Brothers, and Walter.

SEATON.—In loving memory of my dear husband, Corpl. W. R. SEATON, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, who was killed in action in Flanders on October 12, 1917.
“ He heard the call ; he came not back—
He came not back, but in our hearts he lives.
His name may fade ; his deeds will never die.
His bright, pure flame of sacrifice will give
Fresh inspiration as years go by.
While England stands his high renown shall last,
For he has joined the heroes of the past.”
—From his sorrowing Wife and Children.

TRACY.—In loving memory of Lance-Corpl. J. TRACY, 1st K.O.S.B., who was killed on October 4th “ somewhere in France.”—Deeply mourned. From Mabel.

Hardman, William John. Died 27 Oct 1917

William John Hardman was born in Rugby in 1897. He was baptised on 7th Feb 1899 at St Matthews Church, Rugby, together with his sister Nellie, born in late 1898. His parents were James Hardman and Elizabeth née Giles and they were married at St Matthews on 19th Oct 1890.

To start with the family lived at 3 Vine Place, but by 1901, when William was 3, they had moved to Overslade. Father James was a Domestic Groom.

By 1911 James and Elizabeth Hardman had 7 children, William was the fourth son. There was another younger so and two younger daughters. They lived at 36 Union Street Rugby and William was a shop assistant. Before he signed up he was employed by Mr W Elliott, of Dunchurch Road. (Probably at the Mineral Water Factory.)

He joined the 15th Bn., Royal Warwickshire Regiment in May 1916. By this time the family were living at 9 James Street, Rugby.

William John Hardman died of wounds on 27th Oct 1917. The regiment had taken part in the Second Battle of Passchendaele, which started on the 26th.

He was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Lijssenthoek was the location for a number of casualty clearing stations during the First World War. The village was situated on the main communication line between the Allied military bases in the rear and the Ypres battlefields. Close to the Front, but out of the extreme range of most German field artillery, it became a natural place to establish casualty clearing stations.

His elder brother Walter had died in 1915. Another brother, Charles Henry, James and Elizabeth’s oldest son, was to die in 1918.

Mr Hardman would assist in the opening of the Rugby Memorial Gates, in 1921.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

Williams, Harry Cecil. Died 26th Oct 1917

Whilst an ‘H C Williams’ is on the Rugby Memorial Gates and it must be presumed that the H C Williams on the BTH Memorial is the same man – there was initially insufficient ‘checkable’ information as to exactly whom he might be.

However, among the many soldiers named H or H C Williams on the Commonwealth War Graves data-base is a Harry Cecil Williams who was born in about 1897 and was the son of Harry and Florence Williams of 1, Market Street, Rugby.  This provided a man with a connection to the town.

Census data seemed to have no obvious records of either of these two Harry Williams in Rugby, and there was no place of birth to make searching easier.  However, searching the various pre- and post-war Rugby Directories suggested that a Henry Williams, an ‘Engraver’ came to Rugby in about 1908, and in the 1909 Directory was living at 9 Lawford Road, Rugby.  Before 1911 he had moved to 66 Pennington Street, Rugby, and by 1913 onwards he was listed at 1 Market Street, Rugby, the address that was given on the CWGC site.

However, with no obvious birthplace to search, neither he nor his son appeared to be listed by the 1911 census!  Fortunately searching for Harry’s mother, Florence, produced better results!

In 1901, the family had been at 8 Houston Road, Whiston, Lancashire.  Harry senior was a ‘watch engraver’ which also provided a ‘match’ to his occupation in Rugby.  The children, Florence E and Harry C were five and four respectively and were both born in Prescott, Lancashire.  Harry senior was born in Coventry [b.c.1871] so there was a connection with the area and his wife was from Norwich [b.c.1877].  Harry junior was born on 29 April 1897 and his birth was registered in Q2 1897.  He was baptised as Harry Cecil on 7 July 1897 in Prescot, Lancashire, and his father was then also a ‘Watch Engraver’.

A 1911 census entry could now be found.  The family had indeed moved to Rugby and were now in a four room house at 66 Pennington Street, Rugby, which fits with one of the earlier Directory entries.  Harry senior was now working as an ‘Electric Meter Repairer, Engineer Works’, although the Directories still listed him as an engraver throughout the war – there may not have been staff to check – but he was still living in Market Street until at least 1920.  In 1911, Harry Cecil was 13 and still at school, and his elder sister, Florence Eva was 15 and worked in the ‘Electric Insulating Dept., Engineer Works’.

It seems that Harry Junior would go on to serve an apprenticeship and then work at BTH – and that was probably the ‘engineer works’ where his father and sister were working in 1911.

There are no extant military Service Records for Harry Cecil Williams, except for Medal Cards – but once again there is some confusion.

The Harry Williams with parents in Rugby is listed by the Commonwealth War Graves data-base as being in the 1^st Battalion, the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) with a Number G/23882.

However, from the Medal Cards, the Harry Cecil Williams who was born in about 1897 with the number G/23882 would appear to be in the Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex) Regiment, however there is no indication of his Battalion which makes tracing his movements during the war virtually impossible.

There is also a Harry Williams who was indeed in the 1^st Battalion, the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) in the CWGC database.  However, he had the number S/173, went to France on 27 December 1914 and died on 12 March 1915 and is buried in Enclosure No.2. IV. A. 46., in the Bedford House Cemetery having been concentrated [moved] from the Asylum Cemetery – both in the Ypres area.

Regimental numbers were not unique, indeed the CWGC database includes five soldiers who had the number 23882, from five different Regiments, as well as a Harry Williams.  Soldiers could be renumbered when they were posted to a different Regiment as happened when losses in action had reduced a Battalion to insufficient fighting strength.

In tracing ‘our’ Rugby ‘Harry Williams’, one has to make a decision as to likelihoods.  The Army was in contact with his parents, so his date of death was likely to have been correct, and probably also his Regiment.  He may have had more than one number – and perhaps that is the least important fact, and is less crucial to finding his story, in the absence of any Service Records.  So what is the story of the 1^st Bn, the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kents)?

The 1^st Battalion was in Dublin in August 1914 as part of the 13^th Brigade in the 5^th Division and on

15 August 1914 they landed at Le Havre.  During 1914 they took part in the Battle of Mons and the subsequent retreat; the Battle of Le Cateau; the Battle of the Marne; the Battle of the Aisne; the Battles of La Bassee and Messines 1914 and the First Battle of Ypres.  During 1915 they were engaged in the Second Battle of Ypres; and the Capture of Hill 60.

When Harry joined up is unknown, it was probably not until he was 18 in 1915.  When he went to France and joined his battalion is also unknown, but there is no record of him receiving the 1915 Star, so it was probably not until sometime in 1916, by which time he would have received some training in UK, and he would have reached the age of 18 or 19.  In 1916 the Battalion participated in the Attacks on High Wood; the Battle of Guillemont; the Battle of Flers-Courcelette; the Battle of Morval and the Battle of Le Transloy.

During 1917 the Battalion was in the Battle of Vimy; the Attack on La Coulotte; and the Third Battle of the Scarpe, which was part of the Battle of Arras.  They were then involved in several actions of the 3^rd Battle of Ypres: the Battle of Polygon Wood; the Battle of Broodseinde; the Battle of Poelcapelle and the Second Battle of Passchendaele.

The 1^st Bn. Royal West Kents were involved in an assault on 26 October 1917, on the first day of the Second Battle of Passchendale in the Gheluvelt area.  In this southern area, X Corps supported the operation by attacking Gheluvelt which was almost due east of southern Ypres, to secure Tower Hamlets ridge, east of the Bassevillebeek as a diversion.

The Battalion War Diary[1] describes the attack on that first day: After withdrawing slightly to allow battery fire on the enemy positions, the enemy retaliated and shelled the areas behind the previous British positions causing heavy casualties.  That day the War Diary noted that 2 officers were killed, 10 wounded and one was missing; and that 14 men were killed; 111 wounded and that 211 were missing.  The writer of the reports stated: ‘The large number shown as “missing” are accounted for by the following facts: 1. Heavy shelling which must have buried many men.  2. Condition of ground which made it impossible to search ground properly for dead and wounded.  3. Complete lack of information from two assaulting Coys after zero hour.’  The report was on notebook pages, and written by the Lt. Col., whose papers and diaries had been sent back with a lance-corporal who was now missing presumed killed.

The CWGC records some 117 men of the Royal West Kents who died on that day, 26 October 1917.  Some were buried in small burial grounds and later moved [concentrated] to the Hooge Crater Cemetery, but the majority have no known grave and are commemorated at Tyne Cot.

It is assumed that sometime during that costly assault on 26 October 1917, Harry C Williams was first reported ‘missing’ and later was deemed to have been ‘Killed in Action’.

He was probably one of the many reported ‘missing’ and his body was either never found or not identified.  He is remembered on one of the Panels 106 to 108 of the Tyne Cot Memorial.  The Tyne Cot Memorial is one of four memorials to the missing in Belgian Flanders which cover the area known as the Ypres Salient.  Whereas those who died before 16 August 1917 are remembered on the Menin Gate, the United Kingdom servicemen who died after that date are named on the memorial at Tyne Cot.

It was not until nearly a year later that his parents received a communication from the War Office,
An intimation has been received by Mr & Mrs Williams, of 1 Market Street, Rugby, from the War Office, stating that their son, Harry Cecil Williams, of the 1st Royal West Kent Regiment, who was reported missing on October 26th last, is now believed to have been killed in action on that date.[2]

Later the Rugby Advertiser noted:
Pte H C Williams, 1st Royal West Kent Regiment – formerly an apprentice in the B.T.H Drawing Office—who was reported missing on October 26th last, is now presumed to have been killed on that date.[3]

Harry Cecil Williams is also commemorated on the Rugby Memorial Gates in Hillmorton Road, Rugby; on the BTH List of ‘Employees Who Served’; and on the BTH War Memorial.[4]

Harry was awarded the British War and Victory Medals.

His father’s death at 71 was registered in Rugby in Q1 1943.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

– – – – – –

 

This article on Harry Cecil WILLIAMS was researched and written for the Rugby Family History Group [RFHG] project, by John P H Frearson and is © John P H Frearson and the RFHG, July 2017.

 

[1]      The National Archives, WWI War Diaries (France, Belgium and Germany), 1914-1920, 5^th Division, Piece 1555/1-2: 1 Battalion, Queen´s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment, July 1917 – April 1919.

[2]      Rugby Advertiser, 14 September 1918, also https://rugbyremembers.wordpress.com/2018/09/14/14th-sep-1918-rugby-volunteers-complimented/.

[3]      Rugby Advertiser, 12 October 1918, also https://rugbyremembers.wordpress.com/2018/10/12/12th-oct-1918-lord-denbigh-suspects-cunning-scheme/.

[4]      The List is that published in the Rugby Advertiser, 4 November 1921.

Collins, Arthur William. Died 26th Oct 1917

Arthur William Collins was born in 1888 in Bittesby, Leicestershire and baptised at Claybrooke on 22nd April, that year.

In 1891 the family was living in Willey where William, an agricultural labourer, had been born. Arthur’s mother, Jane (nee Loyde) came from Church Eaton in Shropshire. They were still there, at Cross in Hand Cottage, in 1901 where William was now a waggoner on a farm. No occupation was given for thirteen year old Arthur.

By 1911 they had moved to Rugby, Arthur William was 23, a cement loader. He lived with his parents at 128 New Street, New Bilton. William was also worked at the Cement Works, as a shunter.

Arthur William Collins enlisted with the 15th Bn., Royal Warwickshire Regiment (private 17406), probably sometime in 1916. In October that year he had returned home as the Rugby Advertiser of 21 October, 1916 reports :

AN ABSENTEE.—At the Rugby Police Court, on Thursday (before T Hunter, Esq), Pte Arthur Collins, of the R.W.R, 45 New Street, New Bilton, pleaded guilty to being an absentee from his Battalion since October 14th, and was remanded to await an escort.

In the report of his death, it states that he was wounded in September 1916, probably during the Somme Offensive. A few months earlier, in early July his younger brother Harry had been killed and it was reported then that the family had three other sons serving.

Arthur William Collins died on 26th October 1917, the first day of the Second Battle of Passchendaele, the final phase of the 3rd Battle of Ypres. His body was never found or identified and his name is listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial. He was 29 years of age.

His parents address was given as 45 New Street, New Bilton. He is also listed on the Croop Hill Memorial, Rugby.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

 

Wolfe, Sidney George. Died 22nd Oct 1917

Sidney George WOLFE was born in Rugby on 14 February 1890.  He was the son of George James Wolfe, an Engine Fireman, who was born in Shakerstone, Staffordshire, in about 1869, and Julie Mary (née Wing) Wolfe, who was born in Stretton-on-Dunsmore in the same year and whose marriage was registered in Rugby in 1889.

Sidney’s birth was registered in the first quarter of 1890 and he was baptised on 28 March 1890 at St Andrew’s church, Rugby.

In 1891 the family was living at 854 Old Station Square,[1] Rugby and they had a lodger, Walter Wing, an engine cleaner, who was Julie’s younger brother.

In 1901 the family had moved, or had possibly been renumbered, and was living at 809 Old Station Square, Rugby.  George J Wolfe was still a Loco Fireman, and that night they were putting up a two year old nephew, Raymond Wing.

In September 1902 at a Church Army tea and presentation, the young Sidney Wolfe gave a recitation which was encored,[2] then in July 1903 at the Cycling Club fete and sports, Sidney appeared in fancy dress as a footman.[3]  At the Elborow School concert and prize-giving in November 1903, Sidney obtained a ‘Drawing Certificate’ and also gave a recitation ‘The Amateur Photographer’ with E White.[4]

Sidney was ‘… successively a pupil, student teacher, and assistant master at Elborow School’, Rugby and was a ‘well-known Rugby, Coventry, and Midland Counties footballer … and was selected to play for the Midland Counties against the South Africans’.[5]

One source mentioned that he attended Saltley College – this was St Peter’s College, a teacher training establishment located in Saltley, Birmingham.  His name does indeed appear on their War Memorial.[6]

Between 1901 and 1911, Sidney’s parents moved to Coventry, and then in the third quarter of 1914, Sidney married Nellie May Smith, a blacksmith’s daughter, at Warwick.  She had been born on 12 May 1889 and baptised at St Paul’s Warwick on 2 March 1890.

It may be that Sidney and his wife also moved to Coventry before the war, as their two children were both born in Coventry: Roland Vernon, on 1 May 1916, and registered in Q2 1916 [6d, 1445], and Iris Madge, on 1 November 1917, and registered in Q4 1917 [6d, 1111].

It seems that he had moved on from Rugby to teach at Bablake School, Coventry as there is a large wooden memorial board in the school hall, dedicated to the 700 former pupils who served, and the 96 who died in the war.  The latter list of names includes Lieutenant Sidney George Wolfe.[7]

It is uncertain exactly when Sidney ‘joined up’, but he was initially in the South Midlands Divisional Cycling Company (Army Cyclist Corps).  All of the ‘new army’ divisions raised under Lord Kitchener’s instructions in 1914 included a cyclist company.  The primary roles of the cyclists were in reconnaissance and communications.  They were armed as infantry and could provide mobile firepower.  The units which went overseas during WW1 continued in these roles, but also carried out trench-holding duties and manual work.[8]

2nd Lt. S G Wolfe, Apr 1916

Sidney is pictured (left) in his uniform with the cap badge featuring the sphinx and ‘Egypt’ on the livesofthefirstworldwar.org website.[9]

Sidney’s Medal Roll Card shows that he went to France on 31 March 1915 and it was probably in France that he was promoted to Sergeant.  He seems to have proved to be a capable leader and ‘… after eighteen months service in the trenches …’,[10] he was commissioned on 30 April 1916 and transferred to the 18^th Battalion of the Royal Lancashire Fusiliers as a Lieutenant.

The 18^th (Service) Battalion of the Royal Lancashire Fusiliers (2^nd South-East Lancashire) was originally a ‘Bantam’ Battalion, with men who did not reach the normal height requirements.  The Battalion joined the 104^th Brigade of the 35^th Division and went to France, landing at Le Havre on 29 January 1916.

Sidney would have joined the Battalion at some date after the end of April, when the 18^th Battalion was at Croix Barbee, relieving the 17^th Battalion.

In May 1916 when he had ‘… only been with his new unit a week when he was caught by a German machine gun while he was helping to repair barbed wire entanglements in front of the firing line.  … He received two wounds in the neck and one in the face.’[11]

The Rugby Advertiser reported that he had been wounded,

WELL-KNOWN FOOTBALLER WOUNDED
Lieut S G Wolfe, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, the well-known Rugby, Coventry, and Midland Counties footballer, has been wounded at the front.  Lieut Wolfe gained a commission after eighteen months’ service in the trenches, and he had only been with his new unit a week when he was caught by a German machine gun while he was helping to repair barbed wire entanglements in front of the firing line.  The nature of his injuries are not known locally except that he received two wounds in the neck and one in the face.  Lieut Wolfe was successively a pupil, student teacher, and assistant master at Elborow School, and was selected to play for the Midland Counties against the South Africans.[12]

However, no mention has been found in the Battalion War Diary either of him joining the Battalion or being wounded.

The Battalion does not seem to have been involved with the initial actions on the Somme, but in mid-July they were in Trones Wood and Maltz Horn Farm trench in the Somme area.  By September 1916 they had moved to the Arras area and were there or in nearby trenches until the end of 1916.  In June 1917 the Battalion was at Villers-Guislain near Cambrai.  At the beginning of October 1917 the Battalion were training at Avesnes-le-Compte, and in the middle of the month moved to Proven and then Boisinghe.  On 20 October the Battalion prepared for an attack and bivouacked between Broombeek and Steenbeek, and on 21 October they prepared for the attack and moved off at 10.20pm.

The attack on 22 October 1917 is described in four pages of the Battalion Diary.  The Battalion formed up at 2.30am, and zero hour was at 5.35am and they moved forward close to the barrage, which was ragged and too slow and caused several casualties.  They encountered heavy machine gun fire, and later in the afternoon had to repulse a German counter attack which was done successfully.

That day, three officers were killed, including Lt. S G Wolfe, and 27 Other Ranks (ORs); one officer and 42 ORs were wounded and missing; and seven officers and 174 ORs were wounded.

‘He was leading a company into action and was unfortunately killed during the advance.  He had scarcely advanced more than 75 yards when an enemy shell fell close and he was killed instantaneously.’[13]

Lieutenant Sidney George WOLFE, 18^th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers, was killed in action on 22 October 1917.[14]

His body was either not recovered or not identified.  Sidney is remembered on one of the Panels 54 to 60 and 163A of the Tyne Cot Memorial.  The Tyne Cot Memorial is one of four memorials to the missing in Belgian Flanders which cover the area known as the Ypres Salient.  Whereas those who died before 16 August 1917 are remembered on the Menin Gate, the United Kingdom servicemen who died after that date are named on the memorial at Tyne Cot.

The birth of his daughter was recorded in the same column of the newspaper[15] as notice of his death.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. 

BIRTH.  Wolfe. – On November 1^st, at Earlsdon to the wife of the late Lieut. S. G. Wolfe, a daughter.

DEATHS. Wolfe. – Killed in Action. Oct. 22^nd, Lieut. S. G. Wolfe, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, aged 27 years.  Leaves a wife and two children.

The dates of his two children’s births would suggest, naturally, that he must have been in UK in Coventry some nine months earlier than both occasions – in say August 1915 which was after he had gone to France and in February 1917 by which date he should have recovered from his wounds and have been back in France.  It would seem that as an officer he was able to get UK leave.

As well as at Tyne Cot, Sidney is commemorated on the Rugby Memorial Gates in Hillmorton Road, Rugby, and he is also remembered on the St Peter’s College, Coventry Memorial Tablet,[16]  and also on the Bablake School Memorial in Coundon Road, Coventry.

He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal and also the 1915 Star.  His Medal Card and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records, confirm that he was ‘Killed in Action’ on 22 October 1917.  His widow is recorded as Mrs S G Wolfe, who at that later date, lived at 55 Berkeley Road Earlsdon, Coventry.  In the local newspaper on 1 November 1917 she and his parents placed an advertisement.[17]

THANKS – Mr and Mrs Wolfe and daughter, 45, Berkeley Road, Earlsdon, wish to thank all friends for their kind expressions of sympathy in their sad loss.

An ‘In Memoriam’ was published on the anniversary of his death.

WOLFE. – Killed in action in France on October 22, 1917, S. G. WOLFE (Lieut.), dearly beloved eldest grandson of Mr. & Mrs. W. Wolfe, 127 Newbold Road.
“Not dead to us, we love him still ;
Not lost, but gone before.
He lives with us in memory still,
And will for evermore.”
– From Grandma, Grandpap, Aunts and Uncles.[18]

His formal address when probate was awarded on 15 January 1918 at Birmingham was 157 Westwood Road, Coventry and probate awarded to his widow, Nellie Maud Wolfe, was in the sum of £101-10-6d.

 

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

——————————–

This article on Sidney George WOLFE was researched and written for the Rugby Family History Group [RFHG] project, by Anne Rogers and John P H Frearson and is © Anne Rogers, John P H Frearson and the RFHG, October 2017.

Information about Elborow School Career is © Howard Trillo

 

[1]      Industrial Housing in Rugby – L.N.W.R. Railways – To operate and maintain a railway requires people to work at places spread all along the line, often far from existing settlements. At places where stations are built accommodation for many staff are needed from opening day.  People had to live within walking distance of work, and it was useful to the railway to be able to get hold of staff if something unexpected happened.  By providing houses for their staff, the railway solved all these problems and the London and Birmingham Railway built several hundred houses along the line for the opening.  The houses were each given a number and the earliest in Rugby were in the 700’s.  They were all near the new station in Newbold Road, on the west side both north and south of the railway.

[2]      Rugby Advertiser, Saturday, 13 September 1902.

[3]      Rugby Advertiser, Saturday, 4 July 1903.

[4]      Rugby Advertiser, Saturday, 28 November 1903.

[5]      Rugby Advertiser, 27 May 1916.

[6]      http://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/names/listing/52012?page=7, St Peters College Memorial Tablet No 2, War Memorials reference: 52012, http://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/names/listing/52012?page=7.

[7]      http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/topic/54635-2000-files-in-passchendaele-archives/, from ‘tharkin56’, 22 August 2007.

[8]      Chris Baker, at https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/content/100720.

[9]      https://livesofthefirstworldwar.org/lifestory/4842770 – connected by George Coppock.

[10]     In fact he had only been in France for eleven months, so this may be his length of service, suggesting that he joined up in September 1914.

[11]     Rugby Advertiser, 27 May 1916.

[12]     Rugby Advertiser, 27 May 1916.

[13]     https://livesofthefirstworldwar.org/lifestory/4842770.

[14]     Global, Find A Grave Index for Non-Burials, Burials at Sea, and other Select Burial Locations.

[15]     Coventry Evening Telegraph, Friday, 2 November 1917.

[16]     Following the closure of the college, the two WWI memorial tablets have been moved from St Peter’s College to St Saviour’s Church, St Saviour’s Road, Saltley, Birmingham  B8 1HW.

[17]     Coventry Evening Telegraph, Thursday, 1 November 1917.

[18]     Rugby Advertiser, 19 October 1918.

Lane, Bertram Charles. Died 13th Oct 1917

An Apology – this article was originally scheduled to be posted on 9 November 2017, but the subsequent discovery of an article in the Rugby Advertiser published today, showed that Bertram Lane died somewhat earlier than originally believed. That article also provided some further information which allowed the biography to be updated before its tardy publication.

= = = =

Bertram Charles LANE was born in Watford in 1892/3, near Rugby, but in Northamptonshire. His birth was registered in Q1, 1893 in Daventry [3b, 113].   He was baptised on 26 February 1893 in Watford. His father was a ‘wagoner’.

He was the third of three sons of William and Fanny, née Collett, Lane, and he also had two younger sisters. His parents were both from Kingham in Oxfordshire and had married in mid 1888, and had moved to Watford before 1889 when their first son was born.   In 1901 they were living in Home Lane, Watford and William was a ‘Timber wagoner’

Bertram’s father died before 1911, when Bertram was with his widowed mother and the family and they were living at 76 Bath Street, Rugby. He was then working as a ‘clerk’ for an ‘electrical engineering company’, probably BTH, as just before the war he was working in the BTH Drawing Office.

A later memorial notice suggested that he joined up ‘… at the beginning of the War, …’[1] This was not clear in the Service Records that survive for Bertram. He enlisted as a Rifleman, No.Z2331 in the Rifle Brigade.

It is not known into which Battalion he was initially posted.   However, the date of 30 April 1915 on one Medal Card, for his Silver War Badge, was probably his last date on ‘Home Service’, as he went to France on 1 May 1915. Three Battalions of the Rifle Brigade all went to France in May, and it seems likely that Bertram was in either the 7^th, 8^th or 9^th Service Battalion which were in the 41^st, 41^st and 42^nd Brigades respectively and all in the 14^th (Light) Division.

The 7^th, 8^th and 9^th Service Battalions were all formed in Winchester on 21 August 1914, went to Aldershot, moved elsewhere for training and then back to Winchester. In May 1915 they moved to France and landed at Boulogne. At some date Bertram was promoted to Lance-Corporal.   In 1915 the three Battalions were all involved when the Germans made their gas attack at Hooge, and the 9^th Bn. also took part in the Battle of Loos. In 1916, the 7^th and 9^th Bns., took part in the Battle of Delville Wood (15 July – 3 September 1916), and the Battle of Flers-Courcelette (15 – 22 September 1916), both during the Battle of the Somme – the 8^th Bn. was also involved at Flers-Courcelette.

A later article records ‘…On September 11, 1916, he was severely wounded in the head by shrapnel, and after spending a considerable time in a base hospital in France and King George’s Hospital, London, …’.[2]   This suggests that he was wounded during the constant ongoing actions and shelling on the Somme, between the dates of the above two main battles.

He survived, and as confirmed above, would have been evacuated through the casualty clearing system, to a French Base Hospital and then to UK. On 25 April 1917 he was discharged under ‘King’s Regulations Para 392 (xvi) – No longer physically fit for service – Wounds’.   A note on his Medal Card refers to ‘see B E Lane for SWB’ – that was the Silver War Badge which was awarded to injured soldiers who could no longer serve and this avoided the harassment that was received by those men out of uniform that the public thought should be joining up and serving their country.

Bertram Charles Lane was awarded the British War and Victory Medals and the 1915 Star. His War Medal had to be returned for correction as it had been incorrectly stamped. As mentioned, he also held the Silver War Badge as he had been wounded.

Bertram had ‘… enjoyed fairly good health until a fortnight before his death, …’ which occurred on Saturday, 13 October 1917, at St Cross Hospital, Rugby,[3] his death being registered in Q4 1917 [Rugby, 6d, 681]. He was 24, ‘the son of Mrs. Lane, Eardaley House, Bath Street’. He was buried in grave ref: J552 at Clifton Road Cemetery.[4] As he had died later and in UK, it seems that his grave was not marked nor his death listed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, although he probably should have been on the CWGC lists as he was reported to have ‘died as a result of wounds received in action’ and he should perhaps still be included.[5]

A memorial notice in the Rugby Advertiser noted,
LANE.—In ever-loving memory of our dear friend, BERT, who died 13th October, 1917, from wounds received in France.—Nell and Ernie.

Bertram Charles Lane was also commemorated on the Rugby Memorial Gates in Hillmorton Road, Rugby; on the BTH List of ‘Employees Who Served’; and on the BTH War Memorial.[6]

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

– – – – – –

 

This article on Bertram Charles Lane was researched and written for the Rugby Family History Group [RFHG] project, by John P H Frearson and is © John P H Frearson and the RFHG, July 2017.

[1]       Rugby Advertiser, 20 October 1917.

[2]       Rugby Advertiser, 20 October 1917.

[3]       Rugby Advertiser, 20 October 1917.

[4]       From a list of names on the RFHG CD of Monumental Inscriptions and the RFHG website.

[5]         http://www.infromthecold.org/war_grave_criteria.asp

[6]       The List is that published in the Rugby Advertiser, 4 November 1921.

20th Oct 1917. Street Lighting in Rugby

STREET LIGHTING IN RUGBY.

By permission of the Chief Constable, a number of lamps at the most important points in the centre part of town are now being lighting at night. The majority of these have to be extinguished at ten o’clock, but the remainder will be alight all night, subject to arrangements being made for them to be extinguished within a few minutes of the receipt of the Field Marshal’s warning. Needless to say, this concession is greatly appreciated by all who use the streets after dark.

LOCAL WAR NOTES.

Major F Glover is gazetted second in command of the 2nd Battalion, Warwickshire Volunteer Regiment.

Pte W Slater, of 36 Frederick Street, has been wounded in France, and is now in Kitchener’s Hospital, Brighton, where he is progressing favourably.

Lance-Corpl F E Boyes, Oxford and Bucks L.I, son of Mr J Boyes, 84 Railway Terence, has been reported wounded and missing on August 16th. He has been previously wounded twice, and had served in France over two years. This is the second son of Mr. Boyes, returned as missing this year.

Mrs Rathbone, 23 James Street, Rugby, has received official notification that her brother, Pte George Ruddle, was killed in action in France on September 3rd. He was an Old Murrayian.

Mr & Mrs Summers, of Long Lawford, have received news that their son, Pte A Summers, has been wounded in the back and is going on well.

Mr & Mrs Plumb have received news that their only son, Lance-Corpl J W Plumb, of the Machine Gun Corps, has been wounded. He is an Old St Matthew’s boy, and before he enlisted in September, 1914, worked for the Rugby Gas Company.

Corpl E P Moore, Machine Gun Section, who before joining the Army was employed in the Electrical Laboratory at the B.T.H, died from wounds received in action on October 6th.

SECOND-LIEUT K H WILLARD MISSING.

Second-Lieut Kenneth H Willard, Yorks and Lancs Regiment, attached to the Royal Flying Corps, second son of Mr T W Willard, 26 Bilton Road, has been officially reported missing as from October 12th. In a letter to Mr. Willard a fellow officer writes : “ He went out with six other machines on the 12th inst. to do a patrol, the leader being one of our best pilots. About 15 to 20 enemy machines were encountered, and a general mix-up ensued, in which your son was seen to be handling his machine and fighting in a most efficient manner. Although our machines were greatly out-numbered, they put up a great fight, but on returning to the aerodrome, It was discovered that your son was missing. No one saw him go down, and it is just possible that he may have been hit in the engine, and had to descend in the enemy lines.” Lieut Willard was educated at Rugby School and Sandhurst, and visited his parents a fortnight ago on his final leave before proceeding to the front.

CAPT. HON. HENRY FEILDING.

Captain Hon Henry Feilding, Coldstream Guards, the third and youngest son of the Earl and Countess of Denbigh, died of wounds on October 9th, aged 23. He had just been given command of his Company, and was leading them into action for the first time in the attack of October 9th. They had achieved their first objective when they came under heavy German artillery barrage. It was then that Capt Feilding was severely wounded by a shell. He was carried back to the casualty clearing station, where he had every possible care and attention, but the case was hopeless from the first. Recovering slight consciousness in the afternoon, he died peacefully and painlessly at 10.30 p.m. Father Crisp, R.C chaplain to the Forces, of Leicester, was with him at this period and gave him the last helps[?] of religion.

Captain Henry Feilding was educated at the Oratory School, Edgebaston, and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he held a commission before the war in King Edward’s Horse, with which he mobilised and went to France in April, 1915. He was later taken on the staff as A.D.C. to General Sir Henry Horne, with whom he went to Egypt in January, 1916. As he wished to with a fighting regiment, he resigned his appointment on the staff after six months, and transferred to the Coldstream Guards, with which he served at the front for 12 months.

His elder brother, Lieut-Commander Hon Hugh Feilding, R.N, was killed at the Battle of Jutland on May 31, 1916 ; whilst his eldest brother, Lieut-Col Viscount Feilding, D.S.O, has served in France since September 1914.

The C.O. Writes of Capt Feilding :—“ I cannot tell you what a loss he is both as a friend and a soldier. It was the first time that he commanded a company in action, and he was doing so well. He was full of enthusiasm for this first attack, and I only wish he could have seen the successful ending of such a great day for the regiment, but all officers of his Company fell wounded before reaching the final objective.”

A brother officer writes :—“ He was always so cheery and so full of fun, and was the life of our of mess, and in every way a most delightful companion. In his work he was always very thorough, and would take any amount of trouble over the men, with whom I always felt he was a great favourite. He will be terribly missed by everyone in the Battalion. I had such a cheery letter from him only a day or two ago, telling me he was just of to battle.”

A personal telegram of sympathy has been received from the King.

BRANDON & BRETFORD.

WOUNDED SOLDIERS.—News has reached Mr & Mrs Reuben Banbrook that their son has been wounded in the foot. He belongs the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, and has been on foreign service for a considerable time. Mrs Banbrook has five soldier sons, of whom Pte James Banbrook has been gassed and Pte Bert Banbrook wounded twice.—Mr R Hart has received the news that his brother has been badly wounded. He was in the Regular Army before the War started, and been through most of the engagements. His ankle has been smashed and the other leg badly wounded.

CHRISTMAS PARCELS FOR PRISONERS OF WAR.

The Christmas parcels for prisoners in Germany will be despatched during the first week in November.

The special parcel will be substituted for one of the six standard packages sent during November, and will include a rich Christmas pudding, roast beef, potatoes, sausages, cheese, and 50 cigarettes. If the relatives or “ adopters ” pay for this (the price is 8s) their names will be put on the parcels, but only one parcel can be sent to each man.

A larger parcel can costing 15s, will contain extras in the shape of turkey, bacon, butter, spaghetti, chocolate, tongue, and dried ginger.

Relatives of Rugby and district men desirous of sending one of these parcels in their own names should remit the cost, not later than Saturday next, the 27th inst, to Mr J Reginald Barker, hon secretary, Rugby Prisoners of War Help Committee, 9 Regent St, Rugby.

No person can send any foodstuffs direct to a prisoner.

ANOTHER RED CROSS SALE.

At a meeting of the Rugby District Farmers’ Red Cross Committee on Tuesday, presided over by the Rev R S Mitchison, it was thought that the time had arrived for another effort on behalf of the Red Cross Society, as there is a very pressing need of increased support, the expenditure being largely in excess of the receipts. Opinions were expressed that all classes of the community should join.

It was decided to ask the Rector of Rugby, the Headmaster of Rugby School, the representatives of the Urban Council, the Chamber of Trade, the Butchers’ Association, the Trades and Labour Council, influential gentleman, and others to join the Rugby District Farmers in a united effort to hold a Red Cross sale.

A preliminary meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 23rd, at 7 p.m., at the Eagle Assembly Room, Market Place, Rugby.

WOLSTON.

THE HOUSING QUESTION at Wolston in fast becoming a serious matter. There are already numerous couples living with their parents, and are having to store their goods—in one instance in a hovel. A number of the present houses have been condemned, and this further accentuates the shortage. It is felt by many of the working-men of the village that the 25 houses the District Council propose to build after the War will be quite inadequate. Much unrest is at present caused, and only within the last few days a soldier’s wife has been threatened with proceedings if she does, not leave, the cottage being wanted for someone else.

DEATHS.

BOOTE.—In loving memory of Pte. S. BOOTE (SID), 4th Worcestershire Regiment, who died of wounds in France on October 11, 1917. “ He did his duty.” —From his loving brother and sister, JACK & JEANNIE, and his little nephew, AUBREY.

CROMBIE.—In loving memory of Regimental Q.M.-S. W. CROMBIE, 1st K.O.S.B., who died of wounds in France on October 4, 1917. From all at 35 Oliver Street.

HAYES.—On October 10th, at 14th General Hospital, Wimereux, France, from wounds received in action, Coy.-Sergt.-Major G. H. Hayes, 265385 R.W.R, third son of Mrs. Hayes, 80 York Street, age 34 years. Also, on July 19, 1916, Pte. FRANK H. HAYES, 2215, who was killed in action “ somewhere in France.”—On earth divided, in death united.”—From his sorrowing Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

LANE.—On October 13th, BERTRAM CHARLES, the youngest son of Mrs. Lane, 76 Bath Street ; aged 24.

STAY.—ARTHUR GEORGE STAY, eldest son of F. Stay, 99 Grosvenor Road, Rugby, killed in action Sept. 21.

IN MEMORIAM.

BACHELOR.—In loving memory of my dear son, Pte ERNEST ANDREW BATCHELOR, Worcester Regiment, who was killed in action on October 24, 1916.
“ In a soldier’s lonely grave,
Beneath France’s blood-stained sod,
There lies my dearest son,
Resting in peace with God ;
Though rolling seas divide us,
And he sleeps on a pitiless shore,
Remembrance is a relic that shall live for evermore.”
—Never forgotten by his loving Mother, Father, Brothers and Sisters.

 

 

 

Cowley, Henry Moses. Died 19th Oct 1917

Henry Moses COWLEY was born in about 1883 in Rugby.  He was the son of Henry Walter [b.c.1863, Clifton] and Anne/ie [b.c.1859, Swinford], née Turland, Cowley.

Their marriage, in late 1882 or early 1883, was registered in Q1, 1883 in Lutterworth [7a, 17] and their first child, Annie E Cowley, was born at Swinford in 1883 – Annie had probably returned home for the first birth.  Henry Moses was born in Rugby, two years later, and was baptised on 12 October 1883 at St Andrew’s church, Rugby; his father was a joiner and they were living in South Street, Rugby.

In 1891 the family were living at 3 Alfred Street, Tamworth, probably Henry’s work as a carpenter had taken him there.  In 1901, when Henry was about 17 or 18, his father was still a ‘carpenter’; and they were back in Rugby, living at 48 Claremont Road.  Henry was a clerk for the railway, and his elder sister Annie was a clerk for the Cooperative Society.  By 1911, when Henry was 28, he was still single and an Engineering Clerk for an Electrical Manufacturer.  The family were now living at 46 Claremont Rd Rugby.  His father was listed as a ‘carpenter and joiner’.  His sister was not at home.

Henry’s Service Records survive among the ‘Burnt Records’, however, they are not all legible, but provide some details of the complexity of his military service.

He enlisted at Rugby, and took the oath of attestation at Rugby on 19 November 1915 and this was approved on 23 March 1916.  He was then 32 years and three months old, a clerk, and enlisted for ‘Garrison Duty’.  He was 5ft 5½ inches tall – and his service reckoned from 22 March 1916 when he now seemed to be 33 years and 90 days old!  He had shrunk somewhat and was now only 5ft 4½ inches tall and weighed 122 lbs.

His father, Henry Walter Cowley, is mentioned on Henry’s Service Record, and in 1915, he was nominated as Henry’s next of kin and was then living at 111a Clifton Road, Rugby.  However his father’s death, aged 53, was registered in Rugby [6d, 812] in Q4, 1916.

Henry seems to have had various numbers including No.5932 [or indeed No.5931] on forms from 5^th Bn., the Royal Warwickshire Regiment [RWarR] and there is also an Army Ordinance Corps document and a Royal Engineers form with Henry’s number as 503775, where he was recorded with ‘trade and special qualifications’ as ‘Proficient’ and a ‘Clerk’.  This posting to the Royal Engineers as 503775 is confirmed on his Medal Card.

He did not receive the 1915 Star, which also confirms that he did not go to France until 1916.  His Service Record shows that he went to France/Belgium with one of the RWarR Battalions, but the actual date of his embarkation at Southampton and of his subsequent disembarkation cannot be read, but he transferred to the 1^st/8^th Bn., RWarR on either 14 July 1916 or 31 July 1916.

He suffered some illness and on 25 November 1916 he was at 1/1 SMFA [probably South Midlands Field Ambulance] suffering from Diarrhoea having been admitted to 3CRS[1] on 22 November 1916.  He rejoined his unit on 1 December 1916.

He seems to have had a further medical problem and was at ‘CRS IFA’[2] on 6 April 1917 but was back ‘to Duty’ on 20 April 1917

On 7 June 1917 he was transferred to the 1^st/8^th Bn. RWarR, which had, on 13 May 1915, become part of the 143^rd Brigade in the 48^th (South Midland) Division and then on 7 September 1917 he was transferred again to 10^th Bn., RWarR, which was in the 57^th Brigade in the 19^th Division, and was his final Battalion, where he served as No.307605, and this number was used for issuing his medals.

The 10^th Bn. RWarR were involved in many of the actions in the 3^rd Battle of Ypres in 1917: the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge (20 – 25 September 1917); the Battle of Polygon Wood (26 September – 3 October 1917); the Battle of Broodseinde (4 October 1917); the Battle of Poelcapelle (9 October 1917) and the First Battle of Passchendaele on 12 October 1917.  Presumably Henry took part in and obviously survived all these.  There was then a period of comparative calm before the Second Battle of Passchendaele which started on 26 October 1917.

From 14 October 1917 over the last few days before he was killed, the Battalion had been in the trenches, but had had a quiet relief.  For the next few days they were in reserve and the days were ‘quiet’ – although ‘quiet’ typically meant that one or two men were wounded each day.

The 10^th Battalion War Diary[3] noted:

Thursday 18 October – the Battalion were again ‘in trenches’ and were ‘lightly shelled’ throughout the day and night.  ‘Posts & ground were generally in a very bad state.’

Friday 19 October – ‘At night the Battalion was relieved … Quiet but very slow.  Relief reported complete at 4.50am on 20^th.  On relief Coys. proceeded to camp … (Beggers Rest).

Casualties: 3 killed.

Saturday 20 October – ‘Boys had baths. … Working parties in afternoon & evening.’

It seems that Henry Cowley was one of the ‘3 killed’ from the 10^th Battalion on Friday 19 October.  He was 34.  The other two men were Private Carl Rudolf Wedekind, No.2536, aged 19, from Birmingham; and Private Arthur Morton, No.41676.

Their bodies were either never found or not identified.  Henry and his two comrades are remembered on Panels 23 to 28 and 163A of the Tyne Cot Memorial.  The Tyne Cot Memorial is one of four memorials to the missing in Belgian Flanders which cover the area known as the Ypres Salient.  Whereas those who died before 16 August 1917 are remembered on the Menin Gate, the United Kingdom servicemen who died after that date are named on the memorial at Tyne Cot.  Henry is also commemorated on the Rugby Memorial Gates in Hillmorton Road,

An ‘In Memoriam’ was published on the anniversary of his death.[4]

COWLEY. – In ever-loving memory of our dear HARRY (JIM), only and dearly beloved son of the late Henry Cowley and Mrs. Cowley, Rockingham House, Clifton Road, who was killed in action on October 19, 1917.
“ Though death divides, sweet memory lives for ever.”
– From his loving Mother and Sister, George & Midge.

Henry Moses Cowley was awarded the British War and Victory Medals.  

After his death the Army was instructed that his effects were to be passed to his mother care of H. L. Reddish (Solicitors), 6 Market Place, Rugby, and these were sent on to her on 17 April 1918.

Henry’s Administration was in London on 21 February 1918 to his mother, Anne Cowley, widow, now of Rockingham House, 111a, Clifton Road, Rugby in the amount of £137-0-7d.  Various payments were made to his mother by the army: £3-10-10d and 12/2d owing in back pay was paid as £4-3-1d on 6 April 1918 and a further War Gratuity of £6-10s was paid on 15 November 1919.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM

– – – – – –

 

This article on Henry Moses COWLEY was researched and written for the Rugby Family History Group [RFHG] project, by John P H Frearson and is © John P H Frearson and the RFHG, July 2017.

[1]      CRS – Camp Reception Station – When away from the Front Line, the doctor’s post was known as the Camp Reception Station [CRS] or Medical Inspection Room [MI Room] and contained 2 – 6 beds for short term holding for those needing rest but not sick enough to be evacuated, see: https://www.ramc-ww1.com/chain_of_evacuation.php

[2]      Probably – ‘Camp Reception Station – 1^st Field Ambulance’.

[3]      The National Archives, WWI War Diaries (France, Belgium and Germany), 1914-1920, Piece 2085/3, 10 Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, July 1915-March 1919.

[4]      Rugby Advertiser, 19 October 1918.

 

Meddows, Albert Edward Sharp. Died 14th Oct 1917

Albert Edward Sharp Meddows was born in the third quarter of 1889 and was baptised 1^st November 1889 at St. Botolph’s Church, Newbold-on-Avon, Warwickshire. He was the first child of William Henry and Mary Ann Meddows. His father’s occupation is put as a Carman. The small family appears on the 1891 census and their address is Old Wood Yard, Newbold on Avon, Rugby William Henry is a Carrier and Post Office Worker. By the time of the 1901 census the family has grown with the addition of five more children, Percy Samuel, Horace Charles, Elsie Mary, Harold Thomas and finally in 1900 William Henry. Their address is Grocers Shop, Newbold Village, Newbold on Avon, Rugby, Warwickshire, and William is down as a Postmaster Grocer, working on his own account, Mary Ann is Post Mistress and the children are all at school.

In 1903 Mary Ann died, and was buried 12^th March 1903 in St. Botolph’s churchyard Newbold on Avon leaving children aged from 2 to 13 years of age. 1911 census gives William as a widower, with Percy assisting his father in his business. Horace and his sister, Elsie, are wheeling daub to the drying shed at the cement works. Albert is not with the family, he is living at Ashton Hayes, Near Chester. On the census paper the first name Albert is slightly smudged and you can only see the “lbert” Edward Sharp Meddows born Newbold- on-Avon, Warwickshire. He is working as a Stableman/Groom and is 21 years old.

William Henry the father died 2^nd February 1915 aged 52 years, leaving a will; probate was granted to John Martin the elder, farmer 23^rd February, Effects £327 16s 6d.

Albert E. S. Meddows married Constance Foster in Richmond, Surrey in 1914. Two children were born, Albert V. Meddows 1914 and Edward Meddows 1916 registered in Richmond, Surrey, mother’s maiden name Foster. Albert enlisted at Bristol in 1914 giving his place of residence Mortlake, Surrey.

Albert served with The Army Service Corps, Royal Engineers and the Royal Field Artillery

Albert has service numbers R40/87534, 202420 and number313019. At the time of his death Albert was a sapper with 5^th HQ Signal Company attached to the 34^th Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery. He is buried in Bard Cottage Cemetery, Ypres (Ieper), Arrondissement Ieper, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen) Belgium.

Grave Reference: Plot: V. A. 46.

He was awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal. His name is on both the Rugby Memorial Gates Hillmorton Road and on the Newbold War Memorial at St. Botolph’s Church Newbold on Avon

Albert’s two younger brothers Horace and Harold both served in WW1.

Harold Thomas was baptised at St Botolph’s 28^th May 1898, and he also served in the war with the Royal Warwickshire Regt., Service Number 21114. He enlisted 10^th August 1916 and was discharged 4^th December 1917 due to sickness and received the Silver War Badge 22^nd January 1918.   The Silver War Badge was given to men discharged from active service, due to wounds or illness. Harold died 26^th March 1919 aged 20 years, and was buried in Clifton Road Cemetery Rugby. He has a Commonwealth War Grave Headstone which also has written on it “also his sister Elsie Mary wife of George Arthur Creed 13^th June 1968 age 73”. The British War Medal and The Victory Medal were also awarded to him.

Harold Thomas is on both the Newbold War Memorial at St. Botolph’s Church and on the Rugby Memorial Gates Hillmorton Road Rugby.

Horace Charles was born in 1894 and was baptised 13^th May 1894.   Horace was with the Worcestershire Regiment, enlisted 2^nd March 1916, Service Number 35171. He was discharged 29^th January 1919.   He was 24 years old, and received the Silver War Badge 3^rd March 1919, and also the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. He married Frances D. Doyle in 1922. He lived until 1950 and died in Rugby, Warwickshire aged 56 years.

The youngest brother of all, William Henry, born 8th August 1900, baptised 16^th September 1900. William enlisted the Royal Air Force 22^nd August 1918, Service Number 287077; and on his entry papers his next of kin was Elsie M Creed, his sister. He died in 1971, his death registered in Kidderminster.

Percy Samuel married Annie L. Redgrave in 1919, marriage registered in Medway, Kent. On the 1939 Register they are living at 35, Churchfield Road, Bexley, Kent and Percy is a Police Constable with the Metropolitan Police Force. He died at the age of 68, his death registered at Sidcup Kent.

Elsie Mary, the only sister, married George Arthur Creed 24th July 1915 at Newbold-on -Avon and is buried with her brother Harold in Clifton Road Cemetery. Rugby.

 

RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM