Remembrance | South Lincolnshire War Memorials

Remembrance – George Ernest Nicholson

by James | May 3, 2020 | Remembrance

Today we remember Billingborough Lincolnshire man, George Ernest Nicholson, on the anniversary of his death on this day, 3rd May 1917, serving with the 13th Battalion King’s (Liverpool) Regiment.

George was born in Billingborough in the summer of 1882 to William Nicholson, a farm labourer born in Billingborough in 1857 and his wife Adah Lyne born in Horbling in 1859

They were married 0n 13 June 1882 Billingborough and continued to live in Billingborough having nine children by 1911 although four had died in childhood:-
George Ernest Nicholson, 1882, Billingborough
Albert Edward Nicholson, 1884, Billingborough
Edith Emily Nicholson, 1886, Billingborough (Died)
Minnie Nicholson, 1887, Billingborough
Walter Nicholson, 1892, Billingborough
Herbert Nicholson, 1895, Stow
Maud Nicholson, 1897, (Died)
Alice Grace Nicholson, 1898, (Died)

The family lived at Blackmiles, No 7 vine Street, Billingborough in 1891, possibly moved to Stow in the 1890s. By 1901 George is an 18 year old Yardman agricultural cattle labourer in Dowsby lodging with the Sutton family. He eventually moved back to Billingborough to live with his Aunt and Uncle in Cowgate and is now a 28 year old labourer on the 1911 Census.

George enlisted into the Army at Lincoln, although the exact date is unknown. No known attestation papers survive for George and so his exact enlistment date or dates he moved battalions etc., are currently unknown.

The medals rolls shows that George 48751 of the Kings Liverpool Regiment was not entitled to the 15 star and so know that he did not serve abroad before the end of 1915. The Kings Liverpool rolls show that he was only in that Battalion but the soldier’s Died in the Great war suggests that he was formerly in the Royal Lancaster Regiment 25517, this is at conflict with a newspaper article that suggests that he transferred into the King’s Liverpool from the Notts and Derby Regiment. More research is needed here.

All we do know is that at the time of death he was with the King’s Liverpool Regiment and so to look at his military life we have transcribed the following excerpt from their Battalion Diary. This gives the Battalion movements for the last month of George’s life.

Battalion Diary – 13th (Scottish) Battalion The King’s (Liverpool) Regiment

9th Brigade – 3rd Division

1st April 1917 – Arras
Remained in billets in Arras

2nd April 1917 – Arras
Remained in Billets in Arras

3rd April 1917
Remained in billets in Arras. 2 Officers and about 35 other ranks who were not to go into the attack left Arras for Wanquetin at 9.30pm. This party afterwards moved to St Vaast where they were attached to the 256th G.A. as ammunition carrying party. Orders received for the dumping of stores at Wanquentin to be completed by night of 5th / 6th April.

4th April 1917 – Arras
The battalion moved from its present billets in Arras and were billeted in cellars in town.

5th April 1917 – Arras
Remained in billets up to the 5th.

6th April 1917 – Arras
Remained in same billets

7th April 1917 – Arras
Remained in the same billets. Orders received to move up to the assembly Trenches about 10pm on the 8th.

8th April 1917 – Arras
Battalion commenced to move up to the assembly trenches, by companies at intervals, first company left at 9.10pm and the others at 10 minute interval; Battalion Headquarters established in Iceland Trench. 2/Lieut A Wynne was killed in assembly trenches by a shell.

9th April 1917 – (First day of the Battle of Arras)
At 7am the battalion attacked. The right assaulting company took Harfleur Trench without difficulty, but the left company owing to heavy fire were first unable to enter the trench. The fact that they did so eventually is due to the sound leadership of the officers and the undeniable spirit of the men. Difficulty was experienced in advancing through Tilloy Wood owing to the fact that it was strongly wired, and little of the wire had been cut. Hostile snipers caused a number of casualties owing to their good shooting and good positions, which could not be readily discovered. The barrage put up by our artillery was very effective and greatly assisted men to gain their final objective, i.e. the village of Tilloy by 8.30am.
19 officers and 449 men of the enemy were taken prisoners by this battalion; also 7 machine guns, 2 trench mortars, 1 bomb thrower, and vast quantities of machine gun ammunition in belts, S.A.A bombs and trench mortar ammunition.
The following officers were killed 2/Lieut E G Racine, 2/Lieut E B Flenley and the following were wounded 2/Lieut G K Price, 2/Lieut G Carson, 2/Lieut A E Littler, 2/Lieut L A Bane, 2/Lieut H O Foot, 2/Lieut H G Faragher; casualties in other ranks 170.
Battalion Headquarters moved up to the third German line at 9am.

10th April 1917
At 8.30 am Battalion Headquarters were moved up to the village of Tilloy. About 10pm orders were received to be ready to move up at 15 minutes notice.

11th April 1917
At 2.30am orders received to move up to occupy reserve trenches in from Bois de Boeufs. Battalion Headquarters established in disused German gun-pits.

12th April 1917
Remained in this position as Divisional reserve. Captain H V Briscoe wounded.

13th April 1917
Orders received to move forward to support attack on village of Guemappe; advanced from present position at 2.30pm in artillery formation; order cancelled and battalion returned to original position. At 6pm Battalion moved forward in support to 1st Northumberland Fusiliers in an attack on Guemappe. An intense artillery barrage was put up by the enemy and the Brigade retired a little way and commenced to dig in in a position due south of Wancourt. Lieut A F Robertson and 2/Lieut E M Gardiner wounded; other ranks casualties 40.

14th April 1917
Work ceased about 3am when the battalion was relieved by the KOSB of the 87th Brigade, and marched back to their old position East of Bois de Boefs, arriving at 5am. At 11am companies commenced to march to billets in Arras. Commanding officer commended Battalion on the excellent work done during the attacks.

15th April 1917 – Arras
Billets in Arras. The Battalion was complimented by the Brigadier and also by the Divisional General who thanked them for the exceptionally good work performed by them.

16th April 1917 – Arras
Billets in Arras

17th April 1917 – Arras
Billets in Arras

18th April 1917 – Arras
Billets in Arras. Commanding Officer inspected all companies separately.

19th April 1917 – Arras
Billets in Arras. 3rd Division Gas Corporal inspected the Box Respirators of all ranks.

20th April 1917 – Arras
Billets in Arras. Orders received that Brigade would move to Duisans in the afternoon, but this was cancelled until the 21st.

21st April in 1917 – Arras
Battalion moved to Dusians; first company moving of at 10.30am remainder at 200 yards interval; took over huts from H.L.I. 46th Infantry Brigade; relief completed 1.15pm

22nd April 1917 – Duisans
Battalion remained in Duisans.

23rd April 1917
At 12.30pm orders were received to move about 2pm. Headquarters and first company moved at 2.30pm and remaining companies at intervals of 200yds; took up billets vacated by 7th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry 8th Brigade who had proceeded to the trenches.

24th April 1917
Billets in Arras

25th April 1917
Billets in Arras. Parades under company arrangements.

26th April 1917
Billets in Arras. Parades under company arrangements.

27th April 1917
As on 26th

28th April 1917
Remained in billets in Arras. Baths allotted to Battalion from 7am to 10.30am.

29th April 1917 – Arras
Remained in billets in Arras. Various Church Services held. The attack practiced by the battalion in the afternoon.

30th April 1917
Billets in Arras. Baths allocated to the Battalion from 10am to 1pm. The attack again practiced by the Battalion.

The undermentioned have been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry and good work during the operations from the 9th to 14th April:-
19092 Sergt. Edmondson. C
22132 LCpl Jones J
52330 LCpl Oakes R
51862 LCpl Robinson W
42963 Pte Hunter T
48770 Pte Simms C

1st May 1917 – Arras
The Battalion moved from billets in Arras by companies at intervals of 15 minutes, Headquarters and the first company moving off at 8.15pm to take up positions in the front line trenches.

2nd May 1917
Remained in front line trenches

3rd May 1917
About 1am the Battalion moved to their assembly positions and at 3.45am the two leading companies moved out of the front line trench.
Strong Lewis gun fire was maintained on the enemy’s front line to prevent his escaping the barrage by leaving the trenches.
Notwithstanding the difficulty presented by the darkness which had not lifted, the leading companies hugged the barrage, although assailed by heavy machine gun fire, the attack progressed to a line running North South about 100 yards East of Bois Des Aubepines.
A hostile counter attack was launched at the leading companies from the North and North East. It was completely beaten back, but the line was greatly depleated by machine gun fire and rifle fire from the northern flank and also from a North Westerly direction, which took it in the rear.
A second and strong hostile counter attack which was delivered from the North Flank was met very gallantly, but the line was by this time so thin, no supports having come up that a withdrawl was necessary to prevent the troops being cut off. The withdrawl was carried out in good order in conjunction with the 4th Royal Fusiliers, back to the original front line trench.
The following officers were killed, Captain H E Coates, 2/Lieut H B Williams, the following officers were wounded, Captain J Hunter, Captain G W Byng, 2/Lieut W M Lee, 2nd Lieut H Harris and the following officers were reported missing. Lieut J A Phillips, 2/Lieut A J Innes, 2/Lieut Mc C Daly. 2/Lieut D F Wilkinson was wounded but remained at duty.

4th May 1917
The Battalion continued to consolidate the position held and in spite of heavy hostile fire, made good progress.

This consolidation and holding the line continued until the night of the 11th / 12th of May when the Battalion was relieved by the 10th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers and proceeded to Trenches North of the Cambrai Road. Here they remained in trenches and provided working parties for the line until the 15th when they proceeded to billets for rest and refitting.

George was originally reported as missing although the official records show that he died on the 3rd May 1917.

Grantham Journal Saturday 16th June 1917
BILLINGBOROUGH
MORE SAD NEWS has reached here. Mr Tom Stennett of the Square has been officially notified that his son, Pte A Stennet (Sherwood Foresters) has died of wounds received on April 12th. Nothing has been heard of him since that date, and the parents experienced many weeks of suspense and anxiety. Another son is with the forces in Egypt.
Pte Geo Nicholson (Notts and Derby’s transferred from the K.L.R) has also been reported as missing. Another son, Walter is with the Lincolns. The friends of those heroes have every sympathy.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
In memory of Private George E Nicholson, 48751, 13th Battalion, The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) who died on 3 May 1917 Age 36. Son of William and Ada Nicholson, of Burton Lane, Billingborough, Lincs. Remembered with honour, Arras Memorial.

Also remembered on the Billingborough Roll of Honour in St Andrew’s Church.

https://www.southlincolnshirewarmemorials.org.uk/…/george-…/

We will remember them.

Remembrance – Charles Richard Creek

by James | May 2, 2020 | Remembrance

Today we remember Bourne man Harold Leonard Joyce who was killed on this day (17th April) 1918, whilst serving as a Private with the 2/5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment.

Harold was born in the autumn of 1896 in the Bourne district and was the son of Frederick George Joyce, born in Boston in 1855 and his wife Selina Bemrose, born in Sloothby (near Alford) in 1879.

The couple were married on the 3rd July 1879 in Willoughby, near Alford, Lincolnshire, where they lived for a further year and where their first child was born.

Following this they moved to Boston, living there for about 7 years before moving to Bourne.

* Annie May Joyce, 1880, Alford
* William Henry Joyce, 1881, Boston
* Louisa Emily Joyce, 1884, Boston
* Frederick Arthur Joyce, 1887, Boston (Died 1887)
* Alfred George Joyce, 1888, Bourne
* John Bertie Joyce, 1889, Bourne
* Flora Belle Joyce
* Harold Leonard Joyce, 1896, Bourne
* Arthur Charles Storey Joyce, 1898, Bourne
* Selina Florence (Lilly Joyce) 1901, Bourne
* The 1911 census gives 10 children, 1 having died. A search through birth registers of Bourne does not give any clues.

A five year old Harold can be found living with his parents in Bedehouse Bank in Bourne on the 1901 census, but ten years later at the age of 15 he is living with the Myers family in Tongue End and working as a labourer.

As with 60% of the official military records from the war it os most likely that Harold’s records were destroyed in a warehouse fire in the blitz. We can piece together some of his movements from other official documents such as pension records and medial rolls but these do not give exact dates.

Harold enlisted in Bourne and possibly after basic training was originally posted to the 2/4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment.
He ended up serving with the 2/5th battalion although it is not known if hew was transferred immediately when laded in France as in some cases or as is sometimes that case this can be because he was wounded and after convalescence was then posted to a Battalion that was more in need of replacements.

The only thing we do know for certain is that Harold was with the 2/5th Battalion for his final days. We can take up the story from the Battalion Diary of the battle they were involved in to stem the flow of the enemy spring offensive during April 1918.

The 2/5th Battalion had spent March in the area south east of Arras, at Bullecourt, before being moved to Watou west of Poperinge, Belgium, an area used for Battalions moving up to the Ypres salient.
After 4 day of refit the Battalion preceded on the 4th April into the line on the Zonnebeke sector of the salient.
After 5 days in the line near Zonnebeke the Battalion was moved into reserve at St Jean for 2 further days before being entrained for Mont des Cats and then Marched to Locre on the 14th April.

14th April 1918 – Mont des Cats
2am -Mont Des Cats
Battalion marched to Locre (M.23C sheet 28) where it was temporarily accommodated in huts at 4:50 am.
11am – Locre
Battalion moved out along the Locre – Dranoutre road to about M.29 see where it cleared the road and awaited orders. The CEO and company commanders went forward to reconnoitre the reserve line south of Dranoutre.
Orders were received to relieve the 88th infantry Brigade in the line on Ravelsburg Ridge in S.16 and 17, 22 and 23 Company commanders went off at once to recognise the line and battalion moved off about 10:30 pm. The 88th infantry Brigade had only occupied their positions for 14 hours and as this Battalion was relieving three regiments relief was not completed until 5:30 am.

15th April 1918 – Bailleul
5.30am – Bailleul
Battalion took over as follows having all their companies holding line, 4 advance posts – 1 from each company. These posts were dug in on the forward slopes along the line S.2 1D.I want to S.23B.0.0 distributed at intervals of about 400 feet. They were age garrisoned by one platoon.
Each company held a part of the support line with three platoons this line was dug on the reverse flow of the Ravelsburg ridge along the line S.21.D.0.5 to S.23.A.7.5.
Battalion HQ in a trench at S.16.C.0.7
6.0 am – Bailleul
To hostile patrols about 20 strong advanced against our posts in S.22.D they were driven off leaving three prisoners in our hands and 17 dead and wounded in front of our post.
7.0 am
A hostile patrol advanced against the machine-gun post in S.20 to say they were counter-attacked and driven off leaving 12 prisoners in our hands. During the morning I deserters came over to our lines.
12.0 noon
For an account of the operation during the remainder of the day see special appendix attached.
Appendix – An account of the part taken by the 2/5th Bn Lincolnshire Rgt in operations East of Bailleul on 15th April 1918.

15th April 1918
12.0 Noon
At this hour the battalion was disposed as previously described in the war diary to which this account form is in appendix. This position has been taken up during the night 14th and 15th of April 1918.
A heavy bombardment of our position commenced at 12 noon and continued until 2:30 pm when it changed to a barrage falling along the line of that of the units on our right and left.
2.45pm
The enemy delivered an attack against the fourth Lincoln regiment on our left but their line remained remained intact.
3.40pm
Enemy attack developed against our right company in S.21.D this attack was repulsed by our lewis gun and rifle fire.
4.30pm
Left the company commander reported the enemy on the ridge on his immediate left and that the forthcoming concert fallen back from the ridge. They formed a defences flank facing east still keeping in touch with our left company (D company).
5.25pm
At 5:25 pm the line of the 4th Lincoln Regiment in S.16.B and 17.A withdrew to the railway cutting in S.17.A, 11c, 16b and 16a.
5.45pm
The enemy forced his way over the back of the hill at S.16 D breaking the line of the 4th Lincoln and getting behind the left flank of our Battalion including one for platoon of the 4th Lincolns which had continuously maintained touch with our left.
At the same time a frontal attack developed along our front. The left company was last seen in its original position fighting at very close quarters with the enemy. The Lewis gun of this company fired to the last, the enemy advancing in close formations at very short range the remaining three companies on the ridge came under very heavy machine gun fire from the left where the enemy had gained a footing on the ridge.
These companies have heavy casualties and swung round to form a flank facing east. They were gradually driven back on to a line taken up by the 176 infantry Brigade north-east of Bailleul.
6.15pm
Patrols were sent out from Battalion HQ to get in touch with the companies in Front but found only the enemy. To conform with the movements of the 4th Lincoln Regiment battalion headquarters withdrew to S.10.C.7.2 where two companies of the 9th Northumberland Fusiliers were found to be holding a line.
The Battalion HQ personnel were organised into five units and extended the line of the Fusiliers to the right from S.10.C.3.2 to S.10.C.7.2. The enemy attack was checked here.
7pm
During the night the enemy by means of patrols push forward on finding that out right flank was open. Several patrols were sent out to try and establish touch with our troops on the right but without success. In order to prevent the enemy penetrating this gap to platoons of the ninth Northumberland Fusiliers were brought up and the line extended some 500 feet to the north-west to S.9.D.90.75.
11pm
This was the position when orders were received from Brigade to withdraw to Locre.
The following casualties were sustained:
Officers –
Killed. Lieut Colnel H B Roffey D.S.O
Wounded, 2/Lieut Dickinson
Missing, 2/Lieut W G Fenton, 2/Lieut J C Myers.
Other ranks –
Killed, Wounded and Missing, 352
Report signed by Major Commanding 2/5 Lincoln Rgt.

16th April 1918 – Bailleul
2.0 am
Battalion HQ withdrew from positions at S.10.C and D and moved to Locre where they were joined by details from companies who withdrew to Bailleul. Battalion was accommodated in huts at M.17.C.2.2and rested all day.

17th April 1918 – Locre
Italian was amalgamated with fourth Lincoln regiment and the composite battalion then formed was known as major homes as battalion after commander of fourth Lincolns. The 77th Brigade with details attached was known as General Jameses force.
8.30am
Battalion moved up to position of readiness for counter-attack or support to front line in area M.29.a and c. According to orders companies were dug in, in and about the wood in M.29.c but heavy enemy shelling forced the evacuation of the wood. Companies then dug in in narrow slots in M.29.a. 2/Lieut J. Fisher was killed and 2/Lieut V du Plergny seriously wounded subsequently dying at the casualty clearing station. 15 other ranks were killed and wounded Battalion remained in position all day.

Harold was wounded with a gun shot wound in the left thigh, in part of the actions some time over the report in the diary, most likely on the 15th April. He then would have been moved via a casualty clearing station to hospitals away from the front. It is in an hospital close to Calais where unfortunately he died of wounds on the 17th April 1918.

* Grantham Journal Staurday 27th April 1918
* NEWS OF BOURNE BOYS – Mr and Mrs Joyce of Bedehouse Bank, have received information that their son, Pte. H. L Joyce, Lincoln Regt., died in hospital in France, from gunshot wounds in the left thigh. Mr and Mrs J. Copper of Manning road, have had all the letters of thieir son Leslie, returned marked “no address known.” They have not yet had official notice that he is missing, although one of the letters was marked to that effect. Private Martin E. Barnes, a native of Bourne, attached to the Notts. and Derby Regiment, has been missing since March 21st. The notification came to Pte Barnes’ sister, Mrs F Hinson of Willoughby Road. Pte Wm Jackson son of Mr and Mrs Wm Jackson of Eastgate, has been taken prisoner. He is unwounded. This is the second son of Mr and Mrs Jackson who is now a prisoner of war, whilst a third and younger son was killed in action some months ago. Mrs Smallman of Elm-terrace has received official notification that her husband, Pte. E. Smallson is missing. Prior to his joining the Forces, Pte. Smallson was in the employ of Messrs. W.H. Smith and Son at their Bourne bookstall.

A field account of June 1918 tells us that Harold died of wounds on the 17th April 1918 in France whilst serving with the 2/5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. His effects being left to his father who received an authorised amount of £10/17/5 owed to his son.

The grave report from. August 1918 lists Harold’s grave as Plot 11, Row A Grave 5, buried with Pte Woodward of the King’s Liverpool Regiment who died on the 18th April. The family had an extra inscription added to the standard grave marker “Gone from us but not forgotten. Never shall your memory fade”. This was requested by Mrs Selina Joyce, Bede House Bank, Bourne.

Wimereaux cemetery is near the coast outside of calais and is in light soil hence the grave are set laid down, two per plot.

Wimereaux is quite a well visited cemetery as it also contains the Grave of Lieut-Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian Physcian and the author of the poem, In Flanders Fields.

CWGC – In memory of Private Harold Leonard Joyce, 203706, 2nd/5th Bn., Lincolnshire Regiment who died on 17 April 1918 Age 21. Son of Fred and Selina Joyce, of Bourne, Lincolnshire. Remembered with honour, Wimereux Communal Cemetery

Remembrance – Ernest Robinson

by James | Apr 19, 2020 | Remembrance

Today we remember local Bourne man, Ernest Robinson who died this day (19th April) 1917 serving with the 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment.

Ernest was born in the summer of 1889 in Bourne to John Robinson born in 1853 in Bourne, a bricklayer, and his wife Susannah Barnes, born in 1850 inBillingborough.

The couple were married in 1877 in the Sleaford district.

Ernest was one of four children;
-Sarah Elizabeth Barnes, 1876, Sleaford (Half sister)
-Charles William Robinson, 1879, Bourne
-Herbert Robinson, 1885, Bourne
-Ernest Robinson, 1889, Bourne

The family lived at 31 Woodview Bourne and in 1911 Ernest is listed at home on census night and working as a Coal Porter at the gas works.

Ernest along with both his brothers joined the army during WW1 although Charles and Herbert both survived the war.
On Monday 31st August 1914, less that 4 weeks after war was declared, Ernest along with 14 other local men left Bourne station to join the Lincolnshire Regiment.

* Grantham Journal Saturday 5 September 1914

HEARTY SEND-OFF FOR RECRUITS:- On Monday morning, a company of fifteen left Bourne Station to join the Lincoln Regiment of Lord Kitchener’s Army. The company met at the recruiting station in West Street and were escorted to the station by the Bourne Brass Band and a large number of the residents of the town. The names were:- Arthur Mason, Fred W Savage, John Thos Baldock, Geo Sherwin, George Carver, Frank Baldock (married), H Cleary, W Herbert Bloodworth (married), Percy J Vickers, Walter Parker (married), Ernest Robinson, Harry Darnes (Bourne), Joe Smith, Walter Archer and Percy Cave (Witham-on-the-Hill, the latter three being the result of a meeting at Witham-on-the-Hill on Sunday evening, addressed by Lord Kesteven and Lieut K. R. G. Fenwick and presided over by Col C. Birch-Reynardson.

Ernest joined the 6th battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, although his records are not available and it is assumed were destroyed in the warehouse fire in the Blitz during World War Two.

Ernest was awarded the 1915 star meaning that he saw action abroad in 1915. Other than this and the fact that he was listed in the 2nd Battalion on his effects register, not much is known about his exact movements from the official records.

The 6th Lincolnshire was formed in the first week of the war and stationed themselves at Belton Park near Grantham, ready to receive recruits. By the end of the month they had formed 4 companies of new recruits from the men that answered Kitchener’s call. It was noted that the physical standard of troops for the 6th Battalion was high due to the high numbers go agricultural workers that joined the Battalion.

The 11th Northern Division including the 6th battalion and Ernest, stated to to move from their training camps to Salisbury Plain, the 6th battalion being sent into camp at Frensham in March 1915, where final training was carried out. On the 31st of May the division was inspected by king George V on Hankey Common before entraining to Liverpool and then embarking on the Empress of Britain for the Dardanelles.

They arrived in Alexandria on July 12th and once age embarked on the 16th eventually dropping anchor in Mudros Harbour on the 18th. After another 2 days at anchor the Battalion was transhipped by small river steamers to Cape Hellas and then by trawlers onto the River Clyde which was now stranded on the beach near Sedd el Bahr.

It was only after 6 weeks of heavy fighting, including Sulva Bay, Scimitar Hill and Chocolate Hill, that we find Ernest on the wounded list of the 3rd September. It was reported that, whilst serving with C company of the 6th Battalion, Ernest took a shrapnel wound to his right buttock and foot.
He was transferred by a sick convoy to the 19th General Hospital in Alexandria arriving on the 115th August and spent the next 20 days receiving treatment on Ward A.
On the 3rd September he was returned to England arriving from the convoy ship on the 13th September 1915 and being admitted to Queen Alexandra’s Hospital in Millbank London. He was discharged from hospital on the 18th February 1916, although another note says 10 days S.F(Bn). In other wounded cases we have seen soldiers receiving furlough immediately after leaving hospital. The only other piece of information is that in the observation column it notes Westminster.

– In a letter home published in the Grantham Journal 23rd October 1915;
Private F Hinson No2 B company, six platoon, 6th Lincolns is writing from the Dardanelles to his parents. Mr and Mrs Jabez Henson, Woodview, Bourne says:-

“We have been here a fortnight, I have just been talking to young Bloodworth from Bourne Gas House. We are in the same company. Of those who came from Bourne in this company only Bloodworth and Rooksby are left. The rest are killed or wounded. Among the wounded were Vickers, Ernest Robinson, Savage and Baldock (whose brother is missing). Young Wray (who was my pal in France) and I are together again.”

It is likely that by the time Ernest had convalesced he would have joined another Battalion or Regiment where he is most needed. We do know from his medal roll that he also served with the 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, although no dates are given. We can only assume that at this point he embarks for France, possibly around the 28th February if he received 10 days furlough. On arriving in the camp in France it is likely he was reassigned to the 2nd Battalion rather than being shipped back to the 6th.

At some point Ernest was promoted to acting corporal and this shows in the medal roll. The note appears between the 6th Battalion. and the 2nd Battalion notes.

Whilst Ernest was away from his Battalion, The 6th Lincs were evacuated from Sulva Bay, Gallipoli, on the night of the 20th and 21st December. They then fought in Egypt before moving to France on the 1st July 1916. The battalion entered the Battle of the Somme on the 15th July near Fleurs.

As we do not know exactly when Ernest was posted to the 2nd Battalion we will jump forward to April 1917 when we know that Ernest was killed. Of the two battalions the 2nd were certainly in the Arras area.

The 2nd Battalion started April 1917 at Fins on the Dessart Wood outpost line. The Battalion was then relieved and went into divisional support in Equancourt Wood and then at Fins ready for an attack on Gouzencourt Wood on the 4th April. Once the objectives were met the Battalion moved back to Fins, to be relieved on the 6th April and moving to Lieramont in divisional reserve.

From the 8th April the 2nd Battalion were in training, before moving to Nurlu on the 11th to provide working parties for road mending.

On the 16th April the Battalion moved into divisional support in trenches north east of Heudecourt. On the 17th they were in support trenches and working on them to create a defensive line.

The battalion relieved the Berkshire Regiment in the outpost line in front of Gonnelieu on the 18th. At 12 midnight 6 patrols attempted to enter Gonnelieu but were held up in the wire in front of the village and constantly fired upon by rifles & machine guns and were unable to press forward. This was carried out by A & C Companies. 1 officer killed, 2 officers wounded, 11 other ranks killed, 26 wounded, 7 missing.

The next day, 19th April, the battalion were in the outpost line, artillery and patrols were active on both sides.

Acting Corporal Ernest Robinson was killed in action on the 19th April 1917.

Grantham Journal Saturday 19 May 1917

LOCAL CASUALTIES. Corpl Jos Brown son of Mr and Mrs Brown of Eastgate, Bourne is in hospital at Hampton Court suffering from wounds in his back and right hand. He is one of six sons, five of whom are in the army. Pte G Sherwin, son of Mr and Mrs Luke Sherwin, Bourne who some months ago was officially notified as wounded and missing, is now reported dead. The official notification of Pte Sherwin’s death was received by his parents last week. A memorial service for Pte Sherwin and Pte W Needham was held on Sunday at the Abbey Church. Official notification has this week been received that Corpl E Robinson, son of Mr and Mrs John Robinson, Woodview, Bourne has been Killed in action. Corpl Robinson was attached to the Lincolns.

CWGC – In memory of Acting Corporal Ernest Robinson, 8570, 6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment who died on 19 April 1917. Remembered with honour, Arras Memorial and on the Bourne war memorial.

We will remember them

Remembrance – Captain Allison Gould Smith

by James | Apr 18, 2020 | Remembrance

Yesterday we remembered Horbling man, Allison Gould Smith, who died on the 18th April 1918 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire regiment.

Allison was born in the winter of 1890, on December 3rd, in Horbling to George Smith, a solicitor born in Horbling in 1859 and his wife Helen Phyllis Allison, born in Louth in 1861.

The couple were married in Louth in 1888 making their home in Horbling. Between 1889 and 1900 the couple had 4 children :-

* George Henry Gould Smith, 1889, Horbling
* Allison Gould Smith, 1890, Horbling
* Helen Phyllis Gould Smith, 1892, Horbling
* Francis Gould Smith, 1900, Horbling

On the night of the 1891 census we find a four month old Allison living with his parents in Horbling and his older brother George. His father is a solicitor and is listed as an employer.

Ten years later in 1901 we again find them in Horbling, this time the house is now identified as being 2 houses away from Sunnyside. George and Helen now have 2 sons and a daughter and also in the household we have a cook, parlour maid and a nurse. George is a solicitor and still an employer.

If we jump on another 10 years to 1911, living at 28 Dorset Road in Bexhill we can see that a retired school master by the name of John Neve Allison aged 34 a single man that has two nephew’s with him. George and Allison are in his household along with a housekeeper, Emma Lidgand from Binbrook Lincolnshire. The two Smith brothers are now 22 and 20 and have both given their occupation as students. Looking once again at the surname of Allison, we now confirm that this is the reason for Allison’s unusual christian name.

On later CWGC paperwork we find that Allison Smith was educated at both Winchester College and also Magdalene College, Cambridge.

We do not have access to the official military records for Allison but, as with 60% of all WW1 records, it is most likely that they were destroyed in a warehouse fire in he blitz. Therefore the only way to piece together his military history is from single entries in other related military documents.

Allison’s Medal card shows that Pte Smith attended Officer Training Corps. Possibly starting or ending on the 11th September 1914 and then upon passing out as 2/Lieut, Smith is listed as serving with the 7th Battalion Loyal North Lancs, eventually disembarking in France on the 17th July 1915.

It is most likely that he trained and then was posted immediately to the 7th Battalion.

On the 23rd June 1915 the 7th Battalion, as part of the 19th (Western) Division, was inspected by King George V at Tidworth. Advance parties then left for France on the 11th July.

The 7th Battalion were placed on trains to Folkestone on the 17th July at 3.55pm and after arriving embarked at 8.55pm. They arrived in Boulogne at 11pm and were marched 2 miles into the rest camp.

For the next week they spent most of their time training and daily route marching from the Calais area, spending time at Watten, Moulle, Walton Chapel on their way.
In Patit Courdois on the 26th, after a route march of 6 miles. General Sir Douglas Haig visited the Bn HQ at 3.15pm.
By the end of the month, as well as the daily route marches, they had also received instructions in the use of entrenching tools and the fitting of smoke hoods.
By the night of the 30th they were in Paradis and were due to be inspected by the Corps Commander on the 1st August. The final note in the Battalion Diary for July notes “Promotions for Officers”

We are lucky that Allison is an officer and therefore his name appears in the list of officers in the Appendix of the July diary while at Tidworth, he is listed as a 2/Lieut.

The whole of August was spent in trying camps at Paradis, Vielle Chapelle and Le Sart. During this time the officers attended lectures and the men were trained in all kinds of equipment, trench and hand motors, machine guns, bombing, trench warfare etc. At the end of August the Battalion became part of the army reserves.

September 1915 saw the battalion art in Les Lobes, behind the lines providing working parties for filing sandbags, laying telephone wires and digging communications trenches. The Battalion reported their first casualties on the 8th September when 4 men from D company, who had been part of the working parties attached to the Royal Engineers were report injured when returning from their work.
The first time the battalion had been called upon to provide troops for a defensive line was on the 13th September when 4 officers and 138 other ranks were sent forward.
The 22nd September saw the battalion in their first action when they were in support for a planned attack and our artillery had started a continual bombardment, ti lasted until the 24th the the Battalion marched back into reserve positions. By the 28th the Battalion saw their first time in the front line.

From the 25th September the Battalion were now firmly involved in the Battle for Loos, positioned between Bethune and Loos, at Les Lobes in the Orchard salient and had witnessed their first fighting and gas attacks.

In the fighting strength appendices to the diaries in September, Allison Smith is now listed as a Lieutenant.

During October we find that Lieut Allison Smith appears on the sick list on the second week and is sent to hospital at St Venant, he rejoins the Battalion around the 19th November. The Battalion at this point are still in a similar positions.

The Battalion saw the year out in and out of the same positions. The war was was now one of holding ground, defending positions and patrolling as no major offensives would be planned during the winters.

By March the Battalion had moved along he sector a little and were now around Neuve-Chapelle.

Eventually the Battalion was moved out of the sector and down to Amiens and started training for probably the next big push.
The only thing to note during all the training in May 1916 was that Captain Cammack, 2/Lieut Ford + 4 NCOs were wounded as a result of a bomb accident during training.

The training went on all through June and on the 1st July the battalion went into intermediate line waiting to be given orders to attack Ovillers fro the N.W. by 4.45pm this attack was called off and the Battalion went into Brigade reserve trenches until dawn on the 2nd. There were about 25 casualties on the day, but considering this was the first day of the Battle of the somme, the Battalion suffered less than most.

The Battalion then saw action between Albert and Poziers o the next day and on to La Boiselle for their first day of heaving fighting during the Somme offensive. By the 5th July the Battalion were in the thick of the fighting an on this day Lieutenant Wilkinson held up an enemy advance with a single machine gun in a trench and was recommended for a V.C. Unfortunately he was killed in action the 10th and the request went in posthumously from the GOC 19th Division.

For the first 12 days of the Somme offensive the Battalion had lost 7 officers and 164 other ranks.
Next the Battalion diary sees them in some infamous places on the Somme including Bazentin Le petit, Contalmaison, Martinpuch and Memetz Wood. To tell the full story would need a very long book and suffice to say that the Battalion Diary was full of heroic actions performed.

At the end of July the Battalion were withdrawn from the line and after 3 day regrouping, refitting etc, they eventually were moved and arrived in Bailleul and into shelters at Kemmel on the 7th August. The entrainment orders show he Battalion to only have 15 officers and 629 men at this point.
They spent the rest of the month providing working parties in the support trenches and reserve lines and when not active, retraining around the camps of Kemmel and then on to Ploegsteert for early September.

By the 6th October they were back in the sector of the Somme where they remained until being pulled out for retraining near St Omer in March 1917.

In April they moved into the sector S.W. of Ypres near Sent-Elooi, once again being trained, no doubt for another major offensive, whilst still providing working parties and then starting to take over the line again from the 18th April. This kept up through May and the Battalion were heading into the next major offensive which was the Battle of Messines Ridge that started on the 7th June.
The 19th Division and the 7th Battalion played their part and all objectives were met by 9.30am, the initial mines along the ridge blown at 3.10am.
By mid June the Battalion were back at the camps near Kemmel, once again providing working parties and training.

July was similar with the Battalion around Locre at first practicing for the next big push, but them moving back into line near Zillebeke, ready for what was going to be on the 31st July, the first day of 3rd Ypres, known as the Battle of Passchendaele.
During the Battle of Ypres, the Battalion fought at Menin Road Ridge, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, where they were in the line at Hill 60, following this it was back into the Kemmel sector before on the 11th November being taken back from the front to La Belle Hotesse Camp between St Omer and Hazebrouck.

The Battalion were there for almost one month before on the 6th December entraining for Bailleul and marching to Etricourt. Here they went back into the front line against the Hindenburg support line.
Christmas Day was spent in support in Ribecourt before once again going into the trenches on Boxing Day.

The London gazette on the 28th December 1917 reported. The King has been graciously pleased to approve the reward of the military cross for distimguised service in the field to Temporary Captain Allison Gould Smith of the Lloyal North Lancashire Regiment.

And on the 1st January the London gazette reported that, Temporary Captain Allison Gould Smith listed in the New Years honours list. Normally if the award comes as part of he New Years honours lists then no separate citation for the medal award is listed in the London gazette.

At the end of January the Battalion Diary ends. It is known that Captain Smith’s medal card also mentions the 1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, although it does not give a date.

Between the 10th and the 18th of February the Battalion received a draft of 160 other Ranks from the 7th loyal North Lancashire Regiment and at this time were just to the south of Poelcappelle.

They remained in the sector until the 7th April when they were pulled back out of the line and ack to Elverdinge between Ypres and Poperinge and then marched to Lapugnoy.
By the 15th April they had arrived by buses into Houchin, Marched to Beuvry and ended up billeted in cellars there for three days of occupation. 10 casualties were sustained – chiefly of a light nature.

On the 15th April, the Battalion relieved the 1st Glosters in the defences of Le Preol, the relief completed by 10:30pm.
The Battalion Diary for the 16th+17th says; The next day the Battalion moved forward into the sector La Bassee Canal northwards to A.14.a.95.75. Taking over from the 2/5 Lancashire Fusiliers – Disposition of Companies from right to left. C-B-A – D Company in support – Bn HQ at A.14.a.90.80. The day was dull and relief was carried out in daylight – Only on e casualty being sustained. Relief Completed at 3.55pm. Day generally quiet.

18th April – In the Line
At 4.15am the enemy commenced to bombard the whole of the Divisional front. The garage became intense and at 8.10 the enemy attacked from the North. Filtering into our trenches under causes of the high ground at Givenchy. He succeeded in reaching and occupying the main line of resistance before counter measures could be taken. Vigerous counter attacks by C&D Companies Eventually succeeded in ejecting the enemy from the main line and by 11am he was only holding a few isolated parts of our out post line.

19th April – Beyond a certain amount of sniping the day was fairly quiet.

21st April – 23rd April 1918
Remainder of the period was fairly quiet and work was concentrated on improving the defensive system. The Battalion relieved on the night of the 23/24th by the 1/4 King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment and moved back by bus from. Annequin to Houchin. Relief completed without incident at 1.30am,

Casualties during the period were 2/Lieut King and Petit killed, Captain Base MC, Captain Jefferys, 2/Lieut Bell 2/Lieut Mallett Lieut Allen wounded, Captain Smith MC Lt Gladding 2/Lieuts Smith, Claridge and Whitehead missing. 46 other ranks killed, 105 other ranks wounded and 189 other ranks missing.

As we can see from the diary captain Allison Smith went missing during this period in the front line. A later report of the 29th January 1919 has the daily casualty lists as the following – Reported Missing, since ascertained mortally wounded after being taken prisoner, died on the same day. Report date 18th April 1918.

Reported in the Lincolnshire Echo Wednesday 1st May 1918
* LOCAL OFFICER MISSING – We regret to learn that Captain A. G. Smith (Lancashire Fusiliers), second son of Mr. George Smith, solicitor, Horbling is reported “missing.” It is known that he was engaged in recent severe fighting and that he and a small detachment of men were cut off from the main body, two only remaining. Further news of this valiant young officer is anxiously awaited.

The next official document we can find is on the 7th July 1919, The Soldier’s effects register reports that Lt A G Smith had effects totalling £201 3/-

Two months later Probate records report – Smith, Allison Gould of Horbling, Folkingham, Lincolnshire died 18th April 1918 at or near Givenchy France. The administration of the estate was carried out in London on 6th September 1919 to George Smith, Solicitor. Effects £1120 14/-

CWGC – In memory of Captain Allison Gould Smith, MC, 7th Bn., The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment who died on 18 April 1918 Age 27. Son of George and Helen Phyllis Smith, of Horbling, Billingborough, Lincs. Educated at Winchester College and Magdalene College, Cambridge. Remembered with honour, Loos Memorial

Remembrance – Harold Leonard Joyce

by James | Apr 17, 2020 | Remembrance