Chesterfield Sherwoods on
the Somme
1st July - 18th November 1916
10th (Service) Battalion, Nottingham and Derbyshire Regiment
(Sherwood Foresters)
51st Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division, XV Corps, 4th Army
"Many of my pals fell in the attack before we reached the German front line. When we were relieved the following day there was a roll call and only 26 men and NCOs and 3 officers answered out of a company of 250 strong"
[Pte Leonard Robinson, "C" Company, following the attack on Railway Alley]
Index to page:-
The Attack on Fricourt, Railway Alley and Quadrangle Trench (2nd - 4th July)
The 3rd Attack on Quadrangle Support (7th July)
The 8th Attack on Quadrangle Support (9th July)
In Divisional and Brigade Reserve (12th - 31st July)
The Battle for Delville Wood (1st - 8th August)
Fricourt was a heavily fortified village and a major focus of the German defences of the area. It was supported in the rear by a number of heavily wired trenches known respectively as Lozenge Trench, Railway Alley and Bottom Alley. Further back was the formidable German defensive system known as the the Quadrangle Trench with numerous supporting works. Interspaced amongst these were several woods full of machine gun emplacements. The 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters was to play a major role in the capture of some of these defensive works. However, before the Battn joined the fighting on July 2nd, a terrible battle had raged on the previous day.
On the 1st of July the 50th Brigade of the 17th Division (attached to the 21st Division) were instructed to assault Fricourt village. The Battalions comprising this Brigade were the 10/W. Yorks., 7/E. Yorks., 7/Green Howards and 6/Dorsets. The assaulting companies suffered devastating casualties, the 10/W. Yorks alone had over 700 casualties, which was the most of any Battalion on the first day of the Somme. Many of these are now buried in Fricourt New Military Cemetery, which lies in what used to be No Man's Land. By the afternoon the attacking Battalions had reached a line in front of Lozenge Wood, close to the road that ran between Fricourt and Contalmaison.
The British Plan on the 2nd July called for the 21st Division on the left and the 7th Division on the right to outflank Fricourt village, whilst the 17th Division would attack in the middle. By mid afternoon Fricourt had been captured and the line advanced into Fricourt Wood.
The Attack on Fricourt, Railway Alley and Quadrangle Trench
2nd - 4th July
The 10th Sherwood Foresters moved up from Morlancourt on the 1st July. 'A' and 'D' companies went to Becourt, whereas 'B' and 'C' companies went to Bonte Redoubt. The advance on the 1st July had reached Fricourt Farm but the Germans still held Railway Alley and Crucifix Trench, both of which were strongly wired and from these positions they were pouring machine gun fire into the British lines at Fricourt Wood.
The war diary for the 2nd July states:
"The advance was eventually pushed on through FRICOURT WOOD as far as the line of its Northern edge at about 5pm. At this point the advance was again held up, RAILWAY ALLEY being strongly held and the wire uncut. On the left the advance was more successful and LOZENGE ALLEY from FRICOURT FARM exclusive was in the hands of the S. STAFFS."
Trench map of Fricourt Farm showing the attack of the 10/SF on 2nd July
Remains of a German fortified well in the former grounds of Fricourt Farm
The view from Fricourt Farm looking along the line of Railway Alley. The bombers of "D" Coy attacked this trench on the evening of 2nd July.
At dusk on the 2nd July there was still a lot of heavy fighting in front of Crucifix Trench and bombers of 'A' company were involved in a bombing attack along this trench, which lead eastwards from Fricourt Farm.
"The attack commenced at 11.30 pm and with aid of help of the Battalion bombers 170 yards of this trench was captured . . . . . . At the same time D Coy sent forward a bombing attack up the C.T. from FRICOURT WOOD to RAILWAY ALLEY to the East of FRICOURT FARM, and gained some 200 yards of this trench."
The War Diary does not report any casualties during this attack, but records show that at least one Officer was killed:
SPENCER, ARTHUR EGERTON.
Lieutenant, 10th Btn., k. in a. 02/07/1916.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
On the morning of the 3rd July the attack on Railway Alley was continued, this time by the 7/Border and 7/Lincs., whilst the 10th Sherwood Foresters remained in reserve. The 7/Borders immediately came under heavy machine gun fire as soon as they left the comparative safety of Fricourt Wood. The attack was a partial success with the right hand flank passing over Railway Alley and entering Bottom Wood.
"The Bombers of A Coy 10th SHERWOOD FORESTERS assisted the attack by bombing down the trench from the West and the line . . . . . to FRICOURT FARM inclusive on the left was made good."
Later during the day a further attack was planned with 'C' and 'D' companies of the 10th Sherwood Foresters and the 7/Lincolns taking part. Some of 'A' company were occupying parts of Fricourt Wood and nearby Willow Trench and were busying themselves building a strong point. One and a half platoons of 'A' Coy were acting as reinforcements for the 7/Borders.
The attacking companies took up a position running along the Northern edge of Fricourt Wood. The right hand attack, consisting of 'C' Coy and the 7/Lincolns attacked first, with the left hand attack of 'D' company commencing 15 minutes later.
Trench map of Fricourt Farm showing the attack on Railway Alley on 3rd July by 7/Lincolns and elements of the 10/SF
A view of the ground between Fricourt Wood and Bottom Wood on the left of the picture. Railway Alley ran diagonally across this field and was the objective of the attacks by 10/SF, 7/Lincolns and 7/Borders in the afternoon of the 3rd July.
"The attack, however, was in every way successful and the casualties comparatively slight. Meanwhile A Coy on the left brought heavy fire to bear on the trench 200 yards N.E. of FRICOURT FARM and on CRUCIFIX TRENCH. The garrison of the former of these trenches soon showed the white flag and surrendered, and occupied it, and our troops pushed on to CRUCIFIX TRENCH and occupied it. A mixed bombing squad was pushed down the C.T. leading from this trench and the result was the surrender of an entire battalion - the 3rd Battn. 186th Regt., - including the commanding officer"
In a letter home to his mother, 17 year old Frank Bower from Chesterfield gave the following account of the attack on the German trenches:-
"We had spent the night in the wood crouching in shell holes to avoid snipers, who were all over the place. At daybreak the birds began to sing as though nothing was wrong, but it was a sight. The wood was practically blasted away, and a village near was laid flat, when the order came. Away we went and the first soldier down was the one next to me. Then I saw Ronald Howe bleeding from the legs, but we had to push on. I don't know how I came through, but I did. When we got into the trenches the Germans surrendered in scores. They put up their hands and yelled 'Mercy ! Comrades.' Some of our chaps gave them mercy with the cold steel."
Many years later Pte. Leonard Robinson of "C" Company gave this account of the attack:-
"On the following night, we were marched through Albert to Fricourt Wood and we went in the Wood in single file. The order was passed down very quietly all fags out and we were told only to talk in whispers as the enemy was not far away. You may rest or sleep if you can but for heavens sake do it quietly. Sentries were posted to keep a sharp look out. We, the troops didn't know a thing of how the land lay in front of us - everything seemed so uncanny. It was very quiet. I tried to snatch a few winks but was unable, then just before dawn we were roused and we went quietly in single file to the edge of the Wood and spread out in extended order waiting for the order to advance and as soon as we left the cover of the wood we were met with terrific rifle and machine gun fire. We advanced on and as soon as a line of men rushed forward a few yards at a time the machine guns simply mowed men down like nine pins. When the final assault was made the Jerries which was the 111 th Reg. Wearing the round cloth cap grey with red piping seemed more than ready to surrender, I think they were a Pioneer Reg. I'm not sure. After consolidating our position we advanced further to what was called Happy Valley and dug in. There we found some deep dugouts absolutely shell proof and the occupants had to be winkled out with grenades. Many of my pals fell in the attack before we reached the German front line. When we were relieved the following day there was a roll call and only 26 men and NCOs and 3 officers answered out of a company of 250 strong."
[Leonard Robinson's brother, Harold, was killed in action with the 11/SF on 1st July 1916. For further information on the Robinson Family see "A Legacy of Living in Great Longstone in the 1930's" by Geoffrey Nicholson]
Following the successful capture of these trenches the Brigade was ordered to consolidate the position and take up a line running along the hedge from Shelter Wood to Bottom Wood. The 10/Sherwood Foresters were on the right of the line with the S. Staffs on the left, which gave each battalion an approximate frontage of 400 yards.
Trench map of Shelter Wood and Bottom showing the ground held by the 10/SF on the evening of 3rd July
The ground over which the 10/SF advanced on the evening of 3rd July. On the left is the south east edge of Shelter Wood while on the right is Railway Copse. The scar of a shell hole can be seen in the field midway between the two woods. A light railway ran across his field and down the edge of Railway Copse (which is much larger now that it was in 1916).
"The night was spent in consolidating and patrol work, the latter considerably hampered by a sniper and a Machine Gun, neither of which could be definitely located."
"We were in the trenches which we had taken from the Germans and the rain was coming down in torrents. We had no shelter and were drenched when the Germans commenced to shell us with their big guns. Our gunners soon silenced them but not before they had laid me out with the trench on top of me.
[Pte Frank Bower]
On the 4th July the Battalion was relieved by the 52nd Bde, this not being completed until 12.30am. The Companies then marched to billets in Ville.
"The following booty was captured during these operations. 2 Field Guns, 4 Machine Guns with 9 spare barrels, 1 artillery periscope, numerous rifles, bayonets and other equipment including 25,000 rounds SAA, many maps and documents."
Men of the 10/SF with the spoils of war. The dog was found in a captured German dugout.
Casualties for the previous 2 two days fighting were as follows:-
Lieut. A.E. Spencer (killed on the 2nd); Capt E.R. Oakden, 2/Lt A.G. Bowring, 2/Lt J.W. Davidson (attd 51 T.M Batty) all wounded on the 2nd. Lieut. W.H.V. Nelson (wounded slightly at duty on the 2nd) and 2/Lt J.H. Idsen wounded on the 3rd.
13 other ranks were killed, 8 reported missing and 103 wounded:-
BODEN, GEORGE.
Private, 12649, 10th Btn., k. in a. 04/07/1916.
b. Ilam; e. Derby; r. Ashbourne
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
GOODWIN, ERNEST.
Private, 18140, 10th Btn., k. in a. 04/07/1916, aged 19.
b. Burbage; e. Buxton; r. Burbage.
"Son of William and Elizabeth Goodwin, of 3 Rosebank Cottages, Burbage, Buxton, Derbyshire."
DANTZIG ALLEY BRITISH CEMETERY - IX. M. 5.
Ernest Goodwin's parents received a letter from the War Office informing them that their son had been missing since the 4th July. For the previous 5 weeks their letters to Ernest had been returned unopened. Prior to enlisting Ernest was a Clerk at the Head Office of Buxton Lime Firms Ltd. His brother William (19112) was killed at Gallipoli on 28th August 1915 whilst serving with the 1st Border Regiment.
MEEHAN, THOMAS.
Private, 26257, 10th Btn., 04/07/1916.
"Son of Mrs. Bridget McNamara, of Tullaghane, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
WARDLE, JOHN E.
Private, 17771, 10th Btn., k. in a. 04/07/1916, aged 22.
b. Ilkeston; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
not recorded on the Arkwright Memorial
'News has been received at 99 Arkwright Town by the parents of of Private John E. Wardle that their son was killed in action on July 3rd. The first intimation was received from Albert, another soldier son of Mr and Mrs Wardle. In this letter the deceased's brother says:-
"All his chums wish me to forward to you their sympathy, and to tell you that he died doing his bit, for he was in the thick of the fight. He died instantly. I was not far away at the time, but I could not get to see him. He will be put away comfortably with many other good lads. His chums will get their own back. We are out to win, and shall win".
The deceased was only 22 years of age. For several years he worked at Markham Pit, but at the time of the outbreak of war he was employed at Grassmoor.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, JULY 15, 1916]
BARRETT, W.
Private, 32674, 10th Btn., d. of w. (?) 05/07/1916.
DANTZIG ALLEY BRITISH CEMETERY, MAMETZ - IV. L. 7.
GOLDTHORPE, ALBERT EDWARD.
Private, 13477, 10th Btn., d. of w. 05/07/1916, aged 18.
b. Dronfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Son of Ernest and Annie Goldthorpe, of Dronfield, Derbyshire."
MERICOURT-L'ABBE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION - II. C. 2.
WHEELDON, S.
Private, 18996, 10th Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916, aged 21.
b. Macclesfield; e. Buxton; r. Buxton.
"Son of George and S. A. Wheeldon, of 6, Cliff Rd., Fairfield, Buxton, Derbyshire."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Private, 31742, 10th Btn., d. of w. 06/07/1916, aged 22.
b. Clay Cross; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Native of Clay Cross, Chesterfield. Son of William and Florence Howe of ‘Maisonette’, Spital, Chesterfield."
BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas De Calais – VIII. C. 104.
"Boulogne Hospital, 5/7/16. Dear Mrs. Howe, - I am very sorry to tell you that your son, Private Howe, of the Sherwoods has been severely wounded in both legs. To-day he had his left leg amputated below the knee. He is being well looked after and having everything that can possibly be done for him. I will let you know in a few days how he is going on - Yours sincerely (Sister) G. Brentley."
So read a letter received by Mrs. Howe, of Maisonette House, Spital Lane, Chesterfield, wife of the late ex-Captain Wm. Howe, respecting Ronald, one of her twin sons, who before enlisting on October 29th 1915, was a mining engineer at Glapwell Colliery. He went to France on February 25th and sustained a heavy blow by the death in action of his bosom friend Private Reg. Boardsley, of Chesterfield, with whom he joined the colours. He is 22 years of age, received his education at the Chesterfield Grammar School, and won exhibition scholarships both in mining and surveying. The other twin son, George, was in the same battalion as his brother in France . On Wednesday, Mrs. Howe received the distressing news that her son Ronald had succumbed to his wounds and that George was wounded in the head and was in a serious condition.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, JULY 15, 1916]
The 3rd Attack on Quadrangle Support
7th July
The Battalion returned to the original front line near Fricourt on the 7th July and from there they moved up to the Quadrangle Trench via Lonely Copse.
"The battalion moved off from camp at 6.30 a.m. and was in position as ordered by 9 a.m. A & D Coys in front line, B & C Coys in support. BORDER REGT on the right. On arrival a message was received that a preliminary attack on QUADRANGLE SUPPORT undertaken by 52nd Bde had failed and that attack was being renewed at 8a.m."
Map of Quadrangle Trench and support showing the plan of attack for the evening of 7th July
The Battalion unsuccessfully attacked the Quadrangle support and suffered over 250 casualties,
"The time allowed for the organisation of the attack was not sufficient and consequently the necessary advantage could not be taken of the bombardment, and the attack was ragged. The attack was launched but Machine Gun Fire from both flanks, rifle and Machine Gun from the objective and an enemy barrage prevented the troops from advancing over the heavy ground, and a withdrawal was ordered, and carried out in excellent style."
Two views of the open ground over which the 10/SF attacked on the evening of 7th July. Quadrangle Support Trench ran along the top of the field (right Panel) and the Sherwood only managed to get within 40 yards of the this trench before heavy casualties forced them back.
In a letter to the parents of one of his men who was killed in the assault, Lieut. Robert Wilmot stated:-
"The attack was unsuccessful and our men retired to the trench from which they had started, leaving a great many behind them"
The war diary gives the following casualty returns for the actions of 6th and 7th July:
"July 7th Major J. Hall Brown Killed; Capt J.W. Fisher D.S.O., Capt N.H. Pratt, Lieut W.H.V. Nelson wounded 7th, died of wounds 8th: 2/Lt R.F.C. Longstaffe wounded; 2/Lt R.B. Joyce wounded rejoined 11th; Capt J.F.S. Croggon wounded slightly at duty; 2/Lt D.F. Parr missing."
"July 6th Major G.D. Walker wounded; Lieut R.G. Millward wounded 6th rejoined 17th.
O.R. Killed 19 Missing 41 Wounded 182 of whom 4 died of wounds and 7 slightly at duty.
Total casualties during the operations 1-11 July.
15 Officers 366 Other Ranks or roughly 40% of total strength."
Amongst those killed were George and Joseph Pearson, born in the small mining village of Peak Dale, but living in Tideswell. Other casualties included men from the mining communities of Cresswell, Grassmoor and Pilsley and the major towns of Chesterfield, Matlock and Ashbourne.
Derbyshire was well represented on the killing fields north of Fricourt.
CHAPMAN, JOHN.
Private, 20422, 10th Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916, aged 34.
b. Dudley, Staffs; e. Grassmoor; r. Grassmoor.
"Brother of James Chapman, of 10, East St., Grassmoor, Chesterfield, Derbyshire."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Village Memorial, Grassmoor and North Wingfield Memorial
FRETWELL, PERCY
Lance Corporal, 18999, 10th Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916.
b. Eastwood; e. Mansfield; r. Cresswell.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Creswell Village War Memorial [9]
'Official notification has been received by his wife that Lance Corporal Percy Fretwell, Sherwood Foresters, of 33, Elmton Road, Creswell, was posted as missing after the engagement on July 7th. L. Cpl. Fretwell, who enlisted in November 1914, was employed at the Creswell Colliery. His wife, who has three children, is a daughter of Mr. Tom Cooper the local cricketer'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 1916]
HALL-BROWN, JOHN.
Major, 10th Btn., 07/07/1916, aged 45.
"Son of John and Elizabeth Hall Brown; husband of Dorothea Spelman Hall Brown"
DANTZIG ALLEY BRITISH CEMETERY, MAMETZ - Sp. Mem. II
HALLAM, HERBERT PALMER.
Private, 18457, 10th Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916, aged 23
b. Pilsley; e. Chesterfield; r. Pilsley
"Son of John Henry and Lilian Hallam, of 4, Back Lane, Pilsley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Village Memorial Plaque, St Mary's Church, Pilsley
'Private H. P. Hallam, Sherwood Foresters, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Hallam, of Pilsley, has been missing since July 7th. A North Wingfield soldier had sent word home that Private Hallam was wounded, but no confirmation of the statement was forth coming. Prior to enlisting he worked for the Hasland Co-operative Society, and was well known both at Hasland and Grassmoor He has been wounded twice, and returned to France on Whit-Thursday. He is twenty three years of age, and unmarried.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 1916]
HUCKERBY, WILLIAM.
Private, 21704, 10th Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916.
b. Chesterfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Newbold Moor
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
KEELING, WILFRED.
Lance Corporal, 15734, 10th Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916, aged 21.
"Son of Alfred John and Sarah Ann Keeling, of Matlock Cliff, Matlock, Derbyshire."
b. Matlock; e. Derby; r. Matlock.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
PARKER, GEORGE.
Private, 13385, 10th Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916.
b. Wingfield; e. Clay Cross; r. North Wingfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
2nd Lieutenant, 10th Btn., 07/07/1916, aged 19.
"Son of George and Alice Mary Parr, of Cliff House, The Park, Nottingham."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
PAULSON, JOHN JOSEPH.
Private, 21404, 10th Btn., 07/07/1916, aged 23.
b South Normanton; e. Sutton; r. South Normanton
"Son of the late Jabez and Hannah Paulson."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
John Paulson enlisted in December 1914 and went to France soon after. He was invalided home near the end of 1915 with frost-bite and returned to France in January 1916. His brother George (20768) died in India on the 4th September 1918 whilst serving with the 1st Garrison Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment (formerly 23568 of the Northumberland Fusiliers).
PEARSON, GEORGE.
Private, 31840, 10th Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916.
b. Peak Dale; e. Buxton; r. Tideswell
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
PEARSON, JOSEPH.
Private, 31918, 10th Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916.
b. Peak Dale; e. Buxton; r. Tideswell
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
SLATER, HERBERT.
Private, 17355, 'C' Coy., 10th Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916, aged 23.
b. Ashbourne; e. Buxton; r. Ashbourne.
"Son of William and Emily Slater, of 91, Mayfield Rd., Ashbourne, Derbyshire."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Ashbourne Village Memorial and St Oswald's Parish Church Memorial Plaque
VARLEY, FREDERICK HAROLD.
Sergeant, 14647, 10th Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916.
b. Ilkeston; e. Creswell; r. Creswell
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Creswell Village War Memorial [9]
'Considerable anxiety is felt in Creswell concerning the fate of Sergt. Fred Varley, Sherwoods, of 121 New Village, who is missing. In a letter which the platoon Commander has sent to the Father it would appear that the chances of his being alive are unhappily very remote. The letter, written by Second Lieut. Robert Wilmot, says, :-
"He was wounded in an attack on the German trenches on July 7th, and has been missing since. The attack was unsuccessful and our men retired to the trench from which they had started, leaving a great many behind them, of which your son, who was wounded, was one. His name has, I happen to know, gone in for special recognition for the splendid work he did between the 1st and 7th of this month in the recent fighting, in which the Battalion very much distinguished itself, in case he had survived".
Sergt. Varley was amongst the first batch of Creswell men who enlisted in the early days of the war. . . . . he continued to display his excellent qualities, and so gallantly did he behave that he was recommended by his commanding officer for a commission. Before enlisting he was employed as a signaller at the Creswell Colliery. Another brother is serving with the Engineers in France.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, JULY 29, 1916]
The heavily hit battalion was relieved during the evening by the 7/Borders and returned to Willow Trench and Red Cottage. After the relief was complete rations, including an issue of rum, were distributed. During the 8th and 9th of July the Battn remained in support and provided carrying parties to the front line, occupied by the S. Staffs.
FISHER, JOHN WILFRED, DSO.
Captain, 10th Btn., d. of w. 08/07/1916, aged 23.
"Son of Horace Arthur and S. Kate Fisher, of Arno Vale, Notts. Three times previously wounded, the last fatally. Educated Malvern and Trinity College, Cambridge."
HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE - I. A. 15.
HIGTON, JOHN FREDERICK.
Private, 15109, 10th Btn., k. in a. 08/07/1916, aged 30.
b. Wirksworth; e. Derby; r. Wirksworth.
"Son of Grace Higton, of Coldwell St., Wirksworth, Derby, and the late Henry Higton."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorative Plaque, St Mary's Church, Wirksworth
Lieutenant, 10th Btn., d. of w. 08/07/1916.
"King George's Coronation Medal (1911). Son of P. W. and Gertrude Nelson, of "West-Minster", Hindhead, Surrey. Joined the Army on the 5th August, 1914, and was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant on the 17th Sept., 1914. Native of Hoddesdon, Herts."
HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE - I. A. 16.
Captain, "B" Coy., 10th Btn., d. of w. 08/07/1916, aged 23.
"Son of Francis Herbert and Emma Jane Pratt, of Turret House, Meadow Lane, Nottingham."
MERICOURT-L'ABBE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION - II. B. 22.
PRICE, ROBERT HENRY.
Private, 28759, 10th Btn., k. in a. 08/07/1916.
b. Shuttlewood, Derbys; e. Chesterfield; r. Hillstown, Derbys.
DANTZIG ALLEY BRITISH CEMETERY, MAMETZ - VII. N. 6.
WALLHEAD, JOHN HENRY.
Private, 23887, 10th Btn., d. of w. 08/07/1916, aged 28.
b. Crookes, Yorks; e. Pilsley; r. Rotherham.
"Brother of Arthur Wallhead, of 21, West St., Thurcroft, Rotherham."
GORDON DUMP CEMETERY, OVILLERS-LA BOISSELLE - Sp. Mem. B. 22.
Village Memorial Plaque, St Mary's Church, Pilsley
'On Saturday Mrs Wallhead, of Queen Street, Pilsley received official intimation to the effect that her husband, Lance-Corpl. John Henry Wallhead, died of wounds on July 8th. He enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters on March 7th 1915, and went to the front last April, passing through Pilsley station on his way to the port of embarkation.'
He was 28 years of age and left a widow and three young children. Prior to enlisting he was employed as a Fitter at Pilsley Colliery.
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 1916]
CROSSLAND, WILLIAM.
Private, 19724, 10th Btn., d. of w. 09/07/1916, aged 22.
b. Coweaddens, Lanarkshire; e. Buxton; r. Darley Dale.
"Son of Samuel Crossland, of Ryecroft, Two Dales, Matlock."
DARTMOOR CEMETERY, BECORDEL-BECOURT - I. B. 36.
Roll of Honour (Darley Dale) - Derbyshire Times, Saturday, July 29th
RIDLEY, FREDERICK J.
Private, 15920, 10th Btn., k in a. 09/07/1916, aged 34.
b. Barnard Castle, Co Durham; e. Bolsover; r. Bolsover.
"Husband of Lena Ridley, of 51, Scarsdale St., Carr Vale, Chesterfield"
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorated on the Bolsover Memorial
Before enlisting in the Sherwood Foresters in September 1914, Fred worked at Bolsover Colliery. He went to France in July 1915, was wounded on his birthday and spent some time in Hospital before returning to the front. He was well known in the Old Whittington and Chesterfield districts and left a widow and child.
The 8th Attack on Quadrangle Support
9th July
During the evening of the 9th/10th orders were received for the Battn to move up to the front line with as much S.A.A. that could be carried. 'A' and 'D' companies occupied Quadrangle Trench during an attack on Quadrilateral Support by the S. Staffs.
"The attack of the S. STAFFS was at first successful but their flanks were both in the air and they were compelled to withdraw after holding QUADRANGLE SUPPORT for over three hours."
A German trench block - similar to that facing the S. Staffs in the junction of Quadrangle Alley and Quadrangle Support
However, during the evening the Germans were seen retiring from Quadrangle Support and the 10th Sherwood Foresters were ordered to advance and occupy the now empty trench with the 7th Lincolnshires in support.
"The attack commenced promptly at 9.45 p.m. and two companies of S. STAFFS immediately occupied the trench left by the assaulting troops, which had been fairly heavily shelled for some time. . . . . a wounded runner brought back the news that QUADRANGLE SUPPORT was captured and that as yet there was no news of the attacks on the right and left by 7th LINCOLNS. . . . . At 11 p.m. information was received that 7th Lincolnshires in the line had received no orders to move forward: they were immediately sent forward to assist in holding the captured trench."
The remainder of the night passed quietly and the longed for relief by the 110th Bde was completed by 4 a.m. On the 11th July the Battalion entrained for Ailly-Sur-Somme and finally arrived in billets at St. Pierre-A-Gouy following a 14 mile march. The War Diary states that the men were in a exhausted state !
ROWLAND, THOMAS
Private, 14425, 10th Btn., d. of w. 11/07/1916.
b Bonsall; e. Derby; r. Bonsall.
HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE - II. A. 33.
WHITEMAN, Thomas Edgar.
Sergeant, 13996, 10th Btn., d. of w. 11/07/1916.
"Son of Robert and Ellen Whiteman, of Aldercar, Langley Mill, Nottingham."
b. Heanor, e. Derby; r. Loscoe.
BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais - VIII. D. 96.
Roll of Honour (Alfreton) - Derbyshire Times 22nd August and Alfreton Memorial
In Divisional and Brigade Reserve
12th - 31st July
For the rest of July the Battalion remained in the reserve areas and received regular drafts of reinforcements. In total 12 Officers and 520 other ranks joined the battalion. Some of these drafts were from the N. Staffs (29) and S. Staffs (230) regiments.
Final casualties given for the month of July were:-
Officers: 2 Killed, 3 died of wounds, 1 missing and 9 wounded.
O.R.: 32 Killed, 4 died of wounds, 49 missing and 282 wounded.
BRIDDON, HERBERT
Private, 15145, 10th Btn., d. of w. 22/07/1916.
b. Barrow Hill; e. Chesterfield; r. Barrow Hill.
CHESTERFIELD (SPITAL) CEMETERY - Old. 3978.
'We regret to record that Private Herbert Briddon, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Briddon. 84 Devonshire Cottages, Barrow Hill, has died of wounds in the Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-on-Tyne. As reported in last week's issue of The Derbyshire Times, Private Briddon was wounded on July 9th. He arrived at Newcastle on the 11th, and his death ensued on Saturday. He had been in the Sherwood Foresters since August 1914. The funeral took place with military honours at Chesterfield Cemetery on Wednesday. Private Briddon was a brother of Mrs Sharp, Sir Colin Campbell Arms, Whittington Moor.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, ??, 1916]
1st - 8th August
Delville Wood in the summer of 1916
The 51st Brigade returned to the front line on the 1st August, with elements of the 10th Sherwood Foresters moving to Pommiers Redoubt and trench. Shelling in the evening slightly wounded 4 men. On the 3rd the Battalion was ordered to relieve the 22nd Royal Fusiliers in Mine Trench, which was followed by a relief of the 9th Duke of Wellingtons Regiment at Longueval on the 5th.
"The relief was a difficult matter, but working on an elaborate scheme by O.C. Duke of Wellingtons Regt, very few casualties were suffered. The relief commenced at 3p.m. and was complete at midnight."
[During the relief Pte. G Cooper (Whittington Moor ) was wounded by shrapnel]
HEPWORTH, FRED.
Private, 24628, 10th Btn., d. of w. 06/08/1916, aged 26.
b. Whittington Moor; e. Chesterfield; r. Brampton.
"Husband of Mrs. S. E. Bowler (formerly Hepworth), of 45, Catherine St., Brampton, Chesterfield."
QUARRY CEMETERY, MONTAUBAN, Somme, France - VI. J. 1.
'To Lance-Corporal E. Hepworth fell the distressing task of having to communicate home the death in action of his brother, Private Fred Hepworth, aged 28, whose home address is 35 Hope Street, Brampton, Chesterfield. Until Sunday, August 6th, they had not met for 13 months, and two days later they were parted by the death of the elder brother, who leaves a wife and one child, a girl aged four years. Prior to enlisting in the Sherwoods on March 23rd 1915, he worked as a fitter at Holmwood Colliery.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 1916]
"The line taken over was chiefly a series of shell wholes roughly joined up with no connection between front line and supports. . . . . . Patrols also reported the enemy in posts inside the edge of DELVILLE WOOD to the right front of the right company."
"The Battalion was ordered to push forward an outpost line beyond the edge of the wood by night and observation posts by day."
Later on in the day orders were received instructing the battalion to make an attack on the German positions in Delville Wood, in conjunction with the 7/Borders. The attack was launched at 4.30 p.m. but was held up by machine gun and rifle fire. The attack by D and C companies was partially successful however and they were able to establish posts immediately outside of the wood. The attack was re-launched at midnight (on the 8th), but was again unsuccessful.
"We have just come out of an engagement - it was hell itself. I am sorry to say that Edgar Parker got killed. He was my section leader and asked me to write if anything happened to him"
[Pte. Wilfred Burgess, Eckington]
WRIGHT, WILFRED ERNEST.
Private, 43025, 10th Btn., k in a. 07/08/1916, aged 37.
b. Chesterfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Brampton.
"Son of the late Mrs. Hannah Wright."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
BRADSHAW, CHARLES
Private, 20081, 10th Btn., k in a. 08/08/1916
b. Chesterfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
BRUSELL, JAMES
Private, 21665, 10th Btn., k in a. 08/08/1916
b. Dronfield; e. Sheffield; r. Dronfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
COVERLEY, WILLIAM
Private, 14844, 10th Btn., k in a. 08/08/1916
b. Stockport; e. Derby; r. Whaley Bridge.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
ELDRIDGE, William. J.
Private, 6265, 10th Btn., k in a. 08/08/1916, aged 38.
b. Cirencester; e. Derby; r. Clowne.
"Husband of Frances Selina Eldridge, of 7, Garden Avenue, Shirebrook, Mansfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Clowne Village War Memorial [9]
SHORT, JOHN.
Private, 14963, 10th Btn., k in a. 08/08/1916
b. Newbold; e. Chesterfield; r. Newbold Moor.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Old Whittington Memorial and Bushes Memorial
'Mr and Mrs Short, No, 7 Racecourse Side, Newbold are anxious as to the whereabouts of their son, Pte. Jack Short. Pte. Short, who prior to joining the Army had been residing at the Brushes, Sheepbridge, enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters close on two years ago, and has been in France about 15 months. Pte. Short has been missing since the fighting on August 8th. His relatives have received a War Office notification to this effect. He was 22 years of age and prior to joining the Army was employed at Messrs Pearson's Pottery. He was well known as a footballer.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1916]
Following the attack the battalion were relieved by the 7th Lincolnshires. The relief started at 6.35 p.m. on the 8th but was not finished until 7.30 a.m. on the 9th due to confusion caused by heavy shelling of the trenches.
NEEDHAM, WILLIAM.
Private, 14928, 10th Btn., k in a. 09/08/1916.
b. New Whittington; e. Chesterfield; r. Creswell.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Creswell Village War Memorial [9]
Private, 14873, 10th Btn., d. of w. 09/08/1916, aged 22.
b. Cromford; e. Derby; r. Cromford.
"Son of George and Hannah Pearson, of 24, North St., Cromford, Matlock."
HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE - III. A. 18.
Prior to enlisting Sam Pearson and his brother William worked at Masson Mills in Cromford. William was killed in action with the 6th Battn SF on the 1st July.
The battalion took over the trenches recently vacated by the 7/Lincs.;
"Three Companies in MONTAUBAN ALLEY and one Company in a new trench halfway between LONGUEVAL and MONTAUBAN."
On the 10th August the battalion was relieved by the 12th Manchesters and moved back to Mine trench, which they had previously occupied on the 5th. On the 12th the Battn moved to bivouacs near Buire. Casualties reported for the period 4th-9th August were:-
"Officers: Major W.A. McClelland and 2/Lt W. Bradbury wounded with shell shock on the 7th; 2/Lt R.G. Milward wounded on the 6th; 2/Lt R.A. Barker, R. Gustard, A.W. James wounded on the 7th and Lt. R.G. Milward wounded slightly at duty on 7th.
Other Ranks: 38 Killed, 148 wounded of which 5 died of wounds, 23 missing of which five were wounded."
JOHNSON, ERNEST WILLIAM.
Private, 14887, 10th Btn., k in a. 12/08/1916.
b. Buxton; e. Derby; r. Buxton.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Ernest Johnson's name does not appear on the Buxton Memorials
KEELING, JOHN W.
Private, 19330, 10th Btn., k in a. 12/08/1916, aged 24.
b. New Whittington; e. Chesterfield; r. Brimington.
"Son of Arthur and Emily Keeling, of 39, Cotterhill Lane, Brimington, Derbyshire."
LONDON CEMETERY AND EXTENSION, LONGUEVAL - 4.F 18.
Brimington War Memorial, St Michael and All Angels Church
MARSH, HAROLD
Private, 14867, 10th Btn., k in a. 12/08/1916.
b. Matlock; e. Derby; r. Matlock.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Harold Marsh's name does not appear on the Matlock or Matlock Bath Memorials
Lance Corporal, 25618, 10th Btn., k in a. 12/08/1916.
b. Eckington; e. Sheffield; r. Beighton, Yorks.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Formerly employed by Mr Westesey Iron Founders, Eckington he moved to Beighton before the War to work in the insurance business. News of Edgar's death was sent home by two comrades in his unit, one from Beighton and the other from Eckington:
"Let Edgar's wife know he was struck by a shell, and I helped to bury him"
[Pte. James Bishop, Beighton]
"We have just come out of an engagement - it was hell itself. I am sorry to say that Edgar Parker got killed. He was my section leader and asked me to write if anything happened to him"
[Pte. Wilfred Burgess, Eckington]
RODDIE, JAMES.
Private, 17645, 10th Btn., d. of w. 12/08/1916, aged 33.
b. Manchester; e. Mansfield; r. Shirebrook.
"Son of Mrs. Roddie, of Withington, Manchester; husband of Eliza Hardy (formerly Roddie), of 26, Simpsondale Terrace, Shirebrook."
SHIREBROOK CEMETERY, Derbyshire - B. N.C. 5819
Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook
Before enlisting in September 1914, James Roddie was an agent for The Refuge Assurance Company. He was wounded by shrapnel in the thigh and hand on the 15th July, and despite four operations he finally succumbed to his wounds at Farnham Military Hospital on 12th August. He had been in France for twelve months and left a widow and 3 children.
SMEDLEY, HENRY.
Private, 21090, 10th Btn., 12/08/1916, aged 38.
b. South Normanton; e. Sutton-in-Ashfield; r. South Normanton.
Henry (Harry) Smedley enlisted in December 1914 and went to Gallipoli in September 1915. He was invalided home with dysentery in the early part of 1916. He went to France on May 22nd and was shot by a sniper on the morning of August 7th. He was 38 years old.
On the 13th August the Battalion proceeded to billets at Longuevellette, arriving on the 16th. From there they moved to billets at Neuvillette and remained there for two days, after which they marched to the Divisional Reserve at St. Amand on the 21st. Towards the end of the month (27th) the Battn moved up to the front line trenches, the Bttn HQ remaining N.E. of the Brewery in Fonquevillers.
BARNES, CHARLES, P.
Private, 20701, 10th Btn., d. of w. 24/08/1916, aged 29.
b. Nottingham; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Husband of L. Barnes."
ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais - IX. F. 13
The War Diary reported the casualties for the month of August as:-
1 Major, 1 Capt and 6 Subalterns.
Other ranks killed: 38, died of wounds 5, wounded 157 (which includes 6 slightly at duty) and 8 missing.
FREEMAN, PERCY.
Private, 14650, 10th Btn., k. in a. 10/09/1916.
b. Creswell; e. Creswell; r. Creswell.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Creswell Village War Memorial [9]
MONK, GEORGE WILLIAM.
Private, 20802, 10th Btn., d. 14/09/1916, aged 33.
b. Chesterfield; e. Loughborough; r. Loughborough.
"Husband of Emily Spencer (formerly Monk), of 26, Barber Lane, Killamarsh, Sheffield."
WARLINCOURT HALTE BRITISH CEMETERY, SAULTY - II. G. 5.
VARDY, WILLIAM.
Private, 16028, 10th Btn., d. of w. 02/10/1916, aged 28.
b. Barrow Hill; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Son of Jonathan and Georgiana Vardy, of 25, Barrow Hill, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Lance Corporal Vardy died from wounds received on October the 1st. He was 29 years of age and well known in the Barrow area. He enlisted in the Sherwoods soon after the outbreak of the War and was drafted to France in August 1915. He formerly worked at the Staveley Co.'s Markham No. 1 Colliery.
BLACK, Walter.
Private, 15189, 10th Btn., d. of w. Home, 19/10/1916.
b. Cutthorpe; e. Chesterfield; r. Cutthorpe.
St Peter and Paul, Old Brampton, Derbyshire - In South-East part.
Cutthorpe Memorial, Old Brampton
Walter Black was the son of Mr and Mrs William Black who ran the Post Office at Cutthorpe. He enlisted at the age of 19 on September 1st 1914 and arrived in France in July 1915. On February 14th 1916 he was wounded in the left arm and sent to Lord Derby's War Hospital in Warrington. Following his recovery he returned to France and on July 7th he was wounded in the right arm during the Battalion's attack on Quadrangle Support Trench. He was sent to St Andrew's Hospital in Dollis Hill (London) were he underwent an operation to amputate the injured arm, unfortunately Walter died from heart failure during the operation. Walter was buried with full military honours at Old Brampton Church on Tuesday 24th October. Prior to enlisting Walter worked at Markham and Co's Engineering Works in Chesterfield. His three other brothers also served with the colours; Thomas, who won a Military Medal, served with the 7th Field Company Royal Engineers and was killed in action on 12th October 1918.
ASHWORTH, FRED.
Private, 43138, 10th Btn., k. in a. 31/10/1916, aged 23.
b. New Mills; e. Buxton; r. New Mills.
"Husband of Sarah Alice Ashworth, of 47, Albion Rd., Newtown, New Mills, Stockport."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Fred Ashworth played Cornet in the Thornsett Band prior to enlisting at the outbreak of the War. He left a widow and his brother George, who served with Rifle Brigade, was posted missing presumed dead on the 30th November 1917.
CROSSDALE, ARTHUR,
Lance Corporal, 18959, 10th Btn., k. in a. 31/10/1916.
b. Whittington; e. Chesterfield; r. New Whittington.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
HOLMES (or Bower), ALBERT.
Lance Corporal, 13815, 10th Btn., k. in a. 31/10/1916, aged 21.
b. Beeley; e. Chesterfield; r. Beeley.
"Adopted son of Mrs. Amy Bower, of Whitbank Alton, Tupton, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
FOSTER, ERNEST EDWARD.
Private, 19820, 10th Btn., k. in a. 06/11/1916, aged 19.
b. Chesterfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Son of Tom and Harriet Foster, of 270, Derby Rd., Birdholme, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
BRAMWELL, ALFRED.
Private, 14267, 10th Btn., k. in a. 08/11/1916, aged 23.
b. Chapel-en-le-Frith; e. Derby; r. Whaley Bridge.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
PARKER, HARRY.
Lance Corporal, 14878, "A" Coy., 10th Btn., k. in a. 08/11/1916, aged 23.
b. Cromford; e. Derby; r. Cromford.
"Son of Francis and Annie Elizabeth Parker, of 25, North St., Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
ELLIOTT, ALFRED VICTOR.
Private, 14436, 10th Btn., d. of w. 09/11/1916.
b. Edensor, e. Derby; r. Matlock.
"Son of William Elliott."
GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE - II. H. 32
GREEN, THOMAS.
Private, 19587, 10th Btn., k. in a. 18/11/1916, aged 46.
b. Clay Cross; e. Chesterfield; r. Sunderland.
"Husband of B. Green, of 65, Walker Lane, Derby."
DERBY (NOTTINGHAM ROAD) CEMETERY, Derbyshire - 20097 (C).
RANDLE, William, H.
Private, 13167, 10th Btn., 25/11/1916, aged 23.
"Son of William Henry and Harriett Randle, of 26, Vale Drive, Shirebrook, Nr. Mansfield, Notts."
CAVILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Somme - Near North-West corner.
Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook
Before enlisting William Randle was a miner at Shirebrook Colliery. William Randle was executed by the British Army for Dissertation [9] - He was a brave man who was let down by the authorities !
[Shot at Dawn website: http://www.shotatdawn.org.uk/]
...........and for the 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, there ended the Battle of the Somme. For a full list of the 161 men of the 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, who were killed during the Battle of the Somme, click here
but one should not forget the casualties on all sides of this terrible carnage
the grave of Musketeer Heinrich Luders, killed on the 4th July possibly killed during the attack on Railway Alley and now buried in Fricourt Cemetery
Pte 14233 E.J. Adams, for gallantry and devotion to duty in the battlr for Delville Wood (7th - 8th August)
Sources of information :-
1) Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914-19; Part 49. The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment). Published by J. B. Haywood & Son, Suffolk, 1989.
2) The Derbyshire Times, Chesterfield Edition.
3) Sherwood Forester Roll of Honour. Western Front Association; East Midland Branch.4) British Battalions on the Somme by Ray Westlake. Published by Leo Cooper, 1998.
5) Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
6) Brave Sons of Shirebrook by Trevor Skirrey. Published by Derbyshire County Council, Libraries and Heritage Department, 2000.
7) A Debt of Honour: Men of the Sett Valley by Stephen Lewis.
8) War Dairy, 10th Btn Sherwood Foresters, WO 95/2008.
9) Personal communication from Bill Bryan
