213730 Pte.. Bernard Corrigan MMBritish Army 1st/5th Btn. South Lancashire Regiment from:Elliot St, St Helens (d.4th Dec 1917) Bernard Corrigan lived at Elliot Street, St Helens before the war. He was employed as a glass blower. He arrived in France on 13 October 1915 and the records show he was awarded the Military Medal. As it was gazetted on 6th January 1917, it seems almost certain, Bernard was awarded the medal for the action on 5th November 1916.
During 4th and 5th November the 55th Divisional Artillery successfully cut two gaps in the wire, each about 25 yards wide; these gaps were kept open during the night by occasional 18 pounder and machine gun fire.
Zero was fixed for 12.30 a.m. on the 6th November at which time a rolling barrage was opened on to the enemy's trenches.
Some 12 months later on 30th November 1917 the Battalion were in the line close to Villers-Guisalin. The diary reports that the enemy attacked in large numbers around 7.20 a.m. Many of them worked their way southwards and attacked the battalion from the rear, and long after the enemy had advanced fighting could be seen around Battalion HQ. The fighting qualities of the Regiment were displayed at their best and a wonderful example had been given.
It would appear 60 men were killed in this action. None of them has a known grave and they are all remembered on the Cambrai Memorial. About 16 more died of their wounds over the next few days. Amongst them was Bernard Corrigan who died of wounds on 4th December 1917, aged 21 years. He rests in Honnechy British Cemetery.
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