by James | Apr 20, 2018 | Uncategorised
Today sees us commemorate the 101st anniversary of another of our local soldiers. William James Barron of Morton and of the Royal Horse Artillery who died 101 years ago on this day, 20th April 1917.
William was born early in 1894 to Edward Barron Landlord of the Lord Nelson, Morton, and his second wife Eliza Wadsley of Morton.
His father Edward Barron was born in Barnack c1846 and worked as a Gamekeeper. Following the death of his first wife Elizabeth, Edward married his second wife Eliza Wadsley in 1889. Eliza was born c1867 in Morton and died in 1895. Edward was married in 1896 to his third wife Jane Alford.
In 1900 Edward and Jane had a son Edward John Barron who was born in Morton.
In 1911 Jane and her son Edward are still living in Morton, following the death of her husband in 1908.
William by now was working as a garden boy in Tadmor, Sunbury on Thames and living in the household of Annie Horatia Jones. Also in the household was the Gardener John Halford and his wife, who were originally also from Morton.
William attested in Hounslow Middlesex and was listed as a resident of Houndslow at the same time. Although It is not known exactly when William joined the Army he was eligible for the 1915 star and clasp showing that he must have been posted abroad before the end of 1915 and possibly in 1914, a newspaper article also suggests he had been in France since 1914.
William James Barron married Helen Mulley of Ipswich in 1915 and the marriage was registered at Bourne.
An article from the 1st January 1916 in the Grantham Journal described the wedding.
Military Wedding – a very pretty wedding was solemnised At the parish church of St John the Baptist, The contracting parties being Gunner William J Barron, Son of Mrs Jane Barron The genial proprietress of the Nelson Hotel Morton, and Miss Helen Mulley of Ipswich. The bride who was given away by Mr John Halford, Uncle of the bridegroom, looked charming in a neat cream costume. The bridesmaids were missed Ruthie Clark (niece of the bride) and Miss Tompkins (friend of the bride), Who will wore pretty dresses and black velvet picture hats to match, and gold brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr Edward J Barron, brother, The best man.
The ceremony was performed by the vicar the Rev J H Boldero and the reception was held at the Nelson hotel which is to be the brides future home for the time, and where the wedding breakfast took place. Going W Baron after leaving school took up gardening for an occupation at first under Major Pearson Hanthorpe House, afterwards under his uncle Mr John Halford in Middlesex. Soon afterwards gardening was exchanged for a career of a soldier and the Royal Horse Artillery was his choice. Gunnar W Barron has been 13 months in France and his visit to Morton has long been expected. However on Tuesday week he suddenly arrived with a week’s leave and last Tuesday he rejoined the regiment. The newly married couple have been the recipients of many useful presents.
William and Helen had a son born in early 1917, William F Barron who was registered in Suffolk.
William Barron died of wounds on 20 April 1917. Due to the date and location of his memorial, it would be most likely that he died in one of the early phases in the Battle of Arras. It is possible that it may have been part of the Battle of the Scarpe where the 32nd Brigade fought as part of the 4th Division.
The 32nd Brigade Diary has the following to offer:
1-3/4/17
Normal trench warfare
4/4/17
V day preliminary bombardment started
9/4/17
Z day 9th division attacked on the front from St Laurent Blangy-Giza at 5:30 AM in conjunction with III corps, remainder of 17th corps and Canadian corps. By 1:30 PM Brown line (pont du jour t- Athies) I’ve been captured and that 2 PM p.m. 32nd second Brigade commenced to move forward by batteries two positions about age 13 meanwhile fourth division had passed through the 9th division by 5 PM had captured a line from Fampoux- Hyderabad worx. at 3:45 PM orders are received to 32nd Brigade to move further forward.
10/4/17
Consolidated Positions
11/4/17
4th Division endeavoured to advance at 12 noon but were unsuccessful, cavalry could not get through.
12/4/17
9th Division endeavoured to advance at 5pm but were unsuccessful owing to hostile macjine guns
13/4/17
Quiet day, enemy bombarded H15 and H16 from 11:30pm until 3am 14th/9/17 with Gas shells
1 officer killed, 2 suffering from gas poisoning and evacuated, 3 other ranks wounded.
14/4/17 – 21/4/17
Normal holding the line. Enemy kept up an intermittent bombardment of H15 during the night and day.
Grantham Journal 5th May 1917 – Morton
Bad News – On Monday morning Mrs Baron of the Nelson in had a letter from the Colonel’s wife whose husband has sent word that Gunner William Barron had been seriously wounded in both legs and chest by the bursting of a shell while packing sandbags in front of gun-pit. On the same morning Mrs James Handford learned that her eldest son Lance Corporal J F Handford had been wounded in action. On Wednesday Mrs Baron was the recipient of the sad news that William Barron had died his legs having been blown off. Mrs Handford heard that Fisher had arrived in England and was now in hospital the deepest sympathy on all sides is felt for Mrs Barron and family in their sudden terrible bereavement Gunner Barron had been in France since 1914.
Grantham Journal, 12th May 1917;
Gunnar Wm J Barron of Morton – Gunnar William J Barron stepson of Mrs Jane Barron of the Lord Nelson Hotel, Morton, Bourne, who received mortal wounds in action on April 20th, was the elder son of the late Mr Edward Barron of Morton (Formerly “Whitewater” Stamford), and grandson of the late Mr and Mrs James Barron, quarry owners, Barnack.
A native of Morton, after leaving school, he took up gardening for an occupation, under Major Pearson, Hanthorpe House, afterwards under his uncle, Mr John Halford, in Middlesex. Soon , However, gardening was exchanged for the career of a soldier, and the royal Horse Artillery was his choice. Tall and of robust physique, he was a fine type of the British soldier, and he has served abroad with the R.H.A. He married, immediately before Christmas, 1915, Miss Helen Mulley, of Ipswich, who is left with an infant son, four months old. Deceased was much respected, and deep sympathy is felt with all members of the bereaved family.
Grantham Journal, 19th May 1917
Gunner William James Barron Of Morton. On Sunday evening last a service was held in the Morton parish church in memory of gun that William James BarronWho was killed in action on April 20th. The Rev JH Boldero (Vicar) conducted the service making reference to the dead soldier during his address. Suitable hymns were sung and a portion of the burial service was read. Connor Barron was one of the first choirboys in Morton church When the surpliced choir was introduced by the late vicar the Rev N C Marris. A muffled Peel was wrong on the bells during the week.
Other comments on the CWGC records show that William was the husband of Helen Dibbin (Formerly Barron) of The Police Station, Mistley, Essex. This shows that the widowed Helen remarried before the Commonwealth War Grave Commission records were compiled.
Gunner William James Barron 68821, Royal Horse Artillery attached to 32nd Brigade HQ Royal Field Artillery, was eligible for the following medals:-
Victory Medal
The British Medal
The 1915 Star with clasp.
Gunner William James Barron 68821, Royal Horse Artillery attached to 32nd Brigade HQ Royal Field Artillery, is remembered with honour at the Haute-Avesnes British Cemetery. Grave Ref: C. 22.
by James | Apr 20, 2018 | Uncategorised
On this day we remember Pte John Thomas Ashton of the 8th Battalion Lincolnshire regiment.
Commemorated on the Morton war memorial and also the Arras Memorial, France.
Died 20th April 1917.
by James | Apr 20, 2018 | Uncategorised
Today we are also paying our respects to Walter Needham of Bourne who was killed this very day 101 years ago and buried in Ervillers Military Cemetery. We are honoured to be able to pay our respects to this local family man in person last year at Ervillers on the 100th Anniversary of his death.
Walter was born in 1889 in Thurlby to John William Needham a timber feller of Thurlby and his wife Eliza (Eva) kemp from Luxfield, Suffolk. They had 6 children in total before Eliza passed away in 1904.
John William remarried to Florence Mary Brown in 1906 and they had a further two children.
I’m 1911 Walter was living with the Reeve family in Moulton Marsh and working as a Waggoner on a farm.
Walter married Elizabeth Ellen Rowlett in 1913 in Bourne. They had two children, Ernest 1914 and Ethel in 1916.
Walter enlisted in Bourne and was posted to the 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment.
The Battalion started April in Courcelles-Le-Compte undertaking preparations for a 2nd attack on Groisilles. Moved up at 8.20pm
2nd April- attack on enemy lines 5-15am. Attack a complete success. Casualties 1 officer and 26 other ranks wounded. 22 prisoners taken by Battalion. Relieved by 2nd Royal Warwicks at 11pm. Returned to former Billets at Courcelles.
3rd April – cleaning up. Moved to Puisieux at 2pm
4th April – Resting and cleaning up generally
5th 6th 7th April – whole Battalion employed on Railway construction.
8th April – Sunday, Devine services held
9th April – Battalion employed in repairing roads
10th April – General training. Weather very bad, falls of snow
11th April – training during forenoon, moved to Logeast Wood in afternoon. Heavy falls of rain and snow.
12th April – Battalion returned to former Billets at Puisieux.
13th April – Weather improved, General Training.
14th April – Half Battalion employed on working parties, remainder training
15th April – Enemy attacked and temporarily occupied Lagnicourt. Battalion stood to to assist in retaking it if necessary but retaken by Anzacs. Stood down at 10:30am and 380 men on fatigue duties.
16th April – portion of Battalion working parties, remainder training.
17th April- heavy fall of snow. Battalion moved to Gomiecourt coming under orders of 187th infantry brigade.
18th April – Battalion relieved 21st Manchesters in trenches south east of Croiselles. Relief complete at 12:40am 19th
19th April – trench duty, A company heavily shelled at railway embankment (Sheet 51B.U.25)
Casualties 1 officer wounded, 2 other ranks killed, 8 other ranks wounded.
20th April – as above casualties 1 officer wounded, 3 other ranks killed and 20 other ranks wounded. Heavy shelling.
21st April – as above casualties 5 other ranks wounded. Relieved by 2nd Gordons at 11:50pm to camp at A.30.c.7.7 near Gomiecourt.
Walter died of wounds on 20th April 1917 likely from the shelling of the 19th or 20th April in the trenches at the railway embankment.
The Grantham Journal, Saturday 19th May in an article headlined Local Casualties. The following is part of the article:
“A memorial service for Private Sherwin and Private W Needham was held on Sunday at the Abbey Church”.
In the same paper under the Headline. Thurlby Roll of Honour
“Another well known village lad has made the great sacrifice in the person of Private Walter Needham whose father has recently heard the sad news. The second son of Mr William Needham of Northorpe, Private Needham had been in the army for two years. He was a quite industrious lad and much respected in the village”
After the war, in 1922, Walter’s widow Elizabeth remarried to Walter’s brother Joseph.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
In memory of Private Walter Needham 24852, 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, who died on 20th April 1917, aged 28. Son of John William and Eliza Needham, Husband of Elizabeth Ellen Needham of 8 Waterside, Willoughby Road, Bourne, Lincs.
Remembered with honour, Ervillers Military Cemetery.
We Will Remember Them.
by James | Apr 19, 2018 | Uncategorised
Today we commemorate the 101st anniversary of the death of local Bourne man, Ernest Robinson of the 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment.
Ernest was born in the summer of 1889 in Bourne to John Robinson of Bourne, a bricklayer, and his wife Susannah Barnes, born in Billingborough.
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. The men were escorted to the station by the Bourne Brass band as well as lots of local residents.
Ernest joined the 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, we are not sure if he served with the 6th Lincolnshire regiment for his entire service life.
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.
The 6th Battalion had been sent straight from training in 1915 to Galipoli and then to Egypt before moving to France on the 1st July 1916. The battalion entered the Battle of the Somme on the 15th July near Fleurs.
The rest of 1916 and the early part of 1917 saw the 6th Battalion in the somme area. Early 1917 and the 6th battalion was first providing working parties in the St-Leger-Authie valley railway and then went into specialised training.
At some point whilst in France, Ernest was promoted to acting corporal and was posted to the 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire regiment.
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.
On Saturday 19th May 1917, the Grantham Journal reported that Corporal Ernest Robinson, attached to the Lincolns had been killed in action.
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.
Rest in Peace
by James | Apr 12, 2018 | Uncategorised
Today we commemorate the 101st anniversary of the death of another local man.
Private Arthur Stennett (51964), 1st Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) who was killed on 12th April 1917.
Arthur was born in Billingborough in 1897, the 4th of 7 children born to Thomas Stennett, a farm labourer from Billingborough and his wife Alice Taylor.
in 1911, Arthur is living with his parents in Whiteleather Square, Billingborough, Lincolnshire. The census gives him an age of 14 and he is listed as a farm labourer.
Arthur joined the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) unfortunately due to the loss of records in a fire in WW2, it is knot known exactly when he enlisted in Sleaford.
Arthur’s brother Thomas fought in WW1 and was serving in Egypt with the Machine Gun Corps, formerly the Lincs Yeomanry. Another Brother Walter was serving with the Lincolnshire Regiment.
We can only really look at Arthur’s military movements in the last month before his death, which saw his battalion in France, on the Somme to the North East of Peronne at the start of April.
1st April
The Battalion moved into brigade reserve at Nurlu, Company officers reconnoitred the main line of resistance.
2nd April
The Battalion improving the billets at Nurlu. The commanding officer reconnoitred the main divisional defensive line, accompanied by the company commanders.
3rd April
Conference of commanding officers with the Brigadier at Guyencourt on the general outpost scheme. Company commanders reconnoitring the outpost line held by the second Northamptonshire Regiment, the battalion relieved second Northamptonshire Regiment in the outpost line at 6 PM. Battalion headquarters at W .26.a.1.6 “C” company relieved “C” company of the second Northamptonshire Regiment in the outpost line.
The battle patrol platoon was ordered to advance at 10 PM to drive back any enemy patrols met with, and to occupy a line of Observation running from Chapel Crossing (X.7.C.3 ½) to W.5.D.20.95. The right patrol advanced on Chapel Crossing, which is captured after some opposition during these operations one German was killed and one of our men wounded slightly. This patrol pursued a party of 4 or 5 of the enemy who ran away from Chapel Crossing for some 500 yards in the direction of Villers-Guislain, and eventually losing them in the snow and sleet which is falling at the time, returned to Chapel Crossing and dug in. Various newly dug trenches and snipers holes were encountered and in one of them fire was burning. These trenches average about 6 ft deep and to 2ft wide and have a rough overhead cover. The entire patrol advanced to two points about W.12.a.1.7 and W.12.a.9.2. Little opposition was encountered the enemy usually in pairs, clearing out in every case after a few shots were fired. The left patrol worked in two groups; one about 100 yards south of the Revelon-Gouzeaucourt Road advancing through W.5.d central and the other about 500 yards north of the road. This patrol encountered considerable opposition from enemy riflemen and one of our men was wounded, but by assisting each other with flanking movements they were eventually able to reach their objectives near W.5.d.2.9, w.6.c.1.7 and w.5.d.5.4. The C company Battle Patrol Platoon (Lt A.C. Wilson) reports that he personally saw from 10 to 12 of the enemy during his advance and that Very lights were fired from Vaucellette Farm. (X.13.c.8.4 ½.) At frequent intervals during the day the enemy shelled the neighbourhood of Revlon and Copse No 1 (W.17.a.)
4th April
“C” company holding the outpost line and Chapel Crossing at 2.0 pm the 25th Brigade on our left attacked Gouzeaucourt and advanced their line to meet our line. At 2.30pm “D” and “B” companies were employed filling up craters under the supervision of the 15th Field Company Royal Engineers. About 2.50 pm a party of the enemy crept up under cover of the road to within 15 to 20 yards of the left Lewis gun post in the main resistance line and a hand to hand melee ensued but the enemy were repulsed after a sharp encounter. Some on the enemy was severely wounded and one of our men slightly in the hand.
At 3.0 pm the infantry on our left entered Metz, enemy shelled the cross-roads at D.5.c.8.6 during the afternoon. “C” company actively engaged with the enemy who were driven off, but we lost a few men reported “missing”. Enemy again occupied Chapel Crossing. At 8.0pm “A” company relieved “C” company in the outpost line. “B” and “D” companies digging the main line of resistance from 8.30pm on the 4th to 4.0am on the 5th.
5th April
“A” company holding the outpost line. Enemy artillery active on the trenches dug for the main line of resistance and in the valley between copses 1 and 2 from 11am to 2.30 pm. Black smoke wqas observed issuing from direction of Gonnelieu from 11am to 11.25am. Good observation can be obtained from new trenches of the Revelon-Gouzeaucourt Road and south end of Gouzenaucourt. Small parties of the enemy seen on Gouzeaucourt Road. About 10pm “C” Company sent out patrols and regained Chapel Crossing without serious opposition from the enemy and “A” company advanced on hill 135 in conjunction with the Rifle Brigade meeting with little opposition. The battalion was relieved by the 2nd Northamptonshire regiment at 9.30pm.
6th April
The Battalion rest at Heudincourt. Battalion headquarters at W.20.d.9.8. All companies spent the day imposing billets and digging shelter trenches.
7th April
Company commanders reconnoitred the outpost line for taking over from the 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment on the evening of the 8th. Enemy artillery active on the night of the 6th / 7th on the quarries at W.16.c.0.7 and during the day enemy artillery shelled all cross-roads and entrances to Heudicourt, Nurlu and Sorel-Le-Grand. Enemy aeroplanes patrolled over Heudicourt at 9.0 pm.
8th April
The commanding officer reconnoitered the line during the morning. Enemy aeroplanes patrolled over Heudicourt about 1.0pm but were driven off by the fire of our Lewis guns. The battalion relieved the 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment at 9.30pm. Battalion headquarters at W.3.d.8.2 “B company holding the outpost line on the left and “D” company on the right. The Battle Patrol Platoon sent out 4 patrols in front of the outpost line from the left to W.12.a.central. The patrol on the left met a party of the enemy at W.6.a.2.3 behind Hill 135, who ran away on being fired at. The patrol in the centre under the command of Lt A G Wilson, were held up by barbed wire about W.5.b.5.5. and in attempting to negotiate the obstacle met with a fusillade of fire and a machine gun opened on them and continued firing after they has passed our outpost lines. Many deserted emeny trenches were discovered.
No 50602 Lt A Jarratt and No 10345, Sgt G Ferguson awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in action.
9th April
Situation normal our Artillery demonstrated from 1:30 PM to to 3 PM and three patrols of the battle patrol platoon were pushed out in the direction of Gouzeaucourt during this demonstration and engage various parties of the enemy. They quickly reach their objectives killing one German and return safely to our lines. In the neighbourhood of Arras the offensive commenced and all objectives will gay and about 10,000 prisoners captured. During the evening our artillery shelled several points and at 8:30 PM two patrols from “B” company were sent out to reconnoitre the neighbourhood around goes a court to ascertain if the enemy at gone back, but returned having observed one-party of three of the enemy only, walking in the direction of Gonlieu about 10 PM.
10th April
B and D company occupied in the outpost line. The commanding officer visited the outpost line, accompanied by the adjutant. Weather very changeable and slow falling at frequent intervals. Patrols were sent out from B company about 8:30 PM to ascertain the strength of the enemy around Gouzeaucourt and to return if fired on. They discovered a strong host of the enemy on a ridge beyond hill 135 and were fired at. Numerous red white and blue very lights were sent up by the enemy was these patrols were out but they regained our lines without any casualties. The battalion was relieved by the second Northamptonshire Regiment at 10 PM and talk over billets at Heudicourt W.15.d.1.9. Captain T H Watson (1st Worcs Rgt) attached to the battalion and appointed second in command.
11th April
The battalion spent the day improving billets during the morning and filling up craters and repairing the Sorel-Houdicourt Road. During the afternoon the commanding officer attended the Brigade conference at Sorrel to discuss the plan of attack against Gouzeaucourt and on his return how the conference of all officers giving minute instructions as to the operations for the night of the 12th.
12th April
During the day the battalion made all preparations for the attack. The commanding officer and all company officers reconnoitred the line. At 6:30 Battalion headquarters move to Queens Crossing (Q.34.b.3.9.) and the companies lined up behind the line of resistance held by the second Northamptonshire Regiment. “B” company on the right and “D” company on the left. “A” company in support of B Company and “C” company in support of “D” company. After the barrage lifted at 8:30 PM the companies Advanced and the battle platoon attacked the village. Advancing with great dash the company is swept aside all resistance and gained their objectives and consolidated their final objective, the sunken road from Metz to Gouzeaucourt. Sending out patrols to drive back any enemy patrols encountered. The casualties amongst our companies being very few but the enemy suffered heavily. The battle platoon met with considerable resistance, being held up by the thick wire in front of the village and encountering a strong post of the enemy behind the wire, but they broke through and disperse the enemy (driving down into the battle platoon of the second East Lancs who captured 12 of them) and occupied the village. The battle platoon suffered a number of casualties during the night from enemy shell fire, which continued until the morning of the 13th. The weather during these operations was intensely adverse. Snow fall in the all afternoon and evening and first coming in the early morning.
13th April
Situation quiet. The enemy shelled battalion headquarters intermittently during the day. Whether fine that intensely cold. At 8:30 PM the battalion was relieved by the 12th Suffolk Regiment and we then moved to the right to relieve the Scottish rifles.
Arthur Stennett died of wounds during the 12th April as a result of the operations described.
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.I.R) has also been reported as missing. Another son, Walter is with the Lincolns. The friends of those heroes have every sympathy.
Boston Guardian Saturday 23rd June 1917
Died of wounds on April 12th, Pte A Stennett, Sherwood Foresters, of Billingborough.
In memory of Private Arthur Stennet, 51964, 1st Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) who died on 12 April 1917 Age 29. Son of Thomas and Alice Stennett, of The Square, Billingborough, Lincs. Remembered with honour, Thiepval Memorial.
Arthur is also remembered on the Billingborough Memorial.
Rest in Peace.
by James | Apr 11, 2018 | Uncategorised
Today we commemorate the 101st anniversary of the death of local Bourne man, Private William Thompson (36295)
2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment, Formerly 140864, R.F.A.
Died 11th April 1917 age 29.
Willie Thompson was born in 1893 in Scottlethorpe, Edenham, Bourne, Lincolnshire. He was the 8th of 9 children born to Joseph Glassup Thompson, a farmer born in Woolthorpe and his wife Susannah Booth of Haconby.
In 1901 Willie is living with his parents at Wong Farm, Ruskington, Lincolnshire. In 1911 he is living with the Sindall family at Harlaxton Road, Grantham and is working as an apprentice butcher.
In 1915 Willie was married to Margaret Annie Sandall of Stainby. The marriage was registered in Grantham and they were blessed with a son, Norman W G Thompson who was born in 1916.
It is not known when William Thompson signed up, when he saw acton with the Royal Field Artillery or the circumstances of his posting to the Lancashire Fusiliers.
As we are not sure when Willie was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers we have to assume that he joined prior to the 1st April 1917, which is the last mention of reinforcements being posted to the battalion prior to the Battle of Arras.
The following transcription has been taken from the Battalion Diary of the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers and describes the Battalions actions in the lead up to and in the Battle of Arras.
1st April – Ostreville
Company training preparatory to offensive action.
Lieut Hartley and 62 other ranks reinforcements arrived.
2nd April – Ostreville
Company Training
3rd April – Ostreville
Batallion training attack practice
4th April – Ostreville
Company training
5th April – Ostreville
Brigade practice attack
6th April – Ostreville
Brigade practice attack
7th April – Ostreville
Battalion moved to Y hutments (1000 yards west of Etrun on main Arras road)
8th April – “Y” Hutments
Last preparation before attack. Grenades bombs etc issued
9th April – ‘Y’ Hutments
3.30am
Reville
4.30am
Battalion moved to assembly area in G.15.a
7.25am
Battalion arrived at assembly area
9.30am
Men had a hot meal.
The assembly area was near a prisoners cage and the sight of so many prisoners made the men cheerful and made them forget the rain and coming attack.
10.20am
Battalion moved off from assembly area, by platoon at 100 yards distance, behind the Essex.
Route:- Track from G.15.b.9.1 to Road junction G.16.a.1.1 – Cross Roads G.16.c.6.9 – Road junction G.16.c.5.7 – G.16.d.3.7 track North of Oil factory to G.18.a.0.0
From this point battalion moved by a beaten track on the Northern outskirts of St Laurent Blangy making from Railway Bridge across Blangy-Athies Road at H.14.b.0.3
12.50pm to 1.30pm
As companies arrived under cover of Railway Embankment they formed up into artillery formation. “C” is on right with rigt on main road, “B” is on left (C W Directing). “D” is on right in support to CW, “A” is on left in support to “B” company.
Battalion Headquarters have go into touch with Headquarters Kings Own Royal Lancashire Regiment south of the Road.
Casualties up to 12.30pm estimated at 1 officer wounded, 18 other ranks killed and wounded, caused by shell fire in vicinity of Cemetery about G.18.b.5.5
1.30pm
Battalion moved on to Brown Line or trenches in G.4.b
2pm
Arrived Brown Line.
C & B companies assembled in trenches from approximately H.14.b.9.3 to H.15.c.1.6
D & A companies assembled in trenches from approximately H.14.b.6.3 to H.14.b.7.6
3.15pm
Battalion moved off in rear of barrage to attack German 4th system and to push on and dig in on green line.
Parts of objectives allotted to battalion:-
4th system from H.16.d.10.05 to H.16.d.70.95
Green Line from H.18.a.9.2 to H.12.c.7.0
Except for a few shells and wild rifle fire the battalion reached the 4th German system without any difficulty.
Casualties, 1 officer wounded, 1 other rank killer, 3 other ranks wounded
The greater part of the Germans came out and surrendered but a few started to run away, many of which were accounted for Lewis Gun fire.
At this point the Germans dropped many shells amongst the trenches composing the 4th System. This added to the discomfort of German prisoners but did no damage to us.
The number of prisoners taken is doubtful estimated at 2 officers and 50 other ranks.
Nine small guns were captured in 4th German system. (Whizz Bangs). five at G.16.d.4.5, four at G.16.a.8.6
C & B companies pushed out patrols to their front.
3.50pm
At about 3.50pm posts were pushed out on to Sunken Road in G.17.B. The left posts took four guns (approximately 4.2’s) on Sunken Road
4.12pm
D & A companies passed through C & B companies and pushed on to green line. On reaching line of Fampoux-Gaurelle Road the companies came under heavy machine gun fire.
They pushed on but finally had to dig in just east of the road.
Touch was maintained with the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment and Essex Regiment on right and left respectively and a continuous trench dug.
As a counter attack was imminent a defensive position was soon built.
Enemy were seen to be massing and advancing in artillery formation. No Attack however took place.
Casualties
Officers wounded 2nd Lieut C st M Williams, 2nd Lieut Parkes
Other ranks killed 6, Died of wounds 2, wounded 53, missing 1
The weather throughout the day was very changeable at the assembly area it rained hard. During the day it rained occasionally. At night it snowed hard.
10th April
During the morning the enemy were active. Sniping and shelling.
In the afternoon the cavalry came up to attack. We were going to attackin support of them. Objective the Plouvain-Gaurelle Road and Greenland Hill. No action took place.
casualties – Officers Wounded – Capt W R Fanner, Lieut E L Hartley
Other Ranks killed 5, died of wounds 2, wounded 64.
11th April
Morning, artillery and aircraft active
12-noon
Battalion attacked – B and C companies were in support to the Kings Own Royal Lamcashire Regiment on the right.
A & D companies remained on green line in divisional reserve.
2pm
As attack was held up on the right by machine gun fire, D co was sent up to report to OC KOR Lanc R to come under his orders.
1:20pm
Cavalry attempted to break through, but owing to machine gun firs did not succeed.
At night B, C & D companies were first in front of original line Kings Own Royal Lancashire Regiment on the right, Dukes on the left “A” company was still on the green line on the left of some Irish Fusiliers who were next to the Dukes with Essex on the left.
Reorganisation was then taken in hand after warning the necessary people on right and left of A company. The company was moved to get in touch with B, C & D companies. This was accomplished without much difficulty.
Casualties
Officers wounded 2nd Lieut G L Wilkins.
Other ranks killed 6, wounded 12, missing 4
Battalion stayed in the line until the 14th April.
In memory of Private William Thompson, 362959, 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment who died on 11 April 1917 Age 29
Son of J Glassup Thompson of Gunby, Grantham: husband of Margaret Thompson of Stainby, Grantham, Lincs
Remembered with honour, Arras Memorial.
We will remember them.
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