2026 Pte. Benjamin Milburn Stafford British Army 149th Coy. Machine Gun Corps (d.20th Apr 1917) Benjamin Stafford was a farmer from Hartlepool. He joined the 6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment whilst he was living in Lincolnshire, declaring himself to be 5 years younger than he actually was, being unmarried with no children. He was separated from his wife and had a grown up daughter.
He was killed on the 20th of April 1917, with the 149th Machine Gun Coy of the 50th Division. He is commemorated on the war memorial at St Peter's Church, Elwick and on a special memorial at Wancourt Cemetery near Arras, where he is one of 76 casualties believed to be buried in one of the 829 graves of unidentified men. Most likley his remains were moved from the Signal Trench Cemetery, Heniniel and he may well lie in the grave of an unknown solider between two men of the 149th MGC also killed on the 20th. Presumably he was killed in the battle for Wancourt Tower which was taken by the 50th (Northumbrian) Division on the 13th April. The enemy 35th Division and 3rd Bavarian Division, made attacks on the hill over the following week.
The following is an extract from a letter to the men of the 50th Div from P.S. Wilkinson Major-General Commanding 50th Division on the 27th of April 1917:
"The 151st Infantry Brigade took Wancourt Tower on the night of 12/13th April, and we handed over a front line, one mile further East on the night 25/26th April. On April 14th the 151st Infantry Brigade, with the object of protecting the left flank of the Division on our right. All attacks failed, and the 151st Infantry Brigade, who advanced a considerable distance, were forced to withdraw.
The 149th Infantry Brigade then took over the line on the night of 14/15th April. From that night until 150th Infantry Brigade took over on the night of 21/22nd, the enemy made six attacks on the Tower, any one of which was successful. Of these attacks the 6th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers repulsed four, and the 5th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers one.
The 149th Infantry Brigade carried out two attacks on the Tower, both of which were successful. One attack was made by the 6th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers and one by the 7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers. The 150th Infantry Brigade took over the line on the night of 21/22nd in preparation for a big attack by the whole of the Third Army on the 23rd April..
The total enemy casualties opposite the 50th Division therefore on April 23rd amounts to at least 2,200 as oppose to our 2,300 for the whole period of 14 days, including the fighting on April 23rd.
The Divisions opposed to the 50th Division were the 35th Division and part of the 3rd Bavarian Division. Prisoners of the 141st, 61st, and 176th Infantry regiments of the 35th Division were captured during this period, and of the 17th and 18th Bavarian Infantry Regiments of the 3rd Bavarian Division. The net result of our fight have been that we have soundly beaten the 35th German Division, who fancied themselves, and judging by the numbers of Iron crosses worn by all ranks they must have fought well in previous battles.
The above record speaks for itself without any further commend. You have all done splendidly."
Captain Francis Buckley of the 50th Div. Wrote:
"About April 16, 1917, Lieut.-Col F Robinson of the 6th N.F. discovered the enemy approaching the ruined buildings on the Wancourt Tower Hill, and promptly ordered a platoon to attack them. This plan succeeded admirably, and the Tower and house were captured. The place was of vital importance to us as it commanded direct observation on all the roads leading to our part of the front. On April 17th the enemy shelled the Tower with 8-inch howitzers- generally a sign that he meant to attack sooner or later. The Tower contained a formidable concrete machine-gun emplacement, facing of course our way, but by General Rees orders it was blown up by the Engineers. Sure enough the enemy attacked the Tower that night, and at an unfortunate time for us, for the 7th N.F. were in the process of relieving the 6th N.F. in the front line, and it was a vile night, with a blizzard of snow.
The German attack succeeded in driving our men out of the Tower and buildings, and though several bombing attacks were made that night to recover the position it could not be done. General Rees at once prepared to storm the position at the earliest opportunity next day, the 7th N.F. having completed the relief of the trenches during the night. It is difficult to describe the confidence which our General inspired at this critical time; he was rather graver and more thoughtful than usual, perhaps, but he treated the matter with great confidence and made everyone feel that the misfortune could and would be retrieved at the first attempt. His plans were made in conjunction with Major Johnson of the 50th Divisional Artillery; and as a result it was arranged to attack across the open, supported by a barrage from five brigades of field artillery. The hour was fixed for twelve noon (German time) just when the enemy is thinking about his dinner. Without any preliminary bombardment, the barrage opened out at the appointed hour, and fairly drove the enemy off the hill top. The 7th N.F. advanced in perfect order, and with little opposition, recaptured the Tower and the neighbouring trenches. Two or three prisoners were sent down, who had been unable to get away before the attackers reached them. It was a little attack, but carried out with admirable precision and practically without loss, and every credit must be given to General Rees for the way he handled the problem. As this operation was carried out in full view of all the surrounding country it attracted considerable attention, and congratulations soon poured in from all sides. "
Ben's army records reveal the consequences of lying about his age. He had listed his brother as next of kin, but Milburn wrote back to the military stating that Ben's medals should go to his daughter Florence. Which the army dispute as taking 5 years off Ben's age meant that instead of having a child when he was 19, her birth appeared to be when he was only 14 years old. After an exchange of documents the army accepted that Ben had been over age when he enlisted and his medals were sent to Florence. If anyone has any further information or a photograph of Ben, I would very much like to hear from you.
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