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Pte. Ernest Cecil Gooch
British Army 17th Battalion, B Company Northumberland Fusiliers
from:Bolton upon Dearne
Ernie Gooch was my Dad, he was a railway man and volunteered to join the North Eastern Railway Battalion which was formed in the early days of the war. I understand it was unique in being the only complete battalion raised out of the employees in one Company. Training began at King George's Dock in Hull and Dad embarked for France in 1915.
In November 1916, the 17th was officially converted to a railway pioneer battalion. Movement of men, arms and munitions was facilitated by the pioneers construction of railways. They were also required to do other work and were referred to as Jack of all Trades and master of all. For instance Dad's company (B)(according to war records) were carrying bombs and water bottles across No Mans Land on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
One of his story's concerned a French nurse who half carried him out of hospital when it was badly shelled. Regretfully at my age of 82 I can no longer remember the details. Where was the hospital, what were his injuries, what was the name of the brave French nurse and did she survive?
Dad died at the age of 58, he did suffer with nightmares from time to time and Mum would quietly get out of bed until it was over. Mum and Dad had six children I am number four and the last 'still standing'! I would have liked to see his service record but I think it was in the batch burnt in WW2
