206210 L/Cpl. William Oliver Crathorn British Army 4th Battalion Coldstream Guards from:141 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham (d.15th Sep 1916) Birth: Sep. 27, 1891
Birmingham
Warwickshire, England
Death: Sep. 15, 1916, France [Edit Dates]
William Oliver Crathorn was born on the 27th September 1891 at 21 Cavendish Road, Ladywood, Birmingham,Warwickshire, England. He was the only child born to William and Alice (nee Holmes), On the 1901 census William, aged 10, is shown living at "back" of 103, High Street, Harborne, Birmingham, England, with his Mother and Father. Ten years later, on the 1911 Census, aged 19, he is still living with his parents at number 20, back of 141 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham, England. He is listed as an unemployed gardener.
After his death, his name W O Crathrn was entered on the War Memorial that stands in the churchyard of St.Peter's Church Harborne, Birmingham, England. The wording on the Memorial reads; To the glory of God and in remembrance of the men of Harborne who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1919. Their name liveth for evermore.
The following information appears on the Commonweath War Graves site.
Crathorn, William Oliver
Cemetery: Thiepval Memorial
Country: France
Area: Somme
Rank: Lance Corporal
Official Number: 16150
Unit: 4th Bn. Coldstream Guards.
Force: Army
Nationality: British
Details:
15th September 1916. Pier and Face 7 D and 8 D.
This small report was found on the internet made by a visitor to the Battlefield in 2003.
The Guards Division didn't join the Battle until September as they were serving on different part of the line. On the 15th September 1916, the Guards Division took to the line at Ginchy where another large attack was planned. This was the first battle in which tanks were committed and the Division was allocated three. Unfortunately, despite initial success, the tanks were prone to mechanical failure and soon broke down. This was also the first occasion in which three Coldstream Battalions fought side-by-side in line. The 4th (Pioneer) Battalion was also present in support.
The initial assault soon became muddled as a German machine-gun on the flank was causing much trouble. It was here that Lt Col J V Campbell, Commanding the 3rd Battalion, rallied the troops of various battalions, who had by now become completely mixed up, and led them to take these German positions and protect the flank. Once this was achieved he led them on to their objective. For his valour on that day, Colonel Campbell was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Sunday morning saw us at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing on the Somme. This impressive memorial holds the names of over 73,000 men from the Somme Battles who have no known grave.
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