Chesterfield Sherwoods on
the Somme
1st July - 18th November 1916
2nd Battalion, Nottingham and Derbyshire Regiment
(Sherwood Foresters)
71stBrigade, 6th Division, XIV Corps
index to page:-
Trenches in front of Beaumont Hamel (August 1916)
The move to Guillemont (11th August)
Attack on the Quadrilateral (13th - 17th August)
Trenches in front of Beaumont Hamel
August 1916
The 2nd Battalion entrained from Proven for Candas on the 2nd August. They arrived on the 3rd and marched to billets near Beauval. From there they moved to Mailly-Maillet Wood on the 5th and began tours of duty on the Front line trenches to the west of Beaumont Hamel. The Battalion History notes that the 2/SF did not take part in any major operations but were just 'holding on', with the usual raids on the German trenches carried out now and then.
JOHNSON, WILFRED.
Private, 22163, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 07/08/1916, aged 21.
"Son of Mrs. A. Johnson, of 22, The Park, Mansfield."
b .Dronfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE CEMETERY, MESNIL-MARTINSART - D. 60.
Wilf Johnson enlisted in Chesterfield in January 1915, prior to which he worked at Pearson's Pottery on Whittington Moor. He had been in France only a year and was 22 years of age.
BANTON, CHARLES.
Private, 17453, 2nd Btn., d. of w. 09/08/1916.
b. Derby; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE - III. A. 4.
HARRIS, THOMAS.
Private, 10432, 2nd Btn., d. at sea 09/08/1916, aged 33.
"Son of the late William and Frances Harris."
b. Tibshelf; e. Alfreton; r. Alfreton.
CALAIS SOUTHERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais - Plot E. Row A. Grave 12.
On the night of 21st-22nd August two patrols went out into no mans land, one under the command of Lt Kaine, the other led by Sergt. Powditch. Both encountered strong enemy patrols just outside the wire and had to withdawl, Lt Kaine's patrol not making it back until 2 a.m.
During the evening of the 22nd a mine was exploded burying 5 men but thanks to the quick thinking and gallantry of Sergt. W Weston three of these men were dug out alive under heavy fire. The men killed were Ptes F Allsop (21293), T Foulds (20634) from Worksop and A Woodward (13463) from Stoffordshire.
[11576 Sergt. W Weston won the D.C.M. for this act of conspicuous gallantry, L.G. 26/9/16]
ALLSOP, FREDERICK.
Private, 21293, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 23/08/1916.
b. Mansfield; e. Mansfield; r. Mansfield.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE CEMETERY, MESNIL-MARTINSART - D. 65.
Fred Allsop lived at Portland Street in Mansfield, but was employed as bricklayer in Shirebrook. He was 26 years of age and left a widow.
During this period a shell burst in the HQ and killed the servants of several of the Officers. Records indicate that Ptes Albert BERESFORD (10843) from Derby, AW SALISBURY ( 4187) from Nottingham, Ernest F SMITH ( 5083) from Newark and W SMITH, ( 4187) were all killed on the 26th August.
On the 29th August the battalion was relieved and marched back to Beauval. From there the Battalion moved via Flesselles and onto Meaulte, arriving on the 7th September.
"During the morning the Battalion had to go and practice assaulting trenches by waves, so as to be ready when we actually did go 'over the top' on the Somme."
[Lt. W.E. Brandt, "C Coy." 2nd Battn Sherwood Foresters, in Firm and Forester - November 1996]
11th August
On the 11th the Battalion crossed open country and arrived north of Carnoy at 1pm. After dark the Battn took over trenches south-west of Guillemont; three Companies were placed around Arrowhead Copse and the fourth south of Guillemont.
"We were told to take up a line of what were called trenches, but they were so battered as to be hardly recognisable."
[Lieut. W. E. Brandt]
Arrow Head Copse lay mid-way between Guillemont and Ginchy and had been taken by the Allies in mid-July and was used as a strong point during August. The Quadrilateral was a German strong point that was roughly rectangular in shape and was approximately 750 yards to the east of the village of Ginchy along the Morval Road. It was a complex of entrenchments, one side of which was built around a railway cutting on the line from Guillemont to Combles.
Map of the Quadrilateral and surrounding villages
[Adapted from Firm and Forester, November 1996]
Left panel, view of the railway cutting from the Ginchy side, the Quadrilateral ran across the road at this position On the 16th Sept the 2/SF were occupying trenches at this point and facing the Quadrilateral. Right panel railway cutting from the Morval side, note the chalk marking out the position of German trenches
[June 2002]
"When dawn arrived, we looked upon a miserable sight. On every side were bodies, both German and English; rifles, ammunition and equipment lay pile up everywhere."
[Lieut. W. E. Brandt]
13th - 17th August
Between the 13th and 17th September the 2nd Battalion was heavily engaged in attacks around the Quadrilateral Redoubt:-
At 3 a.m. on the 13th September, "B" and "C" Companies moved to trenches south of Ginchy for an attack at 6 a.m. "A" and "D" Companies were in support in the reserve trenches to the west of Guillemont.
"C" Company quickly became held up by enemy machine gun fire from the right, but "B" Company managed to reach its objective (over 500 yards) and dug in.
"The Bosche machine-gunners now kept up a slow and very deadly fire, and anyone who popped his head above his shell hole was hit. It was about this time that 2Lt Callaway lost his life, while trying to bring in his wounded sergeant; this was perhaps the bravest act on that day."
[Lieut. W. E. Brandt]
Captain J.F. Gibbons won a Military Cross for reconnoitring the Quadrilateral under machine gun heavy fire and then later he led his company in an attack on these fortified positions, however he was severely wounded during this action.
As the afternoon wore on the Battalion received orders to renew the attack at 6 p.m., with help from the 9th Suffolk's on the right and a company of the Guards on the left (The 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards were involved in the attacks at Ginchy, and it is possible that Tom Briggs was caught up in this action).
"B" and "C" Coys were directed to attack, while "A" and "D" Coys acted as support and reserve respectively. The Battn HQ lost contact with "B" and "C" Coys (it was later found out that they had not received the orders to advance), but "D" Coy, being ready in the support trench were ordered to attack. "D" Coy advanced 700 yards, but meet with heavy casualties due to enemy shells and machine gun fire. Very few of "D" Coy got back.
Lt Brandt gives a more personal recollection:-
"Coming up from behind we saw D Coy, extended in a line about to attack through us. Now we had a terrible time; the artillery barrage of D Coy went right over us and caused many casualties; in fact it was luck anyone was alive. But behind the barrage we saw splendid sight; there was D Coy. coming forward and ready to attack. . . . The machine-gun bullets were whistling round us now, but still D Coy kept on; they went right past us, looking death straight in the face; they kept on till only two men were left; it was a splendid charge."
[Lieut. W. E. Brandt]
On the 14th September everything was quite and rations were brought up. Plans were made for a further attack by the Brigade on the following day and the 2nd Battn were to instructed to support the 1/Leics. As the 2/SF moved forward to the jumping off positions 2/Lt Grounds was killed and Lt Brandt was wounded.
"We made two attacks on September 13th and I am pleased to say that I cam through them without a scratch. We took 600 yards of trench and many prisoners. On September 15th we were engaged in the "Big Push" and made a splendid show. We took two lines in real British style and were going for the third when I got blown up and wounded.
[Pte. Clifford Jones from Brimington]
"On the 18th September the work of this day was completed by the capture by the 6th Division of the Quadrilateral, an enemy stronghold which had hitherto blocked the progress of our right towards Morval. Further progress was also made between Flers and Martinpuich."
[THE OPENING OF THE WEARING-OUT BATTLE By Gen. Sir Douglas Haig. (taken from "Sir Douglas Haig's Despatches, Dec. 1915 - Apr 1919"; J.H. Boraston, O.B.E., ed. New York : J. M. Dent; 1919.)]
On the 18th the Battalion were relieved and moved to Maltz Horn Farm, which was south of Guillemont and had previously been part of the German defensive positions of that sector. The following day the Battalion moved to Ville-sur-Ancre for a period of rest and re-fitting.
Pte. J Butcher (age 20), a resident of Creswell was awarded a certificate of merit for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty by carrying despatches under heavy fire during the Battle of Ginchy on the 15th and 16th of September. Pte Butcher was wounded in the leg, which was subsequently amputated. Prior to enlisting he worked at the Creswell Colliery.
The Battalion War Diary notes that the strength of the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters was 681 Officers and Men going into action on the 12th September. By the 19th September 17 Officers and 421 Other ranks were killed, missing or wounded. Many of these men came from the small mining villages of North Derbyshire, particularly Shirebrook and North Wingfield, while others came from further a field such as South Derbyshire (Derby) and Nottinghamshire (full casualty list).
ALLEN, MAURICE REGINALD.
2nd Lieutenant, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 13/09/1916.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Second-Lieut. Maurice R. Allen
Heroic Young Harpenden Officer’s Death.
Was Wounded, But “Carried on” to the End
The sad news has been received by Mr. and Mrs. John Allen, Arden Grove Harpenden, that their eldest son, Second Lieut. Maurice Reginald Allen, of the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters was killed during an engagement on September 13th. Lieut. Allen was in his twenty second year, joined the Artists Rifles in October 1914 and went out to the “Artists” camp in France in February 1915, and obtained his commission during the following October when he was transferred to the “Sherwoods”. Deceased had seen a good deal of fighting. He took part in the desperate struggle at Ypres and had had narrow escapes. On September 13 he was hit through the head by a machine gun bullet while gallantly leading his men in an attack on the German trenches. His servant who was with him at the time states that Lieut. Allen was wounded in the leg, but went on until he was hit through the head and killed instantaneously. On Wednesday week the family received a telegram from the War Office stating that Lieut. Allen was missing, but on Sunday a letter arrived from Lieut. Col. C.J.W. Hobbs the commander of the Battalion stating that all was over. In the course of his letter to the parents Lieut. Col. Hobbs wrote: “He was a very gallant boy and I looked upon him as one of my best subalterns and I shall miss him very much. However our one consolation is to know that he died a true soldier’s death leading his men - who, by the way would have followed him anywhere - in action. The charge made by your son’s Company, when he was killed was against a very strong position bristling with machine guns and through a very heavy barrage of shells of all calibre's, was, though I say it of my own Battalion, the finest thing I ever saw in my life..... and unfortunately very few of the Company got back without being hit. However, such is War, and it is the memory of these gallant deeds that must remain to us for our consolation. Assuring you all of our deepest sympathy in your sad loss.” Deceased was home on leave last May. he was educated at Christ’s Hospital (Bluecoat) School and at the time of enlisting the army was articled with Messers. Whinney, Smith and Whinney Chartered Accountants, London. He was a member of the Harpenden Cricket club. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have another son with the Colours, Private John Dennis Allen of the Kensington Rifles.
The Herts Advertiser & St. Albans Times, Saturday, September 30, 1916
[Information courtesy of Fay Shepherd]
CADMAN, JAMES HENRY.
Private, 24999, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 13/09/1916.
b. North Wingfield; e. Chesterfield; r. North Wingfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Also 25000, James Cadman, Trench Mortar Battery of the 2/SF, was shot by a sniper on the 28th of July 1916 and is buried at WHITE HOUSE CEMETERY, Ieper. He was 32 years of age and left a wife and 4 children. Prior to enlisting in April 1915, he worked as a miner at Holmewood Colliery -
'I am sorry to tell you that Jim had the misfortune to be killed by a sniper on July 27th. He was much respected by all us in the Trench Mortar Battery. Buck (a cousin) asked me to write to you and wishes the news to be broke to the wife and family. He was fine fellow and we shall miss him very much. His death was instantaneous and he suffered no pain whatever'
Pte E.C. Jacobs TM Section 2/SF
CALLAWAY, ROBERT FURLEY.
2nd Lieutenant, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 13/09/1916.
"Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Callaway, of Palmeira Avenue, Hove, England; husband of Millie Callaway, of Umtata, South Africa. A Missionary Priest in the Diocese of St. John'S, Kaffraria, in charge of Holy Cross, Pondoland, South Africa."
GUILLEMONT ROAD CEMETERY, GUILLEMONT, Somme - Sp. Mem. I.
CUTTS, SAMUEL.
Private, 24347, 2nd Btn., attd. 174th Coy, Royal Engineers, k. in a. 13/09/1916.
"Son of Matthew and Fanny Cutts, of 11, Bolsover Old Hill, Bolsover, Chesterfield."
b. Bolsover; e. Bolsover; r. Chesterfield.
GUILLEMONT ROAD CEMETERY, GUILLEMONT, Somme - VI. I. 3.
Bolsover War Memorial and Parish Church Brass Plaque [7]
FOX, GEORGE.
Private, 13649, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 13/09/1916.
b. Newton, e. Mansfield; r. Huthwaite.
Not commemorated on the Newton or Mansfield Memorials. News has just come to me courtesy of Paul Bradshaw that George Fox's name appears on the Huthwaite Memorial
HYRONS, FRANCIS AUSTIN.
2nd Lieutenant, 13th Bn., attd. 2nd Btn., k. in a. 13/09/1916, aged 24.
"Son of Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Hyrons, of "Menteith", Trinity Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
REYNOLDS, FRANK.
2nd Lieutenant, "D" Coy. 2nd Bn. attd. 71st Trench Mortar Bty., k. in a. 13/09/1916, aged 24.
"Son of Rebecca Ann Reynolds, of "Highclere," 14, Snakes Lane, Woodford Green, Essex, and the late Walter Reynolds."
GUILLEMONT ROAD CEMETERY, GUILLEMONT, Somme - XII. J. 9.
WILSON, ARTHUR.
Private, 15101, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 13/09/1916.
"Son of Thomas and Ann Wilson."
b. Mayfield; e. Derby; r Ashbourne.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
RICHARDSON, HARRY.
[many thanks to Tony and Jane Richardson]
Private, 22434, 2nd Btn., d. of w. 14/09/1916, aged 31.
b. Wakefield; e. Mansfield; r. Langwith.
LA NEUVILLE BRITISH CEMETERY, CORBIE, Somme - II. E. 3.
Whaley Thorns (St Luke's) Rerodos Roll of Honour [7]
'Mrs Richardson, 4 Portland Terrace, Langwith, has received official news that her husband, Pte. Harry Richardson, Sherwood Foresters, has died from wounds.'
[Derbyshire Times, Saturday, October 7th 1916]
Harry Richardson died in the 21st Casualty Clearing Station. He enlisted in January 1915 and had been in France 19 months following training in Sunderland and Plymouth. Prior to enlisting, Harry worked at the Langwith Colliery and was an keen cricketer and footballer, playing for Langwith Colliery Cricket Club. He left a widow and two children.
BIRT, ALEXANDER ERNEST.
Private, 12577, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916.
"Son of John James Birt, of 132, Station Rd., Shirebrook, Derbyshire; husband of Mary Ellen Birt."
b. Leicester; e. Nottingham; r. Shirebrook.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Shirebrook Roll Of Honour - Remembrance Sunday [7]
CHADWICK, ALBANY.
Corporal, 20153, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916, aged 27.
"Husband of Alice Cooper (formerly Chadwick), of 62 Austin St., Shirebrook, Mansfield, Notts."
b. Lofthouse; e. Mansfield; r. Shirebrook.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook
Formerly a miner at Warsop Colliery, he left a widow and two children.
CRANFIELD, WALTER.
Private, 22402, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916.
b. Brampton; e. Chesterfield; r. Milford.
GUILLEMONT ROAD CEMETERY, GUILLEMONT, Somme - VI. J. 10.
FELLOWS, RICHARD WOODHOUSE.
Lieutenant, , 2nd Btn., 15/09/1916, aged 29.
"attd. 2nd. Son of the late George Fellows and of Emma M. Fellows, of 15, Eaton Gardens, Hove."
GUARDS' CEMETERY, LESBOEUFS - III. R. 2.
FIDLER, EDWIN.
Private, 13665, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916, aged 26.
"Son of Sam and Elizabeth Ann Fidler, of 54, West St., Eckington, Sheffield."
b. Eckington; e Eckington; r. Eckington.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
GROUNDS, KEBLE.
2nd Lieutenant, 4th Bn. attd. 2nd Bn., k. in a. 15/09/1916, aged 21.
"Son of Frederick Collier Grounds, and Bessie Mary Grounds, of 338, High Rd., Lee, London."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
HOOD, ALBERT EDWARD.
Private, 20795, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916, aged 29.
"Son of Robert and Annie Hood."
b. Willenhall; e. Mansfield; r. Shirebrook.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook
JONES, ROBERT.
Private, 17701, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916, aged 19.
"Son of Ralph and Polly Jones, of 58, Wood St., Glossop, Derbyshire."
b. Glossop; e. Buxton; e. Glossop.
LA NEUVILLE BRITISH CEMETERY, CORBIE, Somme - II. D. 59.
MOULT, SAMUEL WALKER.
2nd Lieutenant, 2nd Btn., 15/09/1916.
"Son of Thomas and Emma Moult, of Ellerslie, Borrowash, Derby."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
PACKARD, JOSEPH.
Private, 13475, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916.
"Son of Mrs. Emily Packard, of 26, Fanshaw Rd., Dronfield, Sheffield."
b. Dronfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
PYATT, GEORGE. (12th Btn)
Private, 2036, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
TAYLOR, WILLIAM ERNEST.
Private, 23419, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916, aged 22.
"Son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Taylor, of Starkholmes, Matlock, Derbyshire."
b. Starkholmes; e. Buxton; r. Matlock.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Starkholmes and Matlock War Memorial
WOODHOUSE, SAMUEL.
Private, 12695, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916, aged 20.
"Son of Charies and Emily Woodhouse, of 131, Devonshire Terrace, Barrow Hill, Chesterfield, Derbyshire."
b. Staveley; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Private, 22239, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916, aged 21.
"Son of Mrs. E. Binfield, of 68, Market St., Shirebrook, Notts."
b. Longdon; e. Chesterfield; r. Shirebrook.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook
A miner at Shirebrook Colliery and best mate of Percy Jinks.
FISHER, BERNARD GOODLEY.
Private, 12763, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916, aged 23.
"Son of Arthur and Clara May Fisher, of 3, Alexandra Rd., Spital, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Enlisted Aug., 1914. Also served at Dardanelles."
b. Chesterfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
FLEET, ERNEST.
Lance Corporal, 3962, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916, aged 35.
"Son of Mrs. Edith Fleet, of 53, Leabrooks, Alfreton, Derbyshire."
b. Swanwick; e. Derby; r. Alfreton.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
FORMAN, EDWIN.
Lance Corporal, 12184, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916, aged 24.
"Son of Edwin and Amelia Forman, of Weston-on-Trent, Derby."
b. Derby; e. Derby; r. Ashbourne.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
News reached Mr Edward Forman of Cracklow Hill, Sneltson (nr Ashbourne) that his son L/Cpl Edwin had been killed in action in France on or about the 16th September. Edwin Forman was aged 24 and single. He enlisted in January 1914 and arrived in France in September 1914 with the B.E.F and since that time he had returned home twice on leave. He was promoted to L/Cpl in the field and took part in the fighting at Ypres, the Marne, the Aisne and Le Basses. Edwin Forman was the first lad from Snelston to be killed on active service.
HOWITT, ERNEST HARVEY.
Sergeant, 56180, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916, aged 21.
"Only son of Mrs. S. Howitt, of Hepthorne Lane, Chesterfield."
b. Clay Cross; e. Chesterfield; r. Clay Cross.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
After serving in France for 12 months Ernest Howitt was discharged from the Army in December 1915 suffering from Rheumatism. He was recalled in June 1916 and returned to France. Before being recalled he worked at a munitions factory in Newark.
JENKINSON, FREDERICK LEONARD.
Private, 23918, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916, aged 27.
"Son of Mrs. Selena Jenkinson, of 16, Mill St., Clowne; husband of Mabel Tomlinson (formerly Jenkinson), of 61, North Rd., Clowne, Chesterfield, Derbyshire."
b. Clowne; e. Chesterfield; r. Clowne.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Clowne Village War Memorial [7]
NEWTON, WILLIAM.
Lance Corporal, 19917, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916, aged 25.
"Son of John and Hannah Newton, of 398, Birdholme, Derby Rd., Chesterfield."
b. Chesterfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
William Newton's mother lived on Derby Road in Birdholme and received official notification of her son's death in October. William enlisted shortly after the outbreak of the War and was posted to the machine gun section of the 2nd Battalion. In a letter from a comrade, Pte. J Henstock, also of Derby Road, Mrs Newton was told that William was instantly killed by a shell burst while taking part in a charge. The letter states that there was not a scratch on him and that he was probably killed by concussion. Prior to enlisting he was employed at the Holmewood Colliery.
OAKLEY, JOHN THOMAS.
Private, 21073, "D" Coy. 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916, aged 33.
"Son of Mr. Benjamin Oakley, of 19, Seymour Terrace, Staveley, Chesterfield."
b. Swallow Nest, Yorks; e. Bolsover; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
PEGG, FRANCIS GEORGE.
Private, 12416, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916.
b. Littleover; e. Derby; r. Buxton.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
RIGG, WILLIAM.
Private, 29581, 2nd Btn., 16/09/1916.
"Son of Mary E. Rigg, of 6, Frislys Yard, Portland St., Mansfield."
b. Shirebrook; e. Mansfield; r. Mansfield.
St Lawrence's Church War Memorial
SERRE ROAD CEMETERY No. 2, Somme - XXXVII. C. 8.
SHARPE, PERCY, M.M.
Private, 12244, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916.
b. Ashbourne; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Percy was born in 1892, the son of Elijah and Elizabeth Sharpe. Elijah Sharpe joined the Derbyshire Constabulary and was stationed at Ashbourne when Percy was born.
[Thanks to Tony Sharpe]
THORPE, PERCY.
Lance Corporal, 19983, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916, aged 23.
"Son of the late Mary Ann Thorpe, of 2, Woodland View, Norton, Doncaster, Yorks, and the late Thomas Thorpe."
b. North Luffenham, Rutland; e. Worksop; r. Clown.
GUILLEMONT ROAD CEMETERY, GUILLEMONT, Somme - V. N. 2.
Clowne Village War Memorial [7]
The news of Percy Thorpe's death was contained in a letter written by a comrade, L/Cpl. T Milner:-
"A line to let you know that your son Percy has been wounded, also Harry Jackson, another Clowne Soldier, and I believe they were got away without being hit again. I am sorry to lose Percy for he was my best friend, and you can be rest assured he is safe in hospital but I hope you have heard from Percy before you receive this letter. He was wounded on September 13th . . . . . .
A few days later L/Cpl. Milner wrote:-
"I am sorry to tell you this sad news of your son (my most esteemed friend). The last of him seen by any one in our regiment was when was going back to get his wounds dressed. On further investigation, I am sorry to say poor old Percy must have been hit again by shrapnel, for he was found dead.
Percy enlisted in August 1914 into the Leicester's, but was later transferred to the Sherwoods and arrived in France in August 1915. He had 27 cousins serving with the Colours, five of which had already been killed.
[L/Cpl. Thomas Milner was later killed in action on 11th March 1917]
WOOLEY, JOSEPH HENRY.
Private, 22097, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 16/09/1916, aged 20.
"Son of Thomas Mitchell Wooley, and Susanah Lavinia Wooley, of Mount View, Temple Normanton, Chesterfield."
b. Old Whittington; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Joseph Wooley was the only son of Mr and Mrs T. M. Wooley of Stonegravels. He was killed by a shrapnel burst along with his Officer and Sergeants. He enlisted on January 9th 1915 and saw action at Ypres and Loos, celebrating both his 18th and 19th birthdays in the trenches. During the previous May he had been home on leave. Prior to enlisting he was employed as a Miner.
MELLOR, FRANK JOHNSON.
Lieutenant, 2nd Btn., 19/09/1916, aged 20.
"Son of Thomas and Agnes Mellor, of "Brae Side," Leek, Staffs. Educated at Denstone College, 1906-1915."
GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE - I. F. 21.
SLACK, ALFRED.
Private, 70582, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 29/09/1916, aged 19.
"Son of Walter and Elizabeth Slack, of Regent House, Boughton Lane, Clown, Chesterfield."
b. Clay Cross; e. Clowne; r. Clowne.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Clowne Village War Memorial [7]
'Mr and Mrs A Slack of High Street, Clowne, have lost their only son, Pte. Alfred Slack, Sherwood Foresters. The news however is not Official. The death is reported in a letter sent by Pte. C. Froggatt to his parents who reside in Barlboro' Rd., Clowne.'
"I am sorry to say the Mr Slack's son has been put out of action, which means he has been killed"
[Derbyshire Times, Saturday, October 21st, 1916]
Alfred enlisted in September 1914 a month after he had celebrated his 17th birthday. For several months he was with the Regimental Transport before being sent to Dublin in 1916 on the outbreak of the Easter Rising. He was drafted to France in September and on the 23rd he wrote his last letter to his parents telling them that he was moving into the firing line. Prior to enlisting he worked as a butcher.
GREEN, WILLIAM HENRY.
Private, 1953, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 25/09/1916.
"Son of Clara Green, of Woodbine Cottage, Bampton, Oxford, and the late Albert Green."
b. Middlesex, e. Derby; r. Oxford.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
William Green was a member of the Territorials and joined up as soon as War was declared. He was killed by a shell on September 25th. Prior to enlisting he worked as Grassmoor Colliery.
POLLINDINE, HERBERT.
Lance Corporal, 11055, 2nd Btn., d. of w. 27/09/1916.
b. Whittington; e. Chesterfield; r. Stanton.
ST. SEVER CEMETERY, ROUEN - B. 23. 73.
Bushes Memorial, nr Old Whittington
'Sapper H. Pollendine, Sherwood Foresters, who made his home with his uncle, Mr Hullyer, 45 Fowler Street, Old Whittington, died on September 27th, at Rouen, of wounds received in action.'
[Derbyshire Times, Saturday, October 7th 1916]
Harry Pollindine had served as a Regular in the Sherwood Foresters for over 8 years and on the outbreak of the War he was recalled from India and drafted to France. In December 1914 he was wounded in the right arm and following a period of convalescence he returned to the Front in March 1915, where he served until mortally wounded during the attack on the Quadrilateral.
CROUCH, FRED.
Private, 14078, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 29/09/1916.
b. Eckington; e. Sheffield; r. New Whittington.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
DENNIS, FRED.
Private, 70408, 2nd Btn., 29/09/1916
GRUNDY, FRED, M.M.
Sergeant, 10405, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 29/09/1916.
b Langley Mill; e. Nottingham; r. Langley Mill.
GUARDS' CEMETERY, LESBOEUFS, Somme - XII. M. 10.
MELLOR, JOSEPH.
Private, 70626, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 29/09/1916.
b. Bakewell e; Bakewell; r. Bakewell.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Major E.R. Street, D.S.O. was killed in action on the 15th October leading his Company during the heavy fighting for the gun pits close to Hazy and Cloudy Trenches east of the Lesboeufs-Guedecourt Road.
HOLMES, HARRY.
Private, 35735, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 08/10/1916.
b. Clowne; e. Clowne; r. Clowne.
Clowne Village War Memorial [7]
MARSH, THOMAS.
Sergeant, 15245, 2nd Btn., 10/10/1916, age 24.
"Son of the late Joseph and Rebecca Marsh, of Tibshelf, Alfreton, Derbyshire."
GUARDS' CEMETERY, LESBOEUFS - IX. L. 2.
[Thanks to Andrew Hesketh]
Thomas Marsh enlisted in September 1914 and had been in France since May 1915. He was formerly a miner.
SMITH, RICHARD.
Private, 70690, 2nd Btn., 10/10/1916.
b. Clay Cross; e. Clay Cross; r. Clay Cross.
Village Memorial at The Church of St Bartholomew in Clay Cross
Prior to enlisting Richard Smith was a miner at the Park House Pit in Danesmoor. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of War and left a widow and five young children.
NORRIS, ISAIAH.
Private, 25045, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 13/10/1916.
b. Standhill; e. Doncaster.
BERNAFAY WOOD BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme - F. 26.
Private Norris was killed while leaving the trenches during relief. He was a Native of Pleasley, but had lived for many years in Temple Normanton. Prior to enlisting he worked at Bentley Colliery and left a widow and five children.
BULLIN, WILLIAM, Private
70313, 2nd Btn., k. in a. 15/10/1916, aged 24.
b. Hucknall; e. Derby; r. Shirebrook.
Shirebrook Memorial Plaque [7]
HOUSTON, WILLIAM BAMFORD.
Private, 70667, 2nd Btn., 15/10/1916, aged 19.
b. New Whittington; e. Chesterfield; r. New Whittington.
"Son of Frederick John and Edith Mary Houston, of 140, South St., New Whittington, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Old Cestrefeldian War Memorial
The first indication that John and Edith Houston had lost their son William was contained in a letter from a comrade.
"October 28th - It is my painful duty to send you here with more photos and a letter which were found in your son's possession. No doubt the War Office by now has informed that Billy was killed on the 14th inst. so I am sincerely hoping that my letter will prove too great a shock for you. I can not give you any further information at present . . . "
[Pte. Watson, Lewis Gun Section, attached to the Sherwood Foresters]
Prior to enlisting 'Billy' Houston was training as a chemist in his Father's business in South Street. He was called up in February 1916 and received his training in Watford. He had been at Watford for 10 weeks when he was posted to Ireland with 178th Brigade during the Easter Rebellion. In August he was part of a draft of men sent to the 2nd Battn in France.
WILTON, HARRY.
Private, 70585, 2nd Btn., 16/10/1916, aged 21.
b. Fairfield; e. Buxton; r. Burbage.
Mrs Wilton of Macclesfield Old Road received on Saturday (October 21st) the sad news that her only son ,Harry, had died of wounds in France. He was wounded on the 15th September and died at one of the Clearing Stations behind the front line the following day. Harry Wilton enlisted in October 1914 and after serving in Ireland during the Easter Rising, he was sent with a draft of men to France six weeks before he was killed. Prior to enlisting he was employed on the Railway and was the third member of Burbage Cricket Club to be killed on active service.
Private, 22072, 2nd Btn., 17/10/1916, aged 20.
b. Shirebrook; e. Shirebrook, r. Shirebrook.
"Son of Alfred and Sarah Jane Jinks, of 34, Warren Terrace, Shirebrook, Mansfield, Notts."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook
George Jinks enlisted in June 1915, prior to which he was a miner at Shirebrook Colliery. His best mate was Percy Binfield.
TART, HARRY.
Private, 3844, 2nd Btn., d. of w. 03/11/1916, aged 30.
b. Whittington; e. Derby; r. New Whittington.
"Son of John and Eugenie Tart, of 113, Wellington St., New Whittington, Chesterfield."
ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN - O. I. B. 9.
A resident of Wellington Street, New Whittington, Harry Tart was reported wounded in the Derbyshire Times in October. A further letter from the Hospital informed his parents that he was badly wounded in both legs (one was amputated), chest and back. He succumbed to his wounds on 4th November. Harry Tart enlisted on 14th August 1914 and had been in France for 20 months.
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
