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8th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)
8th (Service) Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) was formed at Richmond, North Yorkshire on the 22nd September 1914 and served with the 69th Brigade, 23rd Division. The battalion moved to Frensham and in February 1915 went on to Folkestone and Maistone in Kent, landing at Boulogne on the 26th of August 1915, the division concentrating near Tilques. On the 5th of September 23rd Division became attached to III Corps, moving to the Merris-Vieux Berquin area, for trench familiarisation under the guidance of the 20th (Light) and 27th Divisions. They took over front line sector between Ferme Grande Flamengrie to the Armentieres-Wez Macquart road in their own right on the 14th. During the Battle of Loos CIII and CV Brigades RFA were in action attached to 8th Division. With 23rd Division holding the front at Bois Grenier, they were relieved from that sector at the end of January 1916 and Divisional HQ was established at Blaringhem with the units concentrated around Bruay for a period of rest. On the 3rd of March they returned to the front line, taking over a sector between the Boyau de l'Ersatz and the Souchez River from the French 17th Division, with the Artillery taking over an exposed position between Carency and Bois de Bouvigny where it was subjected to heavy shelling. In early March a Tunnelling Company was established and men with a background in mining were transferred from the ranks to the Royal Engineers. In Mid April they returned to Bruay area for rest until mid May when they again took over the Souchez-Angres front, just before the German Attack on Vimy Ridge on the 21st. The brunt of the attack fell on 47th (London) Division, to the right of 23rd Division and the 23rd Divisional Artillery went into action in support of the 47th. On the 1st of June the Artillery supported 2nd Division as they undertook operations to recover lost ground. On the 11th of June the 23rd Division Infantry moved to Bomy and the artillery to Chamblain Chatelain and Therouanne to begin intensive training for the Battles of the Somme. They were in action in The Battle of Albert including the capture of Contalmaison, The Battles of Bazentin Ridge, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and The Battle of Le Transloy including the capture of Le Sars. In 1917 they fought in The Battle of Messines, The Battles of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood and the The First and Second Battles of Passchendaele. In November 1917 the Division moved to Italy concentrating between Mantua and Marcaria before taking over the front line at the Montello on the 4th of December. In 1918 they were in action during the fighting on the Asiago Plateau and the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, including the passage of the Piave and the Monticano. At the Italian Armistice at 3pm on the 4th of November, the 23rd were midway between the Rivers Livenza and Meduna, east of Sacile. They moved to billets west of Treviso and demobilisation took place in January and February 1919.
14th of October 1915 Training
16th Oct 1915 The Derby Scheme
16th October 1915 Orders
1st Dec 1915 Derby Scheme Armlets
11th Sep 1915 Last day of Derby Scheme Recruitment
22nd of December 1915 Relief
10th Jan 1916 Group System Reopens
15th of January 1916 Quiet Night
9th February 1916 Call Ups
28th of March 1916 Quiet Day
31st of March 1916 Enemy Trenches Bombarded
10th July 1916 Attack Made
19th of July 1916 Shelled Heavily
28th of July 1916 Reliefs
7th August 1916 Operational Orders 
22nd of September 1916 A Relief
23rd of October 1916 Reliefs
29th of November 1916 On the Move
1st Oct 1917 Reliefs Completed
20th Oct 1917 9th York & Lancs relieved by 11th West Yorks
4th Jan 1918 Reliefs
If you can provide any additional information, please add it here.
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| Want to know more about 8th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)? There are:5252 items tagged 8th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) available in our Library
These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Great War.
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Those known to have served with8th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) during the Great War 1914-1918. - Beresford Thomas. Pte. (d.25th Apr 1918)
- Brown Arthur. Pte. (d.18th Oct 1917)
- Buckle William. 2/Lt. (d.7th June 1917)
- Christie Joseph. Pte. (d.7th Jun 1917)
- Cowell Ernest. Cpl. (d.7th June 1917)
- Daynes James. Pte. (d.18th Oct 1917)
- Felgate Arthur. Pte.
- Godfrey James. Pte. (d.17th July 1917)
- Graham Richard. Pte. (d.20th September 1917)
- Hammell John George. Pte. (d.10th Jul 1916)
- Hammond John George. Pte. (d.10th July 1916)
- Hardisty William Francis. Pte.
- Holt George. Cpl. (d.10th Jul 1916)
- Hull George. Pte (d.6th Jul 1916)
- Lawson David Slater. Pte. (d.10th July 1916)
- Lawson David Slater. Pte. (d.10th July 1916)
- Leach Alfred. Pte. (d.17th July 1917)
- McNally VC. William. Sgt
- Meaburn James William. Pte.
- Pogson Stafford. Pte. (d.2nd Jul 1917)
- Rymer James. L/Cpl. (d.10th July 1916)
- Short VC. William Henry. Pte. (d.7th Aug 1916)
- Smith Joseph. Pte. (d.18th May 1916)
- Smith William. Pte.
- Spoors William. Cpl. (d.10th Jul 1916)
- Stevenson William. Pte.
- Turner Alfred. Pte. (d.7th Jun 1917)
- Walker John. Pte.
- Watson John. Sgt. (d.10th Dec 1917)
- Williams MM. Albert Edward. A/Sgt.
- Wilson Ira Israel. Pte. (d.7th Jun 1917)
All names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed,
please Add a Name to this List
Records of 8th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) from other sources.
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Pte. William Henry Short VC. 8th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment (d.7th Aug 1916) William Short died of wounds on the 7th of August 1916, aged 31 years and is buried in the Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery in France.
He was the son of James and Anne Short, of 35, Vaughan St., Grangetown, Middlesbrough, Yorks. Born at Eston, Yorks
An extract from The London Gazette, No. 29740, dated 8th Sept., 1916, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery. He was foremost in the attack, bombing the enemy with great gallantry, when he was severely wounded in the foot. He was urged to go back, but refused and continued to throw bombs. Later his leg was shattered by a shell, and he was unable to stand, so he lay in the trench adjusting detonators and straightening the pins of bombs for his comrades. He died before he could be carried out of the trench. For the last eleven months he had always volunteered for dangerous enterprises, and has always set a magnificent example of bravery and devotion to duty."
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Pte. Richard Graham 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (d.20th September 1917) Richard Graham was my great uncle. He was the youngest of 7 siblings of which I knew 3 well. One of these, Violet, was my grandmother. He was the only one to die in the War. I do not have a photograph at this time although I am sure that we have one somewhere.
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Cpl. Ernest Cowell 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (d.7th June 1917) My Gt Grandad, Corporal Ernest Cowell, died at the age of 33 in battle in Flanders. Ernest was awarded the Victory, British and 15 Star Medals, and he is honoured in the Memorial on the Menin Gate, Ypres.
He left my Gt Grandma Ethel a widow, and 4 children back home, the eldest being 13 and the youngest 4yrs old, living in Laing Street, Grangetown, Middlesbrough. As a family we have always been told that Ernest Cowell is honoured on the Cenotaph in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, and he died in the war. Every year we were taken to the Cenotaph to commemorate his and other fallen heroes, the sacrifice they gave for us. An ultimate sacrifice for Ernest, never to have more children, never see his children or wife grow old, never to see grandchildren.
We still attend the service each year. The dignitaries who attend grows smaller, but the people of Grangetown and St Hilda's Church still remember and attend, to pay their respects to the men of Grangetown who died.
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Sgt William McNally VC. 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment William McNally's Victoria Cross Citation reads "For most conspicuous bravery and skilful leading during the operations on the 27th October 1918, across the Piave, when his company was most seriously hindered in its advance by heavy machine-gun fire from the vicinity of some buildings on a flank. Utterly regardless of personal safety, he rushed the machine-gun post single-handed, killing the team and capturing the gun. Later at Vassola, on the 29th October, when his company, having crossed the Monticano River, came under heavy rifle fire and machine-gun fire, Sergeant McNally immediately directed the fire of his platoon against the danger point, while he himself crept to the rear of the enemy's position. Realising that a frontal attack would mean heavy losses, he, unaided, rushed the position, killing or putting to flight the garrison and capturing a machine gun. On the same day, when holding a newly-captured ditch, he was strongly counterattacked from both flanks. By his coolness and skill in controlling the fire of his party he frustrated the attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Throughout the whole of the operations his innumerable acts of gallantry set a high example to his men, and his leading was beyond all praise."
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Pte. John George Hammell 8th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment (d.10th Jul 1916) John Hammell served with the 8th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment
On the 10th of July 1916, 2nd Lieutenant Bell was detached with a bombing party to the 8th Battalion who were ordered to attack a position to the west of the village. By 5.30 in the evening, they had successfully captured the village along with 9 machine guns and more than 300 unwounded prisoners.
Then, from 7.30 onwards on that evening, the Germans counter-attacked. At 9:00 that evening, one of the counter attacks threatened to become more dangerous when a group of 40+ German soldiers were seen to be lining a hedge at Point 93 on the road to Mametz. A hasty barricade was built and machine guns were put into position. The defence was successful and drove off the German soldier counter attack but John Hammell, and many others including 2nd Lieutenant Bell lost their lives during the thick of the action.
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Pte. Arthur Felgate 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment Arthur Felgate served with the 8th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment.
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Pte. James William "Shen" Meaburn 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment James Meaburn is my father, who survived the war being wounded once was demobbed on 23rd of March 1919.
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Pte. William Smith 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment These postcards were sent by William Smith to his sister, my grandma.
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Pte George Hull 8th Btn Yorkshire Regiment (d.6th Jul 1916) George Hull was my mothers uncle, we are currently in possession of his medals, death penny, dog tag and notification of death.
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Pte. David Slater Lawson 8th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment (d.10th July 1916) Private David Slater Lawson is my second great grandfather. He was part of the 8th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment who fought in WW1 in France. I know from hospital records that he was hospitalised for nine days from 2nd June 1916 to 11June 1916 with a fever of an unknown cause and then released to his line of duty. He was killed in action on the Somme Battlefields on 10th of July 1916 and his name is commemorated on the memorial in France. Private David Slater Lawson was married to Mary Louisa Shield and he lived in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, Co. Durham and had two children, Hannah and Leonard Lawson.
His regimental number was 16699 and I know that he received medals for his duty.
I am currently researching his history and would like to find more information about his life. I am arranging a visit to meet his only living granddaughter to see if I can gather some pictures and history of his life and service. I would be happy to update any further information or pictures that I acquire and would love to know if any other person has any information or stories about him and if they would be kind enough to share this information.
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Pte. Arthur Brown 8th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment (d.18th Oct 1917)
Arthur Brown is buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery.
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Pte. John George Hammond 8th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment (d.10th July 1916) John Hammond was my great grandfather. He was born in Sunderland in 1884 and died in service on either 10th or 11th July 1916. He left behind a wife and 3 children, the youngest child, Peter Hammond was my grandfather.
Peter was born in 1910 and died in 1992. He served in the merchant navy from the age of 14 until he was in his 50's. He served during the second world war and I'm proud to be the custodian of his medals.
The whereabouts of my great grandfathers medals are unknown.
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Pte. James Godfrey 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (d.17th July 1917) James Godfrey was the grandfather that we never knew.
In 1999 I started my journey of discovery..
James enlisted in Bradford (having been born in Bradford, West Yorkshire), into the Yorkshire Regiment in December, 1896 aged 21 years and 8 months - his father (next of kin) was also called James.
James served in Gibraltar - 12.01.1898 to 07.02.1899 and left for India 08.02.1899 to return to England 25.11.1904. James then joined the Reserve - 26.11.1904 to 29.12.1908.
He enlisted into the 3rd Special Reserve Battalion in January, 1911 At some time he joined the 8th Battalion (by this time he was in France/Belgium).
James Godfrey was killed on 17th July, 1917 on the edge of the village of Zillebeke 4 kilometres south east of Ypres, on the road to Houthem, and is remembered on a special memorial in Larch Wood (Railway Cutting) Cemetery, Belgium.
From what I have discovered, James was a loving husband and father who loved his life in the Army, eventually answering the rally to fight for and protect our freedom. For his sacrifice and that of many thousands of others, we are eternally grateful and proud.
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Pte. James Daynes 8th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment (d.18th Oct 1917) James Daynes served with the 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment during WW1 and was killed in action on the 18th October 1917, aged 29. He is buried in Hooge Crater Cemetery in Belgium.
I was told by my Grandmother, Eva Whittaker, nee Daynes, that James was acting as a stretcher bearer at the time of his death, recovering the wounded from no mans land when he was shot by a German sniper. He died instantly of his wound.
His family had a memorial silk bookmark made with the following dedication:
- There on the field of battle
- He bravely took his place.
- He fought and died for England
- And the honour of his race.
- He sleeps not in his native land
- But 'neath the foreign skies
- Far from those who loved him best
- In a hero's grave he lies.
Deeply mourned by his mother, sister, and brothers.
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Pte. Thomas Beresford 8th Battalion Green Howards (d.25th Apr 1918) Thomas Beresford was born in Shropshire, but his family moved to Durham for work down the mines and Thomas was a miner at the time he enlisted in the Green Howards on 21st November 1914. He was posted to the 8th battalion on 16th December and the battalion went to France on 26th August 1915 .
Thomas was transferred to the 1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment in 1918 and was killed in action on 25th April 1918 aged 35 in the second Battle of Kemmel in Belgium. Lawrence Beresford Heslop
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Cpl. William Spoors 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (d.10th Jul 1916) William Spoors died age 21, he was born in Monkton Jarrow in 1894, son of William Thomas and Margaret Jane Spoors (nee Wears) of 30 Birch Street Jarrow. in the 1911 Census he is recorded as William spoor, age 17, a Shipyard Blacksmith, lived with his parents William & Margaret Spoor & family at 30, Birch street, Jarrow, Durham. He enlisted in Jarrow and first served in France on the 26th of August 1915.
William is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial and is commemorated on the Palmer Cenotaph Jarrow and on the Triptych in St. Paul's Church Jarrow.
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Pte. Joseph Smith 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (d.18th May 1916) Joseph Smith was born in Hebburn and lived in Jarrow. He first served in France on the 26th of August 1915. He is buried in Tranchee De Mecknes Cemetery. Aix-Noulette and is commemorated on the Triptych in St. Paul's Church Jarrow.
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Sgt. John Watson 8th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment (d.10th Dec 1917) John Watson, Sergeant 20343, enlisted at South Shields in February 1915 and served in the 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. He died age 20 on the 10th December 1917 and is remembered at Jarrow Library and is buried in Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport. His medal card shows the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.
John was born in Jarrow 1897, son of Mary and the late Charles Watson of Jarrow. In the 1891 census Charles(28) and Mary(21) living at 12 Frederick Street Jarrow, seem to be the most likely family but unable to find in any later census returns as Charles may already have died by 1901.
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Cpl. George Holt 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (d.10th Jul 1916) George Holt served with the 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. He was aged 20 when he died on 10th July 1916. He was born, lived and enlisted in Jarrow, son of Margaret Burn Stephens (formerly Holt) of 4 Victor Street Jarrow and the late Robert Holt.
George is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial and is commemorated on the Palmer Cenotaph (north face) Jarrow.
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Pte. William Stevenson 8th Btn. Yorkshire Regiment This photo is of the 8th Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment at Folkestone in 1915. On the third row from the front, second from the left, the soldier has been identified as Private William Stevenson 31497 Scottish Rifles, formerly 11540 Yorkshire Regt. 5th from the left top rear row is Private John Walker, 13202.
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Recomended Reading.Available at discounted prices.
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BENEATH HILL 60 tells the extraordinary true story of Oliver Woodward, the legendary Australian metal scientist. In 1916, Woodward faced the most difficult decision, ultimately having to separate from his new young love for the deadly carnage of the Western Front. On treacherous territory, behind the German enemy lines, Woodward and his secret platoon of Australian tunnelers face a suicidal battle to defend a leaking, tunnel system. A tunnel packed with enough high explosives to change the course of the War.
Hill 60: Ypres (Battleground Europe) Nigel Cave
The shell-ravaged landscape of Hill 60, some three miles south east of Ypres, conceals a labyrinth of tu nnels and underground workings. This book offers a guide to the memorials, cemeteries and museums at the site '
Beneath Hill 60 [Paperback] Will Davies
'Ten seconds, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one - fire! Down goes the firing switch. At first, nothing. Then from deep down there comes a low rumble, and it as if the world is spliting apart...' On 7th June 1917, nineteen massive mines exploded beneath Messines Ridge near Ypres. The largest man-made explosion in history up until that point shattered the landscape and smashed open the German lines. Ten thousand German soldiers died. Two of the mines - at Hill 60 and the Caterpillar - were fired by men of the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, comprising miners and engineers rather than parade-ground soldiers. Drawing on the diaries of one of the key combatants, "Benealth Hill 60" tells the little-known, devastatingly brutal true story of this subterranean war waged beneath the Western Front - a stygian battle-ground where men drowned in viscous chalk, suffocated in the blue gray clay, choked on poisonous air or died in the darkness, caught up up in vicious hand-to-han
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