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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment

6th Division



   6th Division was a peacetime Division of the pre-war British Army. The units were quartered in Ireland and England at the outbreak of war, and were ordered on mobilisation to concentrate near Cambridge. By early September it was fully equipped and trained. On the 10th of September 1914 it landed at St Nazaire and proceeded to the Western Front, where it remained throughout the war. The Division arrived in time to reinforce the hard-pressed BEF on the Aisne, before the whole army was moved north into Flanders.

The 6th Division in 1914-1918

1914

The actions on the Aisne heights

1915

The action at Hooge

1916

  • The Battle of Flers-Courcelette - Somme
  • The Battle of Morval - Somme
  • The Battle of Le Transloy - Somme

1917

  • The Battle of Hill 70
  • The Cambrai Operations

1918

  • The Battle of St Quentin - Somme
  • The Battle of Bailleul - The Advance in Flanders
  • The First Battle of Kemmel Ridge - The Advance in Flanders
  • The Second Battle of Kemmel Ridge - The Advance in Flanders
  • The Battle of Epehy - Hindenburg Line
  • The Battle of the St Quentin Canal - Hindenburg Line
  • The Battle of Beaurevoir - Hindenburg Line
  • The Battle of Cambrai 1918 - Hindenburg Line
  • The pursuit to the Selle
  • The Battle of the Selle

6th Division was billeted around Bohain at the Armistice on 11 November 1918. It was selected to march into Germany as part of the occupation force and began to move between the 14th and 18th of November to Solre-le-Chateau to assemble. The Division crossed the German border on 13th of December and reached its destination at Bruehl on 23rd of December.

The Units forming the 6th Division.

16th Brigade

  • 1st Btn, East Kent Regiment
  • 1st Btn, Leicestershire Regiment left November 1915
  • 1st Btn, King's Shropshire Light Infantry
  • 2nd Btn, York & Lancaster Regiment
  • 1/5th Btn, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment joined February 1915, left June 1915
  • 8th Btn, Bedfordshire Regiment joined 17 November 1915, disbanded 16 February 1918
  • 16th Machine Gun Company formed in February 1916, left to move into 6th MG Battalion 1 March 1918
  • 16th Trench Mortar Battery formed 3 April 1916

17th Brigade

Brigade transferred to 24th Division in exchange for 71st Brigade on 14th of October 1915

  • 1st Btn, Royal Fusiliers
  • 1st Btn, North Staffordshire Regiment
  • 2nd Btn, Leinster Regiment
  • 3rd Btn, Rifle Brigade
  • 2nd Btn, Manchester Regiment
  • 1/2nd Btn, London Regiment joined February 1915

18th Brigade

  • 1st Btn, West Yorkshire Regiment
  • 1st Btn, East Yorkshire Regiment left November 1915
  • 2nd Btn, Sherwood Foresters left October 1915
  • 2nd Btn, Durham Light Infantry
  • 1/16th Btn, London Regiment joined November 1914, left January 1916
  • 11th Btn, Essex Regiment joined October 1915
  • 14th Btn, Durham Light Infantry joined November 1915, disbanded February 1918
  • 18th Brigade Machine Gun Company formed in February 1916, left to move into 6th MG Battalion 1 March 1918
  • 18th Trench Mortar Battery formed 16 April 1916

19th Brigade

Brigade joined from GHQ Troops on 12 October 1914 and left to join 27th Division on 31 May 1915

  • 2nd Btn, Royal Welsh Fusiliers
  • 1st Btn, Cameronians
  • 1st Btn, Middlesex Regt
  • 2nd Btn,Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
  • 1/5th Btn, Cameronians joined November 1915

71st Brigade

Brigade transferred to 24th Division in exchange for 17th Brigade on 11 October 1915

  • 9th Btn, Norfolk Regiment
  • 9th Btn, Suffolk Regiment disbanded February 1918
  • 8th Btn, Bedfordshire Regiment left November 1915
  • 11th Btn, Essex Regiment left October 1915
  • 2nd Btn, Sherwood Foresters joined October 1915
  • 1st Btn, Leicestershire Regiment joined November 1915
  • 71st Machine Gun Company formed 14 March 1916, left to move into 6th MG Battalion 1 March 1918
  • 71st Trench Mortar Battery formed April 1916

Divisional Troops

  • 11th Btn, Leicestershire Regiment joined as Divisional Pioneer Battalion in April 1916
  • 192nd Company, Machine Gun Corps joined 15 December 1916, left to move into 6th MG Battalion 1 March 1918.
  • No 6 Battalion, Machine Gun Corps formed 1 March 1918

Divisional Mounted Troops

  • C Squadron,19th Hussars left April 1915
  • B Sqn, 1/st Northamptonshire Yeomanry joined April 1915, left May 1916
  • 6th Company, Army Cyclist Corps left June 1916

Divisional Artillery

  • II Brigade, RFA
  • XII (Howitzer) Brigade, RFA left May 1916
  • XXIV Brigade, RFA
  • XXXVIII Brigade, RFA left January 1917
  • 6th Divisional Ammunition Column RFA
  • 24th Heavy Battery RGA left April 1915
  • No 2 Pom-Pom Section RGA attached 4 October 1914 to 16 December 1914
  • V.6 Heavy Trench Mortar Battery RFA formed 20 July 1916, left 6 March 1918
  • X.6, Y.6 and Z.6 Medium Mortar Batteries RFA joined on 1 April 1916; on 15 March 1918, Z broken up and batteries reorganised to have 6 x 6-inch weapons each

Royal Engineers

  • 12th Field Company
  • 38th Field Company left April 1915
  • 1st (London) Field Company joined December 1914, later renamed 509th Field Company RE
  • 2/2nd (West Riding) Field Company joined October 1915, later renamed 459th Field Company RE
  • 6th Divisional Signals Company

Royal Army Medical Corps

  • 16th Field Ambulance
  • 17th Field Ambulance
  • 18th Field Ambulance
  • 8th Sanitary Section joined 9 January 1915, left 5 April 1917

Other Divisional Troops

  • 6th Divisional Train ASC 17, 19, 23 and 24 Companies
  • 6th Mobile Veterinary Section AVC
  • 209th Divisional Employment Company joined 20 May 1917 at which time it was 11th Divisional Employment Company; renamed in June 1917
  • 6th Divisional Motor Ambulance Workshop joined by 10 June 1915, transferred to Divisional Train 9 April 1916


4th Aug 1914 Mobilisation

4th Aug 1914 Orders

4th Aug 1914 Telegram

4th Aug 1914 Orders

5th Aug 1914 Mobilisation

5th Aug 1914 Equipment

6th Aug 1914 Mobilisation

6th Aug 1914 Equipment

7th Aug1914 Arrivals

8th Aug 1914 Ready to Move

11th Aug 1914 Ready to Move

12th Aug 1914 Mobilisation

13th Aug 1914 Mobilisation

14th Aug 1914 Artillery HQ Moves

14th Sep 1914 On the March

15th Aug 1914 On the move

15th Sep 1914 On the March

15th Aug 1914 On the Move

16th Sep 1914 On the March

17th Aug 1914 On the Move

17th Sep 1914 Wet Weather

18th August 1914 In Camp

18th Aug 1914 On the Move

18th Sep 1914 In Reserve

18th Aug 1914 Training

19th Aug 1914 On the Move

19th Sep 1914 On the March

22nd Aug 1914 Move Complete

25th Sep 1914 On the March

26th Sep 1914 On the March

27th Sep 1914 In Action

28th Sep 1914 Into Position

29th Sep 1914 Into Position

1st Sep 1914 In Action

6th Sep 1914 Orders

7th Sep 1914 Orders

7th Sep 1914 Preparations

8th September 1914 To France

8th Sep 1914 On the Move

10th September 1914 In France

11th Sep 1914 On the Move

12th September 1914 

12th Sep 1914 On the Move

12th Sep 1914 On the Move

13th September 1914 On the March

15th September 1914 Shelling

15th of September 1914 An Attack Falters

16th September 1914 Difficulties

16th September 1914 Villemontoire

16th September 1914 Villemontoire

17th September 1914 

17th September 1914 Villeblain

17th of September 1914 Artillery Reinforced

18th September 1914 

19th September 1914 Attack Repulsed

19th September 1914 March

19th Sep 1914 Reliefs

20th Sep 1914 In Action

20th September 1914 Reliefs

20th Sep 1914 In Action

21st Sep 1914 In Action

21st September 1914 Attacks

21st Sep 1914 Reliefs

22nd September 1914 Reliefs

22nd Sep 1914 Reliefs

23rd September 1914 Patrols

24th September 1914 Artillery Exchange

25th September 1914 Pontoon Bridge damaged

26th September 1914 Aircraft Assists

27th September 1914 Continuing action around bridges

28th September 1914 Bridges

29th September 1914 Ongoing fighting on all fronts

30th September 1914 September Intelligence Summary

2nd Oct 1914 Reliefs

5th October 1914 Into Billets

6th Oct 1914 Outflanking Manoeuver

10th Oct 1914 On the Move

12th October 1914 Cavalry cover for further Moves

12th Oct 1914 Enemy Encountered

13th October 1914 Slow progress in Attack renewal

13th Oct 1914 In Action

14th October 1914 Continued slow progress in Attack

14th Oct 1914 Rescue

15th October 1914 Change in GOC due to casualty

15th Oct 1914 Advance

16th October 1914 Advance in foggy conditions

17th October 1914 Advance continued  location map

17th Oct 1914 Advance

18th October 1914 Attack meet strong resistance  location map

18th Oct 1914 Advance

19th October 1914 Attack meets further setbacks.  location map

19th Oct 1914 Digging In

20th October 1914 Major German attack  location map

20th Oct 1914 In Action

20th Oct 1914 Attack

21st October 1914 Continued German attack  location map

23rd Oct 1914 Attack

27th Oct 1914 Attack

29th Oct 1914 Attack and Counter Attack

30th Oct 1914 Fierce Fighting

30th Oct 1914 Ammunition Short

1st November 1914 Regroup all fighting troops

2nd November 1914 Notification of German Troop locations

3rd November 1914 Notification of German Troop locations

4th November 1914 Little change in situation

5th November 1914 Move to new line

6th November 1914 Attacks on new line positions east of Ypres

7th November 1914 Mixed results in ongoing attacks

8th November 1914 Line readjusted to defend against ongoing attacks

9th November 1914 Ongoing shelling and sniping

10th November 1914 Ongoing shelling and sniping

11th November 1914 Attack

11th Dec 1914 Trench Work

12th Dec 1914 Trench Work

13th Dec 1914 Trench Work

14th Dec 1914 Trench Work

15th Dec 1914 Trench Work

31st Dec 1914 Trench Work

5th Jan 1915 Very Wet

8th Jan 1915 Shelling

9th Jan 1915 Terrible Conditions

1st of April 1915 Situation Normal  location map

6th April 1915 Visit by new ADMS  Col. B H Scott the new Assistant Director Medical Services of 6th Division visited the Field Ambulance this morning.

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


11th April 1915 Motor ambulance arrives  A motor ambulance wagon sent by ADMS 6th Division arrived for temporary duty with 19th Field Ambulance.

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


19th of April 1915 

23rd April 1915 Transfer of horsed wagons  Orders received by 19th Field Ambulance at Erquinghem-Lys for the seven horsed ambulance wagons to be sent to No. 1 Co. 6th Divisional Train this morning, with drivers and horses. The motor ambulance wagon sent by the ADMS 6th Division has been sent to the 16th Field Ambulance.

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


1st May 1915 Gas mask instructions  The 19th Field Ambulance continues to work the line of the 19th Infantry Brigade in the trenches between Rue du Bois and Touquet. Certain orders received as to the making of masks to combat poisonous gases received from ADMS 6th Division, to consist of 10 to 12 layers of gauze.

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


6th May 1915 Inspections  Some shelling of L'Armée and Armentières early this morning, two wounded admitted to 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys GOC 6th Division inspected the buildings used as hospitals and billets by 19th Field Ambulance and also the transport lines and expressed himself as most pleased with the conditions. 1st weekly inspection of Motor Vehicles by Lt. Tyler 19th Brigade Supply Column. All repairs to motor vehicles of 19th FA will be undertaken by that Supply Column.

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


7th May 1915 Investigation of nephritis cases  19th Field Ambulance report "Several cases have recently occurred showing albuminuria and other symptoms of a nephritis - there is a question of them being of an infective nature, but steps are being taken to elicit some more definite information. Lt. Chandler, Medical Officer Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, has sent in a report on 8 cases which he considers to be of the nature of post-influenzal. This report was sent to Assistant Director of Medical Services 6th Division. A similar case was admitted yesterday and another one today - from records so far obtained there seems to be an interval of 8 days between admissions from respective billets."

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


8th May 1915 Bearers reinforcement preparations  19th Field Ambulance received orders from Assistant Director of Medical Services 6th Division, to reinforce Advanced Post at Gris Pot by 1/2 A Bearer subdivision tonight and the Bearer subdivisions of other two sections to be held in readiness at a moment's notice.

Lt. Mullan i/c Advanced Post tonight, but sent down Capt. Browne with Sgt. Carter and 12 men as additional stretcher bearers - in addition they took surgical haversacks, shell dressings and water bottles and respirators and bottles of saturated soda bicarbonate solution - B and C Bearers standing to. Sgt. Matthews, Army Service Corps arrived last night for duty as motor cyclist with 19th Field Ambulance.

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


12th May 1915 Another Medical Board  19thField Ambulance report from Erquinghem-Lys "Medical Board on Capt. Cuthbert 3rd Btn. Royal Welsh Fusiliers for commission in Regular Army by order of Brig-Gen commanding 19th Brigade. Procedures forwarded to Assistant Director of Medical Services 6th Division for approval."

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


14th May 1915 Commission interview  Staff Sgt. Clenshaw 19th Field Ambulance was interviewed by the GOC 6th Division with regard to his application for a commission in the ASC.

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


18th May 1915 New Hypo solution  All respirators are now being soaked in a new solution of Hypo (10lbs to the gallon) with soda carb and glycerine - Nip bottles filled with a similar solution.

Orders are received by 19th Field Ambulance from ADMS 6th Division, that all cases of Gun Shot wounds are to have a 'T' marked with indelible pencil on either wrist if anti-tetanus has been injected.

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


18th May 1915 Orders Received  location map

18th May 1915 Orders  location map

19th May 1915 Instruction

20th May 1915 Instruction

21st May 1915 Instruction

26th May 1915 Case of Enteric Fever   Armourer Sgt. Marshall of Agyll & Sutherland Highlanders reported from Bailleul to be suffering from Enteric Fever. Investigations as to contacts and billets - no satisfactory information could be elicited; no trace of probable carriers.

Information that the 6th Division leaves this area this week received, being relieved by the 27th Division 19 IB remains in present situation.

Lt. Millar rejoined his Regiment this afternoon.

War diary RAMC 19th Field Ambulance, Erquinghem-Lys


26th May 1915 Orders  location map

27th May 1915 Working Parties  location map

6th of June 1915 Artillery assigned

9th of June 1915 Quiet Night

12th of June 1915   location map

14th of June 1915 Orders  location map

16th Jun 1915 Attack Made  location map

16th Jun 1915 In Action  location map

16th Jun 1915 Preparations  location map

21st June 1915 Additional MG's  location map

18th of July 1915 Reliefs  location map

26th of July 1915   location map

9th Aug 1915 Diversion  location map

9th Aug 1915 Attack Made

9th November 1915  in Billets

19th Jan 1916 Relief Complete  location map

20th Jan 1916 Quiet  location map

21st Jan 1916 Shelling  location map

22nd Jan 1916 Patrol  location map

23rd Jan 1916 Aircraft Active  location map

23rd Jan 1916 Trench Raid  location map

24th Jan 1916 Heavy Shelling  location map

25th Jan 1916 Reliefs  location map

26th Jan 1916 In Billets

30th Jan 1916 Reliefs  location map

31st Jan 1916 Alert  location map

1st Feb 1916 Shelling  location map

2nd Feb 1916 Artillery Active  location map

3rd Feb 1916 Reorganisation

4th Feb 1916 Reorganisation

7th Feb 1916 Air Raid  location map

12th February 1916 Gas Alert  location map

14th Feb 1916 Heavy Shelling  location map

17th of September 1916 Warning Order Received  location map

18th Sep 1916 Rugby Internationan Lost  location map

18th of September 1916  Brigade Dispositions  location map

18th September 1916 Orders were received to relieve 6th Division.

19th of September 1916 In the Front Line  location map

21st of September 1916 Situation Normal  location map

22nd September 1916 Orders Received  location map

23rd of September 1916 Reliefs  location map

23rd September 1916 Operational Order No. 50.  location map

24th of September 1916 Foggy Night  location map

25th September 1916 Attack Made  location map

26th Sep 1916 Reliefs

26th of September 1916 Reliefs  location map

11th of October 1916 5th Div's Artillery Area  location map

23rd of November 1916 Division to Side Slip  location map

24th of November 1916  Artillery and TMs Active  location map

26th November 1916 Shared Billeting Area

27th Nov 1916 Reorganisation

16th of December 1916 Enemy Very Quiet  location map

20th Dec 1916 Reliefs

20th December 1916 On the March

21st December 1916 Box Respirators of two Companies tested at 6th Division Gas School.

22nd December 1916 Reliefs

23rd of December 1916 Artillery Relief  location map

28th of December 1916 Artillery Continue Shelling  location map

1st January 1917 Reliefs

3rd July 1917 Routine and Pioneer activity

4th July 1917 Routine and Inspection with Pioneers to new billets

5th July 1917 Routine and Pioneers Activity

6th July 1917 Routine and further Pioneering work

7th July 1917 

8th July 1917 Routine and Pioneer working parties

9th July 1917 Routine and Unit Moves

10th July 1917 Routine and Working Parties Activity

11th July 1917 Routine and Working Parties Activity

12th July 1917 Hotchkiss Courses and Working Party Activity

13th July 1917 Routine Working Parties and movement orders

14th July 1917 Routine and working parties  location map

22nd September 1917 Inspections and Gymkhana

7th Nov 1917 Training  location map

8th Nov 1917 Training  location map

10th of December 1917 On Relief  location map

24th Dec 1917 Reorganisation

21st Jan 1918 Course

28th Jan 1918 Shelling  location map

5th Feb 1918 Course Ends

11th Feb 1918 Reliefs

11th of February 1918 Relief  location map

13th Feb 1918 Personnel

21st Feb 1918 Reorganisation

20th of March 1918 Sports Cancelled   location map

21st Mar 1918 Enemy Attack

21st Mar 1918 Bombardment

22nd Mar 1918 Withdrawal

22nd Mar 1918 In Action

22nd Mar 1918 On the Move

22nd of March 1918  Germans Break Through  location map

23rd Mar 1918 Withdrawal

24th Mar 1918 On the Move

30th Mar 1918 Reliefs  location map

31st of March 1918 Relief Completed  location map

3rd Apr 1918 Reliefs  location map

13th Apr 1918 Gaps in the Line  location map

14th Apr 1918 Fall Back  location map

24th of April 1918 Rest and Reorganisation  location map

27th of April 1918 Holding at All Costs  location map

28th of April 1918 Admirable Behaviour  location map

30th of April 1918 Reliefs and Attacks  location map

10th of May 1918 Heavy Shelling  location map

If you can provide any additional information, please add it here.



Want to know more about 6th Division?


There are:242 items tagged 6th Division available in our Library

  These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Great War.


Those known to have served with

6th Division

during the Great War 1914-1918.

  • Aldous George Albert. Pte. 14th and 2/7th Btn.
  • Beale Harry. Pte. 1st Btn. (d.12th Mar 1915)
  • Best William George. Pte. 2nd Btn. (d.2nd May 1916)
  • Carr John Thomas. Pte. 182nd Coy.
  • Davidson . Lt Colonel
  • Freeman Neils. Bugler. 2nd Btn. (d.9th Jun 1916)
  • Hayes Claude Patrick Julian. Capt. 1st Btn. (d.9th Aug 1916)
  • Kenny James. Pte. 2nd Btn. C Coy. (d.3rd Jun 1915)
  • Mason Leonard. Sgt. 1/5th Btn.
  • McIntyre James. Pte. 1st Btn. (d.28th Oct 1914)
  • McKenzie Robert. Pte. 2nd Btn. (d.9th Aug 1915)
  • Moore John. Pte. 2nd Btn. (d.21st Sep 1914)
  • Muir George Andrew. Pte. 2nd Btn. (d.21st Mar 1918)
  • Munroe Thomas. Pte. 2nd Btn. (d.19th Apr 1916)
  • Newton Percy Holyoake Neller. Rfmn. 3rd Btn. (d.22nd Mar 1915)
  • O'Neill James. Private 2nd Btn. (d.9th Aug 1915)
  • Raby Horace Samuel. Pte. 2nd Btn. (d.8th Nov 1918)
  • Revely Joseph. L/Cpl. 2nd Btn. (d.6th Nov 1914)
  • Riley William. Pte. 2nd Btn. (d.24th Sep 1918)
  • Rix Edward William. Pte. 2nd Btn. (d.21st Sep 1914)
  • Stuart . Lt. Col
  • Taylor Joseph Alfred . Rfn. 3rd Btn.
  • Waddle John Crow. Pte. 14th Btn (d.12th Oct 1916)
  • Ward James. Pte. 1st Btn. (d.6th Oct 1915)
  • Welsh William. Pte. 14th Btn (d.18th Oct 1916)
  • White James Heslop. Cpl. 2nd Btn. (d.25th Sep 1915)
  • Wilson John. Gnr. (d.12th April 1918)
  • Wright Andrew. Pte. 2nd Btn. (d.9th Aug 1915)

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


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      Did you know? We also have a section on World War Two. and a Timecapsule to preserve stories from other conflicts for future generations.






1206279

Rfn. Joseph Alfred Taylor 3rd Btn. Rifle Brigade

Rifleman Joseph Alfred Taylor

Joseph Alfred Taylor Rifleman was my maternal grandfather. I have been given his pay book, pow card and section d reserve discharge papers from my Auntie. My Mum also had his photo. He was born in 1895 and lived in Clerkenwell, Islington. He was married to Hanna Simpson. They lived in Rawstone Street, Clerkenwell and later moved to Sadlers Street (now demolished ) but off Lloyds Row ( near the famous Sadlers Wells Theatre).

The first entry on his pay book is July 1916,(in the field) which suggests to me the Somme Offensive. On 28/7/1917 he was captured wounded (gassed) and taken to Limburg POW camp. He survived the war and went on to serve in section D reserves. He suffered ill health as a result of the gassing and died in 1931 (gastric ulcers) when my mum was just 8 years old. Joseph was reported as captured on 28th July 1917 around the opening of the 3rd Battles of Ypres. This coincided with the early uses of Mustard Gas by the Germans.

Card he sent home to say he had been taken prisoner

Steve Stone




1206242

Pte. George Albert Aldous 14th and 2/7th Btn. Durham Light Infantry

Arctic uniform

My Grandfather was George Albert Aldous, he served as a private No26729 in the Durham Light Infantry from 1915 to 1919. Initially he was in the 14th Battalion and served in France but later in the 2/7th. He went to Russia in operation ELOPE and it was there that a photograph was taken of his unit of 60 men. They are shown in conventional DLI uniform and in the same formation in Arctic wear. The photos are of good quality and almost all faces are recognisable. His British War and Victory Medals wrongly spell his name as Aldons but have his correct service number on. I still have the medals in their original registered packet that they came to him in. He was so disgusted with the miss- spelling of his name he never took them out of their wrapping. I also have his dog tags and 11 other photos of Archangel but none show identifiable personnel.

Normal uniform

George and wife Alma

Ian Aldous




1206086

Sgt. Leonard Mason MM. 1/5th Btn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Leonard Mason Discharge Certificate

Leonard Mason was my grandfather and I remember when I was a little girl how I used to sit and polish his medals. I remember on Remembrance Sunday we would walk down to The Cenotaph in Bolton, him wearing his medals and holding my hand, for the Service of Remembrance. He was born on 27th March 1893 at Flitcroft Street, Bolton, son of Thomas and Sarah Ann Mason. He had five siblings, Florence b. 1889, John b. 1891, Samuel b.1895, Julia b. 1897 and Robert b. 1905.

He enlisted on 9th November 1914 and sailed on The Tintoretto to France on 12th February 1915 and landed the following day. Whilst in France he was promoted to Sergeant. On 14th January 1918 his name was gazetted as having been awarded the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field. This award was for his actions at The Battle of Menin Road Ridge (20 – 23 September), part of The Third Battle of Ypres 1917. At some point after being awarded the Military Medal, he was wounded and I have vivid memories of all the marks on his legs made by bullets. He was honourably discharged from the Army on 8th March 1919 and given the Silver War Badge number 450937.

Leonard married Annie Shuttleworth on 29th June 1918 at St Simon & Judes Church, Bolton. They had three children 2 boys and 1 girl. Sadly the two boys died in infancy but the one girl was my mother. My granddad Leonard Mason died on 3rd February 1969 at home in Bolton but I have wonderful memories of him and still miss him to this day.

Leonard Mason, third from right, in hospital blues with Military Medal ribbon attached

Leonard Mason wearing Military Medal

Leonard Mason, far right, wearing hospital blue brassard signifying almost ready for discharge

Leonard Masons Medal Card

Lois Patel




1205834

Capt. Claude Patrick Julian "Pat" Hayes 1st Btn. Royal Fusiliers (d.9th Aug 1916)

Capt & Mrs Hayes at a Point to Point 1914

Captain Claude Patrick Julian Hayes served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers during WW1 and was killed on the 9th August 1916. He is buried in Bray Military Cemetery, Bray sur Somme, France.

Colin Yarwood




259997

Pte. John Thomas Carr 182nd Coy. Army Service Corps

John Thomas Carr

John Carr gave his address as Leigh-on-Sea when he signed up, but he lived around Bow most of his life, before and after the war. His record indicates that he volunteered in 1915 and served on the home front for 12 months or so. We think his unit was sent to France in May of 1915, but he didn't go, possibly because he was AWOL for 3 weeks around then. He was docked just 3 weeks pay, so perhaps he did have a good reason for being away.

JTC eventually went to France in 1916, in time for the Somme offensive. He went as "spares', and it seems from his medical records that he ended up with the 6th Division, in the 16th Army Bearer Corps. He found himself in a casualty clearing station in Varennes-sur-Somme in January 1917, suffering from a double inguinal hernia. He was shipped back to England, and passed through the Army Service Corps' medical triage centre in Southport. He seems to have served on the home front again until the end of 1917, when he was discharged on medical grounds.

John set up a motor garage and taxi service in Bow after the war, which he ran until he died in the 1960's. He was my grandfather.

Marimar Franco Carr




221032

Pte. James Kenny 2nd Btn. C Coy. York and Lancaster Regiment (d.3rd Jun 1915)

James Kenny was my Great Uncle. I am not sure when he enlisted in the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment. He was wounded in the back. I believe this was by Shrapnel and returned home for a short while. He was advised against drinking alcohol (this may have been possibly due to kidney damage) and two of his sisters Molly and May (my grandmother) accompanied him to Liverpool on a day out to ensure he did not get any. They linked his arms but he started to run and as their skirts restricted them, they had to let go and he ran into a pub. On another occasion he was on top of an open topped bus or tram when some girls shouted 'Throw us down a souvenir Tommy!' and he promptly ripped ornamental flowers from May's hat and threw them down. He returned to the front and was at Hooge in Belgium shortly after. A young soldier who was just posted to the front stood on the fire-step to look over. Realising the danger, James jumped up to pull him down only to be shot through the head by a German sniper. That was on 3rd June, 1915. He was buried somewhere locally but his grave was lost. He is remembered on the Menin Gate.

Bill Kelly




220672

Pte. Horace Samuel Raby 2nd Btn. Sherwood Foresters (d.8th Nov 1918)

Horace Raby was a regular soldier who went to France in Sept 1914 with his regiment, the 2nd Btn Sherwood Foresters. Sadly he was captured on the 20th October 1914 at Ennetieres. He remained in German prisoner of war camps for the next four years and died three days before the Armistice. I have no photographs of this man, my gt. uncle other than a group photo taken at his sister's wedding where there is a head and shoulders pic of a young lad who I am told is Horace. I am trying to piece together his life story and have so far written several thousand words.

Maggie Williams




219052

Rfmn. Percy Holyoake Neller Newton 3rd Btn. Rifle Brigade (d.22nd Mar 1915)

Percy Holyoake Neller Newton was born on 12 July 1895 at Islington, Middlesex in 1904. His father died in an accident and in 1906 Percy was admitted to the Orphan Working School and Alexandra Orphanage (OWS) at Haverstock Hill in North London (now the Royal Alexandra and Albert School at Reigate in Surrey). He left OWS and in 1911 was a Baker's Assistant in Willesden Green.

At the outbreak of WW1 Percy enlisted, as a Rifleman, into 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Soon after, he was transferred to 3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own). He was despatched to serve in France and Flanders on or around the 27th of November 1914. He died, aged 19, on 22nd of March 1915 and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial.

John Billingham




218725

Pte. Harry Beale 1st Btn. Worcestershire Regiment (d.12th Mar 1915)

Harry Beale is my great uncle. We found a postcard addressed to his brother in Birmingham when he was travelling on the train from Liverpool to Winchester in October 1914. He went to France shortly after and he died from wounds at the battle of Neuve Chappell. He served with the 1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment and died age 23 on the 12th March 1915. He is buried in Estaires Communal Cemetery Extension.

Valerie Hopley




218312

Pte. William George Best 2nd Btn. Leinster Regiment (d.2nd May 1916)

William George Best was the son of William Frederick George Best and Martha Jane Mullins. He was born in Ubley Somerset 1890 and enlisted in his Regiment at Taunton in 1914.

William died on the 2nd May 1916 of wounds received in the Second Battle of Ypres (21st Apr to 25th May 1915) and was buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.

Martyn Rundle




216524

Pte. James McIntyre 1st Btn. East Yorkshire Regiment (d.28th Oct 1914)

James McIntyre served in the 1st Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment and died on the 28th October 1914. He is remembered at St. Paul's Church and on the Ploegsteert Memorial. Panel 4, His medal card records the award of the 1914 Star, War and Victory Medals.

James was born in Jarrow 1883. From 1891, 1901 and 1911 census he seems to be living with relatives by name Raven (grandfather 1891) Navin (uncle 1901) and in 1911 at Birkenhead as a lodger. But cannot trace parents.

Vin Mullen




216486

Pte. Robert McKenzie 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.9th Aug 1915)

Robert McKenzie enlisted at Jarrow and served in the 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He was killed in action age 27 on the 9th August 1915 and is remembered at Palmer Cenotaph and on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. His medal card records the award of the 1914 Star, War and Victory Medals and that he was killed in action.

Robert was born in Belfast, 1888 and lived in Hebburn. In the 1901 census the family is living at 2 James Street, Hebburn with Robert(53) carpenters labourer in shipyard and his wife Catherine(37) who has 8 children living there. Flora Ann(16) perfumery(?) factory worker, Maggie Jane(14) domestic servant, Robert(13) rivetter catcher in shipyard, Katie(11), Isabella(9) and John Charles(7) are at school with David(3) and Jessie(1) at home.

Vin Mullen




216407

Pte. John Moore 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.21st Sep 1914)

John Moor enlisted in Newcastle and served with the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He was killed in action age 29 on the 21st September 1914 and is remembered at Jarrow Library and La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial. His medal card records the award of the 1914 Star, War and Victory Medals.

John was born in Jarrow 1885, son of Thomas and Mary Moore nee McClure of 17 Elliot Terrace Newcastle. n the 1911 census John is listed with the regiments return in Barracks while the rest of the family is living at Elliott Street, Thomas(53) a Tailor, with his wife of 29 years Mary(48) who had 9 children, eight of whom survived. Five are still living at home.

Vin Mullen




216359

Pte. George Andrew Muir 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.21st Mar 1918)

George Andrew Muir enlisted in Darlington and served with the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He died age 27 on the 21st March 1918. He is remembered at Jarrow Cemetery and on the Arras Memorial. His medal card records the award of the War and Victory Medals.

George was born in Darlington 1891, son of Andrew and Mary Isabellla Muir nee Hedley of 7 Greenbank Road North, Darlington. In the 1911 census the family are living at 119 Salisbury Terrace, Darlington with Andrew(48) an Inspector of Police(24 years service) and his wife of 20 years Mary Isabella(42)who has had 2 children both single and still living at this address. George Andrew(19) is an apprentice miner and Hedley (19) is an engineering pattern maker apprentice.

Vin Mullen




216333

Pte. Thomas Munroe 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.19th Apr 1916)

Thomas Munroe enlisted in Jarrow and served with the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He died age 20 on the 19th April 1916 and is remembered at Palmer Cenotaph and on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. His medal card records the award of the 1915 Star, war and Victory Medals.

Thomas was born in Jarrow 1895, son of Patrick and Bridget Munroe of Jarrow. In the 1911 census the family is living at 26 North Street, Jarrow with Patrick(40) a general labourer in the blast furnace works and his wife of 18 years Bridget. They had 12 children of whom 5 survived and are single living at home. Thomas(15) is a platers general labourer, Michael(11), Kate(9) and Patrick(5) are at school. John is 3 years old.

Vin Mullen




216213

Pte. Andrew Wright 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.9th Aug 1915)

Andrew Wright, enlisted at Jarrow and served in 'D' Company, 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He died on age 32 the 9th August 1915 and is remembered at St. Paul's Church and on the Ypres(Menin Gate) Memorial. His medal card records the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.

Andrew was born in Fence Houses, Co. Durham, son of William Lowther Wright of 57 St. Paul's road Jarrow. In the 1911 census the family is living at 55 St. Paul's Road with William(51) his widowed father, a plate layer in the shipyard, Andrew(28) and William(26) are both labourers in the ship yard. Joseph(20) is a moulder in the shipyard and Adelaide(22) is at home.

Vin Mullen




216178

Gnr. John Wilson Royal Garrison Artillery (d.12th April 1918)

John Wilson, Gunner 37939, enlisted at Jarrow and served with the 5th/6th Heavy Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. He died age 29 on the 12th April 1918 and is remembered at St. Paul's Church and Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No.1. VI.B.13. His medal card records the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.

John was born in Jarrrow 1889, son of Gibson and Ann Wilson of Jarrow. In the 1911 census the family is living at 40 Nansen Street, Jarrow. Gibson(60) is a stevedore and his wife of 39 years Annie has had 11 children of whom 7 survived with 5 living at this address. Matthew(31) widower and John(24) single, are both stevedores. Annie(21), Frances(18) and Phyllis(16) are all single at home. Matthew,s only surviving daughter Phyllis is 8 years old.

Early in 1918 Heavy Trench Mortar Batteries V5 with 5th Division and V6 with 6th Division were combined as Corps Units as target were reduced by German Tactics. They operated 9045 Mortars known as flying pigs.

Vin Mullen




216131

Cpl. James Heslop White 2nd Btn. Kings Royal Rifle Corps (d.25th Sep 1915)

James Heslop White, Corporal 9790, served in the 2nd Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps and died on the 25th September 1915. He is remembered at St. Paul's Church and the Loos Memorial. His medal card records the award of the 1914 Star, War and Victory Medals.

James was born in Jarrow 1892, son of James and Margaret White of 8 Bladen Street, Jarrow.

Vin Mullen




216130

Pte. William Welsh 14th Btn Durham Light Infantry (d.18th Oct 1916)

William Welsh, Private 10391, served in the 14th battalion, Durham Light Infantry and died age 22 on the 18th October 1916. he is remembered at Palmer Cenotaph, St. Paul's Church and is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. His medal card records the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.

William was born in Jarrow 1894, son of Patrick and Catherine Welsh nee Fordyce. In the 1911 census the family is living at 11 Back Stilton Street, Jarrow with Patrick(53) a steel works labourer and his wife of 23 years Catherine(44)who had 10 children, 5 of whom survived all single and living at home. Catherine(23) at home, Mary(18) ropeworks spinner, William(16) marking at steelworks, Christine(11) and Phillip(10) are both attending school. There is also a boarder Peter Cavanagh(53) a labourer at the Steel Works.

Vin Mullen




216064

Pte. James Ward 1st Btn. West Yorkshire Regiment (d.6th Oct 1915)

James Ward enlisted at Jarrow and served with the 1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment(Prince of Wales Own). He died on the 6th October 1915 and is remembered at St. Paul's Church and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery His medal card shows that he died from wounds and was awarded the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals. His younger brother Robert was also one of the fallen.

James was born in Jarrow 1895, son of Hugh and Mary Elizabeth Ward nee Jamieson of 92 Hope Street, Jarrow. In the 1911 census the family are living at 3 Burn Street, Jarrow with Hugh(39)labourer in chemical works and his wife of 19 years Elizabeth(39) and their 6 children all single. Janet(18), James(15) catching rivets in shipyard, Robert(13), Bernard(8) and Ellen(6) are at school and John is age 4.

Vin Mullen








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