Chesterfield Sherwoods on the Somme
1st July - 18th November 1916
9th (Service) Battalion
Nottingham and Derbyshire Regiment (Sherwood Foresters)
33rd Brigade, 11th (Northern) Division, II Corps, 4th Army
Index to page
Preparation for the attack on Thiepval (1st - 11th September)
In Brigade Reserve at Ovillers Post and Donnets Post (12th September)
Back to the front line trenches (18th September)
Attack on SCHWABEN, ZOLLERN and HESSIAN Trenches (25th September)
By mid-September the advance North of the Somme had ground to a halt. In front of the British 4th Army positions, and dominating the valley of the River Ancre, were the strong German defences of the Thiepval Plateau. These consisted of the Village itself, Mouquet Farm and the Zollern, Schwaben and Stuff Redoubts, all supported by well fortified trenches. On 26th September the 11th Division were given the task of attacking Mouquet Farm and the Redoubts, whilst on their left the 18th Division attacked Thiepval Village. In total 4 Divisions were involved in the attack on a frontage of over 5,000 yards.
Maps of the Thiepval Ridge defences - 25th September 1916
As the Battalion prepared for the attack and moved into position the War Dairy records the following activities and casualties for the first half of September:
1st September - 6th September (Btn. at Acheux and Bouzincourt):
"Training in Bde Scheme . . . . 2/Lt Phelps + 7 O.R. to Lewis Gun School . . . Relieved 13th Cheshire Regt., 74th Inf Bde in trenches at Ollivers."
7th September - 8th September (Btn. in the trenches, S of Thiepval):
"Artillery active, both ours and enemy's. Capt Smeeton wounded, 1 O.R. Killed and 2 Wounded . . . Both artillery's active. Lieut Everard and 4 O.R. Killed."
EVERARD, CLEMENT CHARLIE.
Lieutenant, 9th Btn., 07/09/1916, aged 36.
"Son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Everard, of Bristol; husband of Daisy Marion Everard, of Brunswick House, 4, Cotham Park, Bristol."
BOUZINCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme - I. F. 10.
HOLLYOAK, SAM.
Private, 12759, 9th Btn., k. in a. 07/09/1916, aged 28.
b. Newbold; e. Chesterfield; r. Newbold.
"Brother of Mrs. Hetty Umney, of 28, Littlemoor, Newbold, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Sam Hollyoak of 28 Littlemoor, Newbold was killed in action on the 7th September. In a letter from his brother to their sister, William, who was in the same regiment, gave the following account:-
"I am sorry to tell you our poor Sam got killed on Thursday night in the trenches when a shell came over and killed him instantly. He suffered no pain and was buried reverently. He only joined up a fortnight ago and we went into the trenches together".
Sam joined the Sherwood Foresters shortly after the beginning of the War and saw service with the Regiment in the Gallipoli Campaign. Following which he was sent to the Western Front, where he joined William in the trenches. Prior to enlisting he worked at Bond's Main Colliery.
KITCHEN, Edward.
Private, 21558, 9th Btn., k. in a. 08/09/1916, aged 21.
b. Cresswell; e. Worksop; r. Hodthorpe.
Whitwell Village War Memorial [8]
9th September:
"8.0 am; C Coy. relieved D and B relieved A in firing line. Artillery active all day. 2/Lt. Egerton wounded. 5 O.R. Killed, 11 O.R. Wounded. . . . . 6.12 am; H.Q. dug-outs shelled. 1 O.R. killed, 14 O.R. Wounded."
EGERTON, BERTRAM GUSTAVUS.
2nd Lieutenant, 9th Btn., 08/09/1916, aged 33.
"Son of Gustavus Robert and Mary Egerton, of 3, Roydon Mansions, Highgate, London."
BOUZINCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme - I. F. 11.
10th September:
"Heavy artillery fire all day. 1 O.R. Killed, 17 O.R. Wounded. 2/Lt Farrand to Hospital (shell shock)."
KELLY, JOHN.
Private, 21541, 9th Btn., d. of w. 17/09/1916, aged 30.
b. Chesterfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
WARLOY-BAILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme - VIII. A. 12.
Church of the Annunciation Memorial
John Kelly, of 10 Park Road Chesterfield, died of wounds received on the 10th September at the S.S.M Hospital in France. He left a widow and three young children, one of whom he had never seen. Prior to the outbreak of War he was a miner at Holmewood Colliery and played football for the Chesterfield Catholic Football Club. He enlisted in March 1915 and took part in the fighting at Sulva Bay, before moving to Salonica. He had been on the Western Front for three weeks before being fatally wounded in the chest and abdomen.
11th September - 12th September:
"Artillery active all day. . . . . . Enemy send over large numbers of tear shells which passed over our own trenches . . . . Enemy send over large numbers of tear shells which exploded in our trenches. It was suspected that poisonous gas shells were mixed up with these. Gas helmets were worn and no casualties occurred."
CLARKE, JOSEPH WILLIAM.
Private, 12594, 9th Btn., k. in a. 11/09/1916, aged 20.
"Son of Harry and Emily Clarke, of 17, Corporation St., Mansfield, Notts."
b. Bolsover; e. Mansfield; r. Mansfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
St Barnbabas' Church War Memorial, Pleasley Hill and Bolsover War Memorial and Parish Church Brass Plaque [8]
Before moving to Mansfield, Joseph Clarke worked as a miner at Glapwell Colliery and was subsequently employed at Sherwood Colliery. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of the War in the Notts and Derby Regiment and served in the Gallipoli Campaign, where he suffered from illness and was evacuated to a hospital in Egypt. Following the evacuation of Gallipoli he was posted to the trenches in France several months before his death. In August he met his elder brother, who was serving with the Royal Field Artillery. Joseph was an old member of the Bolsover C.L.B., in which his brother held a commissioned rank.
In Brigade Reserve at Ovillers Post and Donnets Post
On the 12th September the Battalion were relieved by the 6th Lincolns and moved into the Brigade reserve trenches at Ovillers Post and Donnets Post, which had been vacated by the 6th Borders. During this time many of those fatally wounded during the previous 4 days in the line were buried.
BOICE, WILLIAM.
Private, 23408, "C" Coy. 3rd attd. 9th Btn., d. of w. 14/09/1916, aged 37.
b. North Leverton; e. Chesterfield; r. Grassmoor.
"Husband of Elizabeth Boice, of 51, Main Rd., Grassmoor, Chesterfield."
PUCHEVILLERS BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme - IV. C. 23.
COLCLOUGH, FRED.
Private, 21732, 9th Btn., k. in a. 15/09/1916, aged 31.
b. Ashbourne; e. Derby; r. Ashbourne.
OVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme - I. C. 18.
Ashbourne Village Memorial and St Oswald's Parish Church Memorial Plaque
BURTON, REGINALD.
Private, 12686, 9th Btn., k. in a. 17/09/1916.
b. Chesterfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
OVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme - I. B. 22.
Reginald Burton, of 3 Broad Pavement, enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters in August 1914. Prior to enlisting he was a miner at Holmewood Colliery. He contracted dysentery in the Dardanelles and following a spell in a Military Hospital in Egypt, he arrived in France in June 1916. A letter from a comrade to Reginald's mother stated that he was killed instantly and was buried behind the firing line with a wooden cross over his grave.
Back to the front line trenches
On the 18th September the Battalion returned to the front line trenches, but by now the weather had deteriorated dramatically:
"4.0 pm; 33rd Brigade operation order received. Battn ordered to relieve 6th Lincoln Regt. before 11 pm. Trenches knee deep in mud."
19th September:
"Constance trench heavily shelled by enemy with whiz-bangs + H.E. casualties 2 K. 4 W. . . . Still raining. . . . 5.0 pm; Battn ordered to take Joseph trench. Operation orders issued + Coys lined up ready for the attack. Operations postponed at 2.0 pm."
20th September:
"Line still being shelled. 2/Lt. Downman + 5 O.R. Killed, 25 wounded. . . . 7.0 am; Orders received that 6th Lincs. will relieve Battn today. . . . . . Arrangements made. . . . . 12 noon; Orders for relief cancelled.
MARRIOTT, S., PETER.
Private, 19104, 9th Btn., k. in a. 20/09/1916, aged 37.
b. Chesterfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
OVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme - I. B. 19.
Peter Marriott was 37 years of age when he was killed in action. He enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters in November 1914. He served in the Dardanelles and Egypt prior to arriving in France in July 1916. Prior to enlisting he was employed by Mr Watson ??, of St Mary's Gate. The news of Peters death was contained in letters sent by a chum and an Army Chaplain to his parents who lived at 46 Church Lane.
21st September:
"Several whiz-bangs on Constance Trench. O.R. 3 Killed 5 O.R. W. Day quieter than usual. Trenches drier, but very sticky."
"On 21st September we had orders to advance towards Thiepval, and as we did so with no many killed or wounded. When we got settled in the German trenches they shelled us until they blew us nearly all out. That was were I got wounded"
[Pte A Scott]
22nd September:
"Day Fairly quite. Casualties 2K 6W. . . . . . 12 mid; Battn was relieved by 6th Yorks Regt."
MARTIN, LEONARD.
Private, 20759, 9th Btn., k. in a. 22/09/1916.
b. Staveley; e. Ilkeston; r. Ilkeston.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
EASOM, WILLIAM.
Private, 21830, 9th Btn., d. of w. 25/09/1916, aged 26.
b. Hucknall; e. Shirebrook; r. Shirebrook.
"Husband of Annie Burns (formerly Easom), of 65, Devonshire St., Shirebrook."
SHIREBROOK CEMETERY, Derbyshire - B. C. E. 1505.
Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook
William Easom was a miner at Warsop Main Colliery prior to enlisting in January 1915. His was fatally wounded by a bayonet during a charge by the battalion a fortnight previously and died of his wounds at the Glen Hospital in Southend. Pte. Easom left a widow and two children and is buried in Shirebrook Town Cemetery. William was the Captain of the Shirebrook Baptist F.C.
Attack on SCHWABEN, ZOLLERN and HESSIAN Trenches
25th September
24th September (Btn in Mailley-Maillet):
"No Parades held during the morning. New clothing etc issued. . . . . 2-30 pm; Brigade Scheme - rehearsal of forthcoming attack on THIEPVAL."
Brigade Scheme for the attack on Thiepval plateau.
During the evening of the September 25th, in accordance with Brigade orders, the Battalion marched to OVILLERS POST, via MARTINSART (where tea was served), which was reached at about 10 p.m. The packs, which had been sent on earlier by lorries, were distributed. In addition, bombs, flares, sandbags, rockets, entrenching tools and an extra 100 rounds of small arms ammunition were issued to each man. The War Diary notes states that this was this was a lengthy proceeding.
At 3.30 am on the 26th of September, the Battalion relieved the 6th Yorkshire Regiment in CONSTANCE TRENCH, prior to the attack on the German trenches. In his report to the 33rd Brigade Headquarters, Lt Col. Thornton, Officer Commanding the 9th Btn Sherwood Foresters, provided a detailed account of the operation :-
"The Companies then moved up to CONSTANCE trench in the following order: "B" Coy Capt A. Stevenson; "A" Coy Capt A.A. Schweder; "D" Coy Lieut J. Critchlow; and "C" Coy Capt R.H. Gregory, orders being to occupy the whole length of the trench until the hour for forming up."
"At 10.15 a.m. companies commenced moving into position and by 11.30 a.m. reported that movement was complete. They were formed up as under :- 'B' Coy. on right . . . . 2 platoons in two waves against front side of CONSTANCE trench. 2 platoons in two waves against rear side of CONSTANCE trench. "A" Coy in centre; "D" Coy on left. Both of these companies formed similarly to "B" company."
"11.30 am; Ready. . . . 12.35 pm; Go over."
"In accordance with 33rd Brigade Order . . . . . the three assaulting Companies moved off by whistle signal at ZERO 12.35 pm, and moving forward occupied the first objective. A message was received at Btn H.Q. by runner from O.C. "A" Coy sent off at 12.48pm that first objective had been taken. O.C. "B" Coy also reported to same effect. The O.C. "D" Coy was wounded and no message was received from this company but it was observed to be in its objective."
By 12.48 pm the assaulting companies had reached their first objective, SCHWABEN TRENCH.
1st objective, 26/9/1916, 12.48 pm - Schwaben Trench
"During this advance, the right Coy ("B") pressed too close into the barrage and small parties had to come a short way back and casualties occurred through this. Captures during this advance were :- 2 Machine guns; these continued to fire up to the last moment and the teams were killed to a man by "D" Coy. 1 Trench Mortar. 95 Prisoners [and one other machine gun]."
At 12.59 pm the assaulting companies moved from SCHWABEN TRENCH and towards their second objective, ZOLLERN TRENCH, which they reached at 1.17pm. During the attack there was a heavy German barrage, which resulted in numerous casualties in the attacking waves of infantry.
"At 12.59 pm the assaulting companies again moved forward towards ZOLLERN Trench, the 2nd objective, and a specially chosen bombing party under 2/Lt J.R. Crawford went forward to clear MIDWAY LINE 9from R 27 c 54 to R 26 b 86)."
"1.17 pm; 2nd objective gained "B" Coy."
"1.45 pm; 2nd objective gained "A" Coy."
The Officer commanding "A" Coy, in a report sent by a runner to the Battalion H.Q. at 1.45 pm, stated that his company was in ZOLLERN Trench, that the trench was in good condition and that he wanted more officers, both his subalterns having been wounded.
2nd objective, 26/9/1916, 1.45 pm - Zollern Trench
"As soon as the assaulting companies left the first objective, "C" Coy, which had moved up CONSTANCE Trench, went forward in four waves and occupied the first objective, two platoons of the 7th S. Stafford Regt. taking the place of "C" Coy. Seeing that the assaulting companies had suffered many casualties, at 1.7 pm the O.C. "C" Coy was directed to reinforce with two platoons; this he did."
"Captures in ZOLLERN Trench amounted as far as can be ascertained to close on 200 prisoners; one machine gun at R 26 a 83 and 2 machine guns at R 26 b 85."
"The special bombing party mentioned above worked from R 27 c 54 up trench to R 27 c 57 thence along MIDWAY LINE. The Officer in charge, 2/Lt J.R. Crawford, since died of wounds, reported many many dug-outs full of the enemy who refused to come out; these dug-outs were bombed."
At 2.30 pm the 3rd objective, HESSIAN Trench, was gained by "A" company.
"In a message, time 2.38 pm, O.C. "A" Coy wrote from ZOLLERN Trench saying that "B" & "D" Coys, had gone forward to attack HESSIAN, also part of "C" Coy and asks for reinforcements as he is too weak to hold ZOLLERN along the whole length; the message further states that many prisoners had come back to ZOLLERN from HESSIAN. The same Officer reported later that 3rd objective had been taken, that O.C. "B" Coy had asked for reinforcements and that he was moving up "A" Coy to HESSIAN and would leave flying patrols in ZOLLERN."
3rd objective, 26/9/1916, 2.30 pm - Hessian Trench
"A message was also received from O.C. "B" Coy that 3rd objective was taken and reinforcements urgently needed, and that there was no one up on our left. No report from "D" Coy.
Amongst the prisoners captured during the attack were 1 Officer and 45 other ranks, which were captured in HESSIAN Trench. At 2.45 pm the Battalion H.Q. was moved to ZOLLERN Trench and the new gains were secured against a possible counter attack. However, there was still considerable enemy fire from the surrounding German fortifications, which eventually forced the Battlion H.Q. back to the comparative safety of CONSTANCE Trench.
"Shortly after it was known that ZOLLERN Trench occupied, orders were given to run out a line, in order that Btn H.Q. might move there as soon as the third objective was taken. Battalion H.Q. moved forward towards ZOLLERN Trench about 2.45 pm following the cable which it was hoped would have by then reached that place. On arriving about R 26 d 46 the signallers were found at a standstill having run short of wire . . . . . . . the whole party came under fire from STUFF REDOUBT and several casualties occurred. The Btn H.Q. was then withdrawn to CONSTANCE . . ."
"Reports received from Capt R.H. Gregory in HESSIAN asking for S.A.A. bombs, and reinforcements - two platoons of the 7th S. Stafford R. were sent up, and S.A.A. and bombs got up later. Just before dark a party of 50 men was observed to be coming back into ZOLLERN for HESSIAN; on enquiry they were found to be a company of the SUFFOLK Regt. who had been lying in a shallow trench in front of HESSIAN and had returned as soon as it was dark."
"During the night the enemy was very active in sniping and collected in some numbers in the right end of HESSIAN. The night passed without further incident and ammunition, bombs, flares and water were sent up to HESSIAN by MIDWAY LINE which was in a very bad condition."
"While I was in the Hospital our Sergeant-Major was brought in, and he told me our Battalion had the honour of capturing Thiepval"
[Pte A Scott]
The 9th Battalion War Diary gives no indication of the casualties suffered by the battalion during the attack on the 26th September, however the Official History of the Great War states that more than half of the 33rd Brigade's casualties (over 600) were sustained by the 9th Sherwood Foresters.
Of these more than 25 men from the Chesterfield area were killed, most of whom have no known grave.
ARMSTRONG, JOHN G.
Private, 23163, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916.
b. Clay Cross; e. Clay Cross; r. Clay Cross.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Village Memorial at The Church of St Bartholomew in Clay Cross
John Goodwin who is John Armstrong's great nephew has told me the following story:-
"My grandmother (John's sister) always used to tell us a story of how my great grandmother knew that John had died. She said that on the 26th September my great grandmother took grandmother and her sister into a bedroom and said she new her John was dead. My grandmother asked how she knew . . . . . to which she replied that she had just heard him cry out to her for help"
BARLOW, WALTER.
Private, 25398, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 36.
b. Brimington; e. Chesterfield; r. Brimington.
"Son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Barlow, of 15, North Moor Rd., Brimington, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Brimington War Memorial, St Michael and All Angels Church
Two days prior to his death Walter wrote to his parents to say that the battalion were a having hard time but expected to be relieved very soon. Prior to arriving in France in June, Walter served with the 9/SF in the Dardanelles and Egypt. He joined the Sherwood Foresters in April 1915.
BENNETT, HENRY.
Private, 24265, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916.
b. Grassmoor; e. Chesterfield; r. Clay Cross.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Village Memorial at The Church of St Bartholomew in Clay Cross
CARTER, CHARLES.
Private, 17796, 9th Btn., 26/09/1916.
b. Hednesford; e. Mansfield; r. Cannock.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook [8]
COOPER, WILLIAM.
Private, 19789, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916.
Formerly 12962, Leicestershire Regiment.
b. Staveley; e. Chesterfield; r. Whittington Moor.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
ENGLAND, EDWIN.
Private, 22645, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916.
b. Alfreton; e. Nottingham; r. Alfreton.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
FARBY, GEORGE ROBERT.
Private, 23711, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 22.
b. Clowne; e. Chesterfield; r. Barlborough.
"Son of Mrs. Mary Farby. Born at Barlborough, Chesterfield."
POZIERES BRITISH CEMETERY, OVILLERS-LA BOISSELLE, Somme - IV. D. 29.
Clowne Village War Memorial [8]
George Farby enlisted in March 1915 and was in the Dardanelles Campaign prior to arriving in France. He was well known in Clowne as an excellent elocutionist.
FORBES, JOHN.
Lance Corporal, 13106, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 23.
b. Castle Pollard, Co Meath; e. Derby; r. Ballymacarberry, Co. Cork.
"Son of Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Forbes, of Newcastle, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
FRETWELL, ERNEST.
Private, 13159, 9th Btn., k in a. 26/09/1916, aged 25.
b. Eckington; e. Mansfield; r. Shirebrook.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook [8]
Prior to enlisting in September 1914, Ernest Fretwell was a miner at Shirebrook Colliery. He left a widow and two children.
FURNESS, WALTER.
Private, 24704, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 24.
b. New Whittington; e. Chesterfield; r. New Whittington.
"Brother of Alfred Furness, of 12, Cross London St., New Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Walter Furness was the Son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Furness of Bamford Street. He was a well known local Footballer and Cricketer and played with Glapwell Colliery C.C. He worked on the surface at Markham No 1 Colliery and enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters in the early stages of the War. The first indication the family had that Walter had been killed was when his sister received several photographs. The sender of the photographs stated that he had found them on the battlefield bearing her address. In a second letter the soldier informed the family that Walter had been killed in the great advance and that he had come across the body and removed the photographs and letters before internment of the body.
GEORGE, WILLIAM HENRY.
Private, 19838, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 21.
Formerly 14367, Leicestershire Regiment.
b. Hasland; e. Chesterfield; r. Hasland.
"Son of Joseph and Eliza Ann George, of 22, Grove St., Hasland, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
The news of William George's death came in a letter from a pal of his platoon, L/Cpl. Wallis:-
"I am writing in respect of your son, William who, I am sorry to say, was killed on September 26th, in the attack on _______. I cannot tell you much, but believe me he died like an Englishman, and if ever a man died doing his duty, that man was your son. He was shot in the third line of the German trenches, which was captured and as he died almost instantly he did not suffer. All in No. 3 Platoon feel for you in your sad hour of trial you having lost a dear son, and us a staunch friend."
HARTSHORN, CHARLES.
Lance Corporal, 21540, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 26.
b. Brownhills, Staffs; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Son of Thomas Hartshorn, of 13, Compton St., Holmwood, Derbyshire."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
HONE, James Henry.
Private, 19869, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 20.
Formerly 14311, Leicestershire Regiment.
b. Birmingham; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Brother of Mrs. H. Hartshorn, of 80, Rothervale Rd., Birdholme, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
James Horne enlisted in September 1914 and went to France in the early days of the War where he was wounded. After recovering he was sent to to Egypt, but was recalled to the Western Front in June 1916 and was killed in action on the 26th September during the attack on Hessian Trench, two weeks before his 21st birthday. Prior to enlisting he was employed at Holmewood Colliery. Two of his brothers also served with the Colours.
JONES, W. H.
Private, 6596, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 35.
b. Brampton; e. Chesterfield; r. Brampton.
"Husband of Violet Brown (formerly Jones), of 38, Barker Lane, Brampton, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
LLOYD, JOHN.
Private, 19054, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 34.
b. Dawley Green, Salop; e. Mansfield; r. Mansfield.
"Son of John and Sarah Lloyd, of Wood Bank, Darlaston, Staffs; husband of Sarah Stevens (formerly Lloyd), of 124, Coke St., Mansfield-Woodhouse, Notts."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Although John Lloyd lived in Mansfield, he worked at Langwith Colliery, which explains his inclusion here. He served in the Dardanelles prior to arriving in France.
LONGDON, HERBERT.
Private, 15772, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 23.
b. Leeds; e. Derby; r. Clay Cross.
"Husband of Mrs. H. Williams (formerly Longdon), of Eyre St., Clay Cross, Derbyshire."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Village Memorial at The Church of St Bartholomew in Clay Cross
LOWE, GEORGE HENRY. D.C.M.
Private, 7046, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916.
Formerly 14282, Leicestershire Regiment.
b. Duckmanton; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Prior to enlisting George Lowe worked at the Brampton Brewery. Aged 35 he left a widow and three children.
MARSDEN, GEORGE.
Private, 21502, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 20.
b. Mansfield; e. Mansfield; r. Shirebrook.
"Son of Mr. J. W. Marsden, of 31, Morris St., Shirebrook, Mansfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Commemorative Plaque, Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook
Prior to enlisting George Marsden was a miner at Shirebrook Colliery.
MEARS, GEORGE.
Private, 9192, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 32.
b. New Whittington; e. Chesterfield; r. New Whittington.
REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT, Somme - VII. H. 7.
George Mears was a reservist who had served 13 years. When War broke out he was called up and joined the Sherwood Foresters on the 4th August and following a brief stay at Aldershot he was sent to France, where he took part in the retreat from Mons and the subsequent heavy fighting that followed, without sustaining any serious injury. He was sent to Egypt but later returned to France, where he was killed during the attack on Hessian Trench. George Mears was a resident of New Whittington and left a widow and two children. Prior to mobilisation he worked at Markham No. 1 Colliery.
PARRY, EDWARD RICHARD.
Private, 22158, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 19.
b. Newthorpe; e. Chesterfield; r. Holmwood.
"Son of George and Ellen Jane Parry, of II, Hardwick St., Holmewood, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Richard Parry enlisted on July 12th 1914 and was drafted to the Dardanelles and following that Egypt, before arriving with the rest of the Battalion in France. In a letter to his family, Richard's chum, Fred Doody, gave the details of his death:-
"Dick was hit in the head by a sniper; he was dead as soon as he was hit and he did not suffer. He has a good resting place behind the firing line, so he will not get disturbed. I was one of the stretcher party to help carry him away. He had the same old smile on his face. He died to save others. I can not write any more about him as I feel bad with the thoughts of an old pal like that."
SCHWEDER, ARCHIBALD ALAN. M.C.
Captain, 9th Btn., 26/09/1916, aged 21.
"Son of Mrs. Edith Mary Firth, of 62, Chelsea Park Gardens, London."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Archibald Schweder enlisted in September 1914 and received his appointment as Captain in April 1916. He had been mentioned in dispatches and was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery at Sulva.
SHAWCROFT, JOHN.
Private, 20828, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 25.
b. Clay Cross; Chesterfield; r. Grassmoor.
"Son of Mrs. Elizabeth Shawcroft, of 12, Charles St., Grassmoor, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
SHIRLEY, CHARLES.
Private, 21789, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916
b. Hartington; r. Derby; r. Hartington.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
STEVENSON, ALAN.
Captain, 13th, attd. 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 29.
"Son of the Rev. William and Annie J. Stevenson, of 66, Stamford Rd., Mossley, Manchester."
BOUZINCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Somme - I. H. 16.
The Battalion War Diary gives no indication of when or how Alan Stevenson was killed. The last message received from him was at 2.30pm confirming the capture of Hessian Trench and asking for reinforcements. He also informed Battalion Headquarters that he was moving his Company up to Hessian Trench.
He was a former Scholar of Manchester University and is Commemorated on the University of Manchester Memorial Plaque
THOMPSON, WILLIAM.
Private, 23046, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916.
b. Chesterfield; e, Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
TURNER, JOSEPH.
Private, 23340, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 38.
b. Grassmoor; e, Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Joseph Turner enlisted on 15th February 1915 and served in the Dardanelles and Egypt prior to arriving in France in July. He wrote to his wife three days before he was killed, wishing her a happy birthday and saying that he was out of the trenches for a few hours (between the 23rd and 24th the Battalion were billeted at Mailley-Maillet). Before enlisting Joseph was a bricklayer, working at the Chesterfield Gas Works. He was a well-known local sportsman and played cricket for Kiveton Park, Dinnington and Grassmoor and also in friendly matches against the Chesterfield Police Force on the Queen's Park Ground. Joseph lived at 34 Aukland's Place in Chesterfield and left a widow and three children.
WAKEFIELD, JAMES PARKS.
Private, 12907, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916.
b. Tupton; e, Chesterfield; r. Clay Cross.
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Village Memorial at The Church of St Bartholomew in Clay Cross
WASS, ERNEST.
Private, 15663, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916.
b. Chesterfield
CONNAUGHT CEMETERY, THIEPVAL - VI. E. 6.
WEAVER, C.C.
Private, 20012, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 25.
Formerly 14128, Leicestershire Regiment.
b. Hasland; e, Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
CONNAUGHT CEMETERY, THIEPVAL - VI. E. 9.
Charles Clifford Weaver lived on Derby Road in Birdholme and enlisted in 1914. Prior to enlisting he was a crane driver at the Chesterfield Tube Works.
WILKINSON, JOHN.
Sergeant, 13306, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 21.
b. Awsworth, Notts.; e. Clay Cross; r. Holmewood.
"Son of Mrs. R. H. Collis, of 51, Hunloke Rd., Holmewood, Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
North Wingfield Village Memorial
WORKER, JAMES.
Private, 20006, 9th Btn., k. in a. 26/09/1916, aged 18.
b. Wombwell, Yorks.; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Brother of Mr. G. C. Worker, of 78, Park St., Birdholme Chesterfield."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
On 27th September the Btn remained in Hessian and Zollern Trenches.
"At daylight the situation was unaltered; at 8 am I went up an inspected HESSIAN Trench; 120 men of the Sherwood Foresters and 70 of the 7th S. Stafford R. were there and it was my opinion that there were too many men in the trench; at this time a bombing party on the right of HESSIAN gained ground to the right until they came to two enemy Machine Guns; on the left the enemy was carrying out a bombing attack and as both Officers of the 7th S. Staffords had been wounded I directed Capt Gregory to send an Officer to drive back this attack . . . . . this was done by 2/Lieut E.H.F. Abbot with great difficulty as the enemy's egg bombs outraged him."
3.30 pm:- The Companies that were still in Hessian returned to Joseph Trench.
"At 10 am in accordance with orders from 33rd Bde. Bn. H.Q. moved into Joseph Trench and the companies in HESSIAN came back at about 3 pm, having been relieved by the 6th Border Regt. For the rest of the day and night beyond shelling nothing to note."
Between 28th September - 29th September the Btn remained in Joseph Trench and carried out fatigues and consolidation of Joseph Trench.
"bringing up ammunition and collecting bombs, clearing the trench etc . . Constantly shelled throughout the day."
CRAWFORD, JOHN RUSSELL.
2nd Lieutenant, 9th Btn., d. of w. 27/09/1916.
2/Lt Crawford was Gazetted on April 1915
HIND, JESSE FRANCIS MONTAGUE
Lieutenant, 9th Btn., k. in a. 27/09/1916, aged 23.
"Only child of Jesse William and Lilian Frances Hind, of The Elms, Newcastle Circus, The Park, Nottingham. Educated at Aldro Preparatory School, Eastbourne, at Rugby, and at Oriel College, Oxford."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
Lieut. Hind was born in Nottingham on the 16th July 1893. He was gazetted to the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, which left England on the 1st July 1915. He saw action in the Sulva Bay Campaign where he was wounded. The 9th Battalion War Diary gives no indication of how Jesse Hind died that fateful day, but it can only be assumed that he died in defending HESSIAN TRENCH from German counter attacks.
A extraordinary Memorial to Lieut. Hind and the 187 officers and men of the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, who died between July 7th and 30th November, can be found at the the now derelict Vimy Ridge Farm near the Village of Kinoulton in Nottinghamshire. . . .
"The original avenue of 184 Lombardy poplar trees were planted by Sir Jesse William Hind and dedicated to the memory of his son Lieut. Francis Montague Hind who was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme on 27th September 1916".
SMEDLEY, SAMUEL GEORGE.
Private, 25908, 9th Btn., k. in a. 29/09/1916.
b. Eckington; e. Worksop; r. Dinnington.
Samuel Smedley was 25 years of age and left a widow and three children. A resident of Market Street, Eckington, he enlisted in May 1915 and following a time in the Dardanelles arrived in France in January 1915. Prior to enlisting he was a miner employed at Dinnington.
HOLLINGWORTH, Edmund Bruce.
Private, 13519, 9th Btn., d. of w. 27/10/1916, aged 20.
b. Eckington; e. Eckington; r. Eckington.
ECKINGTON BURIAL GROUND, Derbyshire.
Bruce Hollingworth joined the Sherwood Foresters at the outbreak of the War and was one of the men of Eckington who volunteered at the first meeting in the village. He was wounded in action during the battle of the Somme and was returned to Hospital in Chatham, were he succumbed to his wounds.
[Photograph and information courtesy of Andrew Hesketh]
ARMSTRONG, JOHN WILLIAM.
Private, 19233, 9th Btn., d. of w. 28/09/1916, aged 23.
b. Huthwaite; e. Sutton-in-Ashfield; r. Tibshelf.
Puchevillers British Cemetery, Somme - IV.E.25.
John lived in Tibshelf and was a Miner employed at Blackwall's prior to enlisting on the 11th August 1914. He was the son of Albert and Emma Armstrong of 113 Mckinley Cottages, Blackwell Road in Huthwaite.
30th September:
"Nothing of note occurred; consolidation carried on with; heavily shelled at intervals. At 7 pm relieved by 1st Wilts Regt. and marches to HEDAUVILLE. . . 10.30pm; Arrive."
Overall the battle of the Thiepval Plateau was considered a success, and this is reflected in the congratulations received from General Gough on the 29th September.
"The following message received today from General Sir H. GOUGH Commanding Reserve Army by the G.O.C. 11th Division is to be communicated to all ranks, begins -
My best congratulations to you and your Division on their gallant fighting today and throughout the successful operations in which you have been engaged since the capture of the WONDER WORK. You have all done splendid work. Ends."
But the victory had a price - the 9th Btn Sherwood Foresters had suffered 492 casualties during the month of September alone.
"Not even the glorious news on the Western Front has been able to dispel the gloom cast over Bolsover this week by the death of two chums, Ptes Horace Tom Cowley and Harry Cutts, who have succumbed to wounds received in action. Both were well known and highly respected. They had fought together against the Turk in Gallipoli, served in Egypt, played a noble part in the Somme Offensive and finally, torn with wounds, returned to their native land to die"
[The Derbyshire Times, Saturday, October 7th, 1916]
COWLEY, HORACE TOM.
Private, 24497, "C" Coy., 9th Btn., d. of w. 30/09/1916, aged 25.
"Husband of Sarah Ann Stokes (formerly Cowley), of 13, New St., Bolsover."
BOLSOVER (ST. MARY) NEW CHURCHYARD, Derbyshire.
Parish Church Brass Plaque and Bolsover War Memorial [8]
Horace Cowley was severely wounded in the thigh on 26th September during the attack on Hessian Trench. He died of his wounds in Brighton Military Hospital on Saturday 30th September, three days before his 26th Birthday. Horace left a widow, Sarah, and two young children. He enlisted in March 1915 and moved to the Mediterranean in the autumn of that year. According to his personal diary he reached the firing line in France on July 17th. Prior to enlisting Horace had worked at Markham No. 1 Pit.
CUTTS, HARRY.
Private, 15928, 9th Btn., d. of w. 02/10/1916, aged 19.
"Son of Henry Arthur and Ada Cutts, of 5, Station Rd., Bolsover."
BOLSOVER (ST. MARY) NEW CHURCHYARD, Derbyshire.
Parish Church Brass Plaque and Bolsover War Memorial [8]
Harry Cutts was 17 years old when he enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters shortly after the outbreak of the War and was amongst the first contingent of recruits to leave Bolsover for training.
EVANS, GEORGE.
Private, 23227, 9th Btn., d. of w. 02/10/1916, aged 25.
b. Clay Cross; e. Chesterfield; r. Clay Cross
BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais - VIII. C. 168.
Village Memorial at The Church of St Bartholomew in Clay Cross
George Evans was severely wounded in the right arm and side on the 26th September during the attack on Hessian Trench and died of his wounds in the 13th General Hospital on October the 3rd aged 25 years. He enlisted in February 1915 and proceeded with the Battalion to Gallipoli, before arriving in France in the spring of 1916. Prior to enlisting he worked for the Clay Cross Company in their No. 7 Park House Pit in Danesmoor. George's older Brother, John James, of the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters, was killed in action on the 11th March 1915 and is commemorated on LE TOURET MEMORIAL in the Pas de Calais. Both are commemorated on the Clay Cross Memorial.
TRICKETT, JAMES.
Private, 15768, 9th Btn., d. of w. 03/10/1916, aged 28.
b. Whaley Bridge; e. Derby; r. Whaley Bridge.
"Son of Benjamin and Jane Trickett, of Buxton Rd., Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire."
BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais - VIII. C. 166.
DRAKE, LEONARD.
2nd Lieutenant, , 11th Btn., 04/10/1916
Wounded a month previously
WATSON, DOUGLAS DUNCAN CLAUDE.
Private, 23392, 9th Btn., d. of w. 05/10/1916, aged 19.
"Son of Sidney and Martha Watson of 113 Manvers Rd., Beighton, Sheffield. Native of Woodhouse, Sheffield."
BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas de Calais - VIII. C. 170.
Douglas Watson was shot through the left shoulder and back during the attack on the Hessian Trench on 26th September. He was taken to the 3rd Canadian General Hospital in Boulogne where he succumbed to his wounds.
HANCOCK, JOHN.
Private, 12714, 9th Btn., d. of w. 06/10/1916.
b. Whittington Moor; e. Chesterfield; r. Whittington Moor.
ETRETAT CHURCHYARD, Seine-Maritime - II. C. 6A.
ABBOTT, WILLIAM
Lance Corporal, 12676, 9th Btn., d. of w. 20/10/1916, aged 26.
b. Wellington; e. Chesterfield; r. Bolsover.
Bolsover (St Mary) New Churchyard, Derbyshire.
Parish Church Brass Plaque and Bolsover War Memorial [8]
William Abbott sustained serious injuries to his back and a bullet wound in his wrist in late September. He was admitted to hospital in Chatham in a serious condition and remained in a semi-conscious state for three weeks, before finally succumbing to his wounds. William enlisted at the outbreak of the War, prior to which he was employed at Glapwell Colliery. He served in the Dardanelles Campaign and in Egypt prior to arriving in France in July. William's half-brother, Alex Boughey served with the Welbeck Rangers and was killed in action on the 3rd September 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.
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) War Dairy, 9th Btn Sherwood Foresters, WO 95/1813.
7) Brave Sons of Shirebrook by Trevor Skirrey. Published by Derbyshire County Council, Libraries and Heritage Department, 2000.
8) Personal communication from Bill Bryan
HUDSON, JOHN JOSEPH.
Private, 21849, 9th Btn., k. in a. 08/08/1916, Age 16.
(attd. 7th Bn, Lincolnshire Regiment)
b. Brampton; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
"Son of Joseph and Annie Jane Hudson, of 22, Alma St., Brampton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.
FINCH, GEORGE.
Private, 18956, 9th Btn., k. in a. 09/08/1916, age 40.
b. Chesterfield; e. Chesterfield; r. Chesterfield.
ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France - Bay 7.
Reported 'missing' and then 'killed' by his comrades who also lived in Prospect Street (Stonegravels). George Finch was 40 years old and leaves a wife and 5 children. Prior to enlisting in November 1914 he worked at Bond's Main. He took part in the Gallipoli Campaign and had only been in France a month.
PARKER, GEORGE ELIAS.
Private, 23987, 9th Btn., k. in a. 09/08/1916, Age 27.
(attd. 7th Bn, Lincolnshire Regiment)
b. Bakewell; e. Clay Cross; r. Stretton.
"Son of Ann Parker, of Range Cottages, Stretton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, and the late John Parker."
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France - Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A.