Chesterfield Sherwoods on
the Somme
1st July - 18th November 1916
1st Battalion, Nottingham and Derbyshire Regiment
(Sherwood Foresters)
24th Brigade, 8th and 23rd Divisions, III Corps, 4th Army
index to page:-
The move to La Boiselle (5th July)
The Battalion move to Fricourt (7th July)
The attack on Contalmaison Village (8th July)
The move to La Boiselle and attack on the German trenches
5th July
On the 1st July 1916, the 23rd Division moved from Rainneville to Henencourt Wood and then finally into billets at Dernancourt on the 4th July.
"Held up for some time on the road by the 21st Divn & 32nd Divn entraining to go back for a rest, they were laden with trophies and had apparently done well. . . . . . About 8 p.m. the Battn was ordered to be ready to move at short notice . . . . Finally ordered to fall in about 9.30 p.m. & marched off about 10-30 p.m. Apparently the Battn was going to hold a line in LA BOISELLE for the night & to make a bomb attack about 2 p.m. next day."
"5/7/16 - The Battn reached the barrier on the ALBERT-POZIERES road, near the TARA line, about 12.30 a.m., and at once proceeded to load up with stokes mortar and mills bombs."
The Battalion was ordered to take and secure a line in advance of the existing front line.
"Progress up the communication trench proved very slow owing to the ration and working parties encountered, and to the fact that the G.S.O III 19th Divn & Staff Capt 57th Bde were not at all sure of the way. The Battn was heavily shelled in the long communication trench, but arrived at last, and took up a position in a support line near the church in LA BOISELLE."
Trench map of La Boiselle, the site of the church is clearly seen
On reaching the front line it became apparent that all was not as expected. The trenches and dugouts were full of men belonging to the 57th Bde, which were eventually ordered to withdraw. However the situation remained confused:
"On inspection it became apparent that English troops already occupied the line . . . and that there was practically no existing front line. The enemy appeared to have a very strong work . . . also that it was impossible to advance unobserved along the trench. . . . Orders were accordingly issued by the C.O. for an attack in three columns . . . Each Column to consist of 1 Coy and certain Lewis Gunners and Bombers, 184 in all. A definite objective was allotted to each Column. The remainder of the Battn was to remain in Reserve under the C.O."
"The orders could not, however, be carried out, owing to the failure of the 57th Bde to send up the two Reserve Coys at the time ordered. At 1.15 p.m., as these Coys had not arrived the C.O. decided to fill the place of the Centre Column as far as possible with the remainder of the H.Q. Coy, some 40 strong. Orders were left for the two reserve Coys to advance on arrival and support the Right & Left Columns respectively, consolidating any ground won."
During the attack there was close quarter fighting for several hours but by 7pm all companies except 'D' had been driven back. By 9 pm that evening all of the Companies had been recalled with some, such as 'D' Company, having to give up hard won ground.
"The C.O. waited to advance with the Centre Column until he should, from reports and observations, have reasonable hopes of gaining touch with the flanking columns in the enemy's front line. Whilst waiting for these reports the C.O. learnt that the Reserve Coys had come up and had commenced going over, and that zero hour had been changed from 2 to 2.15 p.m. The right col[umn] had apparently got in touch with the regiment on it's right (7th E. Lancs.) but the left was held up by the enemy work. At 2.50 p.m. the Centre Column advanced, but were held up by a block of earth 12 ft high . . . After several costly attempts to overcome this obstacle, the column was forced to give ground, as its flanks had become exposed to the enemy's bombers, owing to the fact that the Right Column, after gaining its objective, had been driven back by bombs, while the Left Column had been held up from the start."
"Fighting at close quarters continued for some hours. About 7 p.m. it became clear that all Coys had been driven back with the exception of D Coy, which after 5 attacks had won and made good the trench . . . About 9 p.m. it became necessary to withdraw this Coy as it was in danger of being cut off, and Coys were left in what was practically the original front line."
"A Coy had suffered very heavy casualties having continued to attack the work all afternoon. B & C Coys had made 3 attacks, and more than once reached their objective, only to be forced back by superior numbers and bombs. A slight counter attack was made by the enemy about 2 a.m. on the 6th but was easily repulsed. Shortly after the the Battn was relieved . . . . and marched back to its old billets in DERNANCOURT.
"Casualty returns were made out. (Killed, Offs 4, O.R. 50 Wounded Offs 10, O.R. 175)"
Why did the attack fail ? The Colonel Cmdg the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters had his own views and wasted no time in recording them:-
"Throughout the action the fighting was of a very severe nature and mostly hand to hand. The Battn laboured under very great difficulties in not knowing the ground, and in having to co-operate with a Brigade upon whose ignorance of the situation, lack of foresight and apparent absence of control & central direction a report was ordered to be written. This report was forwarded to Army Hd Qrts, and the G.O.C. 28th Division was directed to make the following remarks with reference to the action of the Battn."
Headquarters 23rd Division A/2913
24th Inf Bde
The G.O.C considers that the Battalion was placed in a difficult position. How far this was avoidable it is impossible for him to judge and much as he sympathises with the Battalion, he feels that no good end would be served by opening up the question. He is satisfied that the Battalion did its duty, and fought up to the best standard of its tradition
signed H. Wilkinson Lieut. Col.
A.A. & Q.M.G. 23rd Divn.
And the men of the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters killed during the attack ? many of these were from Chesterfield and the surrounding districts and are commemorated on the numerous village and church memorials.
ALLEN, ALBERT.
Private, 20112, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916.
b. Hasland; e. Chesterfield; r. Hasland.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
'Mr and Mrs Allen, 7 Midland Cottages, Hasland, have received confirmation of the death of their son, Private Albert Allen, who was mentioned in our last issue as reported killed. Writing to Mr and Mrs Allen, Private A Turner, a chum of the deceased says:
"It is with deepest regret that I write to tell you about poor Bert. He was killed on July 5th by a big shell which also killed and wounded several others, I was not with him when he met his death, we had got separated during the day. I offer you my deepest sympathy, and that of the rest of the lads in the platoon".
A letter from another chum, Ernest Penn, sates that Private Allen was buried in a dug-out along with five others. Before enlisting in September 1914, Private Allen was employed at Grassmoor Colliery. He had been at the front sixteen months.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, JULY 29, 1916]
ARROWSMITH, GEORGE FREDERICK.
Private, 20314, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916, aged 35.
b. South Kensington, Middlesex; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Husband of Ada Arrowsmith, of 5, Shaw's Row, Brampton, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
'News regarding the whereabouts of her husband, Pte. George F. Arrowsmith, is anxiously desired by Mrs Arrowsmith of 5 Shaw's Row, Brampton. Some time ago she received a letter from her husband's Company Officer stating that he was wounded on July 5th and had been taken to hospital. Official notification has also been received to the effect that Pte. Arrowsmith was wounded but that the name of the hospital to which he had been taken was not known. Since then Mrs Arrowsmith has been unable to learn any further particulars and she would be grateful to any who can give her any information if they would do so. Pte. Arrowsmith is 36 years of age and has four children. Prior to enlisting in December 1914, he was employed at Holmewood. He has also seen service in Gallipoli.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th, 1916]
BARON, SYDNEY PERCIVAL.
2nd Lieutenant, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
BUXTON, HERBERT
Private, 6292, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916.
b. Eckington; e. Sheffield; r. Sheffield.
LONDON CEMETERY AND EXTENSION, LONGUEVAL - 9.E.40.
'Pte. Herbert Buxton, son of Mr. Buxton of High Mosbro', is another of the village lads to lay down his life. Pte. Buxton joined the forces in the early days of the war and has been continuously in the fighting with the Sherwood Foresters. The sad news was conveyed to his father in a letter from a chum residing in Eckington, who enclosed a letter he had begun but did not live to finish. This is the second son of Mr. Buxton to be killed, his son Ernest having been killed some months ago while serving with the Canadian Forces'.
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, July 22nd, 1916]
CHADWICK, JOHN ARTHUR.
Private, 12298, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916.
b. Bakewell; e. Bakewell; r. Ardwick, Lancashire.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorated on Bakewell Memorial
'Included in the casualty lists of wounded last weekend was Private J. Chadwick, of the Sherwood Foresters, who was officially described as belonging to Bakewell. It appears however, that although he was born in the town his parents removed some time ago to Manchester. Whilst resident in Bakewell Chadwick was employed at the Kennels of the High Peak Harriers, near Bakewell, and his father worked at the D.P. Battery Accumulator Works. Enlisting when he was about sixteen years of age, he had been in training a few months before the outbreak of war, and was with the first British Expeditionary Force. In the great retreat from Mons Chadwick was slightly wounded, but recovering quickly, was soon back on the firing line and, being an excellent shot, rendered good service as a sniper. No details are to hand as to how he came to be wounded a second time.'
John Chadwick's Brother and Uncle were also killed in action in whilst serving with the 1/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters:-
240653 Pte. R.H. Chadwick, died on the 17th February 1917 and buried in COUIN NEW BRITISH CEMETERY.
240637 Cpl G.W. Chadwick, k. in a. on the 1st July 1917 and commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
[Information courtesy of Michael Sharpe, John Chadwick is his Great Uncle]
CLEWLEY, TOM.
Private, 12665, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916, aged 21.
b. New Whittington; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
'From unofficial information to hand this week there is little doubt that Private Tom Clewly is numbered with the killed. The mother of the dead soldier, who resides in Stringwell Row, had heard from several unreliable sources that her son was believed to have gone under, but a letter sent by Private J Hullett to his wife in New Whittington leaves little doubt, for in it he says:-
"Tell Mrs Clewly how sorry I am about Tom. I was near him when he fell and when I have time I will send more detail".
Private Clewly was 21 years of age and enlisted about two years ago'.
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, July 29th, 1916]
DALLYN, PERCIVAL
Lance Corporal, 21972, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916, aged 27.
b. Sheffield; e. Chesterfield; r. Sheffield.
"Husband of Annie, of, 22a Hackthorne Road Sheffield."
GORDON DUMP CEMETERY, OVILLERS-LA BOISSELLE, Somme, France - VI. J. 9.
Percy Dallyn worked with the Sheffield Tramways prior to enlisting in the the Sherwood Forester Regiment. He spent 18 months on East Coast Defence duties at the Tyneside Garrison, Sunderland, prior to being posted to the 1st Battalion. The Regimental records show that he arrived in France on the 20th June 1916 with a draft of 53 N.C.O's and Men and was posted to "C" Company. Percy had only been in France for 16 days before he was killed during the attack at La Boiselle on 5th July..
"B and C Coys had made 3 attacks, and more than once reached their objectives only to be forced back by superior numbers and bombs."
[1st Btn War Diary]
'Comrades in arms; companions in death'
Percy’s body, and those of 3 of his comrades, were eventually recovered in 1919 and re-interred in Gordon Dump Cemetery. Two of the soldiers are unknown, but the third is Pte George Glossop from Ilkeston. It can only be assumed that these men fell together during the attack of 'C' Company on the 5th July. Percy's son (also called Percy) was born on the 2nd July 1916, just 3 days before he was killed in action.
[Information and photographs courtesy of Kevin Dallyn]
FLEEMAN, JOHN THOMAS.
Private, 18367, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916.
b. Grassmoor; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
HARVEY, HAROLD.
Private, 21923, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916, aged 20.
b. Stanton, Derbyshire; e. Buxton; r. Rowsley.
"Son of Sarah Jane Harvey, of Stanton-in-Peak, Rowsley, Derbyshire, and the late George Harvey."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Stanton-in-Peak Village Memorial
'Mr H. Harvey, bailiff and head gardener to Mrs McCreagh-Thornhill, Stanton-in-Peak, and Mrs. Harvey are very anxious as to the whereabouts of their youngest son, Signaller H. Harvey. Signaller Harvey joined the Sherwoods in January 1915 and went to the Front in November of the same year after having joined the Signalling Corps. The first intimation that he had been wounded was received from a comrade, who said that Signaller Harvey was badly wounded in the leg and arm on July 5th, and had been removed to hospital, and this was corroborated by his officer later, but no whereabouts were given.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, August 26th, 1916]
On Saturday 11th September, Mr and Mrs Harvey finally received notification that their son had been killed in action on the 5th September. Harold was 20 years of age and had been in France since November 1915.
LEIVESLEY, WILLIAM.
Private, 11712, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916.
b. Hasland; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
LOMAS, JOHN WILLIAM
Private, 18406, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916, aged 22.
b. Buxton; e. Buxton; r. Buxton.
"Son of Matthew and Thirza Lomas, of Bradshaw Farm, Longnor, Buxton."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
'It is with many regrets that I have to report the painful news of the death of your brother on Wednesday July 5th. Dear old Jack, he was killed instantly and suffered no pain. As you will know, me and Jack were the best of pals. . . . the shell that killed Jack killed a lot more of our fellows, out Sergt. Major (James Cox) being with them'
[Pte William Bennett of 'H' Company]
'they had been laughing and talking about Buxton the day before'
[Pte J Brindley from Buxton]
MUMBY, TOM
Private, 19904, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916.
Formerly 14240, Leicestershire Regiment.
"Son of Mrs. Mary Ann Mumby, of East Markham, Newark, Notts."
b. Rockley; e. Chesterfield; r. Newark.
'Mr Goodacre, the permanent way Inspector at Langwith Junction, has received notification that Private T Mumby, Sherwood Foresters, who prior to enlisting was a platelayer on the Great Central Railway at Markham Junction, was killed in action on July 5th. He was a Native of East Markam, near Tuxford.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, 12th AUGUST, 1916]
ROGERS, HENRY PEVERELL
Lieutenant, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Henry Rogers was born in Portsmouth on 12th October 1896, the son of a Royal Naval Captain. He was educated at Blundells School form 1909 to 1914 and served in the School OTC. He applied for examination to the Royal Military College or Academy on 16th August 1914 and was appointed a Gentleman cadet from the Royal Military College Sandhurst to the Notts & Derby Regiment as Second Lieutenant on 4th November 1915. He was the half brother of Major Edward Rogers R.E. (dow 8/12/16) and Pte Frederick William Rogers (kia 3/9/16 with 16/Rifle Brigade)
[Information courtesy of Steve Rogers]
SEEDHOUSE, JOHN.
Corporal, 11321, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916.
b. Matlock; e. Derby; r. Matlock.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
SHAW, FRANCIS JOSEPH MARSHALL.
2nd Lieutenant, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
THOMPSON, ALBERT.
Private, 11849, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916, aged 22.
Formerly 15315, Grenadier Guards.
b. Shirland, Derbyshire; e. Chesterfield; r. Alfreton.
"Son of Mrs. C. Fritchley, of Bown St., Shirland, Alfreton, Derbyshire."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
WALTERS, HAROLD.
Private, 12955, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916.
b. Belper; e. Derby; r. Alfreton.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorated on the Alfreton Memorial
WILLIAMS, ARTHUR ISAAC.
Lance Corporal, 11107, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/07/1916, aged 26.
b. Hyson Green, Notts.; e. Derby; r. Pilsley, Derbyshire.
"Son of I. and E. Williams."
DELVILLE WOOD CEMETERY, LONGUEVAL, Somme, France - XII. P. 4.
BAGNALL, SAMUEL.
Private, 18419, 1st Btn., d. of w. 06/07/1916, aged 21.
b. Blackwell; e. Mansfield; r. Langwith.
"Son of John and Lucy Bagnall, of 189, Scott St., Langwith, Mansfield. Born at Blackwell, Derbyshire."
MEAULTE MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme - D. 26.
Whaley Thorns (St Lukes) Rerodos Roll of Honour and Bolsover War Memorial [7]
'News has been received by Mr. John Bagnall, 183 Scott Street, Langwith, that his son, Pte. Sam Bagnall, Sherwood Foresters, has been killed. The deceased, who was 21 years of age worked at Langwith Colliery. He enlisted about 18 months ago. The official information shows that Private Bagnall died shortly after being shot.'
[THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, July 22nd, 1916]
COOPER, PERCY NEWBERRY.
Lieutenant, 1st Btn., d. of w. 06/07/1916, aged 21.
"Only son of Percy Joseph and Florence Jane Cooper, of West Bridgford, Nottingham."
CORBIE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION - Plot I. Row B. Grave 46.
SARGENT, HENRY WESTBURY.
2nd Lieut., 1st Btn., d. of w. 06/07/1916, aged 21.
"Son of Henry Crunden Sargent, of Fritchley, Derby, and of the late Amy Sophia Sargent. Born at Walton-on-Thames."
ALBERT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION - I. I. 24.
The Battalion moves to Fricourt
7th July
On the 7th July the battalion moved from Dernancourt and was ordered to take up positions along the side of Fricourt Wood and Lonely Corpse. Sometime later they were instructed to moved to Shelter Wood.
"At about 1 p.m. the Battn was ordered to move up to SHELTER WOOD moving by platoons at 100 yds interval and came under shell fire soon after leaving LONELY COPSE & FRICOURT FM. The Battn took up position all along west and S.W. sides of wood, lying in shell holes & taking any possible cover; being shelled heavily from first moment."
Because the position along the edge of Shelter Wood was difficult to defend, it was decided to withdraw the Battalion and form a defensive line 200-300 yards in the rear of the wood.
Trench map showing Fricourt Farm and Battn movements during 7th and 8th July
"Four Companies formed a line from shell hole to shell hole, some 200 to 400 yards behind the wood & set to work, after cleaning their rifles, to join it up & make a continuous line. . . . . .Both lines were shelled continuously all the time. Lt STRIBLING was wounded taking a message to the 2nd Northants. Major VENNER took over Command of C Coy. Rations and hot food were brought up by details at Transport Lines just before Dawn on the 8th isnt."
CHILTON, ARTHUR., M.M.
Private, 18972, 1st Btn., d. of w. 07/07/1916, aged 21.
b. Shirebrook; e. Mansfield; r. Shirebrook.
"Son of Mr. H. Chilton, of 51, Prospect Drive, Shirebrook, Mansfield."
DARTMOOR CEMETERY, BECORDEL-BECOURT - I. F. 34.
Prior to enlisting with his brothers, George and Harold, Arthur Chilton was a miner at Shirebrook Colliery. On Friday 7th July 1916, Arthur was fatally wounded by a shell which blew of his arm and leg. In September he was posthumously awarded the Military Medal. His two brothers both served with the Leicestershire Regiment. Harold, who was with the 7/Leics was killed during an attack on Delville Wood on the 14th July, he was 25 years of age. George, who was transferred to the Labour Corps, was severely wounded not long after and died of his wounds on the 5th April 1918, aged 26. Their Father and another brother also served in France.
All three brothers are commemorated on the Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook
CLARKE, ALFRED, H.
Sergeant, 8792, 1st Btn., d. of w. 07/07/1916, aged 28.
b. Bolsover; e. Staveley; r. Rotherham.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
A resident of Shuttlewood, Alfred Clarke was killed by a German Shell at Contalmaison on the afternoon of August 7th, (according to Sergt. GH Richards in a letter to Mrs Clarke and published in the Derbyshire Times. However the Battalion were in Brigade Reserve on that day and it is likely that he made a mistake with the date. Due to the losses suffered by the Battalion during the Battle of La Boiselle , at the time of his death Sergt. Clarke was in charge of No. 2 Platoon.
Prior to the out break of the War he was employed at Oxcroft Colliery and as a reservist he rejoined the colours shortly after mobilisation. He was 28 years old and left a widow and three children.
NICHOLLS, ARTHUR VERNON.
Private, 18814, 1st Btn., k. in a. 07/07/1916, aged 26.
b. Brampton; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Son of Edmund Nicholls, of Mill Farm, The Croft, Chesterfield Rd., Bolsover, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
WORTH, THOMAS.
Private, 11134, 1st Btn., d. of w. 07/07/1916.
b. Stockport; e. Wirksworth; r. Matlock.
PUCHEVILLERS BRITISH CEMETERY - I. D. 4.
Roll Of Honour (Killed), THE DERBYSHIRE TIMES, SATURDAY, 12th AUGUST, 1916
STRIBLING, FREDERICK GEORGE.
Lieutenant, 1st Btn., d. of w. 08/07/1916.
WARLOY-BAILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION - I. D. I.
The attack on Contalmaison Village
8th July
On the 8th July the Battalion received orders to pull back from the front line 'trenches', which they did company by company.
"8th July 1916 - About 8.45 AM orders were received from the Brigade for Coys in shell hole line to withdraw a few men at a time. Breakfasts were eaten on the road by LOZENGE WOOD and Coys then occupied PATCH ALLEY, remaining there all day. In the afternoon information was received that the enemy had evacuated CONTALMAISON and that our troops held BAILIFF WOOD."
"A new attack was ordered to capture and consolidate the village starting at 5.15 p.m. About this time the enemy commenced a very heavy barrage which prevented some units ever getting up. Both reports (i.e. CONTALMAISON & BAILIFF WOOD) proving untrue, the attack was a complete failure. Heavy shelling continued for some time, and things did not quieten down until until quite late in the evening. H.Q. Coy & details were shelled heavily in CRUCIFIX TRENCH. Major VENNER being killed & Ltn Burrows & Mason wounded."
VENNER, GEORGE ERIC.
Major, 1st Btn., k. in a. 08/07/1916.
DANTZIG ALLEY BRITISH CEMETERY, MAMETZ - II. M. 3.
[Kindly sent by William's grandson, Paul Steeples]
SHIPMAN, WILLIAM THOMAS.
Private, 27011, 1st Btn., d. of w. 09/07/1916.
b. Alfreton; e. Derby; r. Alfreton.
BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY - VIII. C. 116.
EDGE, FRED.
Private, 13427, 1st Btn., d. of w. 12/07/1916.
b. North Wingfield; e. Clay Cross; r. Chesterfield.
NORTH WINGFIELD (ST. LAWRENCE) CHURCHYARD, Derbyshire - D. 210.
North Wingfield Village Memorial
NEVILLE, CHARLES.
Captain, 1st Btn., d. of w. 13/07/1916, aged 24.
"Son of James and Sarah Ellen Neville, of Abbeville Cottage, Lynncroft, Eastwood. Native of Eastwood, Nottingham. Obtained A. and B. Certificates while in O.T.C., Reading University. Placed in Special Reserve of Officers. Sent to France, December."
ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY - 1914. V. D. I.
WRAGG, NORMAN JOHN.
Lieutenant, 3rd Bn., South Staffordshire Regiment attd. 1st Btn., d. of w. 18/07/1916, aged 26.
"Son of John Downing Wragg and Maria Wragg, of Eureka Lodge, Swadlincote, Derbyshire. On reserve of Officers since 1913. Educated at Uppingham and Clare College, Cambridge. Mechanical Tripos. A.M.I.C.E."
ST. SEVER CEMETERY, ROUEN - Officers, A. 3. 2.
BENNINGTON, JOHN.
Private, 14009, 1st Btn., d. of w. 11/08/1916.
b. Ashbourne; e. Derby; r. Alfreton.
"Nephew of Annie Bennington, of Mill Dale, Alstonefield, Ashbourne, Derbyshire"
ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY, Pas de Calais - IX. D. 13A.
HOVELL, MARK.
2nd Lieutenant, 1st Btn., K. in a. 12/08/1916, aged 28.
"Son of William and Hannah Hovell, of Brooklands, Cheshire; husband of Fanny Hovell, of Milton Cottage, John St., Sale, Cheshire. Langton Fellow of Manchester University, 1911-1914"
Vermalles British Cemetery, Pas De Calais - III.N.7.
Commemorated on the University of Manchester Memorial Plaque
KENNEDY, CHARLES SECCOMBE CRAUFURD, M.C.
Captain, 1st Btn., 22/08/1916.
"Son of Col. Walter Crawford Kennedy, Army Pay Dept. (retired) and Mary Beatrice Kennedy, of 49, University Rd., Southampton"
HAZEBROUCK COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Nord - I. A. I2.
REYNOLDS, LEONARD.
Private, 13794, 1st Btn., k. in a. 29/08/1916.
b. Whitwell; e. Worksop; r. Mansfield.
VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais - V. B. I.
Leonard Reynolds was the Son of Mr and Mrs Benjamin Reynolds of Dover Street, Cresswell. His death was conveyed in a letter from Captain H. M. Gleave:-
"I regret to have to inform you that Pvte. Reynolds has been killed in action to-day, August 29th. He was hit by a piece of shrapnel and killed instantly. I feel his loss very much. He was a good soldier and met his death while doing voluntary fatigue."
Leonard was 21 years of old and enlisted in January 1915, prior to which he worked at the Creswell Colliery.
PEAT, LEWIS WILLARD.
Private, 35503, 1st Btn., k. in a. 30/08/1916.
b. Dore; e. Dronfield; r. Sheffield.
"Son of Joseph and Harriett Peat, of Greenwood Mount, Dore, Sheffield"
LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais - Panel 87 to 89.
DAWSON, HAROLD.
Private, 21930, 1st Btn., k. in a. 05/10/1916.
b. New Mills; e. Buxton; r. New Mills.
"Son of John and Matilda Dawson, of 36, Wirksmoor Rd., New Mills, Stockport"
VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais - V. E. 13.
Prior to enlisting in 1915, Harold worked at Pingot Colliery. His Brother Tom was killed in action with the 2 Battn on 27th October 1918.
WIDDOWSON, HERBERT.
Private, 19990, 1st Btn., d. of w. 05/10/1916, aged 32.
b. Old Whittington; e. Chesterfield; r. Old Whittington.
"Son of George and Isabella Widdowson, of Whittington, Chesterfield."
VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY, Pas de Calais - V. E. I.
Old Whittington Memorial and Bushes Memorial
Herbert's sister was informed by the Commanding Officer that Herbert was killed in action on the 5th October. Herbert enlisted in September 1914, he was attached to the machine gun section and arrived in France in March 1915. Prior to the outbreak of War, Herbert worked at Sheepbridge Works.
VEAR, EDWARD
Private, 43572, 1st Btn., k. in a. 21/10/1916, aged 35.
b. Maltby; e. Langwith; r. Lincoln.
Upper Langwith (Holy Cross) War Memorial [7]
TOMISON, HENRY EDWARD.
Private, 14435, 1st Btn., k. in a. 23/10/1916.
b. Matlock; e. Derby; r. Matlock.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
RIDGEWAY, HAROLD.
Private, 18841, 1st Btn., d. of w. 25/10/1916, aged 23.
b. Tupton; e. Chesterfield; r. North Wingfield.
"Son of John and Amy Ridgeway, of 5, North St., Hepthorne Lane, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
North Wingfield Village Memorial
BISHOP, ARTHUR.
Private, 18504, 1st Btn., k. in a. 26/10/1916.
b. Swadlincote; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
BROWN, JOHN.
Private, 70733, 1st Btn., k. in a. 26/10/1916.
b. Ashbourne; e. Ashbourne; r. Ashbourne.
A.I.F. BURIAL GROUND, FLERS, Somme - I. D. 27.
Ashbourne Village Memorial and St Oswald's Parish Church Memorial Plaque
WOODWARD, G.W.,
Private, 42971, 1st Btn., k. in a. 26/10/1916.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
BAKER, MATHEW WILLIAM.
Private, 43745, 1st Btn., d. of w. 27/10/1916, aged 21.
b. Kniverton; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Son of Emily and the late John Baker; husband of Nellie Baker, of 2, Dunn's Cottages, Danesmoor, Chesterfield. Native of Kniveton, Ashbourne."
GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE, Somme - II. D. 36.
Village Memorial at The Church of St Bartholomew in Clay Cross
BRANSON, JOHN.
Private, 70737, 1st Btn., d. of w. 27/10/1916.
b. Stockport; e. New Mills; r. New Mills.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Prior to enlisting in 1914 he worked at Birch Vale Print Work. Had been at the Front for 8 weeks
READ, CHARLES ERNEST.
Private, 70716, 1st Btn., k. in a. 27/10/1916.
b. Starkholmes; e. Matlock; r. Matlock.
"Son of James and Lydia Read, of Matlock, Derbyshire"
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
For a full list of the 161 men of the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters, who were killed during the Battle of the Somme, click here.
18692 Pte Norman Butcher (aged 21 and from Clowne), a stretcher bearer, received the Military Medal. He enlisted in 1914, prior to which he worked at Barlboro' Colliery. Norman Butcher was later killed in action on the 5th March 1917 while the Battalion were in action at St Pierre Vaast Wood.
"For gallantry and leadership on 5/7/16, when in the attack on the German positions near La Boiselle"
[L.G. 21.9.16]
11889 Pte T Barker (from Old Normanton), awarded MM during the attack on German positions at La Boiselle on 5th July. [L.G. 1.9.16]. Killed in action 27th May 1916.
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) Personal communication from Bill Bryan.
