Remembrance – John William Birch

by James | Apr 29, 2018 | Uncategorised

Today we remember John William Birch of Witham on the Hill and the 7th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, on the 100th Anniversary of the day he sadly died of wounds, 29th April 1917.

John Willie Birch was born early in 1889 in Little Bytham to Thomas Birch a woodman (forester) born in Sproxton, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Jane King of Little Bytham.
They were married in 1885 in the Bourne district, Mary already having two daughters, they had another 8 children, 6 more girls and 2 boys.
They lived in Little Bytham initially before moving to edenham and then on to Lound. In 1911 John can be found living with his parents in Lound, aged 22, working as a bricklayers labourer.

John enlisted in Grantham and joined the newly formed 7th Battalion Lincolnshire regiment in September 1914.

The Battalion trained around Wareham before moving to Winchester in May 1915 for final intensive war training.
On the 10th July the Battalion received orders that they would be sent into action and on the 14th they marched out of Flowerdown Camp (Winchester) and entrained for Felixstowe with a strength of 21 officers and 932 other ranks.

At midnight on they disembarked in Boulogne and proceeded to Ostehove Camp.
9am on the 15th July saw the Battalion route march to Pont-Des-Briques station and entrain for Wizernes near St Omer and then Billet at Setques and Quelmes where they remained until the 17th July.

The Battalion then moved to Wallon Cappel and then Eecke and on the 21st 5 officers were sent into trenches near Ypres for instruction. On the 24th the Battalion, with the 51st Brigade was placed in Corps reserve with a strength of 29 officers and 933 other ranks.

By the 27th July the Battalion was sent into trenches near Reninghelst, attached to the 138th Brigade, 46th Division and received their first casualties in battle on the 30th July with 6 other ranks wounded. It was not until the 17th August that the Battalion received its first fatality in the trenches.

The 7th Battalion remained in the Ypres area until March when it moved to Armentieres to continue in the trenches there until the end of May 1916.

June 1916 saw the battalion move to St Omer and then on to Allonville to enter brigade training for the rest of June in preparation for the major offensive that was planned for the end of June. On 30th June 1916 the battalion arrived in Morlandcourt to await orders.

On the 1st July 1916 (first day of the battle of the Somme) the Battalion marched from Helly to Fricourt to join the British front line. They relieved the 6th Dorsets and then on the 2nd July were ordered to attack Fricourt with the South Staffs. They attained some objectives before being held up by the enemy guns in Fricourt wood.
The Battalion’s first tour of the Somme trenches finished on the 12th July when they were relived and moved back to Fordringy.
Since the 1st of July in this first action on The Somme the battalion casualties were 7 officers and 49 other ranks killed, 7 officers and 246 other ranks wounded, 28 other ranks missing.

The 7th battalion Lincolnshire Regiment remained on the Somme for the remainder of 1916.

The 7th Lincs received 100 new replacement troops over the period 18th to 20th January 1917. This was whilst they were in the line at Meaulte near Albert on the Somme.
The reinforced Battalion next saw action on the 29th January when they relieved the 8th South Staffordshire Regiment in the line near Sailly Saillisel.

In February the 7th Lincolns and 8th South Staffords traded the camp and front line at Sailly Saillisel in rotation until on the 21st the Lincolns were withdrawn from the line entrained for Corbie and then on to Bussy for the end of the month.
March started in Bussy for the Battalion but then a series of marches saw them in Herissart, Gezaincourt, Maison Ponthieu, La Broye, Waivens before being billeted at Le Suich and Brevillers a few days before the month ended. The fighting force at the end of the month was 32 officers and 882 other ranks.

The following transcription from the Battalion Diary shows the conditions that Private John Birch faced in his last days during the battle of Arras.

1st April 1917 – Le Souich
26 other ranks joined for duty wastage from sickness 11 other ranks

3rd April 1917 – Le Souich
Lieut C S Bott took over command of B company

5th April 1917 – Le Souich
4 other ranks joined for duty. battalion with 51st infantry brigade group, marched to Neuville-Au-Cornrt.

6th April 1917 – Neuville-Au-Cornet
Fighting strength 32 officers, 792 other ranks, wastage from sickness 16 other ranks.

7th April 1917 – Neuville-Au-Cornet
Battalion with 51st infantry brigade group marched to Villers sir Simon

8th April 1917 – Villers Sir Simon
Battalion with 51st infantry brigade group marched to Novellette. battalion under 4 hours notice.

9th April 1917 – Novellette (Fisrt day of battle of Arras)

5.30am – Z day of offensive. The 17th Division held in readiness to support the cavalry corps. The Battalion with 51st infantry Brigade moved towards Arras.

9.30pm -Orders received to close up on leading Battalion and bivouac on side of road about 2 miles from Arras.

10th April 1917 – Arras
Battalion with Brigade Group marched into Arras to billets at one hours notice.

13th April 1917
Battalion moved to Railway Triangle East of Arras behind old German front line.

14th April 1917
Moved to Brown Line H28.a.4.5 to H28.c.5.7 old German 2nd Line

15th April 1917
Working party found by Battalion for front line.

16th April 1917 – Brown Line
Working party found by Battalion for Front Line

17th April 1917 – Brown Line
Enemy shelled our trench with 4.2s during day, very heavy during afternoon, Casualties Lieut C S Bott killed, Lieut G A Wright and 17 other ranks wounded.

18th April 1917 – Brown Line
Battalion moved BNorth along Brown Line close to Railway. Battalion HQ moved to Railway Cutting, Captain E James MC and 1 other ranks joined for duty. Casualties 3 other ranks.

19th April 1917 – Railway Triangle
Provided carrying parties to front line, and afterwards returned to Railway Triangle. Casualties Killed 1 other rank, wounded Captain R Pennington DSO and 2 other ranks wounded slightly at duty. Captain J H Cotter RAMC Medical Officer attached, and 2 other ranks.

21st April 1917 – Railway Triangle
Battalion returned to Brown Line. Casualties 1 other rank.

23rd April 1917 – Monchy-Le-Preux

3am – Battalion took up position from cross roads H.29.d.8.7 to H28.d.4.9 in accordance with plan from general advance of the whole line, the 17th division: working in conjunction with 51st Division on the left bank of River Scarpe and 29th Division: on 17 Division right, the 17th Division being centre Division on right bank of Scarpe.

4.45am – Zero Hour a standing barrage put on enemy lines BayonetTrench and Rifle Trench to life at the rate of 3 minutes per 100 yards.

4.55am – The Battalion moved forward with orders to occupy Bayonet Trench after it had been taken by 8th South Staffs

5.45am – Arrived at Lone Copse H.30.d and found 8th South Staffs digging in as this first attack on Bayonet Trench had failed owing to heavy Machine Gun fire both from the enemy line in our immediate front and from the left bank of the River Scarpe.

6.30am – The 8th South Staffs attacked again at 6.30am with same result as the first attack. It was reported that thick coils of wire was still in front of enemy line, also reported that Border Regiment had captured south end of Bayonet Trench.

7.45am – Received orders to attack Bayonet Trench and a barrage was ordered for that time.

8.20am – The Battalion advanced to attack Bayonet Trench leading waves A company on left, B company on right D company supported A and C supported B.

9am – Leading waves reported to be within 30 yards of Bayonet Trench having crawled there under heavy machine gun fire, trench strongly held. Heavy enfilade fire from North of River Scarpe.

10.5am – Attack having failed the Battalion returned to the assembly trench. Lone Copse holding line H.30.d.2.3 to left towards the Scarpe.
Consolidation commenced at once and awaited orders.
Captain D Roberts, 2 Lieuts H Y Maulkinson, A Crawley, T E Stubbs, R G Rudd killed with 22 other ranks, wounded 98 other ranks, missing 20 other ranks.
During our stay in this position the enemy constantly kept a barrage on our back lines and in the valley below our position.

6pm – 50th Brigade passed through our position to attack Bayonet Trench. Battalions of 51st brigade ordered to stand fast and form close support. Enemy having seen 50th Brigade advancing put a very heavy barrage on our back lines and shortened as the waves approached.

8.30pm – 50th Brigade attack failed. The Dorset regiment returned and took up a position about 100 yards in our front and dug in.

9pm – Enemy put up S.O.S which brought a greater artillery barrage than ever in and about our trench and back lines.

11.30pm – Orders received to return to Railway Triangle East of Arras after being relieved.

24th April
4am – Battalion Arrived at Railway Triangle in an exhausted condition having been in the open for about 20 days.

25th April
Moved by train from Arras to Grand Rullecourt

27th April
Fighting strength, 24 officers, 685 other ranks.

John was wounded by a gunshot wound in action on the 24th April, possibly in the early hours before the withdrawl back to Railway Triangle at 4am. He would have been treated locally to the battalions position, at an advanced dressing station and then moved to a field hospital before being withdrawn back to one of the many military hospitals away from the front.
John was moved back to Etaples on the coast south of Boulogne and would have been treated there possibly awaiting evacuation back to England when stable enough to be moved.

He succumbed to his wounds on the 30th April 1917 in hospital in Etaples.

Grantham Journal Saturday 19th May 1917
MANTHORPE
THE VERY DISTRESSING NEWS has reached Mr and Mrs Birch to the effect that their eldest son, Signaller J W Birch has died of wounds in France. Information had been received stating he was seriously wounded by gunshot on April 24th and was in critical condition and later the sad news came of is death on April 29th. Signaller Birch enlisted in the Lincolnshire Regiment on Sept 14th 1914 and went abroad in July 1915, being slightly wounded in the hand some month ago. He was 28 years of age and leave a wife and one child. Deceased was a perfect type of Englishman of fine physique and a generous kind-hearted disposition and will be greatly missed. A memorial service was held in St Andrew’s Church, Witham on the Hill on Sunday. Signaller Birch was buried in a British Cemetery near the hospital where he died.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
In memory of Private John William Birch, 12767, 7th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment who died on 29 April 1917 Age 28
Husband of Lily Birch, of 32 Henry St, Leicester
Remembered with honour, Etaples Military Cemetery.

John is also remembered on the Witham on the Hill war memorial.

Remembrance – John William Brewin

by James | Apr 28, 2018 | Uncategorised

Today we commemorate John William Brewin of Baston and also the 10th battalion Lincolnshire Regiment on the 101st anniversary of his death on the 28th April 1917.

John was born in Baston early in 1889 to Frisby Brewin, a farm labourer born in Thetford, Lincolnshire and his wife Alice Goodacre of Baston.
Frisby and Alice were married in 1888 and had 6 children together. Alice’s eldest daughter Anna Maria Goodacre being born in 1887, then John William in 1889, George Frederick 1890, Bertie 1893, Cyril 1896, Frisby 1898 and Doreen in 1905 all being born in Baston.

The family lived Thetford Lane, Baston and in 1911, the then 22 year old John, usually known as William was working as farm labourer, most likely for the Whattoff family at Thetford farm, Baston.

John enlisted into the Army in Market Deeping and initially joined the 8th battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment (28410) and then being posted to the 10th battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment.

Although John’s army records are unlikely to have survived the
warehouse fire in the London Blitz, we can look at his service with the 10th Battalion especially tracing his last month of service which saw the Battalion pulled into the Battle of Arras.
We are certain that John did not serve abroad before the start of 1916, shown by his medal entitlement and this also ties in with the fact that the 10th battalion were first posted to France in January 1916.

The 10th Battalion had been posted to France in January 1916, and had later seen service on the Somme. Famously the 10th Lincolnshire’s (Grimsby Chums) lead the attack on the Lochnagar Mine crater, 2 minutes after the mine explosion signalling the start of the battle of the Somme on the 1st July 1916 at La Boiselle. This action alone saw 15 of the 20 officers and 487 out of 822 other ranks become casualties.

The 10th Battalion took on reinforcements taken from many other battalions and many being third line territorial Battalions with only a few months training.

The Battalion stayed in the Somme area around Albert for the rest of the year seeing much action.

By April 1917 the Battalion were posted to Arras as part of the 34th Division, 101st Brigade in readiness for the upcoming battle of Arras.
—————————————-
The following transcription from the diaries includes a very detailed description of action on the 28th April, the day in which John William Brewin and other local men were killed in this action. More information regarding John follows after this transcription.

1st April 1917 – Arras
Relieved the 15th Royal Scots in right section – relief completed without incident.
draft of 50 other ranks joined.

2nd April 1917
A normal day except that our artillery was actively engaged cutting enemy wire and bombarding his rear positions. A small raid was carried out by the 11th Suffolks through our front but produced no result. a heavy fall of snow in the afternoon, trenches very muddy.

3rd April 1917 –
continual activity by our artillery – Enemy retaliation very moderate chiefly directed on C.T (Communication Trenches) which were blocked in several places. The battalion at this time was holding the line from St Pancras map reference G6.a.1/2.9 sheet 51B Trench maps 1/10000 or 1/20000 scale to New St G6a3.7

4th April 1017 – Right of K section, North of Arras / Bailleul Road
The bombardment of enemy’s trenches in connection with “Operations against Vimy ridge began at 6am this morning. Under the scheme this was to be V day, but the attack was postponed 24 hours and notification was received during the day that the 5th inst would be V day, the day of the attack to be Z day, 9th inst – Most of men that could be spared engaged in carrying trench ladders and trench bridges into position during the night. Owing to the deep mud the work was most exhausting.
A discharge of gas shells was made from Livens gas projectors at the commencement of the bombardment. Enemy’s barrage was slow and not heavy, mostly directed against communication trenches on the high ground around Esquarissage and to North East during the afternoon. Part of the front was taken over by the 102nd Brigade, one Battalion of the 103rd Brigade coming and taking over a portion of the front line. The Divisional front was then held by three Battalions, one from each of 101st, 102nd and 103rd Brigades. The 10th Lincolns (101st Brigade) held from St Pancras, see above, to Grid line between G6a and G6c (see trench maps). This was the sector allotted to the 101st Brigade on the day of the attack.

Patrols were sent out at night under 2/LT H.P. Clewes and 2/LT Lodge and examined enemy’s wire, ascertained positions of sentry groups, the G.D.C 102nd Brigade then in command of the sector complimented the Battalion on the information brought in. at this time information about the enemy’s movements was required as it was thought that he might evacuate all of his front line without waiting for the assault. 2LT Clewes managed to crawl through the enemy’s wire and entered his front line trench at about G6.a.75.05, he found the trench to be very deep and well revelted, he saw the entrance to a dug out and a point where the trench was blown in with a track over debris showing that patrols passed at intervals. He saw a sentry on the right using his rifle and firing a very light. Both patrols found enemy wire much damaged and blown up on to his parapet in many places. The enemy had many sentries posted and they were alert.

5th April 1917 – In Trenches as above
W day of bombardment which continued. Enemy’s front lines and his wire could be seen to be badly damaged. Enemy’s retaliation was lighter than on previous day. The casualties during this tour would have been very light except for an unlucky shell which dropped into two parties of men which had met in a trench. This one shell put out of action 10 men of this Battalion and 12 of another. Otherwise the casualties would have only numbered 4 or 5. One company headquarters was blown in wounding a runner who afterwards dies. Captain Worthington and Lt Mattison who were in the dugout unhurt. 2/LT McArthur was buried by a shell and could not be found, when a second shell burst knocking over Captain Dent and 2nd LT Johnson and uncovering Lt McArthur’s helmet. He was dug out, he was shaken and unhurt as were the other officers.

6th April 1917 – Louez
The Battalion was relieved in the evening by the 16th Royal Scots. Relief commenced at 6 pm complete soon after midnight. Battalion moved to Louez into tents, headquarters and officers in a small chateau. Men were all in by 5am – the weather had been bad during the tour and the men were very dirty and weary, many had stood in water for days and there were many cases of sore feet.

7th April 1917 – Louez
Battalion cleaning and resting but a working party of 100 men had to be furnished the night of 6th/7th – 2/LT Roebuck E de L.W. joined.

8th April 1917 – Louez
The Battalion continued cleaning up , overhauling arms and equipment and preparing to move forward to take part with the 101st Brigade in operations. During the day stores, bombs, flares, wire-cutters, tools etc were distributed to the men and distinguishing marks issued in the form of a yellow triangle (12 inches) to be worm on the back , carried by the whole division, and small red and yellow flags on sticks issued two per section.

9th April 1917 – 14th April 1917 – Battle of Arras – Pont Du Jour
Battalion took part on the 9th in an attack against the “Pont du Jour” southern end of Vimy Ridge. A report on the operation was added to this diary but due to the length, this has been posted as a series of pictures attached to this post. As this report details John’s movements but does not relate to his final action it has not been transcribed here for fear of boring the reader.

15th April 1917 – Maiziers
battalion Resting , cleaning up and refitting. Men quite exhausted and all equipment and clothing in a very bad state.
The casualties during the operation 8th to 14th amounted to 2 officers killed, 5 officers wounded, 150 other ranks killed wounded or missing and about 60 other ranks sent to hospital owing to exposure and exhaustion.

16th April 1917 –
Lt Abbott, 2/LT Cowen and a draft of 69 other ranks joined

19th April 1917
Inspection by G.O.C 34th Division.

20th April 1917
Lt Colonel G W B Clark, O.C. admitted to hospital sick, command assumed in his absence by Major W A Vignoles.
Draft arrived 1 officer and other ranks (2/LT F H Lucking)

21st April 1917
Battalion proceeded by route march to billets in Larassett.
Draft arrived 95 other ranks.

22nd April 1917
Battalion proceeded to Y Huts (Map ref L.1.b.9.1 sheet 51c N.E.)
Captain W E Knight and 2/LT H W Bannister joined Battalion.

23rd April 1917-
6am – Battalion proceeded to Arras with 20 officers, remainder of officers and 108 drtails proceeded to Chapelle Fermont, Captain Rennington in command.
On reaching Arras orders were received that the Battalion was to be ready to move at short notice to line.
5.45pm – Moved to a position in reserve on the Pont Du Jour occupying the Lusty-Lumpy-Locust trenches in H.9 (Sheet 51G). All in by 9pm

24th April 1917 –
The enemy shelled the Pont du Jour Road and the trenches throughout the day with 150mm shells, causing casualties, 4 other ranks killed, 9 other ranks wounded. During the night 23rd/24th he shelled the area almost continuously with gas shells. 2/LT Cowen was admitted to hospital gassed and 2 other ranks gassed. Enemy made a counter attack during the day near Gavrelle and during this period shelled the Pont du Jour and forward slope very heavily.

8pm to 5am – Battalion moved to railway Cutting in square H23 sheet 51B, the brigade having relieved a brigade of the 51st division. Battalion in support to 16th Royal Scots and 11th Suffolks, who moved into front line facing Chemical Works-Cemetery-Roeux in squares I13 and 19south of the railway. In position by 5am 25th.

25th April 1917
Night of 25th/26th furnished a working party of 200 men under 4 officers, 2/LT Lavender found 1 officer and 1 private of 4th Seaforths wounded in a part of our line near MT Pleasant Wood. They had been lying out since attack of 23rd. Casualties nil.

26th April 1917
9.30pm – Relieved 11th Suffolks taking over part of the line from Railway 600 yards along Ceylon Trench. 15th Royal Scots taking over night. 103rd Brigade on North of the railway. Exact situation North of Railway obscure but 103rd believed to holding Calabar.

27th April 1917 –
2AM – 2/LT A B Crouch killed while in charge of working party digging CAP and Care trenches. Three prisoners taken by a sentry Group, they appeared to be deserters.

2.30am – Enemy fired about 20 light Trench Mortar bombs (Pineapple) from direction of Cemetery

4pm – Chemical works bombarded by our heavies

6pm – Disposition of the battle, 2 companies in Ceylon, two on Road through H2.4.6 with Battalion Headquarters.
Strength – 18 officers/ including M.O. Attached) and 626 other ranks.
Orders were issued during the day for the Battalion to take part on the morning of 28th in a general attack on the enemy’s lines. The 34th Division being outside the Arras – Biache St Vaast railway with 37t Division on the left and 12th Division on the right. The object of the 101st Brigade a line from the Scarpe river East of Roeux through I.20.a to track at I.14.C.5.0 thence along the track through I.14.c and I.14.A to railway. Order of Battle, 15th Royal Scotts on right, 10th Lincolns, – 11th Suffolks, left. 16th R.S. attached to other battalions as moppers up, 2 COs to 15th R.S. – 1 company to each of Lincoln’s and Suffolk, copy of 10th Lincolns operation order and a map are attached. Zero Modified to be 4.25am on 28th.

28th April 1917 –
1AM – 11th Suffolks commenced moving into front line and taking over Celyon from Corona (Exclusive) to Railway. Lincolns front two companies D and C moved into Care and Cap, B and A companies into Ceylon from Colne to Corona and trench from Cap to Corona North of Mount Pleasant Wood. All companies in position. 15th Royal Scots moved south and were not in touch with Lincolns. 20th Northumberland Fusiliers were in Brigade Reserve, and were formed up in “Funk” holes along the road through H24.d and H24b. Write orders to garrison front line after zero as soon as the barrage (Enemy’s) allowed. The headquarters of the four Battalions of the Brigade (Police cooks etc) were also along this road with the advanced Brigade Report Centre at H24.d.81/2.91/2 – Tea and rum was served to the men about 3am.

4.15am – As the assembly trenches didi not face the direction of advance the troops began to get out at 6.15 and form up in the open, the trenches were very congested and there was a certain amount of noise and probably the enemy heard it as about this time he commenced firing Trench Mortars, 77mm shells and bursts of machine gun fire. The morning was dark and it was very difficult for men to determine direction of advance.

Zero – The companies appeared to start well, but were very soon met by intense machine gun fire and casualties were very numerous, a large number of dead were seen on the ground later on . The machine gun fire came mainly from Chateau enfilading our front, also from a house along the road to Chemical Works, while Clip Trench was strongly manned and the houses around Cemetery full of enemy.

5.15am – The situation at this time, which was not known until later, appears to have been as shown on map, this being the furthest point reached in the attack. See letters and dotted line in ink on map
A – 20 yards from Clip, Captain Newton established himself with about a dozen men, the enemy had a block in Corona trench here and three men were killed trying to pass it. a machine gun was firing from house.
B – A number of men in shell holes
C – Other men in shell holes and a lewis gun in action under Lance Corporal Riggall
D – Further men in shell holes, but touch was not obtained with these
E – Captain Worthington and about 20 men in a half dug trench endeavouring to consolidate, a runner from him arrived about 7.30am

5.30am – The enemy came out of his trenches and from houses in strength and began to surround the men in the shell holes at B and some endeavoured to get back, but were mostly shot down, while about 30 nearly all wounded were seen to surrender.
Touch was established with Ceylon to Captain Newton by Lt Dickson whoo was in Corona with an abandoned signal station. The Officer Commanding came up and visited Corona
to ascertain situation.

5-30 to 6am – (Note times are all approximate as were not noted at the time) O.C. then collected all the men he could find and directed then to the junction of Corona and Ceylon to join 2/LT Dawson who had some men here. Lewis Guns were directed up the trench and sent forward to Captain Newton also a stokes gun which was eventually got into action near this junction. With the guns sent to him Captain Newton did considerable execution on the enemy holding the houses north of Cemetery. Several guns were put out of action and the gunners killed and as by this time he was unsupported on right on left, he withdrew his men to Ceylon and touch was established with Suffolks on left, who once more had some men in the front trench. The Lincolns manned Ceylon from Corona inclusive to the South West there were no other troops in Ceylon and touch had not been obtained with the 20th Northumberland Fusiliers who about this time were moving into Cusp, South of Mt Pleasant Wood.
A Report came in shortly afterwards that Captain Worthington had had to withdraw his small party now reduced to about 10 into Care.

8am (about) – Men were seen to be coming back from East of the Wood and soon afterwards the enemy’s infantry appeared from dead ground near Roeux to counter attack. A wounded officer who was lying out and who afterwards got in, said they came out of Roeux and covered by heavy machine gun fire from chateau and artillery on Mt Pleasant Wood which seems to have been the objective of the attack. Captain Worthington was killed by a shell in Care or Cap, and his men very few now left retired; the party in Ceylon showed signs of unsteadiness, but the officers and NCOs kept them in hand and they fought well holding their trench throughout.

Lance Corporal Riggall states that he kept his gun in action at the point C against the counter attack until the enemy were close to him and his gun out of action, when he managed to get back to our lines, though the two or three men with him all became casualties.

As the attack developed, it was met by lewis gun and rifle fire from the 20th Northumberland Fusiliers in cusp and Lincolns in Ceylon. This fire broke up each flank of the attack but 200 or more men reached our lines and entered Care, Mt Pleasant Wood, Colne (a partially dug trench not connected to Ceylon) and a number 30 or more, reached Ceylon near Colne, and fired on men moving behind.

The 20th Northumberland Fusiliers organised bombing parties up Ceylon and Cusp towards the Wood, and Lincolns down Ceylon to meet the Northumberlands. This party killed the NCO in charge of the enemy’s party and teh remainder ran back from Ceylon to Wood. As the bombing parties closed on the wood the enemy began to run back, and as they retired heavy fire from Lewis guns and rifles was brought to bear on them by the Lincolns and Northumberland Fusiliers in Cusp causing many casualties. A bombing post in charge of Sgt MacCrae, 16th Royal Scots attached to Lincolns held the trench to north of wood throughout the counter attack. About a dozen of the enemy in and around the wood eventually surrendered and the situation was cleared up by 12.30pm

12.30pm – Touch was established with reserve line and the Lincoln garrison in Ceylon strengthened by collecting and sending forward all Lincolns that could be found. In this way the number was increased to 70 and eventually after dark to 100.

In connection with the operations of April 28th 1917 the following recommendation for immediate reward were made :-

Captain David Harris Jones RAMC attached 10th Lincs – For – Near Reoux on April 28th 1917 and subsequent days this officer showed the greatest devotion to duty, taking out search parties each night which thoroughly examines No Mans Land for a distance of 100 to 150 yards from our line. His action caused a number of men to be rescued, some that had lain out for 4,6 and 7 days and nights being brought in, His hard work and devotion was the means of saving a number of lives

Captain Robert White Newton – Near Reoux on April 28th 1917, after the battalion had been held up by machine gun fire in which heavy casualties were sustained, this officer quickly reorganised small parties of men from various companies and met the enemy’s counter attack inflicting loss on him. By his courage and determination he kept his men together when the enemy had obtained a footing in our trenches and organised a bombing party which helped to clear the enemy out. He showed great coolness throughout at a critical time.

40938 Lance Corporal Michael Devaney Morrison – Near Reoux on April 28th for carrying out valuable patrol work when enemy was in our trenches; for work in covering stretcher bearer parties searching No Mans Land, he volunteered for any arduous work that was required.

1798 Lance Corporal James Williams – Near Reoux on April 28th 1917 when under very heavy and accurate machine Gun fire which had previously put out of action three Lewis guns and several gunners, he brought his Lewis gun into action against an enemy counter attack and caused the enemy heavy casualties.

468 Private John Cyril Horace Crisp (Stretcher Bearer) Near Reoux on April 28th 1917, He followed his company into action carrying a bag of shell dressings to within 30 yards of the enemy’s trenches. He moved about under heavy machine gun fire and dressed about forty wounded. He remained until enemy showed signs of coming out when he returned using his last dressings on the way.

1340 private Eric Platt (stretcher bearer) Near Reoux on April 28th 1917 he went out in daylight in full view of the enemy to a badly wounded man and getting him on his back brought him safely to the trenches. He was out every night with parties searching for wounded in No Mans land.

The casualties as far as known at the time of writing were
D Company.
Lt H P Hendin – missing believed killed
2/LT T E Lavender – missing
2/LT W E Robinson – wounded
2/LT E de L Roebuck – Missing
B Company
Captain F Worthington – Killed
Lt W I Abbott – Wounded
C Company
2/LT V Irvine Taylor – Killed
2/LT D A Gough – Wounded
2/LT F H Lucking – Missing
A Company
2/LT J S Hill – Missing
2/LT H Elsom – Missing
2/LT H J Lodge – Missing
Battalion Headquarters
LT E D Dickson – Missing

Other ranks killed, wounded and missing estimated at 420 of that about 200 are known to have been evacuated wounded and 40 identified as killed.

The remainder of day passed quietly except for bursts of shelling on reserve line. Lincolns retained their position in Ceylon trench; a party of 16th Royal Scots garrisoning the South West end of the trench. 20th Northumberland Fusiliers in Care and Cap.

29th -30th April 1917
Passed quietly except for intermittent shelling
8.30pm Battalion relieved by the Household Battalion, 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Division – Battalion moved out via tow path along river Scarpe to bivouac near St Nicholas.
Each night serach parties were organised by the Medical Officer Captain D Harris Jones, RAMC, attached to 10th Lincolns to search for wounded. These explored No Mans Land up to 100 to 150 yards from our front line and all ground behind. They found a number of wounded including casualties belonging to 51st Division wounded on the 23rd who had been lying out 6 and 7 days and nights; they were doing well and likely to recover. Two enemy wounded were also brought in who had been out 36 hours.

The regiment making counter attack on the 28th appears to have been the 3rd Battalion of the I.R – this battalion had marched that morning from Biaches and was thrown straight into the attack, advancing from the village of Reoux. The enemy’s troops in this section were located as follows:-

185th I.R from Frampoux-Fresnes Road in I.2 southwards to Railway.
65th R.I.R from Railway to crossroads at cemetery
65th I.R thence to River Scarpe inclusive.

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Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
In memory of Private J W Brewin, 28410, 10th Bn, Lincolnshire Regiment who died on 28 April 1917.
Remembered with honour, Roeux British Cemetery.

We will remember them

Remembrance – Clarke Henry (Jack) Marvin

by James | Apr 28, 2018 | Uncategorised

Today we commemorated the 101st Anniversary of Clarke Henry (Jack) Marvin of Folkingham and the 10th Battalion Lincolnshire regiment,, one of two local men from the Battalion killed on this day.

Jack Marvin was born in Morton near Bourne in Lincolnshire early in 1895. He was the only son of Ann Elizabeth Marvin of Morton.

By 1901 jack was living on Hawthorpe Road, Keisby with Robert and Ann Marvin, who are listed as his parents. Further research as shown that Robert and Ann are actually the parents of Ann Elizabeth Marvin and are therefore Jack’s Grandparents. On all official documents apart from his birth, Robert and Ann are referring to Jack as their son.

In 1911 Jack is now working as a boy on a farm and living with his Parents (Grandparents) Robert and Ann in The Lodge, Folkingham.

Jack enlisted in Sleaford and later newspaper articles indicate that he had been with the regiment since May 1915.

Jack’s attestation and army record have not been found and are most likely part of the records destroyed in a warehouse fire during the WW2 blitz on London.

Remaining medal award records show that originally he was enlisted into the 4th Battalion Lincolnshire regiment (4046) then at some point posted to the 5th Lincolnshire Regiment (20070), possibly his first posting after enlistment and eventually was posted to the 10th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment (40662).

Jack’s medal card shows that he was first posted to France on the 10th December 1915 and later newspaper articles refer to him being invalided home with wounds at one point. This period of being invalided home is most likely the cause of him being posted to a new Battalion when he was fit to serve again.
One part of the newspaper article that does not make perfect sense is that he had seen service in Egypt. The 6th Battalion and the Yeomanry were the only Lincolnshire Battalions to see active service in Egypt during the period of WW1, although regular army battalions had been pulled back from Egypt during 1914 on the outbreak of war.

As we are not able to trace Jack’s exact movements during his army career, then we will have to concentrate on the final months of his service and take up the story of the 10th Battalion in 1917 from their official Battalion diary.

The 10th Battalion had been posted to France in January 1916, slightly late for this to be Jack’s first Battalion abroad, and had later seen service on the Somme. Famously the 10th Lincolnshire’s (Grimsby Chums) lead the attack on the Lochnagar Mine crater, 2 minutes after the mine explosion signalling the start of the battle of the Somme on the 1st July 1916 at La Boiselle. This action alone saw 15 of the 20 officers and 487 out of 822 other ranks become casualties.

The 10th Battalion took on reinforcements taken from many other battalions and many being third line territorial Battalions with only a few months training.
The Battalion stayed in the Somme area around Albert for the rest of the year seeing much action.

By April 1917 the Battalion and by now Jack Marvin, were posted to Arras as part of the 34th Division, 101st Brigade in readiness for the upcoming battle of Arras.

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The following transcription from the diaries includes a very detailed description of action on the 28th April, the day in which jack Marvin and other local men were killed in this action. More information regarding Jack follows after this transcription.

1st April 1917 – Arras
Relieved the 15th Royal Scots in right section – relief completed without incident.
draft of 50 other ranks joined.

2nd April 1917
A normal day except that our artillery was actively engaged cutting enemy wire and bombarding his rear positions. A small raid was carried out by the 11th Suffolks through our front but produced no result. a heavy fall of snow in the afternoon, trenches very muddy.

3rd April 1917 –
continual activity by our artillery – Enemy retaliation very moderate chiefly directed on C.T (Communication Trenches) which were blocked in several places. The battalion at this time was holding the line from St Pancras map reference G6.a.1/2.9 sheet 51B Trench maps 1/10000 or 1/20000 scale to New St G6a3.7

4th April 1017 – Right of K section, North of Arras / Bailleul Road
The bombardment of enemy’s trenches in connection with “Operations against Vimy ridge began at 6am this morning. Under the scheme this was to be V day, but the attack was postponed 24 hours and notification was received during the day that the 5th inst would be V day, the day of the attack to be Z day, 9th inst – Most of men that could be spared engaged in carrying trench ladders and trench bridges into position during the night.. Owing to the deep mud the work was most exhausting.

A discharge of gas shells was made from Livens gas projectors at the commencement of the bombardment. Enemy’s barrage was slow and not heavy, mostly directed against communication trenches on the high ground around Esquarissage and to North East during the afternoon. Part of the front was taken over by the 102nd Brigade, one Battalion of the 103rd Brigade coming and taking over a portion of the front line. The Divisional front was then held by three Battalions, one from each of 101st, 102nd and 103rd Brigades. The 10th Lincolns (101st Brigade) held from St Pancras, see above, to Grid line between G6a and G6c (see trench maps). This was the sector allotted to the 101st Brigade on the day of the attack.
Patrols were sent out at night under 2/LT H.P. Clewes and 2/LT Lodge and examined enemy’s wire, ascertained positions of sentry groups, the G.D.C 102nd Brigade then in command of the sector complimented the Battalion on the information brought in. at this time information about the enemy’s movements was required as it was thought that he might evacuate all of his front line without waiting for the assault. 2LT Clewes managed to crawl through the enemy’s wire and entered his front line trench at about G6.a.75.05, he found the trench to be very deep and well revelted, he saw the entrance to a dug out and a point where the trench was blown in with a track over debris showing that patrols passed at intervals. He saw a sentry on the right using his rifle and firing a very light. Both patrols found enemy wire much damaged and blown up on to his parapet in many places. The enemy had many sentries posted and they were alert.

5th April 1917 – In Trenches as above
W day of bombardment which continued. Enemy’s front lines and his wire could be seen to be badly damaged. Enemy’s retaliation was lighter than on previous day. The casualties during this tour would have been very light except for an unlucky shell which dropped into two parties of men which had met in a trench. This one shell put out of action 10 men of this Battalion and 12 of another. Otherwise the casualties would have only numbered 4 or 5. One company headquarters was blown in wounding a runner who afterwards dies. Captain Worthington and Lt Mattison who were in the dugout unhurt. 2/LT McArthur was burried by a shell and could not be found, when a second shell burst knocking over Captain Dent and 2nd LT Johnson and uncovering Lt McArthur’s helmet. He was dug out, he was shaken and unhurt as were the other officers.

6th April 1917 – Louez
The Battalion was relieved in the evening by the 16th Royal Scots. Relief commenced at 6 pm complete soon after midnight. Battalion moved to Louez into tents, headquarters and officers in a small chateau. Men were all in by 5am – the weather had been bad during the tour and the men were very dirty and weary, many had stood in water for days and there were many cases of sore feet.

7th April 1917 – Louez
Battalion cleaning and resting but a working party of 100 men had to be furnished the night of 6th/7th – 2/LT Roebuck E de L.W. joined.

8th April 1917 – Louez
The Battalion continued cleaning up , overhauling arms and equipment and preparing to move forward to take part with the 101st Brigade in operations. During the day stores, bombs, flares, wire-cutters, tools etc were distributed to the men and distinguishing marks issued in the form of a yellow triangle (12 inches) to be worm on the back , carried by the whole division, and small red and yellow flags on sticks issued two per section.

9th April 1917 – 14th April 1917 – Battle of Arras – Pont Du Jour
Battalion took part on the 9th in an attack against the “Pont du Jour” southern end of Vimy Ridge. A report on the operation was added to this diary but due to the length. This has been posted as a series of pictures attached to this post. As this report details jack’s movements but does not to his final action it has not been transcribed here for fear of boring the reader.

15th April 1917 – Maiziers
battalion Resting , cleaning up and refitting. Men quite exhausted and all equipment and clothing in a very bad state.
The casualties during the operation 8th to 14th amounted to 2 officers killed, 5 officers wounded, 150 other ranks killed wounded or missing and about 60 other ranks sent to hospital owing to exposure and exhaustion.

16th April 1917 –
Lt Abbott, 2/LT Cowen and a draft of 69 other ranks joined

19th April 1917
Inspection by G.O.C 34th Division.

20th April 1917
Lt Colonel G W B Clark, O.C. admitted to hospital sick, command assumed in his absence by Major W A Vignoles.
Draft arrived 1 officer and other ranks (2/LT F H Lucking)

21st April 1917
Battalion proceeded by route march to billets in Larassett.
Draft arrived 95 other ranks.

22nd April 1917
Battalion proceeded to Y Huts (Map ref L.1.b.9.1 sheet 51c N.E.)
Captain W E Knight and 2/LT H W Bannister joined Battalion.

23rd April 1917-
6am – Battalion proceeded to Arras with 20 officers, remainder of officers and 108 drtails proceeded to Chapelle Fermont, Captain Rennington in command.
On reaching Arras orders were received that the Battalion was to be ready to move at short notice to line.
5.45pm – Moved to a position in reserve on the Pont Du Jour occupying the Lusty-Lumpy-Locust trenches in H.9 (Sheet 51G)
All in by 9pm

24th April 1917 –
The enemy shelled the Pont du Jour Road and the trenches throughout the day with 150mm shells, causing casualties, 4 other ranks killed, 9 other ranks wounded. During the night 23rd/24th he shelled the area almost continuously with gas shells. 2/LT Cowen was admitted to hospital gassed and 2 other ranks gassed. Enemy made a counter attack during the day near Gavrelle and during this period shelled the Pont du Jour and forward slope very heavily.
8pm to 5am – Battalion moved to railway Cutting in square H23 sheet 51B, the brigade having relieved a brigade of the 51st division. Battalion in support to 16th Royal Scots and 11th Suffolks, who moved into front line facing Chemical Works-Cemetery-Roeux in squares I13 and 19south of the railway. In position by 5am 25th.

25th April 1917
Night of 25th/26th furnished a working party of 200 men under 4 officers, 2/LT Lavender found 1 officer and 1 private of 4th Seaforths wounded in a part of our line near MT Pleasant Wood. They had been lying out since attack of 23rd. Casualties nil.

26th April 1917
9.30pm – Relieved 11th Suffolks taking over part of the line from Railway 600 yards along Ceylon Trench. 15th Royal Scots taking over night. 103rd Brigade on North of the railway. Exact situation North of Railway obscure but 103rd believed to holding Calabar.

27th April 1917 –
2AM – 2/LT A B Crouch killed while in charge of working party digging CAP and Care trenches. Three prisoners taken by a sentry Group, they appeared to be deserters.

2.30am – Enemy fired about 20 light Trench Mortar bombs (Pineapple) from direction of Cemetery

4pm – Chemical works bombarded by our heavies

6pm – Disposition of the battle, 2 companies in Ceylon, two on Road through H2.4.6 with Battalion Headquarters.
Strength – 18 officers/ including M.O. Attached) and 626 other ranks.

Orders were issued during the day for the Battalion to take part on the morning of 28th in a general attack on the enemy’s lines. The 34th Division being outside the Arras – Biache St Vaast railway with 37t Division on the left and 12th Division on the right. The object of the 101st Brigade a line from the Scarpe river East of Roeux through I.20.a to track at I.14.C.5.0 thence along the track through I.14.c and I.14.A to railway. Order of Battle, 15th Royal Scotts on right, 10th Lincolns, – 11th Suffolks, left. 16th R.S. attached to other battalions as moppers up, 2 COs to 15th R.S. – 1 company to each of Lincoln’s and Suffolk, copy of 10th Lincolns operation order and a map are attached. Zero Modified to be 4.25am on 28th.

28th April 1917 –

1AM – 11th Suffolks commenced moving into front line and taking over Celyon from Corona (Exclusive) to Railway. Lincolns front two companies D and C moved into Care and Cap, B and A companies into Ceylon from Colne to Corona and trench from Cap to Corona North of Mount Pleasant Wood. All companies in position. 15th Royal Scots moved south and were not in touch with Lincolns. 20th Northumberland Fusiliers were in Brigade Reserve, and were formed up in “Funk” holes along the road through H24.d and H24b. Write orders to garrison front line after zero as soon as the barrage (Enemy’s) allowed. The headquarters of the four Battalions of the Brigade (Police cooks etc) were also along this road with the advanced Brigade Report Centre at H24.d.81/2.91/2 – Tea and rum was served to the men about 3am.

4.15am – As the assembly trenches didi not face the direction of advance the troops began to get out at 6.15 and form up in the open, the trenches were very congested and there was a certain amount of noise and probably the enemy heard it as about this time he commenced firing Trench Mortars, 77mm shells and bursts of machine gun fire. The morning was dark and it was very difficult for men to determine direction of advance.

Zero – The companies appeared to start well, but were very soon met by intense machine gun fire and casualties were very numerous, a large number of dead were seen on the ground later on . The machine gun fire came mainly from Chateau enfilading our front, also from a house along the road to Chemical Works, while Clip Trench was strongly manned and the houses around Cemetery full of enemy.

5.15am – The situation at this time, which was not known until later, appears to have been as shown on map, this being the furthest point reached in the attack. See letters and dotted line in ink on map
A – 20 yards from Clip, Captain Newton established himself with about a dozen men, the enemy had a block in Corona trench here and three men were killed trying to pass it. a machine gun was firing from house.
B – A number of men in shell holes
C – Other men in shell holes and a lewis gun in action under Lance Corporal Riggall
D – Further men in shell holes, but touch was not obtained with these
E – Captain Worthington and about 20 men in a half dug trench endeavouring to consolidate, a runner from him arrived about 7.30am

5.30am – The enemy came out of his trenches and from houses in strength and began to surround the men in the shell holes at B and some endeavoured to get back, but were mostly shot down, while about 30 nearly all wounded were seen to surrender.
Touch was established with Ceylon to Captain Newton by Lt Dickson whoo was in Corona with an abandoned signal station. The Officer Commanding came up and visited Corona
to ascertain situation.

5-30 to 6am – (Note times are all approximate as were not noted at the time) O.C. then collected all the men he could find and directed then to the junction of Corona and Ceylon to join 2/LT Dawson who had some men here. Lewis Guns were directed up the trench and sent forward to Captain Newton also a stokes gun which was eventually got into action near this junction. With the guns sent to him Captain Newton did considerable execution on the enemy holding the houses north of Cemetery. Several guns were put out of action and the gunners killed and as by this time he was unsupported on right on left, he withdrew his men to Ceylon and touch was established with Suffolks on left, who once more had some men in the front trench. The Lincolns manned Ceylon from Corona inclusive to the South West there were no other troops in Ceylon and touch had not been obtained with the 20th Northumberland Fusiliers who about this time were moving into Cusp, South of Mt Pleasant Wood.
A Report came in shortly afterwards that Captain Worthington had had to withdraw his small party now reduced to about 10 into Care.

8am (about) – Men were seen to be coming back from East of the Wood and soon afterwards the enemy’s infantry appeared from dead ground near Roeux to counter attack. A wounded officer who was lying out and who afterwards got in, said they came out of Roeux and covered by heavy machine gun fire from chateau and artillery on Mt Pleasant Wood which seems to have been the objective of the attack. Captain Worthington was killed by a shell in Care or Cap, and his men very few now left retired; the party in Ceylon showed signs of unsteadiness, but the officers and NCOs kept them in hand and they fought well holding their trench throughout.

Lance Corporal Riggall states that he kept his gun in action at the point C against the counter attack until the enemy were close to him and his gun out of action, when he managed to get back to our lines, though the two or three men with him all became casualties.

As the attack developed, it was met by lewis gun and rifle fire from the 20th Northumberland Fusiliers in cusp and Lincolns in Ceylon. This fire broke up each flank of the attack but 200 or more men reached our lines and entered Care, Mt Pleasant Wood, Colne (a partially dug trench not connected to Ceylon) and a number 30 or more, reached Ceylon near Colne, and fired on men moving behind.

The 20th Northumberland Fusiliers organised bombing parties up Ceylon and Cusp towards the Wood, and Lincolns down Ceylon to meet the Northumberlands. This party killed the NCO in charge of the enemy’s party and teh remainder ran back from Ceylon to Wood. As the bombing parties closed on the wood the enemy began to run back, and as they retired heavy fire from Lewis guns and rifles was brought to bear on them by the Lincolns and Northumberland Fusiliers in Cusp causing many casualties. A bombing post in charge of Sgt MacCrae, 16th Royal Scots attached to Lincolns held the trench to north of wood throughout the counter attack. About a dozen of the enemy in and around the wood eventually surrendered and the situation was cleared up by 12.30pm

12.30pm – Touch was established with reserve line and the Lincoln garrison in Ceylon strengthened by collecting and sending forward all Lincolns that could be found. In this way the number was increased to 70 and eventually after dark to 100.

In connection with the operations of April 28th 1917 the following recommendation for immediate reward were made :-

Captain David Harris Jones RAMC attached 10th Lincs – For – Near Reoux on April 28th 1917 and subsequent days this officer showed the greatest devotion to duty, taking out search parties each night which thoroughly examines No Mans Land for a distance of 100 to 150 yards from our line. His action caused a number of men to be rescued, some that had lain out for 4,6 and 7 days and nights being brought in, His hard work and devotion was the means of saving a number of lives

Captain Robert White Newton – Near Reoux on April 28th 1917, after the battalion had been held up by machine gun fire in which heavy casualties were sustained, this officer quickly reorganised small parties of men from various companies and met the enemy’s counter attack inflicting loss on him. By his courage and determination he kept his men together when the enemy had obtained a footing in our trenches and organised a bombing party which helped to clear the enemy out. He showed great coolness throughout at a critical time.

40938 Lance Corporal Michael Devaney Morrison – Near Reoux on April 28th for carrying out valuable patrol work when enemy was in our trenches; for work in covering stretcher bearer parties searching No Mans Land, he volunteered for any arduous work that was required.

1798 Lance Corporal James Williams – Near Reoux on April 28th 1917 when under very heavy and accurate machine Gun fire which had previously put out of action three Lewis guns and several gunners, he brought his Lewis gun into action against an enemy counter attack and caused the enemy heavy casualties.

468 Private John Cyril Horace Crisp (Stretcher Bearer) Near Reoux on April 28th 1917, He followed his company into action carrying a bag of shell dressings to within 30 yards of the enemy’s trenches. He moved about under heavy machine gun fire and dressed about forty wounded. He remained until enemy showed signs of coming out when he returned using his last dressings on the way.

1340 private Eric Platt (stretcher bearer) Near Reoux on April 28th 1917 he went out in daylight in full view of the enemy to a badly wounded man and getting him on his back brought him safely to the trenches. He was out every night with parties searching for wounded in No Mans land.

The casualties as far as known at the time of writing were
D Company.
Lt H P Hendin – missing believed killed
2/LT T E Lavender – missing
2/LT W E Robinson – wounded
2/LT E de L Roebuck – Missing
B Company
Captain F Worthington – Killed
Lt W I Abbott – Wounded
C Company
2/LT V Irvine Taylor – Killed
2/LT D A Gough – Wounded
2/LT F H Lucking – Missing
A Company
2/LT J S Hill – Missing
2/LT H Elsom – Missing
2/LT H J Lodge – Missing
Battalion Headquarters
LT E D Dickson – Missing

Other ranks killed, wounded and missing estimated at 420 of that about 200 are known to have been evacuated wounded and 40 identified as killed.

The remainder of day passed quietly except for bursts of shelling on reserve line. Lincolns retained their position in Ceylon trench; a party of 16th Royal Scots garrisoning the South West end of the trench. 20th Northumberland Fusiliers in Care and Cap.

29th -30th April 1917
Passed quietly except for intermittent shelling
8.30pm Battalion relieved by the Household Battalion, 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Division – Battalion moved out via tow path along river Scarpe to bivouac near St Nicholas.

Each night serach parties were organised by the Medical Officer Captain D Harris Jones, RAMC, attached to 10th Lincolns to search for wounded. These explored No Mans Land up to 100 to 150 yards from our front line and all ground behind. They found a number of wounded including casualties belonging to 51st Division wounded on the 23rd who had been lying out 6 and 7 days and nights; they were doing well and likely to recover. Two enemy wounded were also brought in who had been out 36 hours.

The regiment making counter attack on the 28th appears to have been the 3rd Battalion of the I.R – this battalion had marched that morning from Biaches and was thrown straight into the attack, advancing from the village of Reoux. The enemy’s troops in this section were located as follows:-
185th I.R from Frampoux-Fresnes Road in I.2 southwards to Railway.
65th R.I.R from Railway to crossroads at cemetery
65th I.R thence to River Scarpe inclusive.

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Jack Marvin was killed in the action described in the above extract from the Battalion diary. Not listed as a hero for recommendation, not listed as an officer but listed as one of the anonymous 420 casualties who each played an important part in maintaining our freedom, a freedom which has allowed us this week to visit Reoux,the River scarpe and other beautiful places that would be unrecognisable today to Jack.

Grantham Journal Saturday 16th June 1917
Pte CLARK HENRY (JACK) MARVIN,of Folkingham.
The sad news of the death of another gallant Folkingham hero has been received by his parents. The official communication briefly states that Pte Marvin was killed in action on the 20th April and that a photograph of his grave will be forwarded in due course. A message of sympathy from the Army Council is attached. Pte Jack Marvin joined the Lincolns in May 1915 and had seen much service both in Egypt and France. Once he was invalided home with wounds, etc. He was in his 22nd year and was highly respected by his comrades in the Regiment. Much sympathy is expressed by all friends for the bereaved parents, brothers and sisters in their sad loss.

Lincolnshire Echo Tuesday 19th June 1917
News has been received at Folkingham that Clark Henry (Jack) Marvin has been killed in action. He joined the Lincolns in May 1915 and had seen much service in Egypt and France. Once he was invalided home with wounds, etc. He was in his 22nd year and was much liked by his comrades in the Regiment.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
In memory of Private Clarke Henry Marvin, 40662, 10th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment who died on 28 April 1917
Remembered with honour, Arras Memorial.

Remembrance – Amos Fisher Hunt

by James | Apr 28, 2018 | Uncategorised

On 29th April we remember the 100th Anniversary of Dunsby man, Amos Fisher Hunt who was killed this day in 1918.

Amos Fisher Hunt was born in Dunsby, Lincolnshire in c 1898.
His birth was registered in Bourne in the June quarter of 1898 indicating a birth between April and June of that year.

Remembrance – John Edward Chapman

by James | Apr 27, 2018 | Uncategorised

Today we mark the 101st Anniversary of the death of Billingborough man John Edward Chapman, who died of wounds whilst serving with the 1st/4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment on 27th April 1917.

John was born in Bourne in 1890 to Joseph Chapman, an Innkeeper born in Lincoln and his wife Sarah Jane Clarke. They were married in 1889 in the Bourne district and went on to have 4 children:

John Edward Chapman, 1890, Bourne
Amy Ruth Chapman, 1892, Bourne
Bertha Chapman, 1897, Horbling
Herbert William Chapman, 1900, Billingborough

The young family lived at 21 Woodview Bourne but by 1901 they can be found living at the Crown Inn, Billingborough.
The 1911 census has them still living at the Crown Inn but by now John is working as a Drayman, Innkeeper.

John enlisted in the Territorial Force in Bourne and was posted to the 1st / 4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, although it is currently not certain when. John’s medal records do not show a 14/15 star and so we can assume that he didn’t see active service abroad until at least 1916.
John’s younger brother Herbert also enlisted and served in the 3rd Leicestershire Regiment although never saw active service abroad.

As it is uncertain when John joined we will only look at his movements through the Battalion Diary of the 4th Lincolns for his final month.

The 1/4th Lincolnshire Regiment fought in the 46th (North Midland) Division and within that the 138th Brigade which consisted of the 1/4th Lincolns, 1/5th Lincolns as well as the 4th and 5th Leicestershire Regiment. For many months at the beginning of 1917 the 4th Lincolns would relieve the 5th in the front line and vice versa and so the movements of the two Battalions were inextricably linked.

1st April 1917 – Estree Blanche

We hold church service in the Sucerie (Sugar House). The building makes a spacious improvised cathedral and there is plenty of room even when the 4th Lincs Regt, R.E’s, M.G’s and T.M.B’s have marched in.
We cease wearing the Bose Respirator and smoke helmet, which before, had always been carried on the person whilst on parade.

2nd April 1917
Platoon Training under platoon commanders

3rd April 1917
Platoon and Company drill.

4th April 1917
Reorganisation of sections. Parades are as strong as possible and at 11.15am the companies are ready for inspection by the C.O.
The second in command and one officer per company carry out tactical exercises under the brigadier.
The Brigadier has kindly offered to present a cup, to be called the Febvin Cup for an inter-company football cup-tie. Battalions will play inter-company matches to arrive at the best team.

5th April 1917 – Estree Blanche
We pass the starting point at 10am to take part in a Brigade Route March. We join beyond Cuhem and thence we pass through Laires, Boncourt, Flechin and return to Estree Blanche, having covered a distance of roughly eleven miles.

6th April 1917
The Battalion marches to the training area allotted to the 138th Brigade and carried out tactical exercises. The large wood proves too much for some platoon commanders and readjustment is needed before exit is made on the farther side.
D company prove the victor in a well contested match with A company and have to meet C company, who have already vanquished B Company.

7th April 1917
The Battalion practices the Trench Attack on B training area, men remaining in Estree Blanche march to the mine at Flechinelle where are excellent shower baths.

8th April 1917 – Estree Blanche
Church parade in the Sucerie. Easter Sunday is favoured with a warm bright sun. The first spring day of the year.

9th April 1917
A Divisional route march. The Battalionjoins the 138th Brigade at Flechin and the Division at the cross roads 1 mile South East of Febvin Palfart. They march us then by Westerhem, Auchy, Rely and Estree Blanche. At Rely the whole Division marches past the corps commander, who expresses his pleasure at the marching and general appearance of the men.

10th April 1917
The Battalion spends the day on the training ground. Open warfare, under rules laid down in S.S 144 is practiced.

11th April 1917
The 4th Lincolns take part in a Brigade attack across open country the breaking up into artillery formation by platoons and diamond formation by sections is very successful as is also the extension formation of waves. In the later stages of the attack however, the leadership by platoon section commanders is severely ostracised.
The G.O.C attends and addresses the officers after the practice.
12th April 1917 – Estree Blanche
Companies under company commanders. Specialists at their subjects. 2/LT H.R.Greenwood arrives from the base and is posted to A company.

13th April 1917
The Battalion marches to Le Cornet Bourdois, 2 miles North of Lillers.
Estree Blanche is left at 8am and we arrive at our new billets at 12.30pm. Le Cornet Bourdois is remarkable for the quantity and quality of its waters. There are springs at every house and the doctor is enthusiastic in its praise.

14th April 1917
Parade under company commanders: companies will be ready to move at short notice.

15th April 1917
Church parade is ordered but owing to the wretched weather the parade is cancelled. Very little rain is needed to convert the fields into marshes. The Battalion has the Thresh Disinfector for 2 days and makes full use of it.

16th April 1917 – Vendin Lez Bethune
The Battalion marches to Vendin Lez Bethune a distance of less than 9 miles. The route is by Lillers and Chocques. We leave Le Cornet Bourdois at 9am and arrive at Vendin shortly after midday.

17th April 1917 – Vendin Lez Bethune
Platoons under Platoon Commanders. Special attention paid to small tactical exercises and solutions as laid down in S.S. 143

18th April 1917
Companies under Company Commanders. Bad weather prevents carrying out of tactical schemes on training ground South West of Chocques.

19th April 1917
Starting at 1pm the Battalion marched from Vendin Lez Bethune to Cite St Pierre. The Iron Gates, Maroc, were passed at 7.30pm and the Battalion reached its destination soon after 8pm. The total distance was about 14 miles.

20th April 1917 – Cite St Pierre
A fairly quiet day. Ignorant of the country and of the exact enemy positions we exposed ourselves needlessly.

21st April 1917
The enemy bombarded the place intensely from 2pm until 8pm. Over 200 8” and 5.9” shells fell on the railway just south of buillets. It was evident that the enemy were searching for 4.5 inch battery immediately West of our billeting area. He had no success.

22nd April 1917 – Cite St Pierre
On the 22nd, we supply carrying parties to the 4th Leicesters who are the left Battalion on the Brigade front. They are successful in capturing Copper Trench with 10 Prisoners.

23rd April 1917
We relieve the 5th Lincs Regiment in the right battalion sector. The method of holding the line is entirely new to us and most interesting. Trenches serve only as a means of approach and advanced posts are concealed in houses which occupy commanding positions. There is little protection in the way of wire and obstacles, this necessitates a super alertness. The men are helped much by knowing that they are top dog and are ready to seek encounters.

24th April 1917
It is evident that the enemy is very nervous. We are the witness on this night of a magnificent display of red, green and white enemy lights followed by and intense defensive barrage which must have stretched two or three miles to the south.
On this night also NCOs patrol of A company attacked enemy sentries in a strong post and were successful in killing one man.

25th April 1917 – Cite St Pierre
The enemy continues his plan of intermittent shelling with some success. A carrying party under 2/LT Baker, in Corkscrew trench were unlucky with a shell, one wounded and 2/LT Baker half buried.

26th April 1917
We side step to the right and take over the front hitherto held by one battalion of the Staffords and for the last two days by the 5th Lincs Regiment. C and D companies take their place in the line, A and B companies are in support.
A telegram of support from the G.O.C on the good work of A company’s patrol of the night of 24th/25th.

27th April 1917
We do not have our advanced posts in any definite system of trenches and too many visitors during the daytime only invite disaster. We see hardly and movement in the enemy line and it is our intension that he shall see little of us.
With a view to farther operations four battalion scouts rcoonnoitre by night a number of houses beyond our advanced posts.
They return with information that 3 or 4 of the enemy are patrolling these houses. This confirms information already gained by 2/LT B.S.Halliday.

It is on this day the 27th April that a telegram arrives at the crown Inn stating that John is dangerously ill with a gun hot wound to his right thigh.
We estimate that this gun-shot wound would have been received around the 23rd or 24th of April. John Chapman was moved to a hospital in Boulogne following this wound and later succumbed to his injury on the 27th April, the day that his father received the first telegram. A second telegram arrived at the Crown in on the 30th April notifying Mr Chapman of his sons death.

Grantham Journal Saturday 5th May 1917
BILLINGBOROUGH
KILLED, WOUNDED AND MISSING:- Another of our brave boys has made the great sacrifice. We refer to Pte Ed. Chapman (Lincolnshire Regiment, T.F.) aged 27, whose father Mr J E Chapman, Crown Hotel, on Saturday received an official telegram stating that his son was dangerously ill aboard suffering from severe gunshot wound in the right thigh. This was followed on Monday by another wire stating that he had succumbed. Pte Chapman was well known and much liked. He assisted his father, the local agent for Messrs Warwicks and Richardsons Ltd., and was at one time secretary of the Town F. C.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
In memory of Private J E Chapman, 202117, 1st/4th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment who died on 27 April 1917 Age 27
Son of Joseph E and Sarah J Chapman, of Crown Hotel, Billingborough, Lincs
Remembered with honour, Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.

We will remember them.